By Mr. Will Wong

From Executive Producer Alex Marengo (Bad Sport, Killer Ratings) comes riveting three-part Docu-Series THE MOST HATED MAN ON THE INTERNET. The Series centers on self-proclaimed “Professional Life Ruiner” Hunter Moore, who found notoriety on the web with his now-defunct Revenge Porn site IS ANYONE UP?, launching in 2010. The Website became an overnight phenomenon allowing users to post sexually-explicit photos of others, whereby the photos would be subject to abusive comments from users. The photos were posted without the subjects’ permission, and despite efforts to have these photos taken-down by those seen in the photos, this failed to result in action as Moore continued to reap the rewards of his popularity monetarily and in fame, completing disregarding the pleas. And somehow all of this wasn’t technically illegal.

The boisterous and unapologetic Moore meets his match in Charlotte Laws, whom in a prior life authored a book about her adventures how she was able to crash ultra-exclusive events with celebrities. She finds herself telling another story here in this Limited Series after her daughter Kayla learns of her own intimate photos being hacked from her e-mail account. Despite many attempts to reach Moore, both mother and daughter are unsuccessful getting these photos taken-down. Instead, they are subject to scrutiny and bullying online. They are just one of many, as we meet men and women whose lives were destroyed after having their photos posted on IS ANYONE UP? against their will. We meet one subject who almost ended her own life. We also meet Moore‘s ex-girlfriend who now has clarity after being somewhat oblivious to the damage he caused to the lives of so many people.

The Series over three episodes, builds-up momentum on the back and forth between mother and daughter, and a Goliath in Moore who built a devout cult following, willing to do just about anything for their leader. We see Charlotte and Kayla begin to fear for their safety, the closer they get to exposing Moore for being involved in illegal activities to supply the content on his website, but they can’t be certain without the help of the FBI. Add to that notorious Hacker Group, Anonymous who get involved after being made aware of Charlotte and Kayla‘s struggles. And thus, we see the takedown of what seemed like someone untouchable.

We only vaguely recall the controversy the takedown of Hunter Moore, but this is a satisfying educational journey to justice, worthy of a watch. Admittedly, there is a degree of victim-blaming when it comes to those who take intimate photos of themselves in the first place, but where is that same judgment and scrutiny when it comes to those who post and share unconsented content? THE MOST HATED MAN ON THE INTERNET arrives July 27, 2022 on Netflix.

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Lena Dunham, but how exciting is it that her latest effort, CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY is set to premiere at TIFF ’22? The Film adapted from Karen Cushman‘s Novel, arrives later this year on Prime Video.

Synopsis:

The year? 1290. In the Medieval English village of Stonebridge, Lady Catherine (known as Birdy) is the youngest child of Lord Rollo and Lady Aislinn. Her playground is Stonebridge Manor, a house that, like the family, has seen better days. Financially destitute and utterly greedy, Rollo sees his daughter as his path out of financial ruin by marrying her off to a wealthy man for money and land. But Birdy, like all the great teen heroines, is spirited, clever, and adventurous–and ready to put off any suitor that comes in increasingly ingenious ways. Her imagination, defiance and deep belief in her own right to independence put her on a collision course with her parents. When the most vile suitor of all arrives, they are presented with the ultimate test of love for their daughter.

From Prime Video, Catherine Called Birdy stars Bella Ramsey, Lesley Sharp, Sophie Okonedo, Joe Alwyn, Isis Hainsworth, Dean-Charles Chapman, Paul Kaye, with Billie Piper and Andrew Scott. It is directed by and screenplay written by Lena Dunham, based on the book by Karen Cushman. Producers are Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan, Dunham, and Jo Wallett. 

CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY arrives September 23, 2022 on Prime Video Canada.

