Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are delighted to send some lucky Readers off to see WICKED! Like you, we’ve been waiting forever for this!
Advance screenings will be held Monday, November 18 at 7 pm in:
· Toronto: Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas and VIP
· Montreal (ENGLISH SCREENING): Cinema Cineplex Forum
· Laval (FRENCH SCREENING): Cinema Cineplex Laval
. Vancouver: Scotiabank Theatre
Synopsis:
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.
Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
Genre: Musical Event
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle and Peter Dinklage
Director: Jon M. Chu
Written by: Winnie Holzman
Based on the musical Wicked, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman, from the novel by Gregory Maguire
Producers: Marc Platt, David Stone
Executive Producers: David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz, Jared LeBoff
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Please in the comments indicate your City and tag a friend you’ll take with you. Enter as many times as you wish. And you can enter on our IG and X accounts also!
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Universal Pictures Canada release WICKED in theatres Friday, November 22, 2024.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
From writer/director Isaiah Saxon and starring Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson and Willem Dafoe. THE LEGEND OF OCHI – Coming Soon via Elevation Pictures!
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
TIFF ’24 selection PEDRO PÁRAMO gets a new Trailer today! The Film arrives WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2024 on Netflix.
Details:
DIRECTOR: Rodrigo Prieto
WRITTEN BY: Mateo Gil
PRODUCERS: Stacy Perskie and Rafael Ley
CAST: Manuel García Rulfo, Tenoch Huerta, Dolores Heredia, Ilse Salas, Héctor Kotsifakis, Mayra Batalla, Roberto Sosa, Giovanna Zacarías, Noé Hernández, and Yoshira Escárrega, among others.
ABOUT PEDRO PÁRAMO:
Based on Juan Rulfo’s literary masterpiece, the film narrates the illusion-laden journey of Juan Preciado (Tenoch Huerta) in search of the wealth of a father he never knew. But upon arriving in Comala, the place where he was told he lived, he finds only the atrocious memories of a town subjugated for decades by that man, Pedro Páramo (Manuel García-Rulfo), condemned for his violent crusade for power and for the fury aroused in him by his frustrated love for Susana San Juan (Ilse Salas). So much so that Juan begins to wonder if its inhabitants might not be alive at all.
Jason Bateman and Taron Egerton star in CARRY-ON, arriving December 13, 2024 on Netflix!
ABOUT CARRY-ON
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Writer: TJ Fixman
Producer: Dylan Clark
Executive Producers: Holly Bario, Brian Williams, Jaume Collet-Serra, Seth William Meier, Scott GreenbergCast: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Logan Marshall-Green, Dean Norris, Sinqua Walls and Jason Bateman
Also Starring: Gil Perez- Abraham, Tonatiuh, Curtiss Cook, Joe Williamson, Josh Brener
Logline: A young TSA agent fights to outsmart a mysterious traveler who blackmails him into letting a dangerous package slip onto a Christmas Eve flight.
Today we get brand new character posters from Sir Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR II!
Posters include: PAUL MESCAL AS “LUCIUS,” PEDRO PASCAL AS “GENERAL ACACIUS,” JOSEPH QUINN AS “EMPEROR GETA,” FRED HECHINGER AS “EMPEROR CARACALLA,” CONNIE NIELSEN AS “LUCILLA,” and DENZEL WASHINGTON AS “MACRINUS”.

GLADIATOR II IS ONLY IN THEATRES, PREMIUM LARGE FORMATS, AND IMAX ON NOVEMBER 22, 2024
SYNOPSIS
From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY
Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, Raymond Kirk, Aidan Elliott
PRODUCED BY
Douglas Wick, p.g.a., Ridley Scott, p.g.a., Lucy Fisher, p.g.a., Michael Pruss, p.g.a., David Franzoni
BASED ON CHARACTERS BY
David Franzoni
STORY BY
Peter Craig and David Scarpa
SCREENPLAY BY
David Scarpa
DIRECTED BY
Ridley Scott
STARRING
Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, with Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington
Reelworld, the longest running organization for Black, Indigenous, Asian and People of Colour in
the Canadian Screen Industries, brings back the Reelworld Film Festival+Summit for its 24th
year continuing to provide audiences the best and brightest of diverse Canadian talent and
shining a spotlight on issues around diversity, inclusion and equity in the Canadian screen
landscape.
The summit will take place on October 22nd and October 23rd at the Marriott Courtyard in
downtown Toronto featuring keynote speeches, industry discussions, fireside chats, research
presentations, pitch opportunities and networking events. The film festival, which will include
film screenings, filmmaker mixers and the annual awards presentation, will feature in-person
screenings from October 21st to 27th, with the films available to watch online for an additional
week, until November 3rd.
