The 2022 Cannes Film Festival, now in its 75th edition, has officially begun and we’re so thrilled to be a part of the festivities this year! Our Amanda Gilmore is on-foot out on the French Riviera as the Festival runs today through May 28, 2022.
Canada certainly is making its presence felt and even has its own Festival Village! Canada Tent set-up, the Pavillion having been absent for two years. Our Country is represented by CRIMES OF THE FUTURE (David Cronenberg) – which also will be getting a Canadian Premiere in June at TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX – and FALCON LAKE (Charlotte Le Bon).
Academy Award winner Forrest Whitaker in addition to producing Documentary For the Sake of Peace, is receiving an honourary Palme d’Or as well. He says this is the first time he has ever felt internationally-recognized as an Artist!
The Festival’s Jury Conference featured some deep talent with names like Deepika Padukone, Rebecca Hall, Noomi Rapace, Jasmine Trinca, Asghar Farhadi, Ladj Ly, Jeff Nichols and Joachim Trier.
Some key quotes from the Panel conducted in both French and English. A recurring theme with the Jury is their humility and love of Cinema, helping spotlight talent versus “judging” and “critiquing”, which is refreshing.
Noomi Rapace: “It’s a dream come true. Thank you. Thank you for having me.”.
Rebecca Hall: “Not here was no hesitation it was obviously a tremendous honour.”. On bring a Juror, the Actress/Director says, “I don’t like the word judge…There is a huge responsibility, but also a creative responsibility.”.
Deepika Padukone: “We made a promise to each other that we won’t burden ourselves with the responsibility.”. The Bollywood icon tells the room, “Cinema is such a powerful tool and medium it has the ability to impact people’s lives.”.
Joachim Trier: “Together we will have some really interesting and difficult conversations.”. The Director of acclaimed THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD also reveals, “I’m looking forward to watching 21 movies.”.
Jeff Nichols: “I once waited tables at the American Pavilion and someone tipped me a ticket and I was blown-away by how beautifully this Festival honours Filmmakers.”. Nichols, excited like Trier about seeing some movies says, “I guarantee you I will watch every single one of these films with the same energy and awe as when I was 21. “.
A view of the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière Red Carpet:
The famed Theatre Debussy Red Carpet:
TOP GUN: MAVERICK also will get is eagerly-awaited Premiere tomorrow night. See this amazing installation set-up to celebration the Blockbuster!
Bookmark this link and check daily as we will be bringing you your latest Reviews from Cannes!
So excited to deliver you our coverage on the world stage!
(Photo credit: Amanda GIlmore for Mr. Will Wong)
Paramount Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to take Readers to see xXx: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE, filmed right here in Toronto! Screenings take place as follows:
Screenings will take place in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa on Wednesday January 18th, 2017 at 7:00PM.
Toronto – Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas @ 7:00PM
Montreal – Cinema Banque Scotia Montreal @ 7:00PM
Ottawa – Cineplex Cinemas Ottawa @ 7:00PM
Synopsis:
The third explosive chapter of the blockbuster franchise that redefined the spy thriller finds extreme athlete turned government operative Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) coming out of self-imposed exile and on a collision course with deadly alpha warrior Xiang and his team in a race to recover a sinister and seemingly unstoppable weapon known as Pandora’s Box. Recruiting an all-new group of thrill-seeking cohorts, Xander finds himself enmeshed in a deadly conspiracy that points to collusion at the highest levels of world governments. Packed with the series’ signature deadpan wit and bad-ass attitude, “xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE” will raise the bar on extreme action with some of the most mind-blowing stunts to ever be caught on film.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Indicate your city and click “share” from there for an extra chance!
Paramount Pictures Canada release xXx: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE Friday, January 20, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)
Made right here in Toronto what seems like yesterday, xXx: Return of Xander Cage will be ready to be seen in just a few more months. After Vin Diesel teased a sneak peek on his Socials the other day, now comes this brand new Trailer! And it sure sounds like a lot of buttering Xander up!
