Honouring Canadian Trailblazers and their groundbreaking accomplishments, the second edition of DEPARTURE HONOURS took place last night at Toronto’s Koerner Hall with a star-studded group of notables in attendance. The Departure Festival + Conference is a re-incarnation of what formerly was Canadian Music Week, running from May 4–10, 2026, that acts as a hub for music, technology, art, and media. It combines a high-level industry conference with a city-wide festival featuring live music, comedy showcases, and film

Honoured this year were:

Lilly Singh (Trailblazer Award): Recognized for her impact as a creator and trailblazer.

Bruce Allen (Lifetime Achievement Award): Honoured for his decades-long career in music management, representing artists like Bryan Adams and Michael Bublé.

Sarah McLachlan (Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award): Recognized for her philanthropic work and musical contributions.

Maggie Kang (Cultural Innovator Award): The creator/director of KPop Demon Hunters, who was also awarded a Key to the City of Toronto during the festival earlier in the day.

Jacob Tierney (Creative Impact Award): Writer, director, and producer known for Heated Rivalry and Letterkenny.

The Remix Project (Industry Achievement Award): Recognized for their work in empowering youth in creative industries. 

Heated Rivalry star Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova was in attendance to present Tierney with his award.

The Gala was hosted by CTV personalities Traci Melchor and Tyrone Edwards.

Some highlights from the Red Carpet as we were joined by special contributor Angela McLean, including last night’s Honourees, who reflect upon their success and their path to where they are now:

There still are several exciting conferences, film screenings, showcases, and more to check out. Details are at departureto.com.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada announces that award-winning entertainer, actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Lilly Singh will be honoured with the Equity in Entertainment Award at this year’s third annual event on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto.

The Equity in Entertainment Award recognizes Canadians whose success is matched by their commitment to create meaningful change, expand access, and promote voices and stories of underrepresented communities. It celebrates leaders who use their platforms to champion inclusion and challenge barriers.

As a prolific Canadian entertainment figure focused on diverse media projects through her company Unicorn Island Productions, Lilly Singh has built a groundbreaking career spanning digital media, television, film, publishing, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. She has consistently used storytelling to challenge stereotypes, broaden representation, and create new pathways for voices too often overlooked.

Her recent work includes the comedy film Doin’ It which she co-wrote, produced and starred in; launching the South Asian creator network Hypen8 which she uses to support South Asian content creators; and hosting the CTV quiz show Battle of the Generations.

In addition to her Unicorn Island production company, Singh released the book How to be a Triangle and hosts the podcast Shameless with Lilly Singh. She is also a leading voice in women’s sports, with ownership stakes in the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo and the NWSL’s Angel City Football Club.

Lilly Singh represents the modern entertainment leader — multi-platform, entrepreneurial, socially engaged, and globally influential. Her impact across industries and communities makes her an exceptional recipient of this honour.

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is a first-of-its-kind summit and awards event that brings the industry together across film, television, music, and digital media to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Canadian women driving the business forward in their respective fields.

Previously announced honourees include Andrea Martin who will receive the ICON Award; Malin Akerman who will receive the Impact Award to be presented by The Hunting Wives co-star, Brittany Snow; Rachel Reid who will participate in a main stage feature interview and receive the Changemaker Award; and North of North co-creators Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and Stacey Aglok MacDonald who will receive the Breakthrough Award at the May 28 event.

Additional announcements to follow in the coming weeks. For tickets and more information visit www.womeninentertainment.ca.

(Photo credit: Saul Lopez)

Today, Disney+ announced the highly anticipated Original series “The Muppets Mayhem” will premiere with all episodes on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. “The Muppets Mayhem” follows The Electric Mayhem Band — Dr. Teeth on vocals and keyboards, Animal on drums, Floyd Pepper on vocals and bass, Janice on vocals and lead guitar, Zoot on saxophone and Lips on trumpet — on an epic, music-filled journey to record their first-ever studio album. With the help of a driven young music executive, Nora Singh (Singh), the old-school Muppet band comes face-to-face with the current day music scene as they try to finally record their first studio album.

“The Muppets Mayhem” stars Canadians Lilly Singh (“A Little Late with Lilly Singh”) as Nora and Saara Chaudry (“The Mysterious Benedict Society”) as Hannah, Tahj Mowry (“Baby Daddy”) as Moog, Bill Barretta as Dr. Teeth, Dave Goelz as Zoot, Eric Jacobson as Animal, Peter Linz as Lips, David Rudman as Janice, Matt Vogel as Floyd Pepper and recurring guest star Anders Holm (“Workaholics”) as JJ.