(Photo credit: Prime Video)

The picture for the upcoming 2022 Queen’s Plate – the 163rd running of North America’s most historic horse race – just got a little clearer. MOIRA scored an authoritative victory in the $500k Woodbine Oaks presented by Budweiser, winning as the even-odds favourite by 10 3/4 lengths under Rafael Hernandez for Trainer Kevin Attard and Co-Owners Madaket Stables, X-Men Racing and SF Racing. She won in a rapid final time of 1:49.7 for 1 1/8 miles. This was just the second start in 2022 after the winter off for this talented filly by stallion Ghostzapper, from the Unbridled Song mare, Devine Aida. This definitely stamps Moira a leading contender in the Queen’s Plate, to be contested August 21, 2022 at Woodbine Racetrack where she would face males. Finishing second was Sister Seagull and American invader, the maiden Sahlabiya from famed Shadwell Stable and leading Trainer Chad Brown finished third. The high-strung Moira prior to the race had kicked her Blacksmith, though he appears to be fine, and also post-race almost unseated Hernandez after getting spooked by infield flags blowing in the wind. Despite her quirks, she is a consummate professional when racing.

Earlier on the Card was the $150k Plate Trial Stakes, the official prep race for the Queen’s Plate. That was taken by 21-to-1 longshot SIR FOR SURE under Declan Carroll who just joined the local jockey circuit this year, for Team Mark Casse and Owner Heste Sport, which is a force both on the Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred side in Ontario. This marks Carroll‘s first ever stake win at Woodbine. Second was stablemate Hall of Dreams, while U.S. invander Causin’ Mayhem held-on for third. The latter is owned by local outfit Chiefswood Stable and is based in the U.S. with top Trainer Todd Pletcher. The race was run about a full second slower than the fillies in the Woodbine Oaks.

Also on the Super-card today was the Grade II Dance Smartly Stakes, taken by another American invader, WAKANAKA. Going off as the post-time favourite at 6-to-5 odds, this Bill Mott Trainee owned by Film Producer Gary Barber and Team Valor, won by 1 1/4 lengths, finishing the 1 1/16 mile race on the turf in a brisk 1:39.4. Rafael Hernandez had a big day taking both the Oaks and this, surviving a claim of foul here.

HAZELBROOK scored a surprise upset in the $150k Hendrie Stakes at the top of the Card, winning at 26-to-1 odds for True North Stable and Trainer Lorne Richards. Jockey Jason Hoyte scored his first-ever stakes win at Woodbine here. The 6 1/2 furlong sprint was won in 1:15.6.

It was an eventful day which saw multiple claims of objection filed but none successful and one of those winners was two-year-old Ransom the Moon colt ONE FOR CHAP. He broke his maiden on the turf for Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson’s Spruce Stable, with Rafael Hernandez winning again. Mark Casse trains this colt who is a half-brother to champion filly Mrs. Barbara. We learned that Lawson used to call his dad “Chap”, hence inspiring the name. Perhaps we will be seeing him in September’s Grade I Summer Stakes, a win-and-you’re-in Breeders’ Cup race?

Veteran jockey SLADE CALLAGHAN also was named 2022 Avelino Gomez Award recipient, an honour given to a jockey who has made a signficicant contribution to the Sport locally. Callaghan was joined by his peers, past and present accepting the Award with his wife, Trainer Kelly Callaghan beside him.

It was a day of many faces. Some of the names here today.

Betting handles were phenomental today with the total reaching $10.1 million for this star-studded Card.

More on the upcoming Queen’s Plate including tickets here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

After having found massive popularity in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Jersey City, Los Angeles and Miami, SMORGASBURG finally makes its Toronto debut this weekend. And knowing Toronto’s diverse and discerning palates, all the reason more this would thrive in our City.

The open-air Food Market, which by the way is free admission, runs every Saturday from now through September 10, 2022 at 7 Queen’s Quay East. The Market, curated by Toronto Culinary Authority Suresh Doss, contains a handpicked list of 40 local food and drink vendors. Following in the spirit of its predecessors, this Toronto branch is really giving small business owners without the capital or a storefront, a chance to build a customer base or even try out new menus which they might not normally be able to do. The idea was simple. These are all things that Doss would eat himself.

So thrilled to be among the few who got to preview this wonderful experience, with Doss guiding us through his own handpicked list of vendors. We also got free reign to to check-out the Market and discover our own new favourites!

