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#SPOTTED: FAN EXPO CANADA 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

By Amanda Gilmore, George Kozera + Mr. Will Wong

Signalling the end of Summer, Fan Expo Canada returned to Metro Convention Centre once again this past weekend, converging the worlds of Sci-Fi, Anime, Horror, Gaming, Comics and Cosplay together into one giant celebration. Fan Expo Canada celebrated its 25th year anniversary and they did it bigger and better than ever with several notable guests in attendance including John Travolta, Jeff Goldblum, Zachary Levi, Karl Urban, Peter Capaldi, Brendan Fraser and more!

Highly-touted Cast reunions highlighted the affair including that of Saved by the Bell, Smallville, Blade Runner, The Goonies and more. The likes of Pamela Anderson, David Harbour, Kristen Kreuk, Jason Momoa also were slated but had other commitments preventing them from making it.

Fans found themselves with many events, panels, photo ops, autograph signings, screenings, panels and even LGBTQ+-inclusive matchmaking events to attend all the way through Fan Expo Sunday wherein previous years, Saturday normally is the busiest day.

The event brought-in an estimated 129,000+ people from around the world.

 

Some Highlights from Fan Expo Canada 2019:

 

COSPLAY

 

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT EXHIBIT

In addition to rate pieces from Star Wars, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones and more, a huge draw at the Exhibit was a travelling, growing ball made from the hair of 600+ people around the world!

 

SAVED BY THE BELL Panel with Elizabeth Berkley, Mark-Paul Gosselaar x Mario Lopez

Stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley talk about their time on the 90s morning TV staple. They reveal while Berkley was filming a certain “Las Vegas movie”, the Cast were watching the O.J. Simpson chase while filming their own Vegas movie. Berkley and Lopez admitted they were nice to Dustin Diamond, Gosselaar not so much! Berkley says she had the most fun filming the Series’s fantasy sequences.

So awesome hearing them do the Show’s signature Bayside cheer!

 

JEFF GOLDBLUM

The screen veteran known for his work in the Jurassic Park franchise, returns to the City he filmed The Fly! He reveals he spent seven hours in makeup a day, that his wife, Olympian Emilie Livingston is from here too! His new Disney+ series The World According to Jeff Goldblum, premieres November.

And he reveals his new Album on Decca will feature surprise vocalists! He even had the room singing “O Canada“! 🇨🇦

 

TEEN TITANS GO Panel with Tara Strong x Greg Cipes

The two Voice Actors joked around and Cipes brought his dog Wingman with him to the Panel and the dog stole the show, drinking out of Strong‘s water cup.

When asked what their advice is for their young fans, Strong said to “Choose kindness.”. Cipes said “Never give up on everything you ever wanted.”.

Strong advises also it is important for voice actors to have an acting background and admits she is very “physical” behind the mic.

Cipes cites Robin Williams as his biggest influence.

 

BLADE RUNNER – Sean Young x Edward James Olmos

Young made some candid revelations from her experience in Hollywood,  telling the audience “Never make a Director feel bad for hitting on you”.

On recent reboot Blade Runner 2041, she admits “At 2 hours and 51 minutes, I thought it was much weaker than the original.”.

On working with Sir Ridley Scott, she says “He made me smoke cigarettes to lower my voice. He was very manipulative towards the ladies.”.

Olmos admits, “At the time he (Harrison Ford) was first announced, I thought he was miscast. All I thought was Han Solo.”.

 

ZACHARY LEVI

Levi, unlike others, didn’t require a Moderator and Morgan Hoffman obliged kindly. He stood-up his entire Panel even, fielding fan questions directly.

One fan got to do a magic trick, one got to sing a song from Disney‘s Tangled with him even!

He imparted a bit of inspiration, telling fans, “We all are worthy of occupying space in this world.”.

On Toronto-made Box Office and critical hit Shazam!, he admits the most fun thing for him was getting to act like a 14-year-old. He says also, “The weather was cold but the costume did not keep me warm.”.

 

JOHN TRAVOLTA

The screen icon talked about his new film THE FANATIC and how much he loves when fans talk to him. He  two also reveals  that two fans broke into his house with the intention of only meeting him. There was no ill will.

He admits he never thought Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction would ever become as popular as they had. He always believed Grease was going to be huge and said he was the one that only wanted Olivia Newton-John as Sandy.

 

THE GOONIES Panel – Sean Astin, Corey Feldman x Ke Huy Quan

Feldman tells fans about his affinity for our country, “I love Canadians so much, I married one!”. He is referring to wife, model Courtney Anne Mitchell.

On the famous water slide seen in the Film, he states “We only got to go down the water slide twice. It was the stunt doubles who did the rest!”.

 

BRENDAN FRASER

The star of Encino Man and The Mummy arrived straight from Johannesburg where he is filming currently. He asks the audience if they want another Mummy movie and they gave him a resounding cheer!

He advises Universal Pictures that the key ingredient is fun when making these movies. He currently can be seen in popular series DOOM PATROL.


 

Other notables:

 

Jack Quaid, star of Amazon Prime‘s THE BOYS


 
Peter Capaldi, star of DOCTOR WHO


 
Mia Farrow, iconic star of Rosemary’s Baby and Golden Globe Award winner
 

For more on FAN EXPO CANADA, visit here.