Based on characters created by Jim Henson, the series is developed and written by executive producers Adam F. Goldberg (“The Goldbergs”), Bill Barretta (“The Muppets,” “Muppets Haunted Mansion”) and co-executive producer Jeff Yorkes. Michael Bostick, Kris Eber and The Muppets Studio’s David Lightbody and Leigh Slaughter also serve as executive producers. Original music by executive music producer and Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Linda Perry.

The Disney+ Original series from Disney Branded Television is produced by ABC Signature and The Muppets Studio.

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of THE BAD GUYS!

Advance screenings are on Saturday, April 16, 2022 as follows:

Toronto: Yonge & Eglinton at 10:00 AM
Montreal (English Version): Cineplex Forum at 10:00 AM
Montreal (French Version): Cinema Starcite at 10:00 AM
Vancouver: Cineplex Cinemas Marine Gateway at 10:00 AM

Synopsis:

Never have there been five friends as infamous as The Bad Guys—dashing pickpocket Mr. Wolf (Academy Award® winner Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), seen-it-all safecracker Mr. Snake (Marc Maron, GLOW), chill master-of-disguise Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson, Hot Tub Time Machine franchise), short-fused “muscle” Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos, In the Heights) and sharp-tongued expert hacker Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina, Crazy Rich Asians), aka “Webs.” 

But when, after years of countless heists and being the world’s most-wanted villains, the gang is finally caught, Mr. Wolf brokers a deal (that he has no intention of keeping) to save them all from prison: The Bad Guys will go good. 

Under the tutelage of their mentor Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade, Paddington 2), an arrogant (but adorable!) guinea pig, The Bad Guys set out to fool the world that they’ve been transformed. Along the way, though, Mr. Wolf begins to suspect that doing good for real may give him what he’s always secretly longed for: acceptance. So when a new villain threatens the city, can Mr. Wolf persuade the rest of the gang to become … The Good Guys? 

The film co-stars Zazie Beetz (Joker), Lilly Singh (Bad Moms) and Emmy winner Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). 

Based on the blockbuster Scholastic book series by Aaron Blabey, The Bad Guys is directed by Pierre Perifel (animator, the Kung Fu Panda films), making his feature-directing debut. The film is produced by Damon Ross (development executive Trolls, The Boss Baby, co-producer Nacho Libre) and Rebecca Huntley (associate producer, The Boss Baby). The executive producers are Aaron Blabey, Etan Cohen and Patrick Hughes.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Please indicate your City in the comments there. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance!

Rules and regulations here.

Universal Pictures Canada release THE BAD GUYS April 22, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

A star-studded Cast including Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, Marc Maron, Lilly Singh, Alex Borstein and more star in BAD GUYS. This is the new Trailer.

Synopsis:

Nobody has ever failed so hard at trying to be good as The Bad Guys.

In the new action comedy from DreamWorks Animation, based on the New York Times best-selling book series, a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws are about to attempt their most challenging con yet—becoming model citizens. 

Never have there been five friends as infamous as The Bad Guys—dashing pickpocket Mr. Wolf (Academy Award® winner Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), seen-it-all safecracker Mr. Snake (Marc Maron, GLOW), chill master-of-disguise Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson, Hot Tub Time Machine franchise), short-fused “muscle” Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos, In the Heights) and sharp-tongued expert hacker Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina, Crazy Rich Asians), aka “Webs.” 

But when, after years of countless heists and being the world’s most-wanted villains, the gang is finally caught, Mr. Wolf brokers a deal (that he has no intention of keeping) to save them all from prison: The Bad Guys will go good. 

Under the tutelage of their mentor Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade, Paddington 2), an arrogant (but adorable!) guinea pig, The Bad Guys set out to fool the world that they’ve been transformed. Along the way, though, Mr. Wolf begins to suspect that doing good for real may give him what he’s always secretly longed for: acceptance. So when a new villain threatens the city, can Mr. Wolf persuade the rest of the gang to become … The Good Guys? 

The film co-stars Zazie Beetz (Joker), Lilly Singh (Bad Moms) and Emmy winner Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). 

Universal Pictures Canada release The Bad Guys in theaters April 22, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

The 2019 Corus Upfront took place today in Toronto with several stars in town to unveil the media giant’s fall lineup. Among the surprises was Beverly Hills, 90210‘s much-hyped Reboot BH90210 getting a premiere date, Thursday, August 7, 2019 at 9 PM as announced in a video by Canada’s Jason Priestley. See the Trailer here.

