charlie hunnam
#TIFF17: CHARLIE HUNNAM, GRACE JONES, ARMIE HAMMER, COREY HAWKINS + MORE SPOTTED ARRIVING IN TORONTO
We don’t believe TIFF ’17 at last has arrived and although we’re feeling a bit sink or swim about it, we choose to dive on in and conquer! Running today, Thursday September 7 through Sunday, September 17, year after year we show the world why it is our Film Festival is the world’s greatest. The star power is beginning to pour in and around town tonight we spotted a few high profile arrivals!
See who we saw:
We love Charlie Hunnam and just seem to have the best luck with him. Although we’ve met him more than half a dozen times now, he is just as amazing every time to his Fans. Trying to make an incognito escape out of Pearson Airport, he right away was spotted by several eager Fans whom he promised to stop and greet after he put away his luggage in his SUV. Despite his best efforts to have everyone form a line, that fan excitement got the best of them but he still was amazingly accommodating. Hunnam is here for Papillon from Director Michael Noer. More here.
Even a week after seeing Luca Guadagnino‘s CALL ME BY YOUR NAME we still are mesmerized by the Oscar-caliber performances of its two leads Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet. Hammer arrived in Toronto bundle in a ski sweater and was more than nice to fans who surrounded him. Even two handlers blocking him wasn’t enough to stop Hammer from showing his giving side. You must see this Film. We can’t stop thinking about it! More here.
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She’s certainly a visionary and an Icon of the Fashion and Music realms. Multi-talented Grace Jones makes a rare appearance at TIFF ’17 in Sophie Fiennes‘ (sister of Joseph and Ralph) Documentary, GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT AND BAMI. We spotted both in town tonight and we are over the moon about getting photo with Jones. She rarely does this. More here.
While he is here to film Christoph Waltz‘s GEORGETOWN, Straight Outta Compton and 24: LEGACY star Corey Hawkins surely will be seen this weekend celebrating TIFF. The Actor was spotted arriving in town tonight and amazingly gracious with a growing crowd of Fans hoping to get a snap with him. For one, his Compton Co-Star Jason Mitchell appears in Mudbound from Netflix, premiering at the Festival!
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We’re only just beginning. You ain’t seen nothing yet! Keep checking our Social Media channels for updates throughout the day on all the TIFF ’17 buzz and sightings!
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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: CHARLIE HUNNAM + GUY RITCHIE IN TORONTO FOR “KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD”
One of this spring’s most eagerly-awaited blockbusters is King Arthur:Legend of the Sword and stars someone the City loves and welcomes back once again, Charlie Hunnam. The Sons of Anarchy star who has built a legion of loyal fans worldwide, returns to the very place he filmed both Crimson Peak and Pacific Rim. Tonight we rolled out the red carpet for him and the acclaimed Director Guy Ritchie at the Toronto Premiere of the historical action-drama, held at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto.
Ritchie‘s eagerly-awaited take on the legend of King Arthur promises to be gritty, with a modern edge. Skirting around historical facts, the Film plays-up its fantastical element. The accessible Hunnam tells the story of the “prince among thieves” to a new generation of fans. The Film also features an exciting supporting cast including Jude Law, Poppy Delevingne, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Djimon Hounsou, Aidan Gillen and Eric Bana. There also may be a surprise or two.
Official Synopsis
When the child Arthur’s father is murdered, Arthur’s uncle, Vortigern (Jude Law), seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy.
See the epic Trailer:
Despite the threat of continuous rains which have been dampening the City, fans came out in full force tonight for the indoor Red Carpet to get a glimpse of their beloved Hunnam and Ritchie. It is said that some queued as early as 6:00 AM outside the theatre. Despite a whirlwind day which earlier saw the duo in New York, jetting into Toronto in time for the Red Carpet this evening, they remained gracious and energetic, feeding off the electric energy of their Toronto admirers. Ritchie and even moreso Hunnam, were more than giving signing autographs (memorabilia including figurines of himself and arms even!) and taking selfies with fans who were separated into organized sections.