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/George Kozera/Amanda Gilmore)

#SPOTTED: RON PERLMAN, DAN FOGLER, JALEEL WHITE, TOMMY FLANAGAN, JONATHAN RHYS-DAVIES + MORE AT 2019 TORONTO COMICON

By David Baldwin and Mr. Will Wong

Now in its 19th year Toronto Comicon takes place at Metro Toronto Convention Centre this weekend bringing together fans of Sci-Fi, Anime, Cosplayers, Gaming, Comics and more in one extravaganza.  Toronto Comicon year after year has given fans a chance to connect with their favourite idols with Panels, Autograph Signings and Photo Ops. Known as one of the most exciting events each spring in Toronto, the event this year was headlined by several stars including Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Dan Fogler (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), Jaleel White (Family Matters), Tommy Flanagan (Sons of Anarchy), Jonathan Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings), Corbin Bernsen (The Punisher) and several more!

Funko Pop! vinyl collectibles, rare editions of comic books and the opportunity to get one-of-a-kind commissioned pieces by Artists, continue to be a huge draw at the three-day affair. Truly Toronto Comicon is a mecca of all things adored.

Our David Baldwin had the opportunity to sit-in on a couple high-profile Panels for Ron Perlman and Dan Fogler.

 

PERLMAN

Golden Globe Award winner Ron Perlman has had a celebrated career in Film and Television, including unforgettable performances on Television Series Beauty and the Beast and originating the titular role in a soon-to-be rebooted Hellboy. He delighted fans on Saturday afternoon with a lively Q&A session. He set the tone for the nearly hour-long discussion by taking the stage and immediately greeting the audience with “Sup motherfuckers?” He later apologized to everyone who brought their children with them, but did not change his casual demeanour. He says that “99% of the roles I’ve played, I’ve really loved” and likens that passion for his roles to his mantra of “Don’t say yes unless you really love the person you’re playing.”.

While he enjoyed talking about his popular roles (“Sons of Anarchy was larger than life”) and his close relationship with honourary Torontonian and Oscar-winning Director, Guillermo del Toro (going so far as to praise Pan’s Labyrinth as a “masterpiece” and calling it the “quintessential del Toro movie”), Perlman did not hesitate to get very candid with the audience. Upon hearing an audience question about his time on the ill-fated 1996 remake of The Island of Dr. Moreau, he flat-out said “We should have never made that movie,” and said that acclaimed Director Jean-Jacques Annaud saved his life and career more than once when he was “going to quit acting”. He also let the audience in on a very telling secret: “I’m not a big fan of watching my own stuff. I just do it and move on to the next thing.”.

Perlman next year can be seen in Paul W.S. Anderson‘s eagerly-awaited Monster Hunter.

 

FOGLER

Despite landing a breakout role in 2016’s blockbuster Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the first of a few slated Films in the Franchise, Dan Fogler long has been honing his craft. Fashionably-late for his own Panel today, he was exactly as animated and wild a personality as you might expect: “I like acting in front of people.” In his discussion, he detailed how much joy it brings him to get to play roles in the likes of Fanboys, the Fantastic Beasts series and The Walking Dead saying the roles “speak to the little nerd in me.” He even went so far as to say that his work on Fanboys specifically gave him the “invitation to act like a kid again.”.

Fogler went the extra mile during the Q&A portion, handing-out comic books and memorabilia to each audience member who asked a question (and in a rather wonderful touch, personally delivered memorabilia and hugged an audience member in a wheelchair). He riffed on his time working with Christopher Walken on Balls of Fury (telling the audience Walken’s method of dialogue delivery: “It’s all about slow, medium, fast”) and reminisced about his inspirations, saying that after discovering that Voice Actor Mel Blanc was playing and creating voices for multiple Looney Tunes characters, “I want to do that!”. Fogler even tried his hand at Sign Language, poorly attempting to sign-out “Say hello to my little friend” to his on-stage interpreter.

The Brooklyn native currently can be seen on AMC’s The Walking Dead as Luke.

 

Check-out some more sights of 2019 Toronto Comicon:

 

Ron Perlman

 

Dan Fogler

 

Jaleel White

 

Jonathan Rhys-Davies

 

Tommy Flanagan

 

Corbin Bernsen

 

John De Lancie

 

Cosplay

 

Cool, rare stuff

 

Also, CAPTIVE STATE is in theatres this weekend. Don’t forget to check-out this need little installation where you can star in your own Poster for the Film!

 

You still have one more day left to check-out 2019 Toronto Comicon as it wraps Sunday, March 17, 2019!

More here.

 

Missed it? Don’t worry, Fan Expo Canada is coming this Summer. More details here.

 

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/David Baldwin)

 

#SPOTTED: 2018 TORONTO FAN EXPO HIGHLIGHTS – MICHAEL J. FOX, EVANGELINE LILLY, ROB SCHNEIDER, LEA THOMPSON, KAREN GILLAN + MORE!

By David Baldwin, Siobhán Rich x Mr. Will Wong

Now in its 24th year, FAN EXPO CANADA has stamped itself as the premier celebration of fandom in Toronto year after year uniting connoisseurs of Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime and Gaming together for a four-day extravaganza. Once again taking over Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the event was highlighted by a reunion of BACK TO THE FUTURE stars Canadian Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd and Tom Wilson. For the first time ever also, FAN EXPO CANADA hosted WWE® Night with stars of the sport: Triple H®, A.J. Styles™, The Miz® and Charlotte Flair®. Others appearing at the affair were favourites William Shatner, Steven Ogg, Evangline Lilly, Lucy Lawless, Robin Lord Taylor, Jason Momoa, Rob Schneider, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Karen Gillan, Cary Elwes, Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Anthony Rapp, Billy Zane, Emma Dumont and many more!