On the south-end of the Market, towards the water, is the Smorgasbar, curated by Evelyn Chick and what a pleasure it was to try her Espresso Martini, just one of a few exclusive cocktails available at Smorgasburg Toronto. But even if you don’t drink, there’s plenty of alternatives including refreshing non-alcoholic GRUVI Dry Secco, plus a breakout hit in DRINK FROM A FRUIT, allowing guests to drink fresh juice from a Coconut, Watermelon or Pineapple… with refill options!

See some our favourites from Smorgasburg Toronto. Note portions might not align with actual on-site serving sizes as these were sample versions for Media.

See a Video Recap of the Smorgasburg Toronto experience:

Note that this current roster of Vendors will be here for four weeks only. A completely new list of Vendors will be up thereafter and we can’t wait to see who! Smorgasburg Toronto will be here only till September 10, 2022!

Reminder to stay hydrated if visiting.

For full schedule and list of Vendors for SMORGASBURG TORONTO, click here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Several exciting revelations coming out of San Diego Comic-Con today from the Marvel Panel including both MCU Phase Four, Five and even Six updates!

MULTIVERSE SAGA: Two Avengers Films to Culminate the Saga

Fans were the first to learn that Phases 4, 5 and 6 are officially part of the Multiverse Saga, which will conclude with two all-new Avengers films, including “AVENGERS: THE KANG DYNASTY,” releasing May 2, 2025, and “AVENGERS: SECRET WARS,” which is slated for Nov. 7, 2025. 

PHASE 4: Trailers and Talent Introduced, Plus Stunning Performance

Fans won’t have to wait long for the next Phase 4 title with “SHE-HULK: ATTORNEY AT LAW” debuting exclusively on Disney+ August 17, 2022. Directors Kat Coiro and Anu Valia, and head writer Jessica Gao, were joined by cast members Tatiana Maslany, Ginger Gonzaga and Jameela Jamil for a lively Q&A about the new series. The audience saw a new trailer, which is also available to download and share now.   

In Marvel Studios’ “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany)—an attorney specializing in superhuman-oriented legal cases—must navigate the complicated life of a single, 30-something who also happens to be a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk. 

The nine-episode comedy series welcomes a host of MCU vets, including Mark Ruffalo as Smart Hulk, Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/the Abomination, and Benedict Wong as Wong, as well as Jameela Jamil, Ginger Gonzaga, Josh Segarra, Jon Bass and Renée Elise Goldsberry. 

“BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER” capped the Hall H presentation to thunderous roars and applause, beginning with a live performance by Baaba Maal (vocals), Massamba Diop (tama) and dancers and drummers. Feige was joined on stage by director Ryan Coogler and cast members Mabel Cadena, Michaela Cole, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, Tenoch Huerta, Florence Kasumba, Alex Livinalli, Lupita Nyong’o, Dominique Thorne and Letitia Wright for a Q&A and first look at the film’s first trailer, which is now available to download and share.   

In Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba), fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena and Alex Livanalli. 

Feige also shared that the film is the final title in Phase 4. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” opens in theatres across Canada on Nov. 11, 2022.

PHASE 5: Talent Takes the Stage, Plus New Titles and Dates Revealed

Feige revealed that Phase 5 kicks off in 2023 with “ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA,” opening Feb. 17, 2023. Director Peyton Reed and stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors and Kathryn Newton engaged in a spirited Q&A with the host. Epic in scale and tone, “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” is a sci-fi adventure that is decidedly unique to the franchise. Fans in the room were given a special look at the upcoming film.

Super Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and The Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible. 

Next up, the thrilling new series “SECRET INVASION” launches on Disney+ in Spring 2023. Cobie Smulders, who reprises her role of Maria Hill—a decorated spy and Nick Fury’s loyal #2—was on hand to talk about the new show. To the audience’s delight, a clip was shown to give a glimpse of what’s in store.

Marvel Studios’ “Secret Invasion” stars Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn as the Skrull Talos—characters who first met in “Captain Marvel.” They are joined by Kingsley Ben-Adir, Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman and Regé-Jean Page.

