Netflix‘s most expensive endeavour yet, The Crown, focuses on Queen Elizabeth‘s rise to the throne beginning from her marriage to King Philip.  Set to take place over six seasons at ten episodes each, you can bet the Internet Television purveyor is confident in its investment. The ambitious drama series takes us within the walls of Buckingham Palace, peeling-off the Royal Family mask and giving us fly-on-the-wall access with  a few scandalous surprises along the way. Stephen Frears returns to direct here after finding Oscar success on familiar territory with 2006’s The Queen.

We had the pleasure of previewing the first few episodes of The Crown and right away found ourselves swept away into Queen Elizabeth‘s (Claire Foy) world after suddenly she is thrust into the spotlight with the sudden passing of her father, King George (Jared Harris). We had little clue who Foy was before setting her eyes upon her here, but we quickly have become a huge fan of her already. Possessing physically one-part the relatability of Reese Witherspoon and one-part the commanding elegance of a Felicity Jones, something feels familiar about her. She captivates at every turn and we want very much to see her transformation as a young wife, mother, daughter and sister into a powerful world ruler.  We want also to witness and understand the change in family dynamics that come with her new role.

Aside from the Queen‘s journey, we get insight on some of the power struggles both the Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Jon Lithgow) and Royal Family in the wake of  King George‘s (Jared Harris) death, the former venerable and vulnerable as his standing in the political world is threatened as others chomp at the bit to succeed him. The Crown reads at times as a political drama and other times like a juicy soap opera.

We see Princess Margaret also as an arresting young beauty involved in an illicit romance with married Group Captain Peter Townsend (Ben Miles), Vanessa Kirby playing the much criticized public figure with great empathy. Her carefree nature juxtaposes well with her sister’s great focus when matters become serious after her father’s passing.

Matt Smith balances a young King Philip with a perfect aloofness and at once an awareness that keeps us invested with him as an outsider looking into a world rooted deeply in tradition and history, in which he along with we, are just getting immersed.

Performances aside, the cinematography is simply breathtaking and clearly we see where that well-publicized budget of $7.5 million per episode was spent in all the detail.

The Crown looks to be an adored staple for seasons to come. We’re thrilled for the world to discover the Royal Family as you’ve never seen them before. Netflix Canada stream the first 10 episodes of THE CROWN Friday, November 4, 2016.

See this brand-new Featurette from the Series:

We’re about two weeks away from the release of Netflix‘s most expensive Series made ever with a budget of $7.5 million per episode. THE CROWN recalls Queen Elizabeth II’s (Claire Foy) reign from her marriage to Prince Philip (Matt Smith) to present day. Starring in the titular role at this point is Foy, with the buzzed and controversial Series which strips away the Royal Family mask, expected to span across six seasons.

In town to ring-in the release of THE CROWN are stars Jared Harris (Mad Men, The Mortal Instruments) who plays King George VI, and Vanessa Kirby in the role of Princess Margaret. While rushed, the duo met and greeted fans quickly, although Kirby was kind to come out of her vehicle for a quick second to snap a Selfie with Billy and I after doing a limited number of photo ops.

The pair began their day at CITY‘s Breakfast Television before splitting up for a bit to do press. An intimate Premiere and Reception will be held in celebration of what looks like a staple for the groundbreaking streaming service.

See our Snaps:

Billy meets Princess Margaret, played by the lovely #VanessaKirby in controversial new #Netflix series #TheCrown.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Oct 25, 2016 at 5:23am PDT

#JaredHarris meets Billy! The #MadMen star in town for #Netflix series #TheCrown.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Oct 25, 2016 at 5:25am PDT

Watch the latest Trailer for THE CROWN:

Netflix Canada stream the first ten episodes of THE CROWN Friday, November 4, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

eOne Films and Mr. Will Wong wants to give Toronto Readers a chance to see Action-Adventure POMPEII on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, starring hunky and beloved Kit Harington!  We were among the first to spot the Game of Thrones last Winter in the City, where the Movie had filmed!