Purveyor of Pop Culture vinyl collectibles, FUNKO caused quite a stir this year with a pop-up at the Festival giving some lucky fans timed session tickets and a chance to purchase some exclusive goods. Harry Potter and Doctor Who-themed Escape Rooms, the Dragonball North America Tour 2018,  a Degrassi Reunion, plus a Photo Op with the Jurassic Park Jeep were big draws also this weekend.

 

Funko Pop-Up

 

Dragonball North American Tour 2018

 

FAN EXPO CANADA attendees continue to up their Cosplay game and this year was no exception!
 

Our Team had the pleasure of attending FAN EXPO CANADA and sitting-in on some of the hottest ticket panels! More on that below:

AN EVENING WITH THE CAST OF “BACK TO THE FUTURE”

The weekend is just starting, but Fan Expo staged one of the biggest highlights of this year’s convention tonight — An Evening with the Cast of Back to the Future. On hand were Tom Wilson, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd and Canada’s own Michael J. Fox. The ticketed event had fans lining up for over two hours to attend the packed panel. While there was no audience Q&A portion of the 40-minute event, the audience was not left disappointed.

 

We learned that no one amongst the Cast is a fan of the legendary DeLorean car featured in all three Back to the Future films. All four cast members referenced how bad it was to drive, with Thompson noting she never had the opportunity to drive it until she was featured on Dancing with the Stars (“I mainly just took photos draped across the hood”). Noting his large height, Wilson says, “The DeLorean is not made for ‘normal-sized’ people.”

 

In discussing how they become part of the Film, Lloyd says that he “didn’t really get it” when he first read the script. Thompson was the polar opposite: “I thought it was the greatest script with the greatest part.” Wilson was even less subtle, saying “I was really interested in my role because it meant I had a job.” Fox didn’t even have the time to really take in the production of the legendary Film, saying, “I was either working on the show [Family Ties] or working on the movie. I didn’t have enough time to do anything else.”

 

While the group reminisced about making the Film, they really emphasized its cultural significance and importance. “Generation after generation can watch the movie and get something out of it,” says Thompson. Late in the panel, the actress got very emotional when she told the audience and the fans of the series that “We’re all just so grateful.” “So many people say Back to the Future was my Childhood Film,” says Lloyd, noting how special the individual stories from fans makes him feel. Wilson chocks-up the Film’s lasting popularity to the rise of VHS and video rental stores soon after the Film’s release: “It was the perfect storm movie.”

 

Fox was a little more intimate about how he feels about the Film’s legacy, noting that fans always show him their Marty McFly tattoos when he meets them at conventions — and many of them have his face tattooed on a rather specific spot on their body. Fox jokes enthusiastically, “I’m so special that I get to watch everything they eat go down the toilet.”

 

RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE)
Disney fans at Fan Expo Toronto were treated to some behind the scenes and early clips of the upcoming Ralph Breaks the Internet. Hosted by Richard Crouse and the Film’s producer, Clark Spencer, the crowd was shown behind the scenes animated LOLCats and also told about new character Yesss, voiced by Taraji P. Henson. We were then walked through clips that introduced the basic plot including the important role Gal Gadot will be playing as race car driver, Shank.

Perhaps the most anticipated and well received scene was an extended look of the all the Disney Princesses meeting our favourite glitch, Vanelope (Sarah Silverman).

The Movie centers around the friendship between Vanelope and Ralph (John C. Reilly). As the Movie opens, Vanelope‘s future is in jeopardy after her video game is damaged and the owner of Litwak’s Arcade isn’t sure he can afford to fix it. The best friends decide to take maters into their own hands and head into the Internet in search of eBay.

The much anticipated sequel looks fantastic. Ralph Breaks the Internet hits theatre on Friday, November 21, 2018 via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada.

 

EVANGELINE LILLY & RODRIGO BASTOS DIDIER ON “THE SQUICKERWONKERS“
Evangeline Lilly (Ant-Man and the Wasp, Lost) took the stage at Fan Expo Canada today to discuss her Book Series, The Squickerwonkers. She started writing the planned eight-part Series as a way to create new content to read to her son, as she felt reading the same books over and over again “sucks”. The self-proclaimed “intense perfectionist” has written two of the Books so far, telling the audience that she “did a panic edit before bringing the new book to the cons.” She was also proud to note about the series that “If we start with a female protagonist, that’s a great place to start today.”

We also learned about The Squickerwonkers‘ Illustrator, Rodrigo Bastos Didier. Lilly first noticed the artist after he posted artwork on her Facebook page, and the two got into contact after meeting at a Brazilian comic convention. Didier‘s connections helped Lilly get her first publishing deal, after she struggled with self-publishing. “He had such a soft and loving energy. I just wanted to work with him,” she says.

