Paramount+ has unveiled a first look trailer for original UK drama series NO ESCAPE. The series, produced by New Pictures, part of All3Media, is adapted from Lucy Clarke’s best-selling novel of the same name. Filming for NO ESCAPE wrapped on location in Thailand last year, and the series will launch on Paramount+ exclusively on May 18, 2023 in the UK & Ireland and Canada. The series will also debut exclusively on Paramount+ later this year in all international markets outside of the US where the service is available. 

NO ESCAPE stars BAFTA Scotland Award Winner Abigail Lawrie (“Tin Star”) and Rhianne Barreto (“The Outlaws”) as best friends Lana and Kitty, who are on the run from their lives in the UK. Together they find refuge on a romantic yacht, The Blue, crewed by a group of enigmatic people sailing through South East Asia. But The Blue harbours dark secrets and the paradise the girls thought they had found turns into a nightmare.  

On the release of the first look trailer today, the novel’s author Lucy Clarke said: “It’s been the most incredible experience to see my novel reimagined for screen. I’ve loved every moment of the journey from reading early scripts to visiting the set in Thailand. The series is breathtaking: transportive, gripping, and thrilling from beginning to end. I can’t wait for viewers to fall in love with it, too!”

NO ESCAPE also stars Jay Ryan (“It Chapter Two”), Sean Keenan (“The Power of the Dog”), Colette Dalal Tchantcho (“Domina”), Elmo Anton Stratz (“Westwall”) and Narayan David Hecter (“Riviera”) as the crew onboard The Blue. Susie Porter (“Wentworth”) and Josh McConville (“Fantasy Island”) are the Australian detectives investigating the mystery of The Blue, whilst Jake Macapagal (“Metro Manila”) is Captain Reyes from the local Filipino Police force, determined to discover what really happened onboard The Blue. 

The lead writer on the series is Kris Mrksa (“White House Farm”), and Hans Herbots (“The Serpent”, “Cobra”) is the lead director. Executive Producers for New Pictures are Elaine Pyke and Willow Grylls with Kris Mrksa.  

NO ESCAPE is one of the first original dramas commissioned in the UK that will debut across Paramount+ internationally, with additional series including SEXY BEAST, A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOWand THE BURNING GIRLS.

We get a brand-new Trailer today for THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER, starring Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, Liam Cunningham and David Dastmalchian.

Synopsis:

Based on a single chilling chapter from Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula, The Last Voyage of the Demeter tells the terrifying story of the merchant ship Demeter, which was chartered to carry private cargo—fifty unmarked wooden crates—from Carpathia to London. Strange events befall the doomed crew as they attempt to survive the ocean voyage, stalked each night by a merciless presence onboard the ship. When the Demeter finally arrives off the shores of England, it is a charred, derelict wreck. There is no trace of the crew. The film stars Corey Hawkins (In the Heights, Straight Outta Compton) as Clemens, a doctor who joins the Demeter crew, Aisling Franciosi (Game of Thrones, The Nightingale) as an unwitting stowaway, Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones, Clash of the Titans) as the ship’s captain and David Dastmalchian (Dune, the Ant-Man franchise) as the Demeter’s first mate. The film also features Jon Jon Briones (Ratched, American Horror Story), Stefan Kapicic (Deadpool films, Better Call Saul), Nikolai Nikolaeff (Stranger Things, Bruised) and Javier Botet (It films, Mama). From DreamWorks Pictures and the producers of Zodiac and Black Swan, The Last Voyage of the Demeter is directed by Norwegian horror virtuoso André Øvredal (Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark, Trollhunter), from a script by Bragi F. Schut (Escape Room), Stefan Ruzowitzky (The Counterfeiters) and Zak Olkewicz (the upcoming Bullet Train), based on the chapter “The Captain’s Log” of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The film is produced by Brad Fischer and by Oscar®-nominated producer Mike Medavoy and Arnold Messer for Phoenix Pictures and is executive produced by Matthew Hirsch.

THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER is in theatres August 11, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Disney+ recently announced FX’s “Class of ‘09,” the limited series thriller from Tom Rob Smith starring Brian Tyree and Kate Mara, will premiere Wednesday, May 10, 2023 on Disney+ in Canada. The premiere will include the first two episodes of the eight-episode series, with a new episode each following week. A brand-new Trailer was unveiled today.

“Class of ’09”is a suspense thriller limited series that follows a class of FBI agents set in three distinct points in time who acclimate and grapple with immense changes as the U.S. criminal justice system is altered by artificial intelligence. Spanning multiple decades and told across interweaving timelines, the series examines the nature of justice, humanity and the choices we make that ultimately define our lives and legacy.

