In celebration of the recent launch of the much-anticipated PS5 action-adventure game, Ghost of Yōtei, PlayStation Canada and OpenTable have teamed up to deliver an unforgettable dining experience to Canadians inspired by the game’s setting in Northern Japan.

Set in 1600s rural Japan, Ghost of Yōtei follows a haunted, lone mercenary named Atsu who travels through the beautiful, rugged landscapes of northern Japan hunting those who killed her family many years earlier.

Miku Restaurant Toronto – the East Coast flagship of the acclaimed MICHELIN-Recommended Miku Restaurant Vancouver – and Chef Kazuki Uchigoshi, have crafted an exclusive 4 course menu that bring to life the rich culinary traditions and flavours of Northern Japan, including the Hokkaido region, which is famous for its seafood delicacies.

Starting Oct 6th, this limited-time fine dining experience will be open to the public to book through OpenTable until October 26 at the link here. Guests will dive into a unique fusion of gastronomy and gameplay. Think sushi-level artistry blended with samurai-inspired flair.

Ghost of Yōtei Menu

A New Journey
Salmon bamboo leaf sushi, shiso, pickled vegetables

Atsu & The Yotei 6
Seven pieces of Aburi-style premium sushi: Kinki Kobujime, Ikura Bowl, Aburi Crab, Aburi Tako, Aburi Salmon Oshi Bite, Aburi Sanma,  Uni on Chips

The Fires of Yotei

Lamb Jingisukan style, Hokkaido Wagyu Sukiyaki style, Shogun Maitake mushroom, bean sprouts, black garlic soy

Embers of Renewal

Tahitian vanilla cheesecake, chocolate crumble, Hokkaido pumpkin espuma, walnut toffee, Hokkaido miso caramel ice cream

Featured Cocktail – Hamaki
House-made Hojicha liqueur, house-made spiced rum, Luxardo Del Santo, lime juice, bourbon-soaked cherry

This opportunity reflects PlayStation Canada’s ongoing commitment to deliver exciting and culturally relevant collaborations and experiences to Canadian PlayStation fans.

An all-new trailer, poster and stills for 20th Century Studios’ intense, action-packed “Predator: Badlands” are now available for download. The film is helmed by returning director Dan Trachtenberg (“Prey,” “10 Cloverfield Lane”) and marks the franchise’s highly anticipated return to the big screen with a story that expands and redefines the Predator Universe.

Set in the future on a deadly remote planet, “Badlands” follows a young Predator outcast (played by newcomer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) who finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Elle Fanning) as he embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. Produced by John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt and Brent O’Connor, “Predator: Badlands” opens exclusively in movie theatres on November 7 in IMAX, RealD (3D), 4DX, ScreenX and premium screens everywhere.

ABOUT BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER
Lord Doyle (Colin Farrell) is laying low in Macau – spending his days and nights on the casino floors, drinking heavily and gambling what little money he has left. Struggling to keep up with his fast-rising debts, he is offered a lifeline by the mysterious Dao Ming (Fala Chen), a casino employee with secrets of her own.

However, in hot pursuit is Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton) – a private investigator ready to confront Doyle with what he is running from. As Doyle tries to climb to salvation, the confines of reality start to close in.

BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER is directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet On The Western Front, Conclave) and stars Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings and Tilda Swinton.

Director: Edward Berger
Writer: Rowan Joffe
Based on the novel: The Ballad of a Small Player by Lawrence Osborne
Producers: Mike Goodridge, Edward Berger, Matthew James Wilkinson
Director of Photography: James Friend
Production Designer: Jonathan Houlding
Make Up & Hair: Heike Merker
Costume: Lisy Christl
Composer: Volker Bertelmann
Editor: Nick Emerson
Starring Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings and Tilda Swinton

Prime Video has released a first look from the highly anticipated revenge thriller series Kill Jackie starring Oscar, BAFTA and Tony Award winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones (Chicago, Wednesday), and based on the acclaimed novel The Price You Pay by Sunday Times best-selling author Nick Harkaway, writing as Aidan Truhen (Karla’s Choice, Tigerman).

The first look shot reveals Zeta-Jones as Jackie Price, the glamorous art dealer whose lethal past as an international drug smuggler resurfaces when a squad of the world’s most terrifying assassins, The Seven Demons, come after her.

