By Mr. Will Wong

Following the historic success of James Cameron’s AVATAR, which went on to gross $2.9 billion worldwide, fans have been holding-out for a worthy successor film. The wait is almost over with AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER finally arriving in theatres this weekend. Set a decade after the events of its predecessor, the Sequel sees the Sully family forced from their home when an ancient threat surfaces, leaving them no choice but to go to war against the humans.

Toronto was fortunate enough to host the Film’s Canadian Premiere with the blue carpet rolled-out at Scotiabank Theatre.

The Film’s new generation of stars were in attendance, including:

Jamie Flatters (Neteyam, the oldest Sully child)
Trinity Bliss (Tuktirey, the youngest Sully child)
Jack Champion (Spider, a human child left behind on Pandora as a toddler)
Bailey Bass (Tsireya, Metkayina clan, Ronal and Tonowari’s daughter)
Filip Geljo (Aonung, Metkayina clan, Ronal and Tonowari’s son)

We ask Trinity Jo-Li Bliss about her character, Tuk and her importance to the story.

Bliss: “I play Tuk and she has a really big heart, she’s really curious and she loves her family – the most important thing to her. She’ll do anything to fight for them.”.

Bliss walked away from the Film with a renewed appreciation of the importance of protecting the earth.

Bliss: “Our set was so environmentally-friendly. We had plant-based catering, we had our Avatar mugs that the water dispensed water into – you know, The Way of Water. The set opened my eyes to ways that we can do better for our earth. Just like Jake (Sam Worthington) and Ney’tiri (Zoe Saldana) protecting their Pandora, we need to protect our earth and not only come together to protect our earth when it’s in trouble.”.

Though Jack Champion has never been to Toronto before, he did film SCREAM VI in Montreal. He has fond memories.

Champion: “The food here is amazing. You guys have great Italian food and Tim Hortons – the #1 coffee place. I honestly love it because I had it in Montreal. We had it right across the street where I was staying every morning. What is it, I had the Justin Bieber … oh yes, the Timbiebs!”.

He tells us more about his character Spider, who is an orphan.

Champion: “I play Spider and he is a human. He’s born and raised in Hell’s Gate (the human base on Pandora), but orphaned after the humans get their butts kicked. He grew-up along with the Na’vi and the Sully family. Spider‘s always wanted a family – that’s his #1 goal, even if he’s not fully accepted. That’s why when humans come back, it unleashes a whole new can of worms, untangling a whole web of problems.”.

Jamie Flatters tells us about his role as Neteyam, the eldest son in the Sully family. This being his first time in Toronto, he has plans to hit-up Kensington Market and Queen Street West in his short time here.

Flatters: “I play Neteyam, who’s the son of Jake and Ney’tiri . He’s part of the family unit which unfortunately gets forced out of their home, and he has to keep the family ideal alive.”.

He tells us the greatest lesson he took away from his time on-set.

Flatters: “A strong moral idea of responsibility at a young age is actually a good thing, but don’t take it too far. Be easy on yourself.”.

Bailey Bass is a proud New Yorker, but actually really excited to see tomorrow’s expected snow storm. She tells us about her character.

Bass: “I play Tsireya who’s part of the Metkayina clan. She’s a strong free diver who has a big heart and is super-kind. She teaches the Sullys the way of the water.”.

With the Film focusing so much on the new generation, Bass tells us what this means to her.

Bass: “I think it means a lot to me. We’re showing the characters in ways that have never been seen before. I think a lot of characters are going to feel seen in these characters in a way that’s never been done.”.

See highlights and our Chats here:

20th Century Studios Canada release AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER (available in 3D) Friday, December 16, 2022.

Review here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Apple TV+ today announced that “Dear Edward,” the highly anticipated drama series written and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Jason Katims, and starring Emmy nominee Connie Britton and SAG Award winner Taylor Schilling, will make its global debut with the first three episodes of its 10-episode first season on Friday, February 3, 2023, followed by one new episode weekly every Friday through March 24, 2023. Adapted from Ann Napolitano’s bestselling, acclaimed novel, “Dear Edward” is a heartbreaking, life-affirming, and uplifting story about survival, resilience, connection, and the examination of what makes us human.