We’ve had the pleasure of meeting Hunnam multiple times in the past and it was amazing seeing him shine bright tonight!
See our Snaps of all the excitement. Hover mouse over left and right of each post below to navigate slideshow:
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Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD Friday, May 12, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada/Mr. Will Wong)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “CRIMSON PEAK”
We’re huge fans of Guillermo del Toro and are thrilled to present to you a chance to see first his latest masterpiece, CRIMSON PEAK, which was made in Toronto! Screenings take place in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton on Wednesday, October 14, 2015.
Synopsis:
Legendary Pictures’ Crimson Peak, a co-production with Universal Pictures, is a haunting gothic horror story directed by the master of dark fairy tales, Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy series, Pacific Rim), written by del Toro & Matthew Robbins and starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam and Jim Beaver.
In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author Edith Cushing is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds…and remembers.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Tell me whom Edith should choose, the childhood friend or the mysterious outsider. Also remember to indicate your city.
G’luck Willionaire$!
Universal Pictures Canada release CRIMSON PEAK on Friday, October 16, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “CRIMSON PEAK”
Toronto-filmed CRIMSON PEAK finally gets a Trailer release and it looks bloody terrifying! This is Director Guillermo Del Toro like we’ve never seen! We don’t think we can wait till Halloween for this!
See the Trailer:
Official Synopsis:
Legendary Pictures’ Crimson Peak, a co-production with Universal Pictures, is a haunting gothic horror story directed by the master of dark fairy tales, Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy series, Pacific Rim), written by del Toro & Matthew Robbins and starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam and Jim Beaver.
In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds… and remembers.
Universal Pictures Canada release CRIMSON PEAK on Friday, October 16, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
#SPOTTED: CHARLIE HUNNAM (AGAIN!) IN TORONTO FOR “CRIMSON PEAK”
Sorry, I couldn’t resist, okay? You all know how much I love Charlie Hunnam and I know with certainty the feeling is mutual on your end judging by last week’s responses. We spotted Hunnam again today returning from a grocery run and he was amazing to stop for a couple returning Fans. Quickly dropping-off his groceries, he came back as promised, taking a moment to sign some Autographs and chat. He simply is the nicest, most giving and generous Celebrity I’ve ever encountered and I think he sensed how genuine our excitement was.
This is where my jaw drops. Hunnam recognized me actually last week from the first time we met two years ago and tells me that Guillermo Del Toro‘s Assistant had let him know about my Post last week. “‘I see you met Will Wong‘”, Hunnam was told, to which he replied, “But that was only 12 hours ago! How did you know?!”. He went on to tell me, “I didn’t know you were a Local Celebrity, Will Wong!”. Humbled.
Absolutely unexpected, he then passed me his v. last Sons of Anarchy Autograph Card, which of course I will ensure a lucky Fan has to chance to win, but let me finish telling my Story first. Also, did you know that Hunnam recently did a slight modification to his Signature?
Anyhow, Hunnam tells me that he still loves visiting his fave local Spot for Thai, in fact just having had Dinner there last night. I made him aware though that the Team behind the Restaurant originally had relocated to a new Spot a little more east in the City. He jot down the name on his iPhone and promised to give it a try! Laughs were shared, hearts were warmed, memories were made.
Without revealing too many details about Crimson Peak, Hunnam says, “It’s more a Horror, with Supernatural elements”. Enough said. We’ll just have to see next October.
On the other side of town, Hunnam‘s Crimson Peak Castmates Jessica Chastain and Tom Hiddleston were out celebrating the two-time Oscar Nominee’s Birthday at Brassaii, followed by some festive Ping Pong and Karaoke. You must see the amazing Photos Chastain shared on her Facebook Page here!
I admit I did see Hiddleston out and about too this weekend, but he declined politely to stop but still was gracious about it, clasping his hands in a prayer-like motion of appreciation. I’ve had great experiences prior with him and certainly know when to stop and respect his boundaries – sorry to disappoint those of you asking repeatedly for his updates!
Now back to Hunnam. He is amazing and we promise to leave him alone! To enter to win that ultra-rare Sons of Anarchy Autograph Card, simply click “like” on this corresponding Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Good luck!