“Reelworld has always been about more than just showcasing films—it’s about amplifying
voices that are too often underrepresented in mainstream cinema,” says Tonya Williams,
Founder and Executive Director of Reelworld Screen Institute. “This year, we’re thrilled to
continue this tradition by providing a platform for these important stories and facilitating
essential industry conversations.”
The festival will kick off with the Canadian heist film, STEALING VOWS, directed by Bobby Singh
Brown, on October 21st at 7:00 PM EST at The Royal Theatre (608 College St, Toronto, ON).
The Opening Night screening is sponsored by TD Bank Group.
Inspired by true events, this gripping film delves into the South Asian wedding industry,
following four disgruntled wedding vendors (an emcee, a photographer, a caterer and a
decorator) as they embark on a summer heist spree, robbing their wealthy clients’ homes
during the wedding receptions in the hopes of buying their own happily-ever-afters.
“Director Bobby Singh Brown’s matrimonial-themed heist film set in the summer of 1998 has all
the notes of a classic caper, the stakes of a crime action drama, and the high energy of a South
Asian wedding,” said Reelworld Senior Film Programmer, Marina Hanna. “With its grand
wedding sequences, multiple dance scenes, and an extensive ensemble cast led by Fuad Ahmed,
Gia Sandhu, Anand Rajaram, and Ali Hassan, weaving this film together with unstoppable
momentum was a feat in and of itself. And it promises viewers as much fun as the goodies and
baddies are having onscreen. Co-written by Brown and Ali Hassan, Stealing Vows is destined to
become a Canadian caper classic.”
What makes this project so special is the remarkable journey Bobby Singh Brown took to get it
made. A labour of love and determination, STEALING VOWS was crowdfunded by friends,
family, and supporters from the South Asian community, raising a budget of $250,000 CAD.
Brown’s innovative spirit shone through as he pulled together resources, including in-kind
contributions of gear, locations, and VFX support from his extended network. His passion for
this project was evident in every step, as he fought against the odds to bring this unique story
to life during the height of the pandemic.
“I’m a huge fan of heist films and ensemble casts,” said Bobby Singh Brown. “I wanted to create
something where we could show off a talented group of actors, but create something fresh and
new. You don’t get Indian heist films.”
The cast includes a powerhouse ensemble featuring Gia Sandhu, Fuad Ahmed, Anand Rajaram,
Ali Hassan, and Amrit Kaur. This unique narrative, inspired by true events, is a testament to
Brown’s visionary filmmaking and dedication to championing diversity both on and off the
screen.
Opening Night tickets can be purchased here. The remainder of the screenings for this year’s
festival will take place at Paradise Theatre (1006c Bloor St W). The full festival lineup will be
announced on September 26th.
Every year, Reelworld recognizes the contributions of individuals who have made a significant
impact on the Canadian screen industry. This year, Reelworld is proud to present the Visionary
Award to Fennella Bruce and the Award of Excellence to Sugith Varughese.
The Reelworld Visionary Award recognizes individuals whose lifetime of work behind the
scenes has shaped the Canadian media industry. Through advocacy, entrepreneurship and
leadership they have contributed to advancing our industry and making it a more inclusive and
equitable place for all. Past recipients include Anita Lee, Shirley Cheechoo, Raja Khanna and
Nick Davis. This year, Reelworld is proud to present the Visionary Award to Fennella Bruce.
Fennella is a veteran television producer and writer who is now at the helm of FKB Media
Solutions, a media consulting company, and FKB Media Productions Inc, a television and film
production company. As one of Canada’s first Black news producers, her decision-making has
contributed to the Canadian media landscape. Most recently, as a media consultant, Fennella
has elevated Black voices in print, radio and television. Her production company is now
developing its first documentary on the legendary Canadian hip-hop artist Maestro Fresh Wes,
which is also telling the story of the early days of rap music in Canada. To celebrate this award
and honour her achievements, Fennella will participate in a Luncheon Fireside Chat at the
Reelworld Summit on October 22nd.
The Reelworld Award of Excellence recognizes individuals whose decades of creative excellence
in film and series have led to more authentic stories being told on screen, inspiring new
generations of young artists in the process. In the past, this award has honoured writers,
directors, producers and actors such as Jennifer Podemski, Clement Virgo, Graham Greene and
Mina Shum. This year, Reelworld is proud to present the Award of Excellence to Sugith
Varughese. Sugith is an award-winning actor, television writer, and short film and children’s TV
director, best known for writing the famed Muppet TV series Fraggle Rock and starring as Mr
Mehta in Kim’s Convenience and Dr Ajay Singh in Transplant. He was the first recipient of an
MFA in Film from a Canadian university and the first visible minority to attend the prestigious
Canadian Film Centre as a writer-director, and is also a produced playwright. To celebrate this
award and honour his achievements, Sugith will participate in a Luncheon Fireside Chat at the
Reelworld Summit on October 23rd.