The series stars Brian Tyree Henry as “Tayo,” one of the most brilliant and unorthodox agents to ever join the bureau, and Kate Mara as “Poet,” a woman who never imagined joining the world of law enforcement, yet has found herself at the center of its most pivotal transformation. Sepideh Moafi (“Hour”), Brian J. Smith (“Lennix”), Jon Jon Briones (“Gabriel”), Brooke Smith (“Drew”), Jake McDorman (“Murphy”) and Rosalind Eleazar (“Vivienne”) round out the cast.

“Class of ’09”is created and executive produced by Tom Rob Smith. Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Zanne Devine, Jessica Levin and Joe Robert Cole also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by FX Productions.

Corus Entertainment’s top specialty networks Showcase and W Network announced today a blockbuster lineup of summertime staples featuring the premieres of buzzworthy Pete Davidson-led series Bupkis, subversive comedy Everyone Else Burns, and family drama Dreamland. In addition to these new series, viewers will be treated to familiar favourites including crime-fighting comedy Code 404, beloved supernatural mystery series and top 20 specialty entertainment program Nancy Drew, and the highly anticipated Season 7 premiere of top 10 specialty entertainment program Outlander.

SHOWCASE

Premiering Thursday, May 25 at 9 p.m. ET, Bupkis, a half-hour comedy, follows Pete Davidson as he attempts to work through unique family dynamics and the complexities of fame to form meaningful relationships. The raw, semi-autobiographical series stars Davidson, Emmy® Award-winner Edie Falco, and Academy Award®-winner Joe Pesci alongside a star-studded supporting cast in a show that straddles reality and absurdity to best represent what it is to be Pete Davidson. Guest stars include Charlie Day (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, I Want You Back), Emmy® Award-winner Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond, Fargo), Simon Rex (Red Rocket, P Island), Emmy® Award-winner Ray Romano (Get Shorty, Made for Love), Emmy® Award-winner Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live), and Chase Sui Wonders (Bodies, Bodies, Bodies, City on Fire). This prolific list also includes newly announced guest stars La La Anthony, Charlamagne Tha God, Colson Baker (Machine Gun Kelly), Steve Buscemi, Bobby Cannavale, Philip Ettinger, Al Gore, Paul Walter Hauser, Sunita Mani, John Mulaney, Oona Roche, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Jon Stewart, and Marissa Jaret Winokur. Lorne Michaels serves as executive producer for Broadway Video, Judah Miller (showrunner) and Dave Sirus serve as writers and executive producers alongside executive producers Andrew Singer and Erin David. Directed by co-executive producer Jason Orley, the series comes from Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Broadway Video.

Following the premiere of Bupkis, a new arresting third season of crime-fighting comedy, Code 404, premieres Thursday, May 25 at 9:30 p.m. ET. On limited duties pending an investigation into their last case, Detective Inspectors Major (Daniel Mays) and Carver (Stephen Graham) find themselves at an all-time low. So, when one of their own within SIU is murdered, Major and Carver become hellbent on solving the case and proving their worth. But it’s bigger than they thought… They discover they’re dealing with a twisted serial killer whose sights are now set on them. With lives at stake, they need to work together, but tensions run high and fractures in their partnership begin to worsen.

W NETWORK

It’s heating up on W Network with the premiere of Everyone Else Burns on Monday, May 29, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Blessings be upon the Lewises: a strictly religious family who believe the world will end within the decade. ‘Patriarch’ David (Simon Bird), who strives for the church to promote him as an Elder, long-suffering Fiona (Kate O’Flynn) hungers for a life beyond sermons and squash. Aaron (Harry Connor) is a model young believer – except his drawings feature the rest of the family burning in hell and anxious 17-year-old Rachel (Amy James-Kelly) is about to fall for someone who could save her social life, but also damn her soul. Everyone Else Burns is a subversive, authentic and bitingly funny exploration into what it feels like to balance faith, family and identity in a world that could end tomorrow (but probably won’t).