Crimson Peak wraps mid-May.
See this super-neat Instagram Post we did of Hunnam:
Mr. Will & The Cast and Director of CRIMSON PEAK:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: CHARLIE HUNNAM IN TORONTO FOR “CRIMSON PEAK”
Let me tell you about a little Story about Charlie Hunnam. Two years ago when I was in-between jobs, I made it a point of allocating my spare time to finding him. Love. The. Guy. It was whispered to me that he had been frequenting a local Thai Hotspot on weeknights after wrapping-up filming on what went-on to be the acclaimed Pacific Rim. I made it a point of visiting the Haunt frequently and $200 of Pad Thai later, I crossed paths with him finally. “I’m a creature of habit” he told me about his dining habits after letting him know how hard I had thaid… I mean tried, frequenting the Restaurant around closing time sporadically over the span of a few weeks.
Hunnam is a rare breed in a crowded field of working Actors. He is ultra-selective about the roles he chooses and it is surprising to see that in a Career which dates back to the late ’90s, he has less than 20 acting credits to his name. But the quality of his work is impeccable. Nicholas Nickelby, Pacific Rim, Queer as Folk (the original U.K. one), Cold Mountain, Sons of Anarchy (for which he is known best for stateside)… and even the upcoming Film Adaptation of wildly-popular 50 Shades of Gray, in which he originally was cast in the Leading Role of Christian Gray until ultimately deciding against it.
Above this, Hunnam is just an all-around nice Guy. Despite repeatedly being asked for Autographs by professional Collectors, he is reportedly just as nice every time and I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who’s crossed paths with him and didn’t have something nice to say about him.
I spotted the British Actor, in-town and re-teaming with Guillermo del Toro once again on his next Film, Crimson Peak (Working Title: Haunted Peak). The Film stars also Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain, the latter who attended a private House Party this weekend held in her honour at a luxurious Hotel/Condo in Financial District.
Carrying a Yoga Mat, he appeared to be coming back from a Workout, before retiring for the night. He is just as awesome as I remembered two years ago when first meeting him and I even managed to get him to sign a Photo for you Wongsters, which he was just gracious about. How do you feel about winning that?
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Share if you like with your Friends on Social Media!
Crimson Peak wraps mid-May.
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Terry Richardson)
#FIRSTLOOK: CHARLIE HUNNAM & DAKOTA JOHNSON CAST IN “50 SHADES OF GREY”
He’s been touted as a Breakout Star for a while now, but make no mistake – Charlie Hunnam has been in the game for a while and will be for a long time. We just received news earlier today that the British Star of acclaimed Series Sons of Anarchy is about to become a Megastar.
Only in June was it announced that Sam Tayl0r-Johnson would be helming this Adaptation of E.L. James’ wildly popular Novels and now it has been confirmed that Charlie Hunnam is tied (pardon the pun) to the coveted role of Christian Grey for which many of Hollywood’s A-List Actors have been vying for. Don’t be shocked though, as Hunnam‘s Career has seen some daring moves including a fearless performance in 1999’s original Queer as Folk Series as as Nathan Maloney.
Confirmed in the Lead Actress Role of Anastasia Steele is Dakota Johnson, Daughter of Stars Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. Having sharpened her skills starring in now-defunct Comedy Series Ben and Kate, she also has appeared in popular Films like 21 Jump Street, The Social Network, Beastly and The Five-Year Engagement.
50 Shades of Grey centers on the intense, erotic relationship between a Student and a 27-year-old Billionaire. The Series of Novels by James has sold over 70-million Copies worldwide.
We had the pleasure of meeting both the Director Taylor-Johnson and Hunnam in 2012. Both are amazingly wonderful. Read more here and here.
Hunnam is set to return to Toronto this Fall to film Guillermo del Toro‘s Crimson Peak.