The Visionary Award and the Award of Excellence luncheon events are generously sponsored
by Paramount+ in Canada.
Additionally, renowned director, writer, producer, and actor Jennifer Podemski will be the
Keynote Speaker at the Reelworld Summit on October 23rd. Hailing from Toronto but calling
Barrie, Ontario, her home, Jennifer’s artistic journey has been shaped by her rich Anishinaabe
(First Nation) and Ashkenazi (Jewish) heritage. A registered member of Muscowpetung Saulteux
Nation in Saskatchewan, Jennifer has dedicated her career to amplifying authentic Indigenous
stories and perspectives through her work as a storyteller.
The Reelworld Summit will be held at the Marriott Courtyard (475 Yonge St) on October 22nd
and October 23rd. Passes can be purchased here.
With a focus on diverse works by diverse people, the Reelworld Film Festival showcases and
supports Black, Indigenous, Asian, and People of Colour producers, directors, screenwriters,
actors and all on and off-screen talent. The festival programming reflects strong and authentic
voices from across Canada, championing filmmakers with a unique point of view. As the
country’s largest socially impactful film festival, Reelworld has reached a diverse audience of
over 350,000 engaged individuals to date.
Looking for something fun to do this Halloween? Here’s a roundup of thrilling events taking place around town at INK Entertainment‘s hottest venues ranging from more intimate to big and lively.
MORTEM HALLOWEEN
Location: REBEL
Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Ticket Link: Buy Tickets
NIGHTMARE INN
Location: Mister C (Bisha Hotel)
Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Bottle Service: Book Here
COSPLAY SOIRÉE
Location: Dprtmnt
Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Ticket Link: Buy Tickets
NIGHTMARE OFF KING STREET
Location: Dprtmnt
Date: Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Ticket Link: Buy Tickets
GLITTER PRESENTS “DEAD DISCO” HALLOWEEN PARTY
Location: Mister C (Bisha Hotel)
Date: Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Bottle Service: Book Here
HALLOWEEN NIGHT
Location: REBEL
Date: Thursday, October 31st, 2024
Ticket Link: Buy Tickets
“It’s so beautiful to be able to do films that are associated with holidays because it’s family time. When you can make a movie that families can remember and come together to see, it makes it all the more special.” -Lindsay Lohan (Film Lead & Executive Producer)
To celebrate the reveal of the First Look at OUR LITTLE SECRET, Lindsay Lohan, Kristin Chenoweth, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Dan Bucatinsky and the rest of our stellar cast chatted with Tudum about the film.
OUR LITTLE SECRET
Releasing Globally on Netflix November 27, 2024
LOGLINE: Two resentful exes are forced to spend Christmas under the same roof after discovering that their current partners are siblings.
DIRECTOR: Stephen Herek
WRITER: Hailey DeDominicis (from Toronto!!)
PRODUCERS: Lisa Gooding, Mike Elliott
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Lindsay Lohan, Joseph P. Genier
CAST: Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell and Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, Brian Unger
Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter is thrilled to announce the new and lavish ‘Garden of Hope’ Fundraiser taking place from 6PM to 9PM on October 24th at Illuminarium (28 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON), an immersive, one-of-a-kind venue. A celebration of 41 years of service, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter has helped over 15,000 women and their families, with the number continuously growing. For $200 per person, the gala will be an evening of inspiration from Ernestine’s past clients, elegant decor, garden-themed character performers, passed canapés, cocktails from Valley of Mother of God Gin, and more.
Having opened in 1983, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter was built by community members who saw the need to support women and children experiencing abuse. Through the ‘Garden of Hope’ fundraiser, their mission is to continue to raise awareness and support women, trans women, trans men, two-spirit, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals who face challenges in our community.
This year’s fundraiser highlights the incredible work that Ernestine’s team has provided for the community which will leave all guests with warm hearts.
“The Garden of Hope fundraiser is more than an event; it’s a beacon of support for the women, children, and individuals Ernestine’s serves every day. By coming together at the incredible Illuminarium, we create a space for solidarity and impact, ensuring that the funds raised go directly to life-saving services like counselling, housing support, and food security. The immersive environment of the Illuminarium mirrors the transformative journey of the people we support, making it the perfect place to gather and celebrate hope” says Sharlene Tygesen, Executive Director at Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter.