 

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY PANEL

And if that was not exciting enough, Space Channel brought the crew of the USS Discovery to discuss the much anticipated Second Season of Star Trek: Discovery. On hand for the panel were Sonequa Martin-Green (Michael Burnham), Doug Jones (Saru), Mary Wiseman (Sylvia Tilly), Anthony Rapp (Paul Stamets), Shazad Latif (Voq/Ash Tyler) and Anson Mount (Christopher Pike). The group spoke at length about their excitement with the thrilling first season and the fan reactions they have experienced since.

Martin-Green says that she was delighted and in awe of the fans of the show, saying they had “so much love and respect in welcoming us” into the Star Trek family. “There’s nothing to prepare you in life for someone who dresses up as you,” Wiseman says with a laugh. “I don’t know why she resonates with people. Tilly is me, and her enthusiasm is unrivaled,” she says. Jones tells the audience that he initially had difficulty deciding how to play his alien character Saru, noting that after 32 years of playing costumed creatures, “How do you make this one different? The makeup you wear helps you to inform the character.” But what Jones is really thrilled about is how the fans he has spoken to have told him how important that character is to them, saying Saru is “Inspiring people to get over their own fears” as his characters works through his.

 

LUCY LAWLESS x RENÉE O’CONNOR PANEL
Amid jokes of a new comedic show which would unite all the key members of the Cast of XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS (including Bruce Campbell and Ted Raimi) and trips down memory lane regarding late cast member Kevin Smith (Ares), the famously-friendly pair discussed craft services, the #MeToo movement, and the dangers of being Renée O’Connor‘s stunt double.

The two Actress were asked, whether a remake would turn the Xena/Gabrielle relationship from subtext into text?
Lucy: “Absolutely”.
Renée: “People say they loved the relationship – the friendship – that it was so deep.”.

Lucy also was asked about her first impression of Renée:
Lucy: “She was exactly like Gabrielle that first episode.”
Renée: “I was fascinated by her.”

The duo were asked about Gabrielle‘s evolution on the Series.
Lucy: “They saw what Renée could do and said, ‘Let’s write to that!'”.

 

 

See some Snaps from the weekend. Hover cursor or click left and right to navigate slideshow on each album:

 

Some awesome images from #FanExpoCanada Friday by our Dave Baldwin (@davemabaldwin) x Siobhán Rich (@mstypo)! At the #BacktotheFuture Panel, we saw #MichaelJFox #LeaThompson #ChristopherLloyd x #TomWilson reunite in a 40-minute chat which fans queued two hours to see! On the famed #DeLorean, they admit how awful it actually was. Quoting Dave: “All four cast members referenced how bad it was to drive, with Thompson noting she never had the opportunity to drive it until she was featured on Dancing with the Stars (“I mainly just took photos draped across the hood”). Noting his large height, Wilson says, “The DeLorean is not made for ‘normal-sized’ people.”. Siobhán also got a Sneak Peek of the #WreckItRalph Sequel courtesy of @disneystudioscanada and its much-talked-about centerpiece moment. She says, ” Perhaps the most anticipated and well received scene was an extended look of the all the Disney Princesses meeting our favourite glitch, #Vanelope (Sarah Silverman).”. She also witnessed #GalGadot as race car driver, Shank! You still have two days to take in all the fandemonium!!!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

 

 

 

Team Mr. Will and our Photo Ops:

 


 

 


 

Missed all the fun? Start planning now for next year! More here on tickets, guests and events.

 

 (Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Siobhán Rich/David Baldwin)

#FIRSTLOOK: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW TO FAN EXPO CANADA

Canada’s largest Sci-Fi and Gaming Convention is back! FAN EXPO CANADA returns in Toronto to Metro Toronto Convention Centre right before fall and the names are bigger than ever! It is set to run August 30 – September 2, 2018.

Highlighted by a reunion of the BACK TO THE FUTURE Cast, Fan Expo Canada boasts a star-studded lineup of talent you won’t want to miss including:

MICHAEL J. FOX, CHRISTOPHER LLOYD, LEA THOMPSON, TOM WILSON (Back to the Future films)
CARY ELWES, CHRIS SARANDON, WALLACE SHAWN (The Princess Bride)
JEFF GOLDBLUM (Jurassic Park)
WILLIAM SHATNER (Star Trek)
JASON MOMOA (Game of Thrones, Justice League)
ROB SCHNEIDER (Saturday Night Live)
BILLY DEE WILLIAMS (Star Wars films)
PETER MAYHEW (Star Wars films)
KAREN GILLAN (Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy)
EVANGELINE LILLY (Lost, Ant-Man and the Wasp)
LUCY LAWLESS, RENEE O’CONNOR (Xena: Warrior Princess)
RICHARD DEAN ANDERSON (MacGyver, Stargate SG-1)
JOE KEERY (Stranger Things)
PAUL REUBENS (Pee-wee’s Playhouse)
ROBIN LORD TAYLOR (Gotham)
AUSTIN AMELIO (The Walking Dead)
TOM PAYNE (The Walking Dead)
MARK SHEPPARD (Supernatural)
JENNIFER MORRISON (Once Upon A Time)
EMMA DUMONT (The Gifted)
GREGG SULKIN (Runaways)

 

Guest availability is subject to change. Get your tickets and learn more about it at www.fanexpocanada.com.