The crossover event series showcases a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls who have been infiltrating Earth for years.

“GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3” heads to theatres on May 5, 2023. There were a lot of Guardians on hand to dish about the highly anticipated third installment of “Guardians of the Galaxy.” With director James Gunn taking the lead, cast members Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn, Will Poulter and Maria Bakalova took part in an engaging discussion. Chukwudi Iwuji arrived on stage in costume, revealing to excited fans that he’ll be portraying High Evolutionary in the film. The audience was treated to a special look at the upcoming feature film. 

In Marvel Studios “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

New details emerged regarding a host of previously announced titles in Phase 5. Streaming exclusively on Disney+ in 2023 are highly anticipated series currently in production, including “ECHO,” which is slated for Summer 2023; “LOKI SEASON 2,” also debuting Summer 2023; and “IRONHEART,” streaming Fall 2023. “AGATHA: COVEN OF CHAOS” begins filming later this year with a debut date in Winter 2023.

Phase 5 theatrical releases include “THE MARVELS,” directed by Nia DaCosta, which hits theatres July 28, 2023; and “BLADE,” which begins shooting this October and opens in theatres Nov. 3, 2023. 

Feige revealed for the first time today a trio of captivating projects debuting in 2024 that garnered a huge response from fans.

·         “CAPTAIN AMERICA: NEW WORLD ORDER” opens in theatres on May 3, 2024. 

·         “DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN,” an 18-episode season with Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio returning, streams on Disney+ in Spring 2024.

·         “THUNDERBOLTS,” featuring an exciting new group of heroes, is slated for theatres on July 26, 2024. 

PHASE 6: “Fantastic Four” Precedes New Avengers Titles

Looking ahead, Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe promises compelling storytelling and Marvel Studios’ signature style of adventure.

·         “FANTASTIC FOUR” hits theatres on Nov. 8, 2024. Production kicks off next year for the feature film that introduces Marvel’s most iconic family.

·         “AVENGERS: THE KANG DYNASTY” opens in theatres May 2, 2025. 

·         “AVENGERS: SECRET WARS” is slated for release on Nov. 7, 2025. 

Dwayne Johnson stars in BLACK ADAM which just got. new Trailer unveil at San Diego Comic-Con!

Synopsis:

The world needed a hero, it got #BlackAdam.

From New Line Cinema, Dwayne Johnson stars in the action adventure “Black Adam.” The first-ever feature film to explore the story of the DC Super Hero comes to the big screen under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra (“Jungle Cruise”).

Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.

Johnson stars alongside Aldis Hodge (“City on a Hill,” “One Night in Miami”) as Hawkman, Noah Centineo (“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”) as Atom Smasher, Sarah Shahi (“Sex/Life,” “Rush Hour 3”) as Adrianna, Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Mummy”) as Ishmael, Quintessa Swindell (“Voyagers,” “Trinkets”) as Cyclone, Bodhi Sabongui (“A Million Little Things”) as Amon, and Pierce Brosnan (the “Mamma Mia!” and James Bond franchises) as Dr. Fate.

Collet-Serra directed from a screenplay by Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani, screen story by Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani, based on characters from DC. Black Adam was created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck. The film’s producers were Beau Flynn, Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia and Dany Garcia, with Richard Brener, Walter Hamada, Dave Neustadter, Chris Pan, Eric McLeod, Geoff Johns and Scott Sheldon.

“Black Adam” smashes into theatres and IMAX internationally beginning 19 October 2022 and in North America on October 21, 2022. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Some exciting SHAZAM: FURY OF THE GODS news coming out of San Diego Comic-Con, including a brand-new Trailer for us! We adored the first one so much so this is amazing!