Fans of the romantic, time-traveling drama Outlander won’t want to miss the highly anticipated Season 7 premiere on Sunday, June 18 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The extended 16-episode season will be split into two parts, with the second half airing in 2024. Loyal fans will recognize Graham McTavish reprising his role as “Dougal MacKenzie,” Nell Hudson as “Laoghaire Fraser,” Steven Cree as “Old Ian Murray,” Andrew Whipp as “Brian Fraser,” Layla Burns as “Joan MacKimmie,” and Lotte Verbeek as “Geillis Duncan.” Several new actors will be joining the cast for Season 7, including Gloria Obianyo as “Mercy Woodcock,” a free Black woman navigating the hardships of life in Colonial America; Rod Hallett as “Benedict Arnold,” the notorious Revolutionary soldier turned traitor; Chris Fulton as “Rob Cameron,” a new acquaintance of Roger and Brianna; Diarmaid Murtagh as “Buck MacKenzie,” the illegitimate son of Dougal MacKenzie and Geillis Duncan, and Roger’s ancestor, a role previously played by Graham McTavish in Season 5, and Kristin Atherton as “Jenny Murray,” Jamie’s sister and Young Ian’s mother, a role originated by Laura Donnelly in Seasons 1 through 3. This rich list of talent joins the previously announced new additions to the “Outlander” family, Charles Vandervaart as “William Ransom,” Izzy Meikle-Small as “Rachel Hunter” and Joey Phillips as “Denzell Hunter,” who join returning fan-favourites Caitríona Balfe as “Claire Fraser,” Sam Heughan as “Jamie Fraser,” Sophie Skelton as “Brianna MacKenzie,” Richard Rankin as “Roger MacKenzie,” John Bell as “Young Ian,” David Berry as “Lord John Grey,” Caitlin O’Ryan as “Lizzie Beardsley” and Paul Gorman as “Josiah” and “Keziah Beardsley.” The Outlander television series, which is distributed by Sony Pictures Television, is inspired by Diana Gabaldon’s international best-selling books, which have sold an estimated 50 million copies worldwide, with all nine of the books gracing the New York Times best-seller list. The Outlander television series has become a worldwide success with audiences, spanning the genres of history, science fiction, romance and adventure in one amazing tale. Outlander is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Left Bank Pictures and Story Mining & Supply Company, in association with Sony Pictures Television.

The bone-chilling, teeth-chattering fourth and final season of Nancy Drew premieres on Sunday, June 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Season 4 begins as legendary teen detective Nancy launches a new investigation to find a group of missing bodies from Horseshoe Bay’s cemetery that have been dug up and stolen – or have possibly risen. As Nancy is drawn into this ghostly case, a string of unexplained paranormal crimes leads the Drew Crew to believe that the literal sins of the town’s past have returned to haunt the living. Meanwhile, Nancy struggles with yearning for Ace, the man she loves. But when a slow-burning attraction begins between Nancy and the son of Ryan Hudson’s newest enemy, Nancy must decide whether this love interest is worth the ire of both her father and Ace – whose own heart may also be tempted by a new relationship. Nancy’s exploits this season will bring the Drew Crew numerous standalone cases, stunning twists, humour, and unexpected romances as they are drawn into a season-long mystery unlike any they have had to solve before.

Then, it’s all sun, sea, and secrets in the vibrant new comedy-drama, Dreamland, premiering on Monday, July 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Dreamland is a big-hearted drama about secrets, lies, loves and aspirations within a family of four sisters. Eldest sister Trish (Freema Agyeman) is pregnant for the third time with her partner Spence (Kiell Smith- Bynoe). And this time, she’s decided: it’s going to be a girl. Her two sisters Clare (Gabby Best) and Leila (Aimee-Ffion Edwards) rally around her with their mum (Frances Barber) and their Margate-legend nan (Sheila Reid), “manifesting” a little girl at Trish’s ‘mani-festival’. But when their other sister, Mel (Lily Allen), makes an unexpected reappearance back into their lives, her return threatens to destabilize the entire family. A knock on their door and their ‘Dreamland’ is no more. Set in the sundrenched British seaside town of Margate, the series is a dark comedic exploration of multi-generational female relationships, and their (somewhat dysfunctional) family dynamics.

W Network and Showcase can be streamed via STACKTV, available on Amazon Prime Video Channels, FuboTV, Rogers Ignite TV and Ignite Streaming. The networks arealso available through all major TV distributors, including Bell, Cogeco, Eastlink, Rogers, SaskTel, Shaw, Shaw Direct, Telus and Videotron.

Though LOVE AGAIN isn’t out till next month, today we get a glimpse of what the Music will sound like from this Rom-Com inspired by the Music of legendary Céline Dion! The Film’s Soundtrack hits stores May 12, 2023 including new music from Dion!

About The Album
Sony Music Entertainment Canada/Columbia Records has announced LOVE AGAIN (Soundtrack from The Motion Picture) will be released on May 12. The 14-track album is available for pre-order now and features five new Céline Dion songs, including the title track “Love Again” written by Dan Wilson and Arista Records artist ROSIE, listen HERE. The soundtrack features the first new music from Celine since her 2019 album Courage, along with six of Celine’s past hits, as well as three of the film’s score selections.

“I had a lot of fun doing this movie. And to have the privilege of appearing with the beautiful and talented actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sam Heughan in my very first feature film is a gift that I will cherish forever. I think it’s a wonderful feel-good story, and I hope that people will like it, and like the new songs too.” – Celine Dion

Starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sam Heughan and Celine Dion (in her first film role), Love Again features eleven songs from Celine that are woven into the narrative of the film and its characters. In a recent interview with People Magazine Sam Heughan shared that “Celine’s music, in a way, brings my character and Priyanka’s character together,” with Priyanka Chopra Jonas adding that Love Again is “our ode to Celine.” Love Again, written for the screen and directed by Jim Strouse, opens in theatres May 5, 2023 via Screen Gems. Watch the trailer here.