Hailing from Apple Studios, “Dear Edward” tells the story of Edward Adler (played by Colin O’Brien), a 12-year-old boy who survives a devastating commercial plane crash that kills every other passenger on the flight, including his family. As Edward and others all over the world are affected by the tragedy try to make sense of life after the crash, unexpected friendships, romances and communities are formed. “Dear Edward” stars Emmy nominee Connie Britton, SAG Award winner Taylor Schilling and introduces newcomer Colin O’Brien. The ensemble cast also includes Amy Forsyth, Anna Uzele, Audrey Corsa, Brittany S. Hall, Carter Hudson, Dario Ladani Sanchez, Douglas M. Griffin, Eva Ariel Binder, Idris DeBrand, Ivan Shaw, Jenna Qureshi, Khloe Bruno and Maxwell Jenkins.

“Dear Edward” is written by Katims, who serves as showrunner. He executive produces through True Jack Productions alongside Jeni Mulein. Book author Ann Napolitano also serves as executive producer alongside Fisher Stevens (“Palmer”), who is set to direct the first episode and serve as executive producer on the pilot.

(Photo credit: Apple TV+)

Today, STACKTV, Corus Entertainment’s premium multi-channel streaming service, announced that its robust roster of premium content is expanding with three new channels from Disney. Starting today, STACKTV subscribers can enjoy live streaming and hundreds of episodes from Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD.

“Our mission to provide exceptional value for subscribers has further advanced with the launch of Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD on STACKTV, just in time for the holidays,” said Drew Robinson VP, Content Distribution, Corus Entertainment. “The addition of these three popular kids channels not only expands our premium multi-channel streaming package, but underscores our commitment to providing content for the whole family to enjoy.” 

The Disney Channels will bring some of their most popular series and family-friendly favourites, including Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends, Marvel’s Avengers: Black Panther’s Quest, DuckTales, The Ghost and Molly McGee, Raven’s Home and The Villains of Valley View. Premieres will be added monthly including season 7 of Bunk’d, Disney’s longest running live action series; the highly anticipated Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur as well as Disney Junior’s Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures coming in 2023. 

STACKTV is a streaming service to watch the latest hit shows – live and on demand. Stream 16 of the most popular channels on TV – without the need for a traditional cable package. Never miss a moment with live TV and watch thousands of hours of shows on demand. Stream content from across all genres including, lifestyle, reality, kids, dramas, news and exclusive programming. Watch hundreds of shows produced by world-class studios that are carefully selected to provide Canadians with the latest and best that TV has to offer.  There’s always something new to find and discover on STACKTV. 

STREAMING NOW ON DEMAND ON STACKTV

• Disney Channel’s Big City Greens, Bunk’d, Hamster & Gretel, Raven’s Home, The Ghost and Molly McGee, The Owl House, The Villains of Valley View and Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion.
• Disney Junior’s Alice’s Wonderland Bakery, Bluey, Eureka!, Firebuds, Gigantosaurus, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, PJ Masks, Puppy Dog Pals and Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends.
• Disney XD’s Ghostforce.

Currently, STACKTV is available to Amazon Prime Video subscribers, Rogers Ignite TV and Ignite Streaming customers, in addition to FuboTV customers. Subscribers to Prime Video can sign-up for STACKTV with a 30-day free trial and then for $12.99/month following the free trial.In addition to the Disney Channels, STACKTV has fun for the whole family on YTV, Treehouse, and TELETOON, with Teen Titans Go!, Dragons: Nine Realms, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Loud House, Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! and more. 

Paramount+ today released the official trailer and key art for the second season of its original drama series MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, starring Academy Award® nominee Jeremy Renner and Academy Award winner Dianne Wiest, which will debut on Sunday, Jan. 15, exclusively on the service in the U.S. and Canada. The series will premiere the following day in the U.K. and Australia. Premiere dates for other Paramount+ international markets will be announced at a later date.

From co-creators Academy Award® nominee Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN follows the McLusky family, power brokers in Kingstown, Mich., where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry. Tackling themes of systemic racism, corruption and inequality, the series provides a stark look at their attempt to bring order and justice to a town that has neither. The series also stars Dillon, Taylor Handley, Emma Laird, Tobi Bamtefa, Derek Webster, Nishi Munshi, Hamish Allan-Headley and Aidan Gillen.

Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios and Bosque Ranch Productions, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN is executive produced by Sheridan, Dillon, Renner, Antoine Fuqua, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, Michael Friedman, Dave Erickson, Regina Corrado and Stephen Kay.

The second season of MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN is the latest addition to Sheridan’s growing slate on Paramount+, which includes 1883, TULSA KING and the upcoming series 1923, which premieres Sunday, Dec. 18, LIONESS, and LAND MAN.

The first season of MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN is available to binge exclusively on Paramount+.

Corus Entertainment’s top 10 specialty network* W Network unveiled today a sizzling hot lineup of drama programming to keep viewers warm all winter long; featuring six brand new and returning hit series, plus a four-part W Network original movie special event, all available to stream live and on demand with STACKTV.

All roads lead to home with the premiere of Hallmark Channel Original Series The Way Home on Sunday, January 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The Way Home is a family drama following the lives of three generations of women – Kat Landry (Chyler Leigh), her teen daughter Alice (Sadie Laflamme-Snow) and Kat’s mother Del (Andie MacDowell), who are all strong, willful and independent. More than 20 years prior, life changing events prompted Kat to move away from her small, Canadian farm town of Port Haven and she remains estranged from Del to this day. Alice has never met her grandmother and is unaware of the reasons for their fractured family. As the three generations of women slowly work on finding their footing as a family, they embark on an enlightening – and surprising – journey none of them could have imagined as they learn how to find their way back to each other.

This February, fall head over heels for The Love Club! These four W Network Original Movies will air as a four-part special event, with a premiere every Monday in February at 8 p.m. ET/PT beginning February 6. At a New Year’s Eve college party, four women – Nicole (Brittany Bristow), Lauren (Chantel Riley), Sydney (Lily Gao) and Tara (Camille Stopps) – each dealing with their own dating disaster, take a vow to call on one another if they are ever in romantic crisis again. This vow that has them resurrecting their “Love Club” ten years later as each of them search for their unique happily ever after. Viewers will be able to follow the lives of The Love Club by watching the four-part movie event sequentially or as stand-alone movies, in which each woman is the lead in her own romantic journey, helped by the rest of her friends to find their one true love.

Highly anticipated limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters premieres Thursday, March 16 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Based on the eponymous Universal film franchise written and directed by Malcom D. Lee (who also directed four episodes), the drama series will catch up with Harper, Lance, Murch, Quentin, Jordan, Robyn, Candace, and Shelby as relationships evolve and past grievances resurface in the unpredictable stages of midlife crisis meets midlife renaissance. Produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, the series reunites the film’s original cast including Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long and Harold Perrineau.

As the exclusive home of Hallmark Channel every weekend, year-round, W Network continues to warm hearts this season with Hallmark Channel’s New Year New Movies beginning January 1 with six all new exclusive premieres and back-to-back movies every weekend in January, including the continuation of the beloved The Wedding Veil sequel trilogy starring Lacey Chabert, Autumn Reeser and Alison Sweeney. Then in February, Hallmark Channel’s Loveuary returns with a month-long celebration of Valentine’s Day featuring brand new movie premieres.

Additional winter programming highlights include:

• New episodes of Walker Independence continue Sunday, January 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
• The mystery unravels in the gripping new season of One of Us is Lying returning on Thursday, January 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
• The celebratory farewell season of A Million Little Things begins on Wednesday, February 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. 
• Like sands through the hourglass, Days of our Lives continues with new episodes Mondays to Fridays at 1 p.m. ET/PT.

(Photo credit: W Network)

Paramount+ viewers in Canada will soon observe a tale of both comedy and caution, of satire and stupidity, where minds may switch, bodies may shrink, and robots may rise in SpongeBob SquarePants Presents The Tidal Zone, premiering on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.

SpongeBob SquarePants Presents The Tidal Zone is a journey into an hour of television where two dimensions can become three, and French divers can wear black ties. Narrated by the French Narrator, the one-hour special encompasses all three animated series within the SpongeBob Universe, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Patrick Star Show, and the Paramount+ original series Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years andfollows GrandPat (The Patrick Star Show) as he makes his way through each dimension.  