Trailer:
Paramount Pictures Canada release xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE Friday, January 20, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)
With xXx: The Return of Xander Cage wrapping after beginning production here in February, it is a bit of a bittersweet goodbye. Although Vin Diesel wrapped a few weeks back, some of his Co-Stars including Mike Bisping, Donnie Yen, Tony Jaa and Bollywood Queen Deepika Padukone have been left to carry the weight of the Film on their own.
For the final night of shooting, York x Adelaide in Toronto’s Financial District was shut down as evening scenes were filmed. Padukone‘s fans were out in full effect with over 100+ of them showing up to support her. While she was in costume, telling Fans she’d greet them afterward, some just simply couldn’t wait! Padukone who plays the female lead Serena, was more than nice greeting as many fans as she could before leaving a little after midnight in her Suburban. She’s so lovely and was just as nice the first time we met her!
Other stars Tony Jaa, Donnie Yen, Mike Bisping and director D.J. Caruso also were kind to stop for Fans before wrapping!
See some Snaps:
#DeepikaPadukone, #Bollywood queen, exchanging goodbyes wrapping on #xXx: #XanderCageReturns.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Paramount Pictures Canada release xXx: The Return of Xander Cage Friday, January 19, 2017.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
It was a crazy weekend for star-spotting in Toronto – but with temperatures rising to 20°C, you’d be silly to stay in and not enjoy this well-deserved weather if you were a Celeb! We spotted cast members from xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, The Expanse, American Gods and Orphan Black. ALL IN THE SPAN OF 90 MINUTES!
xXx: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE
With much of filming taking place in Hamilton of late for this Blockbuster starring Vin Diesel, we’re still seeing additions to the Cast roll into the City. With MMA star Conor McGregor dropping out last month to focus on training, fellow Brit and middleweight fighter Michael Bisping more than ably fills the role of Hawk, arriving recently to begin work from L.A. He was amazingly nice to stop today for a Snap while heading out to run errands. No jacket required, indeed. We love that he even “liked” our Selfie!
This next sighting we know you’ll be REALLY excited about. We basically made the news allover the papers in India back in February when spotting her boyfriend and fellow Bollywood megastar Ranveer Singh, who flew-in to spend Valentine’s Day with her and also enjoy he NBA All Star Weekend! Deepika Padukone needs no introduction in her native India, but soon she will garner fans all around the world with her starring role as Serena in xXx: The Return of Xander Cage in which she stars opposite Diesel. She was out and about with her parents today and after we spotted her arriving back at her place, she was more than nice to stop for Selfies with her Mom giving her the “okay”! It was quick though as she head back into her building after a few snaps only, giving a gracious wave. We love her. Read about that time we met Ranveer here. We’ve had pretty good luck with most of the Cast, although we’re still holding out on that Selfie with Diesel! January 2017, guys!! Can’t wait.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
AMERICAN GODS
We adore Brit import Ricky Whittle and are thrilled that things are on the up-and-up for him after his sudden exit from The CW‘s The 100. He begins work on Starz‘s American Gods and although we hear he just found himself a house for his stay while filming the upcoming series, he was really nice to stop today and spend a good 10 minutes with Fans, doing Snaps, Selfies and Autographs, genuinely absorbing all the love. We love the Snap he did with us, which he Tweeted to his amazing Fans!
With the gracious @rickywhittle!! 💯 #RickyWhittle
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
THE EXPANSE
You definitely recognize him from The Hunger Games and The Help, and Georgia native Wes Chatham is back in town to film the second season of SyFy’s The Expanse in the role of Amos Burton. He was spotted doing a quick read-through with British Co-Star Dominique Tipper (Vampire Academy) over lunch. The latter stars as Naomi Nagata and the series has a pretty stacked Cast including Thomas Jane, Shohreh Aghdashloo and more.