50 Shades of Grey releases August 1, 2014 via Focus Features & Universal Pictures.
See ours and Hunnam‘s Snap below:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Vintage Books)
MY WEEK AS AN EXTRA ON “PACIFIC RIM” | SIGNED PHOTO SET GIVEAWAY
Back in January 2012, I had the opportunity to do a bit of work on $180-million mega-opus from Director Guillermo del Toro, Pacific Rim. I was incredibly honoured to do work days on the Production as a Background Performer. I was unemployed at the time, having lost a job I had for many years and always dreamed of being in a Movie, so, why not? Because we had signed Confidentiality Agreements, details we weren’t permitted to be disclose any details until filming had completely fully. After holding on this post for over 22 months, finally I can talk about my experience!
Cast in the role of an Engineer, I learned first-hand how much work can go into filming just one scene, let alone an entire Film. Some days began as early as 5:30 AM, while ending as late as 10:30 PM. Now if you think that’s a long day, know that some of the Crew are required to arrive even earlier and to stay later to set-up and pack-up. Having worked a 9 to 5 job with a cushy seat, I appreciate just how spoiled I was. A non-unionized Background Performer makes a v. minimal amount of money and endures gruelingly long days.
The futuristic Sci-Fi/Action Flick, taking-up a majority of the eight stages at Toronto’s Pinewood Studios, pits Humans and Robots up against Apocalyptic Monsters, rising from beneath the Pacific Ocean. A majority of the Film appears is shot against a Green Screen and is F/X-heavy. Set Design is fascinating and intricate – “mechanical” and “martial” are words I would choose to describe it all. Much of the Film is set on a Compound off the Pacific Ocean shores, with hoards of Labourers working at a feverish pace to build Robots, which ultimately will be piloted by Soldiers to fight-off the destructive Enemies. Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba) leads the Charge, declaring a War to cancel the Apocalypse. Working under him in the fight are Right-hand Man Herc Hansen (Max Martini), Australians Raleigh Antrobus (Charlie Hunnam), Yancy Antrobus (Robert Kazinsky) and Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi). There even is an adorable and talented English Bulldog named Max joining the fight too!
#SPOTTED: GUILLERMO DEL TORO IN TORONTO FOR “PACIFIC RIM”
Acclaimed Director Guillermo Del Toro is back in Toronto once again, now promoting his latest $300-million Robots vs. Monsters Sci-Fi/Action Epic, Pacific Rim which he filmed in Toronto at Pinewood Studios.
In addition to a series of interviews scheduled today, a noticeably slimmer del Toro did some TV appearances including City‘s Breakfast Television, where he not only charmed Host Jennifer Valentyne, but also wowed Fans stopping generously to pose for Photos and sign Autographs. While on a quick break, del Toro did the impossible, coming out to greet Fans and some workers inside the building too. Often the Talent are content resting in their Green Rooms, but del Toro certainly is something special.
The Director/Producer/Writer known best for Oscar-nominated Pan’s Labrynth and Hellboy will pretty much be making Toronto his home for at least a year as he feels TV Series The Strain in the City this Fall, followed by Crimson Peak next Spring. The latter reunites him with his new Muse, Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy). It is said that del Toro held a private screening of Pacific Rim for the Toronto Cast of the Film.
I had the pleasure of filming a week’s worth of scenes as a Background Performer and cannot wait to see it!
See my Snap of del Toro:
Warner Bros. releases Pacific Rim on Friday, July 12, 2013.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#FIRSTLOOK: BRAND NEW TRAILER FOR “PACIFIC RIM”
Go big or go extinct.
Could we ask for anything more? Careful not to give too much away still, this brand new Trailer for Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim has just been released, focussing almost exclusively on the War between Monsters and Robots. In a scintillating display of Action, Destruction and neon-lit Chaos, this Toronto-filmed Action-Adventure looks to deliver on every scale in a big way.
Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman, Robert Kazinsky, Max Martini, Clifton Collins Jr. and Idris Elba star.
Watch the Trailer below:
And while we’re on it, news has just surfaced that del Toro‘s next Feature Crimson Peak will begin production in Toronto July 2014. Let’s roll-out the Welcome Mat for Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, Benedict Cumberbatch and once again Hunnam!
Warner Bros. releases Pacific Rim on July 12, 2013.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)
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