Milestones Public Relations, Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter and Illuminarium Toronto will be announcing a fantastic opportunity for a chance to win tickets to the 2024 Garden of Hope Gala. Stay tuned to @milestonespr on Instagram for more details.
A warm thank you to this year’s sponsors; McCarthy Tetrault, Shaftesbury, Canadian Bankers Association, IG Wealth Management, Anita Merlo Broker, Great Lake Brewery, Valley of Mother of God Gin, Milestones Floral Designs, Milestones Public Relations and more to be announced.
To support this incredible initiative, tickets can be purchased for the gala HERE.
Prime Video, India’s most-loved entertainment destination, today dropped the captivating action-packed trailer for the eagerly awaited Original series, Citadel: Honey Bunny. The Indian series born from the world of Citadel is directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and written by Sita R. Menon, along with Raj & DK. The series is produced by D2R Films,Amazon MGM Studios, and executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes from AGBO, alongside David Weil (Hunters), executive produce Citadel: Honey Bunny and all series within the world of Citadel. Midnight Radio is also an executive producer. The series features the immensely talented Varun Dhawan and Samantha in the lead and the ever-so-versatile Kay Kay Menon, along with an exciting ensemble cast that includes Simran, Saqib Saleem, Sikandar Kher, Soham Majumdar, Shivankit Parihar, and Kashvi Majmundar. Citadel: Honey Bunny is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on November 7, 2024.
The trailer is a preview of the exhilarating and riveting spy thriller set againstthe vibrant tapestry of the 90’s, which features explosive action, high-octane stunts, and edge-of-your-seat excitement, all perfectly complemented by exceptional performances and a grand visual scale. When stuntman Bunny (Varun Dhawan) recruits struggling actress Honey (Samantha) for a side gig, they are hurled into a high-stakes world of action, espionage, and betrayal. Years later, as their dangerous past catches up, the estranged Honey and Bunny must reunite and fight to protect their young daughter Nadia.
“Following the tremendous response to the teaser, the excitement and anticipation around the show has been rising every day, with fans of Varun, Samantha and Raj & DK eagerly waiting for November 7. We felt that now is the right time to provide them with a window into the series with an action-infused trailer of the show that captures the incredible world of Citadel: Honey Bunny. Raj & DK have added their signature quirk and charm to this high-octane spy thriller that promises to be a whole new thrilling ride for our audiences,” said Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video, India.
“Citadel: Honey Bunny is a significant project for us as it has given us the opportunity to be part of a larger, unprecedented world of spies and espionage that has never been done or even attempted before. We have created all our projects so far, but Citadel: Honey Bunny is our first collaboration. And that it is with the creative forces like the Russo Brothers, as well as a host of talented filmmakers and creators around the world, has made this an amazingly valuable creative experience,” said Raj & DK.
“Bunny is unlike any role I’ve played before. As a spy, he not only leads a double life, but every aspect of his personality has two distinct sides, which was very exciting for me as an actor. Intricately woven into the storyline, his portrayal required me to draw on a blend of experiences and characters I’ve embodied over the years, as well as mentally and physically prepare for the grueling stunts and amped-up action scenes, making it one of my most challenging performances yet. And I am deeply grateful to Prime Video, Raj& DK, and AGBO for the opportunity to bring Bunny to life,” said Varun Dhawan.
Samantha said, “The opportunity to be part of an action-packed entertainer with agripping storyline, rich character depth, and intense hand-to-hand combats and stunts that rival international standards, along with the prospect to play an integral role in this collection of connected spy stories, is what drew me to this project. The challenges and efforts required to bring Honey to life have left a profound impact on me, both professionally and personally, making it one of the most significant roles of my career. I’m confident that the audience will thoroughly enjoy this series, not just in India but across the many countries and territories where it will stream on Prime Video.”
About the World of Citadel
The first season of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, premiered to global success in 2023, becoming Prime Video’s second most-watched new original series outside the U.S. and fourth most-watched worldwide, after 24 days. Executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, Citadel and its subsequent action-espionage Original Series traverse the globe, evolving the story of spy agency Citadel and its powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. Each series born from the world ofCitadel stars top local talent and is created, produced, and filmed in region—bringing about stylistically unique shows with strong cultural identities rooted in their respective country of origin. The Italian Original, Citadel: Diana, is the second series to debut from the world of Citadel and is followed by India’s series, Citadel: Honey Bunny, starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha launching on November 7, 2024. Season Two of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, is in production, with Joe Russo serving as director.
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