Official Synopsis:
Set in 79 A.D., POMPEII tells the epic story of Milo (Kit Harrington), a slave turned invincible gladiator who finds himself in a race against time to save his true love Cassia (Emily Browning), the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant who has been unwillingly betrothed to a corrupt Roman Senator.

As Mount Vesuvius erupts in a torrent of blazing lava, Milo must fight his way out of the arena in order to save his beloved as the once magnificent Pompeii crumbles around him.

Watch the Trailer:

Enter to win by clicking “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Your are encouraged to share this Post with Friends via Social Media. Double your chances by Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/pompeii @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Screening Passes in #Toronto to see #POMPEII! Out 2/21!

Good luck.

eOne Films release POMPEII on Friday, February 21, 2014.

With great sadness, we must say farewell to another TIFF.  And with fatigue, a limp in my right foot and great pain in my neck today after a gruelling run these past 11 days, I look back at the happy times, the regrets and what TIFF ’14 might hold.  Despite all these mixed emotions, I know it won’t be long before I’m begging for more!  I live for the Toronto International Film Festival – the greatest in Film Festival the World – and wouldn’t rather be anywhere else.

Here’s a look back at some of the Highlights for me of the Festival in Compiled Lists:

MR. WILL’S MOST GRACIOUS 10

Anyone who encountered these Stars up-close and personal during TIFF ’13 can vouch that they deserve a warm round of applause for the respect, appreciation and courtesy they’ve shown our City. Whether it be Jessica Chastain‘s consistent grace and humility towards her Fans, Brad Pitt‘s surprise Red Carpet appearance in which he took several Photos with Fans at the 12 Years a Slave Premiere, Hugh Jackman stopping in the rain outside the Press Conference for Prisoners to meet and great all his Supporters individually – these Stars understand exactly what the Festival is all about for us Fans!

1. Jessica Chastain
2. Sandra Bullock
3. Tom Hiddleston
4. Daniel Radcliffe
5.. Brad Pitt
6. Josh Brolin
7. Hugh Jackman
8. Jennifer Aniston
9. Nicolas Cage
10. Emma Thompson

MR. WILL’S  SUCCESSFUL 6

These six Films gained a great amount of buzz and momentum coming out of TIFF ’13 in advance of their forthcoming Awards Season Best Picture Campaigns.  Sadly, August: Osage Country didn’t wind up getting critical love universally (I enjoyed it much!) hoped for, but it still remains a major Contender in the Acting categories – especially for a heartbreakingly-absent Queen Meryl Streep.

1. 12 Years a Slave
2. Labor Day
3. Dallas Buyers Club
4. Prisoners
5. Gravity
6. Rush

MR. WILL’S EMERGING 5

These five up-and coming Stars caused quite a stir wherever they spotted around TIFF ’13.  This time next year, expect to know them pretty much on a first name-basis.

1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Emilia Clarke
3. Daniel Brühl
4. Jai Courtney
5. Taylor Schilling

MR. WILL’S NAUGHTY LIST

Although we try to keep things positive here, we remain hopeful that next time these Stars visit our City, they show us a bit more Fan Appreciation – not just only when the Cameras are on – than they showed this year.  Little things like picking-up a  Sharpie or taking time to pose for Photos with Fans, or maybe not distancing themselves a 15 feet from the Barricades where their Fans had queued for hours to see them, would be a first step.  In all fairness, some had hyper-assertive Handlers or lateness to blame.

1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
3. Scarlett Johansson
4. Mila Kunis
5. Emilia Clarke

MR. WILL’S FASHIONABLE 5

These Stars certainly made a Statement whether it be out and about in our City or on the Red Carpet. I still cannot get over Kitsch‘s gray-on-gray Suit he wore at the Premiere of The Grand Seduction and certainly was a bit obsessed with Toni Collette‘s new Bangs. Julia Roberts was a Vision in her Dolce & Gabbana Dress at the Premiere of August: Osage County too, but my favourite look was Sandra Bullock at the Gravity Premiere in Narciso Rodriguez!

1. Sandra Bullock
2. Julia Roberts
3. Taylor Kitsch
4. Toni Collette
5. Jessica Chastain

And who exactly did Mr. Will got a Photo-with at TIFF ’13?