The image gives audiences their first glimpse of the series’ striking style and high-octane world.

Jackie Price has been living a wealthy, luxurious existence for the last twenty years – travelling the world, selling fine art using sophisticated tax loopholes and, above all, trying to stay anonymous after escaping a dangerous past as an international drug smuggler. But just as life starts to feel a little boring, it takes a sudden lethal turn when she discovers The Seven Demons, a squad of the world’s most terrifying hitmen, have been hired to kill her. Assuming someone from her past is behind it, Jackie unleashes her old instincts and embarks on a wild, dangerous game plan: to take down The Demons one by one before they kill her. However, she soon realizes her own demons are much more terrifying than the ruthless killers on her trail… and her buried secrets ultimately lead her much closer to home, with surprising consequences.

Appearing alongside Zeta-Jones is Daniel Ings (The Gentlemen, I Hate Suzie, Lovesick), Sidse Babett Knudsen (Prime Target, Borgen), Óscar Jaenada (Rambo V, Cantinflas), Hattie Hook (Of An Age, Ten Pound Poms), Darci Shaw (A Thousand Blows, This City is Ours), Raff Law (Masters of The Air, Triton), Enzo Cilenti (Black Mirror, The Crown), Christine Adams (Hijack, Malice), Julian Rhind-Tutt (Britannia, Napoleon), Karlis Arnolds Avots (Soviet Jeans, Lovable), Set Sjöstrand (The Wheel of Time, Valhalla), Tadashi Ito (Society of the Snow, The Platform 2), Sebastian Armesto (Gangs of London, A Small Light), Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh, The Great), Gavin Spokes (House of The Dragon, Slow Horses), Jonathan Cake (And Just Like That, Camping), Bamshad Abedi-Amin (A Town Called Malice, The Last Kingdom), and Bill Paterson (Fleabag, Criminal Justice).

From the creatives behind Killing Eve and Gangs of London, Kill Jackie is an eight-part series co-produced by Fremantle and Steel Springs Pictures and co-created by Conor Keane, Tom Butterworth, Peter Lawson and Damon Thomas. The Executive Producers are Peter Lawson and Jose Augustin Valdes for Steel Springs Pictures, Tom Butterworth, Damon Thomas, Catherine Zeta-Jones with Dante Di Loreto and Jeffrey Levine. The lead Director is Damon Thomas (Killing Eve) with writer and showrunner Tom Butterworth (Gangs of London). Conor Keane co-wrote the TV adaptation and is associate producer. Nick Harkaway serves as executive consultant on the series. José Luis Escolar’s Deabru Kalea Filmeak is supervising production in Bizkaia. The series will be available on Prime Video in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Canada next year.

About Fremantle

Fremantle is a leading global creator, producer and distributor of some of the world’s most successful content across Entertainment, Drama & Film, and Documentaries. Amplifying local stories on a global scale, Fremantle produces and delivers premium, multi-genre IP across the 28 territories it has a presence in. Fremantle is a proudly independent group of content creators, and home to some of the biggest entertainment formats, compelling international dramas, award-winning films and high-quality documentaries. From Got Talent to My Brilliant Friend, Family Feud to Poor Things, Mussolini: Son of the Century to It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, Too Hot To Handle to Big Mood, Maxton Hall to Idols, and Maria to The Zelensky Story, our focus is simple – Fremantle creates and delivers irresistible entertainment. Fremantle also represents world-leading digital and branded entertainment, with more than 550 million fans and 390 billion views for its standout content across all platforms. Fremantle’s Global Channels unit consists of more than 20 FAST channels worldwide, including BUZZR, Rig TV, and Baywatch. Fremantle is part of RTL Group, a global leader across broadcast, streaming, content and digital, itself a division of the international media, services, and education company Bertelsmann. For more information, please visit www.fremantle.com, follow Fremantle on Twitter @FremantleHQ and Instagram @fremantle or visit Fremantle’s LinkedIn page.