Synopsis:

From New Line Cinema comes “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” which continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!,” is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam. “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” stars returning cast members Zachary Levi (“Thor: Ragnarok”) as Shazam; Asher Angel (“Andi Mack”) as Billy Batson; Jack Dylan Grazer (“It Chapter Two”) as Freddy Freeman; Adam Brody (“Promising Young Woman”) as Super Hero Freddy; Ross Butler (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as Super Hero Eugene; Meagan Good (“Day Shift”) as Super Hero Darla; D.J. Cotrona (“G.I. Joe: Retaliation”) as Super Hero Pedro; Grace Caroline Currey (“Annabelle: Creation”) as Mary Bromfield / Super Hero Mary; Faithe Herman (“This Is Us”) as Darla Dudley; Ian Chen (“A Dog’s Journey”) as Eugene Choi; Jovan Armand (“Second Chances”) as Pedro Pena; Marta Milans (“White Lines”) as Rosa Vasquez; Cooper Andrews (“The Walking Dead”) as Victor Vasquez; with Djimon Hounsou(“A Quiet Place Part II”) as Wizard. Joining the cast are Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”), with Lucy Liu (“Kung Fu Panda” franchise) and Helen Mirren (“F9: The Fast Saga”).

The film is directed by David F. Sandberg (“Shazam!,” “Annabelle: Creation”) and produced by Peter Safran (“Aquaman,” “The Suicide Squad”). It is written by Henry Gayden (“Shazam!,” “There’s Someone Inside Your House”) and Chris Morgan (“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” “The Fate of the Furious”), based on characters from DC; Shazam! was created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck. Executive producers are Walter Hamada, Adam Schlagman, Richard Brener, Dave Neustadter, Victoria Palmeri, Marcus Viscidi and Geoff Johns. Joining director Sandberg behind-the-camera are director of photography Gyula Pados (the “Jumanji” franchise), production designer Paul Kirby (“The Old Guard,” “Jason Bourne”) and editor Michel Aller (“Shazam!,” “The Nun”). The music supervisor is Season Kent (“DC League of Super-Pets,” “The Addams Family 2”) and the music is by Christophe Beck (“Free Guy,” “Frozen II”). Visual effects supervisors are Bruce Jones (“Aquaman,” “It”) and Raymond Chen (“Alita: Battle Angel,” “The Meg”). The costume designer is Louise Mingenbach (“Jumanji: The Next Level,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters”).

New Line Cinema presents A Peter Safran Production of A David F. Sandberg Film, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” which is set to open in theatres internationally beginning 15 December 2022 and in North America on December 21, 2022.

Jordan Peele gets his third consecutive Box Office Smash as Director with latest Feature, NOPE taking top spot in its debut with $44.5 million from 3,785 theatres for Universal Pictures. Not only is it a commercial success, it gets a strong 82% on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer. While this doesn’t quite eclipse predecessor Us’ $70 million opening in 2019, this still is impressive.

De-throned to second spot is THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER with $21.2 million in its third weekend, from 4,370 theatres for Disney. This brings its domestic tally to $275 million.

Third is MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU with $16.8 million for Universal Pictures, taking its run to $299 million.

In fourth is WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING with $9.7 million from 3,650 theatres for Sony Pictures, a total run for $36.7 million.

TOP GUN: MAVERICK continues to hang-on, at the bottom of the Top Five with $9.4 million for Paramount Pictures. To date it has made $635 million in North America.

Woodbine Racetrack are thrilled to announce the launch of their brand-new Stella Artois Terrace. The space formerly known as Champions Bar and Patio, gets a re-brand and a sophisticated makeover with new loungey booths, an elevated Food and Drink menu and festive weekend vibes, with the DJ spinning your favourite Top 40 hits! The Terrace, located on the third floor, launches July 23, 2022 right in time for Woodbine Oaks weekend, just one of the many marquee race cards in the 2022 Thoroughbred meet.

We’re thrilled to have had a chance to preview this amazing space hanging right above Woodbine‘s scenic world-class E.P. Taylor turf course. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, trust me! This is Horse Racing the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

Here’s a small preview of some of our favourites from their brand-new Menu:

There were Desserts too! I tried the Banana Cake which was topped with Rum-flambéed bananas and caramel sauce – nice and not too, too sweet. The Hot Fudge & Hibiscus Sundae was very popular among others, but the real star is the super-decadent and luxuriant Double Chocolate Godiva Cheesecake. We were seriously-strapped for time, but they were so kind to give us takeaway boxes for us to enjoy at home. No stuffiness here, everyone is welcome.