With #DominiqueTipper, in town filming #TheExpanse.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
ORPHAN BLACK
Although he’s no longer on internationally-acclaimed Orphan Black as Paul Dierden, which just wrapped recently in the City, Dylan Bruce was spotted around town on some down time. It appears that he’s next working on a TV Film called Midnight, Texas. Despite being caught off guard a bit, he was awesome to accommodate Selfies! We met him a couple years back at Soho House and remember him being just as cool!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
NBA All-Star Weekend has taken over Toronto for the first time ever. Kicking-off the festivities tonight at Ricoh Coliseum on CNE grounds was the much-buzzed Canada vs U.S. Mountain Dew 2016 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, headed by captains Drake and Kevin Hart respectively. Drake tonight was given the honours of holding the key to the City based on his outstanding contributions locally.
Team Canada alas would prevail under Drake‘s guidance with a score of 74-64 with Win Butler and Tracy McGrady leading the pack.
Spotted in the audience tonight were some huge names like Vin Diesel, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and more. The three were on the set of XXX: The Return of Xander Cage filming at the penthouse of one of the City’s most historic hotels. Wrapping just before 7, they head-on over quickly to Ricoh Coliseum, making it in time despite Fans waiting in the cold for them. It is said during halftime show, Diesel stopped to pose for Selfies with several Fans who clamoured for him, soaking-up all the adoration.
Olivia Wilde also was seen cheering Jason Sudeikis who is here promoting Jesse Owens Biopic RACE, alongside Co-Star Stephan James who played for Team Canada.
Rapper Snoop Dogg also is in-town too, leaving a trail of heartbreak this morning after no-showing at appearances on Breakfast Television and The Morning Show after a night of partying Thursday!
Meanwhile not far from the Celebrity Game, Gwen Stefani and Usher would headline an Afterparty at a specially-constructed for the occasion True North Lounge sponsored by Bell. Stefani quietly head to the venue around 9 with bodyguard picking her up from the underground of her Hotel and a trunk full of luggage. She is to appear in the first ever Live Music Video to be filmed Grammys night for her single Make Me Like You, dedicated to boyfriend and The Voice Co-Star Blake Shelton. Earlier in the day she had an Album Listening Party for upcoming Disc, This Is What the Truth Feels Like.
A photo posted by Jasprit Kaul (@jkkaul) on
A photo posted by Lisa Grossi (@lisa_grossi) on
Other parties taking place in the City tonight included Kevin Hart‘s bash at Roy Thomson Hall, Shaquille O’Neal and Snoop Dogg are expected at Muzik Nighclub and also Amber Rose and Blac Chyna at Stadium Nightclub.
See our Snaps with NBA Megastar Chris Paul and man of the hour Kevin Hart!
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
The main event, the All-Star Game takes place Sunday night at Air Canada Centre, 7 PM. Watch on TSN.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
As XXX: The Return of Xander Cage continues throughout the City, with star Vin Diesel spotted filming around St. Lawrence Market today, we caught-up with some related arrivals. Orange is the New Black star Ruby Rose, who stars in this Franchise’s upcoming third installment was spotted flying-in on little rest after wrapping the Sequel to John Wick yesterday in Rome.
After an extended two-hour wait after landing, the Model/Actress wasn’t in best spirits understandably, covering her face with a scarf and sunglasses, also covering her face. Despite being a huge fan of hers and even offering a gift which I thought she would’ve loved, she replied “No, I’m good.” before shielding her face from Paparazzi. We hear some wonderful things about the Australian beauty from other Fans who met her at TIFF ’15. Perhaps it just wasn’t the right time?
Earlier in the day, we also spotted Ranveer Singh, boyfriend of Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, who has settled-in already beginning work on XXX: The Return of Xander Cage, after arriving last week. Tipped off right away by Flight Attendants queueing for Selfies with him after he arrived in Toronto, we joined-in on the Fun! The 30-year-old Indiana University graduate is a huge star in his own right in his native India sweeping multiple Awards since his debut in 2011. He also is closely-related to the powerful Kapoor Family. To be honest, he was amazingly-nice and hope he enjoys his quality time with his dear Deepika Valentine’s Day weekend!