Ben Cotton, Dane Cook, Jason Reitman, Josh Brolin, Nicole Kidman, Anika Noni Rose, Bill Condon, Donnie Wahlberg, Paul Wahlberg, Jack Huston, Tom Arnold, John Torturro, Lauren Lee Smith, Sami Gayle, Mary Walsh, Saoirse Ronan, Michael C. Hall, Tye Sheridan, Katie Boland, Aaron Abrams, Kelly Rowan, Daniel Radcliffe, Taylor Schilling, Effie Exarchopoulos, Dan Stevens, Daniel Brühl, Alicia Vikander, Tom Hiddleston, deadmau5, Carice Van Houten, Tom Welling, Vanessa Paradis, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Taylor Kitsch, Toni Collette, Dakota Fanning, Jai Courtney, Ciaran Hinds, Jessica Chastain, Emilia Clarke, Jared Harris, Adelaide Kane, James Lafferty, Jennifer Morrison, David Arquette, Alfre Woodard, Ryan Kwanten, Catherine O’Hara, Mark Boone Junior, Will Forte, Emma Thompson, Cara Gee, Demian Bichir, Jude Law, Tom Wilkinson, Alfonso Cuaron, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Thompson (again!), Lea Seydoux, Robert Baker, Amanda Walsh, Adam Driver, Keanu Reeves and Nicolas Cage.

To re-visit some of the amazing names that I snapped in the City over the Festival, click here.

To read some of my Reviews of the Films that premiered at TIFF ’13, click here.  More Reviews to come over the next day or two as I play catch-up after all the madness.

…until next year, Wongsters!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*Photos taken on Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5

eOne Films & Mr. Will Wong are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win one of 20 Double Passes to the Canadian Premiere of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones! It was filmed in our City and now we’re proud to celebrate its release in our City! The Red Carpet Event takes place Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto with several Cast Members in attendance.

Official Synopsis:

Based on the best-selling Young Adult Novel by Cassandra Clare, when her Mom is attacked and taken from their home in New York City by a Demon, a seemingly ordinary Teenage Girl, Clary Fray, finds out truths about her past and bloodline on her quest to get her back, that changes her entire life.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones stars: Lily Collins (Mirror, Mirror), Jamie Campbell Bower (Twilight Saga), Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), Kevin Zegers (The Colony), Kevin Durand (Robin Hood), Robert Sheehan (Misfits), Jared Harris (Mad Men) and Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors).

Watch the sizzling Trailer below:

Official Artwork below:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Double your chances by sharing this Post with your Friends on Facebook or Re-Tweeting the below to your Followers:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/themortalinstruments @MRWILLW wants us to #win a Double Pass to the #Toronto Premiere of #TheMortalInstruments 8/15. Out 8/21! #TMIMovie

Good luck, Shadowhunters! This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for.

eOne Films releases The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones on Wednesday, August 21, 2013.

Pre-order your Tickets here.

(Photo credit: eOne Films)

A few things about this brand new Sneak Peek Trailer for The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones:

-We get to witness adorable Lily Collins introducing the Trailer
-We see that Demi Lovato, Zedd and Colbie Caillat have contributed Tracks to the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from Universal Republic
-We can hear Previews of the Soundtrack here; it is available for Pre-order here (out August 20, 2013)
-The Film is PG-13 as per the MPAA
-It will be available in IMAX

Watch the Sneak Peek Trailer at Yahoo! Movies in full here or watch it in HD below:

eOne Films releases The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones on Wednesday, August 21, 2013.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

Things undisputably are on the up-and-up for Sam Claflin. The 26-year-old British Actor who made a splash in Box Office Smashes Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Snow White & The Huntsman, soon after was cast in upcoming The Hunger Games Sequel, Catching Fire, in the coveted role of Finnick Odair.  Co-Star Jennifer Lawrence in fact also arrived on Canadian soil this weekend to begin work on X-Men: Days of Future Past, being spotted in Montreal Sunday night!