About Steel Springs Pictures
Peter Lawson’s Australian-based production company, Steel Springs Pictures, specialises in developing and producing film and TV projects across a range of genres with a deep commitment to relaying commercially impactful true-life stories. The company is committed to promoting fresh and innovative voices with the aim to bring unique perspectives to screens worldwide. Steel Springs Pictures’ first feature film Alice, starring Keke Palmer, Common and Jonny Lee Miller premiered in Competition at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, and was released theatrically by Roadside Attractions in the US, and by Universal Pictures Internationally. Upcoming on the slate is the action-comedy Moxie, starring Keke Palmer; the inspiring true-life soccer film Uprising, alongside Kevin Hart’s HartBeat Independent; The Banksy from writer Neil Cross; and an ambitious Australian genre thriller with filmmaker Dylan River and esteemed writer Shaun Grant. In 2024 AACTA-nominated producer Bonnie McBride (Speedway, Demonic) joined Steel Springs Pictures to head up development and production. Lawson has built an impressive career over the past three decades as a production executive and Executive Producer heading up production divisions at Miramax Films, Thunder Road, The Weinstein Company and Open Road Films. Peter was an Executive Producer and central to the creative and commercial success of Tom McCarthy’s critically acclaimed and Oscar award winning film Spotlight and the Keanu Reeves action franchise John Wick.

About Prime Video

Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one application available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can find their favourite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports, including Prime Monday Night Hockey – also Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Fallout, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Reacher, The Boys, and Roadhouse; licensed fan favourite Vampire Diaries; exclusive entertainment such as Prime Monday Night Hockey, ONE Championship; and programming from channels such as Sportsnet, Paramount+, Crave, Citytv+, STARZ, AMC+, Super Channel, BritBox, Hayu, STACKTV, a multi-channel service featuring 16 top-tier networks (Global, Food Network Canada, HGTV Canada, W Network, The HISTORY® Channel, Adult Swim, Lifetime, Slice, Showcase, National Geographic, Cartoon Network, Treehouse, YTV, Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD), via Prime Video Channels add-on subscriptions. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titles, including blockbusters such as Barbie and Oppenheimer, via the Prime Video Store. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favourite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. For more info visit www.primevideo.com

Just in time for holiday gifting, Starbucks and Hello Kitty are teaming up to bring the season’s most adorable merchandise to Starbucks coffeehouses across Canada, starting Nov. 6, 2025 while supplies last.

Created by the Japanese company Sanrio® in 1974, Hello Kitty has become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the essence of kawaii – the heartfelt Japanese culture of cuteness – and bringing her signature sweetness to everything from lunch boxes and luggage to high fashion and art collaborations.

The exclusive collection features an array of items and collectibles, including a Hello Kitty plush dressed in the iconic Starbucks green apron (and her signature red bow!), alongside her cuddly teddy bear, Tiny Chum.

Cast and filmmakers from “TRON: Ares” including Jared Leto, p.g.a. (also producer), Greta Lee, Jeff Bridges, Gillian Anderson, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Joachim Rønning (director), Trent Reznor (original music by, executive producer), Atticus Ross (original music by, executive producer), Jesse Wigutow (screenplay and story by), David DiGilio (story by), Steven Lisberger (producer, based on characters created by), Sean Bailey (producer), Emma Ludbrook, p.g.a. (producer), Jeffrey Silver (producer), Justin Springer, p.g.a. (producer), Russell Allen (executive producer) and Joseph Kosinski (executive producer) convened at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood last night for the film’s electrifying World Premiere.

The evening featured a pulse-pounding, immersive live musical performance by Nine Inch Nails outside of the TCL Chinese Theatre at the conclusion of the screening. The pioneering industrial rock band performed three songs from the film’s 24-track soundtrack including the hit single “As Alive As You Need Me To Be.” “TRON: Ares” marks the first-ever film score by the pioneering band under their Nine Inch Nails moniker, although bandmates Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have composed 20 scores under their own names, winning two Oscars®, three Golden Globes®, a GRAMMY® and an Emmy® in the process.

“TRON: Ares” follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings. The feature film is directed by Joachim Rønning and stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, with Gillian Anderson, and Jeff Bridges. Sean Bailey, Jared Leto, p.g.a., Emma Ludbrook, p.g.a., Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, p.g.a., and Steven Lisberger are the producers, with Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Russell Allen, and Joseph Kosinski serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Jesse Wigutow, with story by David DiGilio and Wigutow, based on characters created by Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird.