LOVE AGAIN (Soundtrack from The Motion Picture) Track List:

1. Love Again
2. I’ll Be
3. Waiting On You
4. Love Of My Life
5. The Gift
6. It’s All Coming Back To Me Now
7. Orpheus & Eurydice (Score from Love Again)
8. All By Myself
9. Where Does My Heart Beat Now
10. Celine Wisdom (Score from Love Again)
11. A New Day Has Come
12. Courage
13. That’s The Way It Is
14. Love Takes Courage (Score from Love Again)

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music Entertainment)

Telefilm Canada is announcing that eight French-language feature film titles are receiving funding under the Production Program (first round of decision for the big budget stream), for a total of $14 million.

1994-1995 (comedy)

Director and screenwriter: Ricardo Trogi

Production: Go Films L.P.R.S. Inc.

Distributor: Immina Films

Fleur bleue (drama)

Director and screenwriter: Geneviève Dulude-De Celles

Production: Colonelle films

Distributor: Entract Films

*coproduction Canada/Luxembourg/Roumanie

Gagne ton ciel (drama)

Screenwriter: Alexandre Auger et Mathieu Denis

Director: Mathieu Denis

Production: 9174-5018 Québec inc.

Distributor: Maison4tiers

*coproduction Canada/ France

La petite et le vieux (comedy)

Director: Patrice Sauvé

Screenwriter: Sébastien Girard

Production: 9215-8534 Québec Inc. (Parallaxes)

Distributor: TVA Films

Le chef et la douanière (comedy)

Director and screenwriter: Manon Briand

Production: Item 7

Distributor: Sphère Films

Le vaisseau des tempêtes (fantasy)

Screenwriter: Émilie Rosas

Director:
Nicola Lemay et Emilie Rosas

Production: 10e Ave Productions

Distributor:
Maison4tiers

L’univers soufflé (comedy)

Director and screenwriter: Anne Émond

Production: Metafilms

Distributor: Sphère Films

Villeneuve (historical drama)

Screenwriter: Daniel Roby et Guillaume Lonergan

Director: Daniel Roby

Production: Christal Films Productions

Distributor: Les Films Opale

(Photo credit: Telefilm Canada)

Just For Laughs is excited to announce the first line-up of artists who will be performing at the 2023 edition of the Just For Laughs MONTRÉAL Festival, presented in in association with Loto-Québec and running from July 14 – July 29, 2023.

The festival, which draws more than 2 million visitors to the city, will bring the most sought-after comedy stars and rising talent together, creating the world’s largest comedy hub for two consecutive weeks of laughter. Featuring shows citywide in a variety of venues from large theatres to more intimate club settings, the fest also features panels with esteemed celebrities and key industry insiders, live recordings of today’s most popular comedy podcasts, TV tapings, and so much more. JFL has earned their reputation as an essential launchpad for comedic talent, with many of today’s most successful comedians, writers, and actors having gotten their start at the festival, and who always like to return every July!

“With this great roster of star power already lined up for this summer, this year promises non-stop laughter and unforgettable experiences”, shares President Bruce Hills. “We have many more announcements to come, as our festival continues to celebrate the power of humour to bring people together, and to provide a platform for new stars to be discovered”.

Over the years, Just For Laughs has transformed the comedy landscape by serving some of the most iconic comedy moments of the last four decades. Quintessential JFL moments include Norm MacDonald’s festival debut, to Jim Carrey’s, to John Candy hosting HBO’s first live comedy special live from the festival. Rowan Atkinson debuts Mr. Bean character at JFL to intentionally prove to network executives its international appeal which then catapulted his famous TV franchise worldwide. Jimmy Fallon notoriously shares how his show-stopping performance at JFL, opening for Penn & Teller, led to his first development deal; to breakout New Faces performances by Hasan Minhaj to Quinta Brunson, which all led to their trajectory of stardom.

The festival also played host to the world premiere of comedy film Sausage Party with Seth Rogen, Kristin Wiig, Nick Kroll in attendance; and let’s not forget the festival’s famous galas that have been hosted by comedy icons like Mary Tyler Moore, Lily Tomlin, George Burns, Jerry Seinfeld, Wanda Sykes, Howie Mandel, Don Rickles, P.K. Subban, Dame Edna and countless others. Some of the most memorable moments still talked about today include the cast panels with HBOs VEEP joined by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Hale, Timothy Simons; the cast table reads of The Simpsons to the cast of Brooklyn Nine Nine; and a sold-out live table read of The Big Lebowski where director Jason Reitman gathered some of the biggest Hollywood celebrities for it including Jennifer Lawrence, Olivia Munn, Dennis Quaid, Michael Fassbender, and others.