 

(Photo credit: Fan Expo Canada)

#FANEXPO: HIGHLIGHTS OF FAN EXPO CANADA TORONTO 2017

By Mr. Will Wong, Siobhán Rich and Justin Waldman

Now in its 23rd year, FAN EXPO returned once again to Toronto this weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre celebrating fandom and bringing fans close to their idols of past and future. The extravaganza continues to pull-in upwards of 129,000 people from around the world with panels, exhibits, signings and photo ops galore. There’s even Speed-Dating for the geek-minded.

Cosplayers were out in full festive force with several paying tribute to the likes of The Joker, Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman and Doctor Who.

A major highlight this year was the reunion of the original ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Cast including a seldom-seen Tim Curry, who was available for photo ops and also pre-signed memorabilia. His Castmates Meat Loaf, Nell Campbell, Barry Bostwick and Patricia Quinn also made their way to Fan Expo.

A hot ticket item this weekend, selling-out, was photo ops for the Cast of STRANGER THINGS including Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo. The former also appeared with his fellow Castmates from another production in which he stars, hotly-anticipated Stephen King Remake IT, out next week.

This year, Fan Expo‘s Guest List was heavy on talent filming in the City including Cast members from STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, which sees a premiere on CBS this September including Sonequa Martin-Green, Anthony Rapp and Doug Jones.

Meanwhile, returning favourites Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), John Barrowman (Arrow), Nathan Fillion (Castle), Stephen Amell (Arrow), Anthony Daniels (Star Wars) and Matt Smith (Doctor Who) also proved popular.

THOR: RAGNAROK EXHIBIT

Among the several dazzling displays and exhibits at Fan Expo Canada this year was an exhibit for eagerly-awaited THOR: RAGNAROK from Marvel, giving fans get an exclusive first look at the costumes and pieces seen in the Movie.

In this third Thor Movie, our hero faces his toughest villain yet, Hela played by Cate Blanchett, and her costume makes the villain even more daunting. A black and green costume with a 3D printed headpiece that resembles something similar to a creature from nightmares it truly is a sight to behold. As well the headpiece was never actually worn in the film but rather carried afterwards in very careful placement to fit the Film.

Next is Karl Urban’s Skurge and without giving away too much information about the character he seems to be a forced to be reckoned with as well. A double-sided axe that is truly remarkable accompanies his costume. As well his costume is made of actual steel and fabric, making it one of the more impressive costumes.

Loki’s (Tom Hiddleston) costume takes its final form in this third Film. There are little tidbits of goodies in the costume as well, if we remember the first Avengers Film, the necklace Loki wears has a small piece in his costume this time around as an ode to that other appearance.

Next we have hotly-anticipated Jeff Goldblum’s The Grandmaster whose fabric costume is so much more impressive in person that anyone could have ever imagined. The layers of fabric and costume it self really stands out and boasts the character.

Two really cool props from Ragnarok are from the Hulk Vs Thor scenes where we get a first up close look at Hulk’s sword and hammer that he uses in the fight. These props are massive and certainly a dream come true for fans to be able to see these props up close and personal.

One of the most impressive pieces at Fan Expo’s exhibit this year was Thor’s costume itself, as it is a mish-mash of different pieces. While he is away from Asgard and fighting, he acquires different pieces of his costume and writing on his costume that shows his journey. However the most interesting piece for fans would be Thor’s helmet, which many fans have dreamed of seeing since the first Movie came out.

Photos from the THOR: RAGNAROK Exhibit. Hover cursor left and right below to navigate.

 

Our Justin Waldman and Siobhán Rich had the pleasure of sitting-in on some of the hottest panels at Fan Expo and deliver us that scoop!

 
FAMKE JANSSEN

This gorgeous star of X-Men, Taken, The Wolverine, The Blacklist, How to Get Away with Murder, The Blacklist and Hemlock Grove, the latter filmed right in our City, returns to Toronto again once again. She tells her fans at her panel about her experience working with Hugh Jackman who would go on to be in the widely-acclaimed LOGAN. “It’s impossible to envision anyone else playing that role”, she says about her Co-Star. “I’m grateful to have worked with him.”. 

On Game of Thrones’ Sophie Turner playing a role she helped shape in upcoming X-Men: Dark Phoenix, she says “I think she’s amazing. She reached out to me when she got cast as Jean Grey and asked what pointers I had for her and I told her she’s amazing and to just follow your gut and that’s what she did.”.

TIM CURRY

You know you’re iconic when your Films are remade and your roles are reprised. This iconic star of Rocky Horror Picture Show and the original Pennywise in Stephen King’s IT, which is projected to make a huge splash next weekend at the Box Office, made a rare appearance at this year’s Fan Expo treating fans to an intimate panel.

On which of his projects he considers his favourites, Curry says “Well, I guess one of them is Clue where my part was as big as the Bible. I also love Muppet Treasure Island.“.

On his phenomenal voicework in Animation, he says “I love it. I’ve never been a contortionist. The day is young and one day I hope to be.”. 

While he is the idol of many who attended his panel, he cites Alec Guinness as being someone he looks up to.

JOHN BARROWMAN

This star of Doctor Who, Desperate Housewives, Torchwood, Legends of Tomorrow and of course Arrow is loved by many a fan.  He reflects on the fun he has had on the latter. “A lot of things happened and part of what I like to do is making people crack-up by doing something from across of them. Stephen (Amell) is really easy to crack-up”.