Disney’s “TRON: Ares” releases in theatres on October 10, 2025.

sombr is one of 2025’s biggest stories in Music. The 20-year-old Singer-Songwriter from New York City has been fiddling around on GarageBand since elementary school and now is a major force to be reckoned with, providing the Soundtrack to the Summer with smash hits like “back to friends” and “undressed“. To date, his debut album “i barely know her” already has amassed 1.7 billion streams on Spotify alone – many of those coming from me!

My love connection with sombr‘s music came instantly a few months back, hearing “back to friends” on SiriusXM and I’ve been obsessed ever since. waiting eagerly for the physical release of his acclaimed, cohesive album, coming November 7, 2025 via Warner Music.

sombr played a sold-our show at The Phoenix tonight, giving the tenured venue a much-needed profile boost. In-town supporting him were his parents Andy and Bennah, whom he was spotted out and about with earlier in the day. The statuesque sombr took a moment for photos and autographs with fans – he is that carefree, cool, fun spirit we imagined through our many repeated plays of his music.

We’re so thrilled to have met this musical genius and cannot wait to see what’s next. Adore sombr!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The Promise of Music: the First World Congress on the Social Impact of Music commenced tonight in Toronto. The Festival celebrates the impact of Music brings together global artists, leaders, educators, scientists, technologists and changemakers in the City, across multiple concerts and venues from October 6 to 10, 2025.

Among the stars in town are acclaimed Actor Viggo Mortensen, three-time Academy Award nominee. Mortensen filled emcee duties at the opening night gala, The Glenn Gould Foundation Presents: The Promise of Music Celebration at gorgeous Aga Khan Museum. Mortsensen himself is a noted composer, having scored some of his films like Falling, and he is a multi-instrumentalist.

Mortensen also will narrate Sistema New Brunswick Children’s Orchestra & Sistema Toronto: Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony, taking place at Koener Hall Wednesday, October 7, 2025.

A clip of Mortensen arriving, as he graciously signed autographs for fans:

More on the Festival and tickets here: https://promiseofmusic.com/tickets. Acclaimed Composer AR Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) closes out the Festival this Friday night at the Great Canadian Casino– Toronto with an in-conversation.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) is delighted to announce the launch of Ever After presented by Rakuten Kobo, the organization’s inaugural romance festival. Following a sold-out autumn line-up of events featuring celebrated literary luminaries Margaret Atwood, Ian McEwan, Rachel Maddow, and R.F. Kuang, TIFA’s enchanting new romance festival will take place in Toronto November 21-23 at the Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel.

“Our first annual Ever After Romance Festival is a celebration of beginnings, in books, in love, and in life,” says Festival Artistic Director Roland Gulliver. “From first crushes to first novels, from stumbling into a new genre to recognizing The One, you never forget your first. This festival is a love letter to those pivotal, unforgettable experiences, refracted through the lens of romance literature.”

Readers and authors alike are invited to indulge in a weekend of engaging panel discussions, intimate book signings, and inspiring interactive workshops. From grand historical love affairs to sizzling modern-day encounters Ever After offers something to stir every heart.

“Following the success of MOTIVE, TIFA’s Crime and Mystery Festival, it seemed a natural fit to welcome romance readers and fans into the TIFA fold and celebrate the passionate writing community who have redefined the publishing landscape in recent years,” continues Festival Artistic Director Roland Gulliver. “Like they did for the first edition of MOTIVE, we are thrilled that Rakuten Kobo has stepped up to make the first edition of Ever After possible.”

“At Kobo, we’ve always championed the power of storytelling, and nowhere is that passion more evident than within the romance community,” says Michael Tamblyn, CEO of Rakuten Kobo. “Romance readers are, without a doubt, some of our most voracious and passionate customers, devouring stories with an incredible enthusiasm that inspires us every day. We are delighted to support a festival that celebrates this vibrant genre and its dedicated readership.”

The inaugural festival will feature a wide range of events with signature experiences including:

The Ever After Ball: Authors, readers, and romantics come together for a magical evening of candlelight, dance, and storytelling. Dance cards will be filled, secrets whispered, fortunes told and debut authors honoured in a dazzling spotlight.

High Tea: Two elegant afternoons with authors featuring classic cakes, tea, sandwiches, stories, and conversation.

Blind Date with a Book: Sponsored by Harlequin, this playful experience lets readers discover their next great love story wrapped in mystery.

Tarot Workshops: Led by author Lori Dyan, these sessions explore intuition, inspiration, and the intersection of destiny and storytelling.