Rising talents who got their big break at the fest includes 19-year-old Dave Chappelle, who landed his first development deal while at the festival after impressing Bruce Hills with his VHS audition tape; to a young Chris Rock who first performed at JFL 3 years before joining SNL. Many of today’s biggest comedy stars were first discovered as part of the festival’s New Faces showcases. This series serves as a platform for up-and-coming comedians to showcase their talents and catch the attention of audiences and industry professionals. This iconic discoverability series introduced many stars of today including Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Jo Koy, Tom Segura, Kumail Nanjiani, Iliza Shlesinger, Sam Jay, and countless others. SNL has a long history of casting JFL New Faces alumni, with notable past cast members including Jimmy Fallon, Pete Davidson and Colin Jost, among others. Today, many of SNL’s current cast members, such as Sarah Sherman, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, James Austin Johnson, Marcello Hernandez Andrew Dismukes, and Punkie Johnson can trace their roots back to JFL’s New Faces showcases.

The festival is where iconic moments are made.

Don’t miss out on what we have in store this year.

This first announcement is just the beginning, with many more exciting programming highlights

to come for this summer!

KICKING US OFF THIS YEAR….

CONCERT SHOWS

Ali Wong: Live! – Wednesday, July 26, 2023 – Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, 7:00 PM

Ali Wong is a comedian, writer, actress, and director known for her comedy specials Baby Cobra, Hard Knock Wife, and Emmy-nominated Don Wong. Ali executive produces and voices Bertie in Tuca and Bertie, co-wrote and starred in Always Be My Maybe and directed Sheng Wang’s Sweet and Juicy. She is also the author of the New York Times Bestseller “Dear Girls.” Beef, her next project in collaboration with A24, will be released April 2023 on Netflix.

Wong will be joined by a special guest, Sheng Wang, for this one-night only performance.

Sheng Wang is a comedian, actor and writer. His first Netflix special, Sweet & Juicy, released in September 2023 and was produced and directed by Ali Wong. He was a featured stand-up on HBO’s 2 Dope Queens special and also wrote for the ABC show Fresh Off the Boat.

Fun & Slutty, A Night with Jonathan Van Ness – Saturday, July 29, 2023 – Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, 9:30 PM

Queer joy and side-splitting comedy. Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-nominated television personality, 2x New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, comedian and hairstylist to the stars. He stars on Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning reboot series Queer Eye, where he shines as the hair guru and self-care advocate, and he is the host and executive producer of the Netflix series Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, based on Jonathan’s popular podcast of the same name. The series is nominated for a 34th Annual GLAAD Media Award for ‘Outstanding Reality Series.’ He was a 2022 Primetime Emmy nominee for ‘Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program’ along with his Queer Eye cast mates. Jonathan also starred on the Emmy-nominated web series Gay of Thrones, a witty social commentary series recapping HBO’s Game of Thrones. Launched in 2013, the series wrapped its eighth and final season last year and garnered Emmy nominations in 2016, 2018 and 2019 for ‘Outstanding Short Form Variety Series.’

The Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamo – Thursday July 27, 2023 – Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, 9:30 PM

The Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamo features a pair of grizzled gay ghouls exploring the cultural boundaries of modern beauty through interviews with gorgeous guests who inhabit various facets of the beauty industry. From models, moguls, influencers, drag queens, RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants to adult performers, actors, and more, Trixie and Katya break down the beauty behind it all.

Anthony Jeselnik: Bones and All – Saturday, July 29, 2023 – L’Olympia, 9:30 PM

Anthony Jeselnik is a stand-up comedian from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He can currently be seen on his podcast, The Jeselnik and Rosenthal Vanity Project, alongside co-host Gregg Rosenthal. His most recent stand up special, Fire in the Maternity Ward, premiered on Netflix to critical acclaim. Anthony was also the creator, host and producer of his series, Good Talk and The Jeselnik Offensive on Comedy Central. He also appeared on multiple roasts for the network, most notably The Roast of Donald Trump and The Roast of Charlie Sheen. Additionally, Anthony wrote and performed the stand-up specials Thoughts and Prayers, an hour-long for Netflix and Caligula, an hour-long for Comedy Central which followed his debut comedy album, Shakespeare, for Comedy Central Records. He has performed on CONAN, The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live and was a writer and the first ever stand-up comic to appear on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Kurtis Conner: Live at JFL – Wednesday, July 26, 2023 – L’Olympia, 9:30 PM

A headlining comedian, podcaster, and global YouTube sensation, Kurtis Conner has sold out shows across North America and the world. After studying comedy writing and performance in Toronto, Conner quickly found an audience on Vine, later migrating to YouTube and growing that audience to over 4.2 million subscribers worldwide. His 2016 stand-up record Cuppla Jokes reached number 6 on the Billboard comedy chart and number 1 on iTunes, while his videos regularly hit the top ten trending page on YouTube. Conner has previously appeared on stage alongside collaborators Danny Gonzalez and Drew Gooden, and also hosts the Very Really Good podcast.