In what will be the most talked-about moment of Fan Expo Canada 2017, Barrowman was asked by a fan at his panel whom his best on-screen kiss was with.  A fan who went by the name Montana then rushed the stage to the shock of the crowd and Barrowman, and the two embraced in a kiss which had the fan going shirtless. The crowd went ecstatic.  David Tennant, his Doctor Who Co-Star was his favourite kiss, by the way!

See for yourself!

 
KATHLEEN TURNER

Those of us who grew-up in the ’80s have fond memories of Turner‘s work in classics like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Peggy Sue Got Married, Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Turner reflected on her beginnings as an actress with her fans. She claims “I didn’t see many films. I always felt like Film happened to me.”. “Most of my imagination was satisfied by reading. This is how I always thought I wanted to be an actor”, she says. “This is my 40th year in my profession and it is still absolutely thrilling to be doing it. I am now entering my fourth profession and I will be doing Cabaret. I can sing.”.

MATT SMITH

In addition to its presence being felt largely this year with several fans dressed as Dr. Who, Matt Smith returned to Fan Expo once again this year. On his eventual exit from the beloved Series, Smith says “Yeah, I always knew I was going to stay for another year. Maybe I would’ve stayed on for another year. But then I thought I couldn’t get too comfortable. It’s a difficult show to leave because it’s such a brilliant character but as an actor you have to continue to do things that frighten you and make you uncomfortable.”.  

Smith currently can be seen in Netflix‘s acclaimed The Crown as Philip.

See some Snaps from Fan Expo Canada 2017. Navigate by hovering cursor over left and right of gallery.

Mr. Will + The Cast of Stranger Things

Missed it this year? Learn more about FAN EXPO CANADA right here and come next year!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Siobhán Rich/Justin Waldman)

#FIRSTLOOK: SEASON TWO TRAILER FOR “STRANGER THINGS”

Hot off its unveiling at San Diego Comic Con, comes this fresh new Trailer for season two of STRANGER THINGS! In case you haven’t heard, some of its stars will be appearing at Fan Expo in Toronto this September!

Synopsis:
The first trailer for Stranger Things 2 is here. It’s 1984 and the citizens of Hawkins, Indiana are still reeling from the horrors of the demogorgon and the secrets of Hawkins Lab. Will Byers has been rescued from the Upside Down but a bigger, sinister entity still threatens those who survived.

See the Trailer:

 

STRANGER THINGS Season Two streams on Netflix Canada Friday, October 27, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#FANEXPOCANADA: MARK HAMILL, STAN LEE, POKÉMON GO, CHARLIE COX + MORE HIGHLIGHT FAN EXPO CANADA 2016

By Siobhán Rich, Justin Waldman + Mr. Will Wong

 

Although the end of Summer often triggers a chorus of sighs, it also means that FAN EXPO CANADA‘s back in Toronto.  The annual convention now in its 22nd year, bringing together the greatest figures in Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime and Gaming with their Fans in a true celebration of “geeking-out”, takes place at Metro Toronto Convention Centre between Thursday, September 1 through Sunday, September 4, 2016.

127k Fans were expected to attend this year with star-power unparalleled. Appearing this year are the likes of Jack Gleeson, John Cusack, Joan Cusack, Frank Miller, Gillian Anderson, George Takei, William Shatner, Nichelle Nichols, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Adam West, Burt Ward, Christopher Lloyd,  Anne Heche, Linda Blair, Hayley Atwell, Ben McKenzie, Morena Baccarin, Charlie Cox and the headliner, Mark Hamill. This also marks the final time that Marvel icon Stan Lee will be appearing in Canada.

Riding the high of international sensation POKÉMON GO, Fan Expo Canada introduced for the first time a Pokémon Go Lure Party giving attendees a chance to advance levels on the game and collect rare Pokémon.

Several series premiered episodes at Fan Expo Canada including the likes of Travelers, The Killjoys, Son of Zorn and YouTube series Carmilla.

Netflix Canada getting into the spirit also presented a retro 90s-theme Dance Party for attendees to mingle.  The Canadian League of Gamers eSports Tournament debuts at Fan Expo Canada also this year. More info on that here.

We had the chance to sit-on some panels and even chat with some of talent appearing this year.  Here are some highlights and memorable quotes:

JACK GLEESON, GAME OF THRONES

“People just love to hate me”, says Gleeson on his role as King Joffrey Baratheon on the record-breaking HBO series. The 24-year-old Irish actor adds “I just give ’em a hug and we are alright”, when people transfer their dislike of him on the show to him in real life.  On whom he’d like to see take the throne on Game of Thrones, he chooses Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). “We need a woman to knock some sense into people.”.

 

JOE QUESADA, Chief Creative Officer, MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT

The Comic Book Writer, Artist and Editor from New York grew-up loving the likes of Black Panther, Daredevil, Punisher and The Inhumans.  When he was brought-on to Marvel in the late ’90s, he admits he wanted most to work on these books. He tells us, “They were paying artists $14 per hour back in 1990!”. After being appointed CCO in 2010, he has helped transform Marvel Entertainment into the powerhouse it has become once again. He admits, “I am the luckiest son of a bitch in Comics right now.”.