The special features legendary voice talent Tom Kenny(SpongeBob SquarePants), Bill Fagerbakke(Patrick Star), Jill Talley(Karen, Squidina), Cree Summer (Bunny Star), Tom Wilson (Cecil Star),  Dana Snyder (GrandPat), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), Mr. Lawrence (Plankton), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy Cheeks) and Rodger Bumpass (Squidward).

Since its launch July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the most-watched animated series for nearly 20 consecutive years, while generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base. SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most widely distributed properties in Paramount International history, seen in more than 170 countries, translated in 29+ languages, and averaging more than 100 million total viewers every quarter. SpongeBob SquarePants was created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif.  The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurable optimist and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount+)

We’re pleased to present a sneak peek at eagerly-awaited SCREAM VI! Check-out this new Teaser!

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS 

Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter. In Scream VI, Melissa Barrera (“Sam Carpenter”), Jasmin Savoy Brown (“Mindy Meeks-Martin”), Mason Gooding (“Chad Meeks-Martin”), Jenna Ortega (“Tara Carpenter”), Hayden Panettiere (“Kirby Reed”) and Courteney Cox (“Gale Weathers”) return to their roles in the franchise alongside Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, and Samara Weaving.

DIRECTED BY 

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett

WRITTEN BY

James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick

BASED ON CHARACTERS CREATED BY

Kevin Williamson

PRODUCED BY

William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

 Kevin Williamson, Gary Barber, Peter Oillataguerre, Chad Villella, Courteney Cox,

Ron Lynch, Cathy Konrad, Marianne Maddalena

STARRING

Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Mason Gooding, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Jenna Ortega, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, Samara Weaving with Hayden Panettiere and Courteney Cox.

Paramount Pictures Canada release SCREAM VI March 10, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Apple TV+ has announced that “The Reluctant Traveler,” a new globe-trotting travel series hosted and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Eugene Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”), will premiere globally on February 24, 2023. The eight-episode series follows Levy as he visits some of the world’s most beautiful and intriguing destinations in Costa Rica, Finland, Italy, Japan, Maldives, Portugal, South Africa and the United States, exploring remarkable hotels and the places and cultures surrounding them.

Self-confessedly not your typical travel show host – he’s not usually adventurous or well-versed in globe-trotting, Levy agrees the time is finally right for him to broaden his horizons.  Levy packs his suitcase with some trepidation but hopes his experiences might lead to a whole new chapter in life, even if it means confronting some of his long-held fears.  Join him as he buckles up for the ultimate eye-opening adventure!

“The Reluctant Traveler” is produced for Apple TV+ by Twofour. In addition to starring, Levy executive produces alongside David Brindley.

(Photo credit: Apple TV+)

Disney+ has announced the second season of the Emmy Award-winning Original series “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” will premiere on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. From Disney Branded Television, the series is the critically acclaimed revival of Disney’s groundbreaking “The Proud Family.” A season two guest cast featurette spotlighting guest stars Gabrielle Union, Chance the Rapper, Leslie Odom, Jr., Holly Robinson Peete, Normani and more, is now available. The series recently won “Outstanding Casting for An Animated Program” at the inaugural Children’s & Family Emmy Awards.

From creator and executive producer Bruce W. Smith, and executive producer Ralph Farquhar, “The Proud Family” revival picks up the story of its central character, Penny Proud, and her iconic family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff!). By Penny’s side is her loyal crew: Dijonay Jones, LaCienega Boulevardez, Zoey Howzer, Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins and Michael Collins.

Building off the standout success of the series’ debut, season two of “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” continues to tell entertaining and laugh out-loud stories, while highlighting culturally specific experiences of the Black community and addressing universal topics. Various storylines this season include self-worth, interracial dating and Juneteenth.