You won’t leave here feeling hungry.

Be patient, this is an afternoon or night out. The food will come when it comes. Have some fun, win some money! Even if you don’t know what you’re doing, there’s always Ambassadors walking around to show you. And if you’re shy, there’s a QR code for you to scan that walks you through it!

Dress code is comfortable but dress to impress. No strict guidelines.

A couple cool Photos Ops at the Stella Artois Terrace, including a Step & Repeat:

You can book a reservation now for the Stella Artois Terrace right here! The amazing weather is only here for a small while more. Don’t miss out!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Some cool new previews were unveiled today at San Diego Comic-Con. New upcoming Marvel Studios Animation Series were unveiled at I AM GROOT, SPIDER-MAN: FRESHMAN YEAR, X-MEN ’97, MARVEL ZOMBIES and WHAT IF…?.

Here are some of the exciting updates headed our way!

I AM GROOT

“I Am Groot” writer/director/executive producer Kirsten Lepore answered questions about the upcoming series and treated the audience to the trailer and new key art. A surprise screening of one of the shorts, “Groot Takes a Bath,” delighted everyone, and applause greeted the announcement of a second collection of shorts.

There’s no guarding the galaxy from this mischievous toddler! So get ready as Baby Groot takes center stage in his very own collection of shorts, exploring his glory days growing up—and getting into trouble—among the stars. “I Am Groot,” five original shorts featuring several new and unusual characters, stars everyone’s favorite little tree, Baby Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel, who voices Groot in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise.

The executive producers are Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum and James Gunn.

“I Am Groot” launches exclusively on Disney+ August 10, with all five shorts available for viewing.

SPIDER-MAN: FRESHMAN YEAR

Jeff Trammell teased the show with the cast of characters, and Ryan Meinerding showed off the new Spider-Man suit designed for the series. A fun reveal was that moderator Paul F. Tompkins will be playing a character in the series. A second season was also announced, aptly titled “Spider-Man: Sophomore Year.”

“Spider-Man: Freshman Year” is an animated series that follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming Spider-Man in the MCU, with a journey unlike we’ve ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots. Executive producer Jeff Trammel serves as head writer.

“Spider-Man: Freshman Year” comes exclusively to Disney+ in 2024.

WHAT IF…?

Bryan Andrews and AC Bradley talked about the Emmy-nominated series and showed the trailer for Season Two. The audience went wild when, at the end of the presentation, a surprise screening of one episode of the highly anticipated next season was shown, and a third season was announced.

“What If…?” Season 2 continues the journey with The Watcher as our guide through the vast multiverse, introducing brand new and familiar faces throughout the MCU. The animated series questions, revisits, and twists classic Marvel Cinematic moments with an incredible voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their iconic roles. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews with executive producer AC Bradley as head writer.

Season two of “What If…?” launches exclusively on Disney+ in early 2023.

MARVEL ZOMBIES

Bryan Andrews offered background on the series and its origins spawning from an episode of “What If…?” Season 1, as well as concept art.

The animated series “Marvel Zombies” from Marvel Studios reimagines the Marvel Universe as a new generation of heroes battle against an ever-spreading zombie scourge. Directed by executive producer Bryan Andrews and written by executive producer Zeb Wells.

“Marvel Zombies” will stream exclusively on Disney+.

X-MEN ’97

Cheers erupted when Brad Winderbaum spoke fondly of the legacy of “X-Men: The Animated Series” and presented a sizzle reel featuring cast and creatives from the popular ‘90s animated show. “X-Men ‘97” writer and executive producer Beau DeMayo then spoke about the new series, shared artwork, and presented an animatic AV piece. DeMayo also mentioned that the show will use the original “X-Men” theme music. A second season was also announced.

“X-MEN ’97” is an animated series from Marvel Studios that explores new stories in the iconic ’90s timeline of the original series. Beau DeMayo is executive producer and head writer.

“X-Men ’97”” will begin streaming exclusively on Disney+ Fall 2023.