 

STAN LEE, FORMER PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN OF MARVEL COMICS

The Marvel legendary is making his final Canadian appearance at Fan Expo 2016 and was a great sport appearing from start to finish. He spoke at his hotly-buzzed panel, reflecting back on his career.  On the many iconic characters he has developed, he says “I really don’t have a favourite character. I love them all. I love Silver Surfer, I love Doctor Strange, I love Spiderman. I love them all. But every time I get asked the question I always say Spider-Man and the audience goes ‘yay’.”.

Of all the talented actors to bring his character to life on-screen, he reveals “My favourite actor is Robert Downey Jr.  I asked him if  anyone ever has called him Bob? He said sure you can call me Bob, Bobo. So now I call him Bobo.”.

 

ADAM WEST & BURT WARD, BATMAN

We all grew-up at some point watching the Batman live-action series of the ’60s. How amazing is it that Batman and Robin both were at Fan Expo Canada together this year in spirited fashion?

Ward, known best for his role as Robin gives his Co-Star West the highest praise.  “There were a lot of fine actors who played Batman, but there’s only one Batman and that’s Adam West!“.  West jokingly replied, “I deserve that!”. On some of the highly-physical work he did on the series, he kids “They took out a $3 million life-insurance policy on me and I’m convinced by the end of the show they were trying to claim it!”.

West, reflecting on Catwoman remembers, “She gave me a curious stirrings in my utility belt!”.

 

GILLIAN ANDERSON, THE X-FILES

Work has brought the The X-Files star back to the City to film, including upcoming series AMERICAN GODS. At her panel, she shed some light on her Agent Scully character saying, “She is quite square and I’m not, but I like her.”.

 

JOHN CUSACK, HIGH FIDELITY

The well-known Actor appeared in a package offer with his equally-brilliant sister Joan.  While he is quite political on Social Media, he made an interesting analogy at his panel, “I see Twitter as curation and graffiti.”.

 

JOHN BARROWMAN, DOCTOR WHO/ARROW

The spirited Scottish-American Actor appeared at a hot ticket panel to thunderous applause. He tells his Fans, “If you don’t follow me you’re missing out on my fabulous life!”.

On his theatrical pursuits, he does say that his dream role on-stage would be Mac in Mac and Mabel.

 

MARK HAMILL, STAR WARS

The iconic Star Wars Actor made a rare appearance at Fan Expo this year and offered a VIP Experience to Fans and spoke at multiple panels. He tells his Fans, “This isn’t a show it’s an intimate conversation between thousands of my new best friends and me”.

On the upcoming continuation of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, he says “Gareth Edwards said five words to me that’s the biggest spoiler.”.

 

CHARLIE COX + ELDEN HENSON, DAREDEVIL

The two stars originally were to be joined by Marvel‘s Daredevil Co-star Jon Bernthal, although he was unable to make Fan Expo 2016 in the end. The duo spoke at a panel today and when asked which Marvel character they’d like to appear as a cameo on their series, Cox chose Black Widow.  Henson however is a fan of Chris Pratt and would like to see his Star-Lord appear on the series.

A fun fact revealed is that the portrait on the wall at the 15th Precinct in the series is actual one of Stan Lee!

 

MAT FRASER + NAOMI GROSSMAN, AMERICAN HORROR STORY: FREAKSHOW

Speaking to our Justin Waldman and Siobhán Rich, the two stars of the popular FX Series reveal some personal details about their experience.

Fraser tells us about filming a bed scene with Jessica Lange,  “Of course, she’s hugely attractive but when you’re acting you’re acting. […] She pulled me in close. She made it really intimate. She nailed the scene: she nailed the intimacy between two actors to make the scene believable. Because she is a star in every sense of the word.”.

Grossman talks to the series’ shorter seasons, stating “As an actor it’s amazing. Because with the exception of me everyone’s gotten a chance to play another role. So I hope to have that opportunity.”.

 

CHARLES MARTINET, MARIO

We enjoyed most our chat with charismatic Charles Martinet, who voices Video Game icon Mario.

Listen below:

 

Some sights of FAN EXPO CANADA:
 

 

 

 

#TheCusacks. #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo #JohnCusack #JoanCusack

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

#MarkHamill, b*tches. #StarWars #LukeSkywalker #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

With #JackGleeson, of #GameofThrones. #KingJoffreyBaratheon #GoT #KingJoffrey #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

#CharlieCox at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo #Daredevil

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

#WilliamShatner at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo #StarTrek

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

You know a bro’s got your back when they fix your hair for your Mark Hamill photo op. #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

#JurassicWorld Cosplay at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

#TheWalkingDead’s #ScottWilson at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo #TWD

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

 

With #LindaBlair, star of #TheExorcist. #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

With star of #TheFlash, #DaniellePanabaker. #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

Meeting #Marvel icon, #StanLee, who made his final Canadian appearance at #FanExpoCanada 2016. #FanExpo

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on

Missed out on FAN EXPO CANADA? Learn more here and plan for next year!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Justin Waldman/Siobhán Rich/Catherine Dennis)

#SPOTTED: RUPERT GRINT, MING-NA WEN, JASON MOMOA, TOM FELTON, THE PHELPS TWINS, MADS MIKKELSEN, JENNA COLEMAN, HAYLEY ATWELL + MORE IN TORONTO FOR FAN EXPO CANADA 2015

