#FILMING: “XXX: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE”, “MISS SLOANE” AND “DOWNSIZING” TO FILM IN TORONTO SOON

Since Suicide Squad and TIFF, Toronto hasn’t caught much of a break in terms of starpower. That is about to change soon.  While a slew of TV Series and Pilots continue to film in the City, we will be plenty excited to know that A-List names like Reese Witherspoon, Matt Damon, Vin Diesel, Neil Patrick Harris and Samuel L. Jackson are making their way north over the next few months.  That’s right!  Kicking-off 2016 proper!

DOWNSIZING, to be released via Paramount Pictures, is the latest endeavour for Oscar-nominated Director Alexander Payne who rocked our world with Sideways (2000) and The Descendants (2004).  Matt Damon will star as an Omaha man who joins the many others who opt to undergo a procedure which reduces them to a fraction of their size.  They then are moved-off to communities with many others like themselves.  Reese Witherspoon who worked with Payne in Election, Jason Sudeikis and Neil Patrick Harris also star.  Expect a late 2017 release, which means you guessed it… OSCARS and what could be a debut at TIFF ’17!   Filming runs April through July.

For those who like a bit more of a punch, the latest installment in the XXX franchise, THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE begins production in February through May and once again stars megastar Vin Diesel in the titular role.  Samuel L. Jackson returns and appearing also is MMA star Conor McGregor.  After Xander Cage (Diesel) is left for dead, he miraculously finds his way back and is sent on a new assignment by hander Augustus Gibbons (Jackson).

Production is to be based out of Pinewood Studios in Toronto for both Films.

After selling to Europacorp during TIFF in September for a cool $17 million, gun control drama Miss Sloane, starring future Oscar winner Jessica Chastain also is pegged for a late winter start date. Chastain stars as a lobbyist who goes up against Washington to pass through gun legislation.  The Hollywood Reporter reports a March start date, while the Directors Guild of Canada report filming could start as early as February.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)