Daniel Sloss: Can’t – Tuesday, July 25, 2023 to Thursday, July 27, 2023 – Gesù, 9:30 PM

Daniel Sloss is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning Scottish comedian who has become one of the biggest global names in stand-up. He has, to date, created 13 solo shows, was the biggest ticket selling comedian in the world for most of 2021, has performed seven New York seasons off-Broadway, and appeared on TV’s CONAN ten times, and had broken box office records at the world’s biggest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. His massive global live tours span 54 countries – so far! In February 2020, Daniel Sloss: HUBRiS, premiered in New York, just before the global pandemic shut the world down. As restrictions lifted, he performed as many live shows as was safe and legal – accelerating rapidly into becoming another global smash-hit hit tour. HUBRiS became 2021’s biggest touring solo comedy show as well as the 5th biggest ticket selling event of any genre for most of that year (as reported by Pollstar). In 2021 saw Sloss’s first book “Everyone You Hate is Going to Die ” published by Penguin Random House prestige imprint Knopf.

Carlos Ballarta: TLATOANI – Thursday, July 27, 2023 – MTELUS, 9:30 PM

Carlos Ballarta is a Mexican standup comedian and actor, born in Mexico City, with a 10-year career in the Spanish speaking stand up scene. He has three Netflix specials, El amor es de put*s (2016), Furia ñera (2018) y Falso profeta (2021), and a fourth one, Rebelde Comodino, on YouTube. He has successfully toured all around Mexico, Latin America, the United States, Canada, Spain, France, Germany and England. Ballarta will make his festival debut, performing his entire set in Spanish!

Tom Papa: 2023 Comedy Tour – Tuesday, July 25, 2023 and Thursday, July 27, 2023- Gesù, 7:00PM

With more than 20 years as a stand-up comedian, Tom Papa is one of the top comedic voices in the country, finding success as an actor, host, and author, in film, TV, radio and podcasts as well as on the live stage. The comedian has had 4 highly rated stand-up specials on Netflix and recently released his 5th Netflix special, What A Day!. His highly rated podcast Breaking Bread with Tom Papa, features Tom and his guest eating, drinking, and celebrating the true meaning of breaking bread with insightful, revealing and always funny conversations. He also hosts the popular daily Netflix radio show, What A Joke with Papa And Fortune on Sirius XM Channel 93 and the monthly show, Come To Papa Live on Channel 94. He has starred in the critically acclaimed films; The Informant, The Haunted World of El Superbeasto and the HBO film Behind the Candelabra. He recently wrapped on Netflix’s Nike which is already garnering much critical acclaim.

GALAS

The RP4 – A Very Special Event – Hosted by Russell Peters – Wednesday, July 26, 2023 & Thursday, July 27, 2023 – Théâtre Maisonneuve, 7:00 PM & 9:45 PM

Join Russell Peters for a landmark Just For Laughs event as he hosts four special galas, each with a unique star-studded line-up of carefully curated comics. Always uncensored and honest, Russell will be at the helm of shows that will be guaranteed to be provocative, funny and unforgettable.

Russell Peters was recently named as one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Comics of All Time. He started doing stand-up at the age of nineteen at open mics in his native Toronto, and spent the next fifteen years honing his craft at clubs across Canada and the UK. Peters’ most recent tour, The Deported World Tour was seen by over 400,000 fans in 40 cities across 20 countries and culminated in the stand-up special, Russell Peters Deported on Amazon Prime Video in January 2020. Peters has been awarded Gemini, Peabody, Emmy and Canadian Screen Awards for his hosting, producing and acting talents. His last TV series, The Indian Detective set a Canadian viewership record for Bell Media /CTV in 2017 and was released globally on Netflix. Peters just launched his own Podcast, ‘Culturally Cancelled with Russell Peters’ on iHeart Media.

The Jack Whitehall Gala – Friday, July 28, 2023 – Théâtre Maisonneuve, 7:00 PM

Award winning comedian, actor and world traveller, Jack Whitehall, is making his way to Just For Laughs MONTRÉAL this summer to host his very own Gala. Featuring a star-studded line-up from across the globe. Widely celebrated for his hit Netflix show Travels With My Father, his starring role in the BBC’s adaptation of Decline & Fall and Bad Education, he can also be seen in Disney’s The Nutcracker And The Four Realms, Amazon’s Good Omens and Clifford The Big Red Dog. In late 2021, Whitehall starred in Disney’s blockbuster adventure, Jungle Cruise, opposite Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. An acclaimed comedian who loves the stage, his 2019 arena tour, Jack Whitehall: Stood Up, was his biggest-ever stand-up show ever — playing to sold-out arenas across the UK. He then took the tour to Australia, New Zealand and Dubai. He played to packed arenas across the UK on two tours: Jack Whitehall Gets Around and Jack Whitehall: At Large. In early 2021, Netflix filmed his final tour date at Wembley Arena. Jack Whitehall: I’m Only Joking, now streaming.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks when we announce more galas, hosts and the artists who will be joining these incredible line-ups for an evening full of laughs!