Fan Expo Canada 2015 took place in Toronto this weekend at Metro Convention Centre, drawing at least 127k  to the venue as fans were given a rare opportunity to connect with their Pop Culture favourites!  Now in its 21st year, the bonanza gives fans a chance at meeting their favourite Artists, Cosplayers, Actors, in addition to screenings, purchasing rare merchandise and playing new games first. Photo Ops, Autograph Signings and Panels were held throughout the weekend, allowing a generous window of opportunity to connect. Installations were on display for upcoming Films like The Little Prince, The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2, The Hateful Eight and more. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Drawing a large crowd this year were Harry Potter stars Rupert Grint, Tom Felton and The Phelps Twins. Fans also got a chance to see new  faces at the Expo like Boxing legend Mike Tyson, Jenna Coleman (Dr. Who), Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf), Christian Slater (Mr. Robot), Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), Neve Campbell (Scream), Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Robin Lord-Taylor (Gotham), Danny Trejo (Machete), Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter), plus returning fan favourite Norm Reedus (The Walking Dead).

As a friendly reminder this year, signs were displayed stating “Cosplay is not consent” promoting a vibe of respect among attendees, many whom utilize Fan Expo as an opportunity to fulfill their wildest fantasies of role playing as a more extraordinary version of themselves.

Our Team, including Justin Waldman, Christine Miguel and myself sat-in on a few of the Panels!  Some of the more memorable quotes to come out of Fan Expo Canada 2015:

 

MING-NA WEN

“I’m such a huge nerd, geek and a fan of the genre. I am one of you guys when it comes to this kinda stuff”. “How crazy are we about Star Wars??!”. 

She later jokingly publicly asked George Lucas about potentially casting her in one of the upcoming new Star Wars spinoffs or as she kidded, “whoring herself out”.

 

TOM FELTON

“There’s something about playing a slimy little git that’s fun” – on playing Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter.

 

THE PHELPS TWINS

“Normally we hear you’re a lot taller than we thought you’d be” and “You dye your hair? My life is a lie!” – the Twins on the things they hear from fans most often.

 

MADS MIKKELSEN

“I’ve never seen a #Bond film in my life. I had no idea what I was getting into.” – Mikkelsen on accepting his role in Casino Royale.

 

JASON MOMOA

“I’m a big fan of laughing. It helps when you are around a crew of people in Belfast, Ireland. I like making her (Emilia Clarke) laugh.” – Momoa on filming Game of Thrones love scenes.

 

And some Photo Ops, because like you, we’re fans too!

Jason Momoa

 

Mads Mikkelsen

Brandi Cyrus (yes, Miley‘s big sis)

 

Jason Momoa

 

Hayley Atwell


Jenna Coleman

#DrWho’s #JennaColeman at @FanExpoCanada! #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo Photo credit: Christine Miguel (@xtinegram)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on

Gillian Anderson

Rupert Grint

With the star attraction of @FanExpoCanada, #RupertGrint! #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo #RonWeasley #HarryPotter

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on

 

Ming-Na Wen

With gorgeous #AgentsofShield star #MingNaWen at @FanExpoCanada. #MULAN #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on

The Phelps Twins

Tom Felton

 

Christian Slater

With #ChristianSlater, in #Toronto for #FanExpoCanada and new Showcase series, #MrRobot. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on

Danny Trejo

Christine had a chance to sit-in on a screening and panel of ADVENTURE TIME (review here) with voice talents Jeremy Shada and Tom Kenny, which can be seen on The Cartoon Network in Canada. Learn more here.

Learn all about FAN EXPO CANADA here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Christine Miguel/Marc Levy/Justin Waldman)

#SPOTTED: CHRISTIAN SLATER IN TORONTO FOR FAN EXPO + “MR. ROBOT”

Fan Expo fully is in gear this weekend in Toronto, drawing a star-studded cluster of celebrities to Metro Toronto Convention Centre as they gear-up to meet their fans! In Toronto for the occasion and also to promote his hit new series, is ’90s hearththrob Christian Slater. Known best for his roles in classics like Heathers, Pump Up the Volume, True Romance, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, the Actor is experiencing a resurgence of late. Showcase has picked-up rights to the popular Mr. Robot in Canada on which he stars alongside Rami Malek, and we were lucky to have him in town to promote the Series.

Slater made a visit to The Morning Show (National Edition) today on Global Television, before meeting Fans later today at Fan Expo.

See the Trailer for Mr. Robot below:

Mr. Robot premieres on Showcase tonight, Friday, September 4, 2015. Learn more about it here.

See our Snap:

With #ChristianSlater, in #Toronto for #FanExpoCanada and new Showcase series, #MrRobot. #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Showcase)

#EVENTS: RUPERT GRINT HEADLINES TORONTO FAN EXPO THIS WEEKEND!

We’re super-thrilled for FAN EXPO this weekend in Toronto and it looks like they’ve saved the best for last!  Do you believe that Harry Potter star RUPERT GRINT (Ron Weasley) will be headlining the Expo this weekend?  And you finally can get your chance to buy an Autograph or Photo Op with the star!

FAN EXPO runs Thursday, September 3, 2015 through Sunday, September 6, 2015!  Online tickets have been extended a bit longer to accommodate overwhelming demand!  Click here for more.

Robin Lord-Taylor, Ming-Na Wen, Danny Trejo, Hayley Atwell, Jenna Coleman, Norman Reedus, Jason Momoa. These are just some of the major stars taking part this weekend!

See  you there!

(Photo credit: Empire Online)

 

 

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