The festival will also shine a spotlight on acclaimed and emerging romance authors.

Programme highlights include:

Cecelia Ahern Paper Heart, PS I Love You

Kelley Armstrong Writing Mr. Wrong, Bitten

Bailey Hannah Change of Heart, Wells Ranch Series

Briar Boleyn The Bond That Burns, Bloodwing Academy Series

Jenny Colgan The Secret Christmas Library, The Christmas Bookshop

Nisha J. Tulli Not Safe for Work, The Nightfire Quartet Series

Amy James Crash Test, A Five Letter Word for Love

Uzma Jalaluddin Much Ado About Nada, Detective Aunty

For aspiring novelists, Ever After will offer practical and inspiring professional development opportunities, including TIFA’s renowned Masterclasses, a Romance Editor Q&A, and a Self-Publishing Session presented by Kobo Writing Life.

Whether a lifelong romance reader or newly curious, readers will find themselves in excellent company with bestselling authors, passionate fans, and unforgettable stories waiting to be discovered. At Ever After, the next great love story might just begin with the turning of the page.

Tickets and festival passes are available now at FestivalofAuthors.ca.

About TIFA:

The Toronto International Festival of Authors has been inspiring readers and celebrating books and storytelling for 50 years. The charitable organization presents its flagship literary Festival each fall, while offering year-round programming including the MOTIVE Crime & Mystery Festival, Ever After, TIFA’s Romance Festival, the TIFA Presents series of high-profile author talks, Toronto Lit Up book launches, and the International Visitors Program. Since 1974, TIFA has welcomed thousands of authors from more than 100 countries, including 22 Nobel Laureates and countless award winners. The organization is a proud member of the Canadian Association of Literary Festivals (CALF) and the Global Alliance of Literary Festivals (GaoLF).

TIFA gratefully acknowledges our Season Supporter, the Weston Foundations; Presenting Sponsor, Rakuten Kobo; Supporting Sponsor, Harlequin; and our Global Authors Club, for providing additional philanthropic support. We’d also like to thank the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, the Toronto Arts Council, the Work In Culture Catalyst and Transformation Fund, the Centre for Creativity at Victoria University, and TIFA’s generous donors and supporters who understand that great literature is worth investing in.

Cirque du Soleil is celebrating the global spirit and excitement for FIFA World Cup 26™ with the return of LUZIA to Toronto, 10 years after its debut in 2016. Hailed by critics the world over, LUZIA is a delightful and visually-stunning creation that invites audiences to escape to an imaginary Mexico – a surreal world suspended between dreams and reality. LUZIA, the 38th production of Cirque du Soleil, seamlessly weaves tradition and modernity in a series of grand surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances from mind-bending contortion to gravity-defying vertical pole jumping; and of course, in renowned Cirque du Soleil creativity – turning the beloved sport of football (soccer) into a high-energy act that mixes freestyle street dance with awe-inspiring ball manipulation.

LUZIA will be presented in Toronto, ON, from June 18 – August 3, 2026, bringing the iconic Big Top back to Lake Shore Blvd. W. Advance tickets are available now to Club Cirque members; membership is free to join via www.clubcirque.com, to receive exclusive benefits. Tickets go on sale for the general public beginning Tuesday, October 14, 10am ET, including a NEW – $15 Kids Days Ticket for children ages 2-16, on select shows (conditions apply). For details and additional offers, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia.

Water as a Source of Inspiration
Integrating the element of water inside the Big Top in LUZIA is a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production. The stage floor has 94,657 hidden holes that allow water to drain into a 5,000-litre basin underneath the stage. The water reserve is constantly recycled and filtered during the entire run of show in each city; and maintained at a comfortable 39°C for the well-being of artists. LUZIA uses approximately 10,000 litres of water in total for its artistic and acrobatic scenes such as Cyr Wheel artists rolling and spinning under pouring rain, and a mesmerizing Aerial Straps act that sees an artist diving in and out of an ancient cenote (natural sinkhole) while a life-sized puppet jaguar curiously looks on.

Written and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, in association with Brigitte Poupart, LUZIA is a waking dream where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit, and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul.

Following the Toronto run, LUZIA will continue its Canadian tour and head west to Vancouver, BC, from November 4 to December 15, 2026.

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