CLUB SERIES

The Nasty Show – Tuesday, July 18, 2023 to Wednesday, July 26, 2023 – Club Soda, daily at 9:30 PM; **with two special midnight performances added on Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, 2023

The Nasty Show is back and will be hands-down the filthiest show of the entire festival. Prepare yourself for a night of comedy’s dirtiest minds, and see for yourself why this is one of the festival’s longest-running shows.

The one and only Donnell Rawlings will hit the stage this summer. Besides his iconic stand-out role as Ashy Larry on Chappelle’s Show, Rawlings has also won critical acclaim for his role on HBO’s The Wire, and as Dez in Pixar’s hit film SOUL. In turn, he was honoured by The African-American Humor Awards in 2021 with the Redd Foxx Award. This year’s line-up also features performances by Steph Tolev whose comedy and acting career has skyrocketed in recent years with Netflix and Comedy Central appearances, as well as being named a Comedian You Should and Will Know by Vulture; and JFL New Faces alum, Adrienne Iapalucci who has been featured in various Netflix specials, This Week at the Comedy Cellar, The Late Show with David Letterman, and Gotham Comedy Live. She won the first ever People’s Choice award at the New York Comedy Festival and made her debut on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Her Degenerates Netflix special premiered on NYE 2020.

That’s not all! The host and additional acts will be announced soon.

Just For The Culture – Tuesday, July 18, 2023 to Wednesday, July 26, 2023 – Club Soda, daily at 7:00 PM; **with one special 4:30 PM performance added on Sunday, July 23.

Back by popular demand, Just for the Culture features a diverse line-up of comedians from various cultural backgrounds and experiences, each with distinct personalities, experiences and comedy styles.

Returning to reclaim his master of ceremonies title, is crowd favourite Alonzo Bodden. A regular panel member on NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me, his first big comedy break came when he was named a New Face at Just for Laughs in 1997. Since then, he has been making audiences around the country laugh for close to 30 years. Amongst numerous TV appearances, Bodden’s fourth stand-up special, Heavy Lightweight, premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

He will lead an incredible line-up with performances by JFL New Faces alum, Gianmarco Soresi, who has performed on The Late Late Show with James Corden, as well as Comedy Central, Netflix, and The Real Housewives of New York (no, really!). His first special Shelf Life, was nominated for three NY Emmy Awards and was selected as an NPR 2002 Comedy Pick. Joyelle Nicole Johnson who made her TV debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers, and more recently performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon twice in one year. She was nominated for a Critics Choice Award as she’s also written for hit series such as HBO’s Broad City and HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay. JFL New Face alum, Malik Elassal, is a Lebanese Canadian stand up, writer, and actor who won the Yuk Yuks Top Comic competition in his hometown of Calgary, recorded sets for the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and is currently on CBC Gem’s The New Wave of StandUp. Returning to the fest, the incomparable Judy Gold who has numerous stand-up specials on HBO, Comedy Central and LOGO. She was a part of Netflix’s Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration; and is one of the main subjects in the Hulu documentary, Hysterical. She has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Tonight Show, and has won two Emmy awards for writing and producing The Rosie O’Donnell Show. She was also a writer on the final season of FX’s Better Things; A regular on CBC Radio’s Laugh Out Loud and The Debaters, Arthur Simeon is a Ugandan-born Toronto-based comedian who has been performing for a decade all over the world. A truly gifted storyteller, he has appeared multiple times at the Just For Laughs, Odd Block Comedy Festival as well as on CBC Television, HBO and the Comedy Network; and Zarna Garg who is “One in a Billion”, and that’s not the just name of her first comedy special. She’s also the only Indian mom comedian taking on her mother-in-law. She was recently profiled as one of the gutsiest women in comedy on Apple TV’s new Gutsy Women series, and is featured on This American Life with Ira Glass. That’s not all! Additional acts to be announced soon.

Brit(ish) – Wednesday July 26, 2023 to Saturday July 29, 2023 – Le Studio TD, 7:00 PM

Back for another year at Just For Laughs MONTRÉAL, Brit(ish) boasts a line-up of some of the funniest comedians from across the pond. The full line-up will be announced soon, but let’s face it, we all know it’s going to be sarcastic, full of irony and a laughing riot!

Midnight Surprise – Wednesday July 26, 2023 to Saturday July 29, 2023 – Le Studio TD, 9:30 PM

One of the festival’s most highly anticipated series that takes place at midnight… that’s all you get for now as it’s intended to be the best kept secret of the fest! Audiences eagerly race to buy these tickets before they will sell out, curious to discover which all-star comedians will make surprise appearances. Previous surprise guests have included Dave Chappelle, Jerrod Carmichael, Jimmy Carr, Tiffany Haddish, Jeff Ross, Judd Apatow, and many others!