Claflin, arrived in Toronto over the weekend, to begin a few days only of Production on Rom-Com, Love, Rosie, opposite Rising Star Lily Collins, who practically is now a Torontonian after all the time she’s spent here this past year! The Film centers around a pair of Friends who are separated when one (Alex, played by Claflin) relocates with his Family to America and one remains in Dublin (Rosie, played by Collins).  “Can Friendship and Love survive distance and separation?”, we are asked in this Adaptation of  the popular Novel by Cecelia Ahern (P.S. I Love You).  Toronto of course, has been cast in the role of Boston, where part of the Story is set, with the remainder of Production taking place in Dublin.

It has just been announced that Lionsgate Films will distribute The Quiet Ones, a Poltergeist-Horror which has him starring opposite a currently-in-Toronto Jared Harris, with a release date set for April 25, 2014.  Meanwhile, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, also from Lionsgate Films (eOne Films in Canada), sees a November 22, 2013 release.

I spotted a redheaded Claflin, out and about earlier today arriving to work and he was awful nice to stop for a quick Snap, happy that I’m excited for Catching Fire.  He even signed a Photo for you my Readers, although that will be timed for later in the year. Stay tuned to Mr. Will Wong on Facebook for more on that!

See more Photos of Collins and Claflin filming Love, Rosie in Toronto here.

See my Snaps below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/GQ)

Toronto sure loves Game of Thrones and the latest Cast Member to grace our City is none other than Kit Harington. An no, that’s not Orlando Bloom whom he often is confused for!  The 26-year-old Thespian Heartthrob arrived in Toronto last week to begin prep on Paul W. S. Anderson‘s (Resident Evil: Retribution, The Three Musketeers… Husband of Milla Jovovich) Action/Adventure Pompeii, which films later this month.  And this of course wouldn’t be Harington‘s first time in Toronto though as he filmed Silent Hill: Revelation here early 2011.

Harington has been turning heads allover the City this past week with Fans taking to Twitter to voice their shock at seeing Jon Snow (his Game of Thrones Character) in-person on our streets.  For once, some Snow in April is actually welcome!  The incredibly kind Actor, who actually is even more handsome in-person, tells me he isn’t quite sure when some of his Co-Stars including Emily Browning (Sucker Punch), Jared Harris (Mad Men, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones) and our v. own Kiefer Sutherland will be here.  The Film centers around a Man condemned to Slavery on a ship, who must work his way home to save the Woman he loves and his Best Friend, a  trapped Gladiator.  Think Django Unchained, but not really!  eOne Films will release Pompeii in 2014.

The Actor also  recently revealed (pardon the pun) that a nude scene is forthcoming on the fourth season of Game of Thrones, although we don’t know exactly when.  He tells the New York Daily News, “I’m fine with nudity actually. I think it’s one of those things…you take off your robe and you are nude.“.

I never leave my Readers empty-handed, so in celebration of our Spotting, let’s share an Autograph shall we?  To enter to win a Signed Photo from Kit Harington, click “like” on this Post before May 1, 2013. Share this Post on Facebook and double your chances!  All are welcome to enter.

And while we’re on the topic, let’s take a look back at some of the Game of Thrones Cast Members who’ve visited Toronto recently:

• Rose Leslie
• Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
• Michelle Fairley
• Lena Headey

Game of Thrones can currently be seen on HBO Canada on Sunday nights at 9:00 PM EST.

See our Snap below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

“There’s a map inside your head, Clary. You are the key to our Survival.”.

There is absolutely no way this isn’t going to be a Smash!  Just having wrapped in Toronto last week, a Teaser Trailer for The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones has just surfaced!   The Action Sequences look superb and although I have yet to read the original Cassandra Clare Novels, Harald Zwart looks perfectly to have captured a Mood, transporting us into a  dangerous, dark, mysterious World along with Lily Collins’ Clary Fray who like us seems to have a lot of questions.

As one of the few People in the City who met most of the Cast while they were in-town, I couldn’t be more thrilled and supportive!  This is going to be an Adventure!

Watch the stunning and v. promising Trailer in full below:

August 23, 2013. eOne Films.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Screen Gems)