A full list of the previously announced season two guest stars is below:

Gabrielle Union (“L.A’s Finest”) as Talia Rouge
Singer and producer Chance the Rapper as Darrius St. Vil
Singer and songwriter Normani as Giselle
Leslie Odom Jr. (“Hamilton”) as Kwame
Anthony Anderson (“black-ish”) as Ray Ray
Gymnasts Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, and Laurie Hernandez as themselves
Holly Robinson Peete (“21 Jump Street”) as Dr. Lord
Maury Povich (“Maury”) as himself
Storm Reid (“Euphoria”) as Emily
Courtney B. Vance (“Genius”) as Merlin Kelly
Liana Mendoza (“Hey, Mr. Postman!”) as Singing Judge

Kurt Farquhar, the lauded television and film composer, songwriter and producer who wrote and composed “The Proud Family” original theme song and reimagined it for the revival, co-wrote an original song, “You’re Lucky I Let You Love Me,” with Normani, Mariah Meshae and Nkenge Kamau, for the upcoming season. Normani will also provide vocals on several original songs. In addition to Farquhar, who serves as series music composer and songwriter, Ashley Neumeister (“American Soul”) is on board to music supervise the second season.

Extensions for “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” include a cross-category product line of apparel, home, stationery, toys, and collectibles. Fans can listen to music from the series on “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” Official playlist here.

Cast members reprising their roles from the original series and returning for season two are: Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud; Tommy Davidson as Oscar Proud; Paula Jai Parker as Trudy Proud; JoMarie Payton as Suga Mama; Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby; Karen Malina White as Dijonay Jones, Soleil Moon Frye as Zoey Howzer; Alisa Reyes as LaCienega Boulevardez; Carlos Mencia as Felix Boulevardez; Maria Canals-Barrera as Sunset Boulevardez; Alvaro Gutierrez as Papi; Raquel Lee Bolleau as Nubia Gross; and Marcus T. Paulk as Myron. Recurring voices for the revival include: Keke Palmer as Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins; Billy Porter and Zachary Quinto as Randall and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins; EJ Johnson as Michael Collins; Asante Blackk as Kareem; Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Francis “KG” Leibowitz-Jenkins; Bresha Webb as CeCe; Aiden Dodson as BeBe and Carlos Alazraqui as Puff.

In addition to Smith and Farquhar, Calvin Brown, Jr. (“Moesha”) is co-executive producer and story editor, Jan Hirota (“Big Hero 6 The Series”) is producer, Eastwood Wong (“Carmen Sandiego”) is art director, and directors are Latoya Raveneau (“Rise Up, Sing Out”), Rudi Bloss (“DC Super Hero Girls”) and Tara Nicole Whitaker (“Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure”). The series is produced by Disney Television Animation.

Season one of “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” is available on Disney+, and beginning in January 2023, episodes will air weekly on Disney Channel and Disney XD. All seasons of “The Proud Family,” which debuted on Disney Channel in 2001, are also currently available on Disney+.

(Photo credit: Disney+)

One of Netflix‘s biggest surprise hits has been Toronto area-filmed GINNY & GEORGIA. A new Trailer have been released from the upcoming season! It won’t be long before we get these new episodes in January and this looks to get a little darker and more intense!

Synopsis:
How do you live with the knowledge that your mother is a murderer? That’s what Ginny is going to have to figure out. Burdened with the new understanding that Kenny – her step-dad – didn’t die of natural causes, now Ginny must deal with the fact that Georgia not only killed, she killed to protect Ginny. Georgia on the other hand would much prefer that the past be left in the past, after all, she’s got a wedding to plan! But the funny thing about Georgia’s past is that it never stays buried for long…

FAST FACTS

• Creator/Executive Producer: Sarah Lampert
• Showrunner/Executive Producer: Debra J. Fisher (Alias, Criminal Minds, Being Mary Jane)
• Executive Producers: Debra J. Fisher, Sarah Lampert, Jeff Tahler, Jenny Daly, Holly Hines, Daniel March, Lance Samuels, Daniel Iron and Armand Leo
• Co-Executive Producer: Elena Blekhter
• Writer/Executive Producer: Angela Nissel (206)
• Director/Executive Producer: James Genn (201, 202)
• Cast: Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, Diesel La Torraca, Jennifer Robertson, Felix Mallard, Sara Waisglass, Scott Porter, Raymond Ablack, Chelsea Clark, Katie Douglas
• Directors: James Genn, Audrey Cummings, Daniskha Esterhazy, Sharon Lewis, Rose Troche
• Filming Location: Toronto, Canada
• Format: 10 episodes x 60 minutes, YA Series
• Launch Date: January 5, 2023

(Photo credit: Netflix)