Just For Laughs MONTRÉAL would like to thank its sponsors without whom this edition would not have been possible: Beneva and Chevrolet. We would also like to acknowledge the exceptional help and support of our public partners:

Government of Canada through Canada Economic Development and Canadian Heritage, the Gouvernement du Québec through the ministère du Tourisme, the Secrétariat à la région métropolitaine and the SODEC, as well as the City of Montréal, Tourisme Montréal and Montréal centre-ville.

TICKET DETAILS:

Pre-sale tickets will be available starting today Thursday April 13 at various times

www.hahaha.com

Tickets will be available to the public as of Friday, April 14 at 10:00 AM ET at www.hahaha.com

Looking for the best way to experience Just For Laughs MONTRÉAL? Get a JFLMTL Pass!

Passes available include: the JFL 2-Show Pass for $115.00 + tax, 3-Show Pass for $155.00 + tax and 5-Show Pass for $235.00 + tax. Each pass includes up to 12 free tickets from July 14 to July 29, 2023 (some restrictions apply).

Jada Pinkett Smith producers upcoming Docu-Series CLEOPATRA, telling and debating the story behind the iconic Queen through interviews and re-enactment. It arrives May 10, 2023 on Netflix.

Synopsis:

From Executive Producer Jada Pinkett Smith comes a new documentary series exploring the lives of prominent and iconic African Queens. This season will feature Cleopatra, the world’s most famous, powerful, and misunderstood woman — a daring queen whose beauty and romances came to overshadow her real asset: her intellect. Cleopatra’s heritage has been the subject of much academic debate, which has often been ignored by Hollywood. Now our series re-assesses this fascinating part of her story.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Just a couple weeks ago, we got a proper look at the official Trailer for Disney • Pixar‘s long-awaited upcoming feature, ELEMENTAL, directed by Peter Sohn (The Good Dinosaur). The brilliant-looking film is set in a city where fire, water, land and air residents live together. A fiery young woman, Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis) and a go-with-the-flow guy Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie), are about the learn exactly what they have in common.

Sohn has voiced characters in marquee films like Lightyear, Ratatouille and Monsters University. He came to Toronto to present footage for what surely will make a big splash this Summer for the world’s greatest animation giants. This Film is over five years in the making and while it is slated for a June release, it still is in its finishing touches, as its lighting meticulously is being tempered in this its final stretch before the world gets to see it.

Sohn recalls his journey making Elemental and i overcome with emotion thinking about his heartfelt journey. He lost both his parents in the span of a couple years and really this Film is all for them. “I was in the Bronx and I was looking into the crowd and there was this huge diverse group of people and my parents were there in the front – these yellow faces up there – they were crying and I just lost it”. “I had a speech I was going to give, but I didn’t give it because I was so overwhelmed by seeing them. I thanked them for giving me and my brother life and there was someone in the crowd going, ‘You better thank them!’. I went back to Pixar in New York and told them the story and they were like, ‘Peter you have to do that as your story!’. That is the thing I came back to when I was getting lost.”.

Sohn tells us about the laser-precision focus in Pixar‘s winning storytelling recipe. “At Pixar, creating emotionally-genuine performances through animation is a top priority. I love that this art form is about connecting emotionally. On Elemental we had a new layer to weave into these performances – to tie the energy of the effect to an emotion, if that makes sense.”. He adds, “Our Animation Team learned that rather than one style fit all, different moments have different needs and elemental energies. They referenced that real elements evoke emotions depending on their energy… and those energies we were trying to tie into those performances.”.

Though this hasn’t taken eight years to make like other studio classics like Up and Coco, Elemental certainly has been challenging for Sohn and the Crew in a good way. “There were so many moments where the Crew was like, ‘We’re not gonna be able to do this’, and there was such a passion of what they had all done. I’ve never done anything this personal before, but it was an emotional experience for me because the Crew connected to this and put all of that love into the Film and I can’t wait for the audience to finally see the Movie.”.

On a parting note. Sohn is asked by Moderator Marriska Fernandes which element he identifies with most, He says, “I wish I was more fire but I am a sap… that emotional side is what I click with, so I’m water for sure.”.

Walt Disney Studios Canada release Disney•Pixar’s ELEMENTAL June 16, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Walt Disney Studios Canada)

My question is why isn’t this out on Valentine’s Day? This would’ve been perfect right now! Better later than never, check-out the new Trailer for LOVE AGAIN, centering around the hits and new music from Celine Dion. Priyanka Chopra and Sam Heughan star in this Mother’s Day release. Dion also appears in the Film as herself!

What if love was only a text away?💕📱

Sony Pictures Canada release LOVE AGAIN May 5, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)