XXX: The Return of Xander Cage films through May in Toronto.
See our Snap:
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Now this one we’re super-stoked about! In 2003, Ong-Bak would revolutionize the way we looked at Martial Arts Films. Thai star Tony Jaa would become a breakout star not only in Asia, gaining legions of fans internationally with the Film being subtitled and released abroad. Since then he has appeared in Hollywood Blockbusters like Furious 7 and Skin Trade.
After growing-up watching the likes of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li on the big screen, who would’ve known he’d go on to be as iconic as they? Now he is set to star alongside one of his idols, Li in upcoming third installment in the XXX Franchise, The Return of Xander Cage. The Film sees Cage (Vin Diesel) return after being presumed dead, tasked on a mission which puts him face to face with dangerous Rai (Li).
Jaa is the latest cast member in the action extravaganza to arrive in Toronto after Diesel sightings were reported on King Street West last weekend, him dining at Jacob’s Steakhouse. Others including Bollywood princess Deepika Padukone and Chinese-Canadian Megastar Kris Wu already have been spotted around town. Confirmed in the Cast are Samuel L. Jackson, Toni Collette, Ruby Rose, Conor McGregor and Nina Dobrev.
Just having celebrated his birthday a couple days back, Jaa arrived in Toronto a bit stunned by the cold weather. Understandable as he’s coming from the tropical climate of his native Thailand. He stopped and posed for Photos with random people detecting his immediate starpower. “Are you famous? Can I get a picture with you?”, asked a lady from the UP Express. Of course, he obliged. One Fan asked if he’ll be fighting Jet Li in The Return of Xander Cage and he replied, “You’ll have to watch and see!”.
XXX: The Return of Xander Cage films in Toronto through May.
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Paramount Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see xXx: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE, filmed in our hometown of Toronto!
Screenings will take place in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa on Wednesday January 18th, 2017 at 7:00PM as follows:
Toronto – Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas @ 7:00PM
Montreal – Cinema Banque Scotia Montreal @ 7:00PM
Ottawa – Cineplex Cinemas Ottawa @ 7:00PM
Synopsis:
The third explosive chapter of the blockbuster franchise that redefined the spy thriller finds extreme athlete turned government operative Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) coming out of self-imposed exile and on a collision course with deadly alpha warrior Xiang and his team in a race to recover a sinister and seemingly unstoppable weapon known as Pandora’s Box. Recruiting an all-new group of thrill-seeking cohorts, Xander finds himself enmeshed in a deadly conspiracy that points to collusion at the highest levels of world governments. Packed with the series’ signature deadpan wit and bad-ass attitude, “xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE” will raise the bar on extreme action with some of the most mind-blowing stunts to ever be caught on film.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City! Click “share” from there for an extra chance!
Paramount Pictures Canada release xXx: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE Friday, January 20, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)
Paramount Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to take Readers to see xXx: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE, filmed right here in Toronto! Screenings take place as follows:
Screenings will take place in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa on Wednesday January 18th, 2017 at 7:00PM.
Toronto – Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas @ 7:00PM
Montreal – Cinema Banque Scotia Montreal @ 7:00PM
Ottawa – Cineplex Cinemas Ottawa @ 7:00PM
Synopsis:
The third explosive chapter of the blockbuster franchise that redefined the spy thriller finds extreme athlete turned government operative Xander Cage (Vin Diesel) coming out of self-imposed exile and on a collision course with deadly alpha warrior Xiang and his team in a race to recover a sinister and seemingly unstoppable weapon known as Pandora’s Box. Recruiting an all-new group of thrill-seeking cohorts, Xander finds himself enmeshed in a deadly conspiracy that points to collusion at the highest levels of world governments. Packed with the series’ signature deadpan wit and bad-ass attitude, “xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE” will raise the bar on extreme action with some of the most mind-blowing stunts to ever be caught on film.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Indicate your city and click “share” from there for an extra chance!
Paramount Pictures Canada release xXx: THE RETURN OF XANDER CAGE Friday, January 20, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)
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