Guests visiting the Studio during the daytime at Sugar Beach included:

•Lilly Singh (A Little Late with Lilly Singh)
•Tom Payne (Prodigal Son)
•Melody Thomas Scott x Amelia Heinle (The Young and the Restless)
•Arianne Zucker x Eric Martsolf (Days of our Lives)
•Lucas Till (MacGyver)
•Chris Parnell x Sarah Chalke (Ricky & Morty)
•Sabrina Jalees x Patricia Heaton (Carol’s Second Act)
•Sonja Morgan x Dorinda Medley (Real Housewives of New York)

A mix of Influencers and Media sipped on Mojitos, Caesars and Mimosas, nibbling on a delectable spread by McEwan Foods, with a gorgeous Doughnut Wall by Glory Hole Doughnuts. They had the chance to mix and mingle with the stars who represent a vast range of programming ranging from Slice, newly-launched 24-hour adult cartoon betwork Adult Swim and core network Global.

Also announced was STACKTV, a new Television channel package available to Amazon Prime members in Canada, giving them access to hit Series from twelve Corus networks: Global, Food Network Canada, HGTV Canada, W Network, HISTORY®, Adult Swim, Slice, Showcase, National Geographic, Teletoon, Treehouse and YTV broadcast live and on-demand.

See some highlights and some of the stars in attendance:

Corus Upfront

 

View this post on Instagram

 

So excited to hear about Corus’ Fall 2019 Lineup! What a killer spread by @McEwanFoods! I will admit I mistakened the Butter for Cream Cheese. So I may have a heart attack later. All good! #CorusUpfront

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 3, 2019 at 7:20am PDT

A Little Late with Lilly Singh – Lilly Singh

 

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OMG! @IISuperwomanII is here at the #CorusUpfront for A LITTLE LATE WITH LILLY SINGH!!!🙌 #lillysingh

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 3, 2019 at 7:17am PDT

MacGyver – Lucas Till

 

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#LucasTill returns to #CorusUpfront for #MacGyver!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 3, 2019 at 10:41am PDT

Real Housewives of New York – Sonja Morgan x Dorinda Medley

 

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#SonjaMorgan x #DorindaMedley at #CorusUpfront for #RealHousewivesofNewYork. 🗽

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 3, 2019 at 10:29am PDT

The Young and the Restless – Melody Thomas Scott x Amelia Heinle

 

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#AmeliaHeinle x #MelodyThomasScott at #CorusUpfront for #YandR #TheYoungandtheRestless

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 3, 2019 at 10:28am PDT

Carol’s Second Act – Patrica Heaton x Sabrina Jalees

 

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Toronto’s #SabrinaJalees x #PatriciaHeaton at #CorusUpfront for #CarolsSecondAct.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 3, 2019 at 10:31am PDT

Mort and Hardy – Chris Parnell x Sarah Chalke

 

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#SarahChalke x #ChrisParnell at #CorusUpfront for #RickandMorty!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 3, 2019 at 10:37am PDT

Prodigal Son – Tom Payne

 

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#TheWalkingDead star #TomPayne at the #CorusUpfront for #ProdigalSon. He says he’s “thankful Michael Sheen doesn’t completely stay in character through the whole thing as that would be creepy”. Payne plays the son of a serial killer on the Show.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 3, 2019 at 7:47am PDT

Days of our Lives – Eric Martsolf x Arianne Zucker

 

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#ArianneZucker x EricMartsolf of #DaysofourLives at #CorusUpfront. Happy bday, Ari!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 3, 2019 at 10:36am PDT

W Network and Showcase announced they will be home to these exciting acquisitions: Batwoman, Pearson, Nancy Drew, Katy Keene, Pennyworth, Party of Five and Swamp Thing. Returning for them are fan favourites Supergirl, Charmed, Outlander, The Good Fight, The Sinner, Legacies and many more.

ET Canada is set to embark in its 15th season on Global as Canada’s Most-Followed Entertainment Show. One of the Series’ personalities Carlos Bustamante hosted today’s Influencers and Media event.

Corus Specialty Networks also will be bringing back popular Series like Island of Bryan, Property Brothers, Vikings, Top Chef Canada and Home to Win, among others.

The party continued at Evergreen Brickworks where potential advertisers got a chance to see sneak peeks at some of the Corus programming where their products and services will be paired beside this Fall.

Morea at CorusEnt.com.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

In celebration of YouTube‘s upcoming streaming service launch in Canada, YOUTUBE MUSIC, the Country’s biggest stars in Music stepped-out at Rebel Night Club by Toronto’s waterfront to celebrate the occasion! Hosted by our v. own Lilly Singh, who has found meteoric international success as a YouTube star-turned-Entrepreneur, the packed house including a mixture of ad buyers, Music industry and contest winners.

The audience was treated to three-plus hours of genre-spanning Music including hot musical acts like Brett Kissel, Roy Woods, DVSN, Jessie Reyez, Johnny Orlando, The Glorious Sons, Charlotte Cardin, Scott Helman and headliner, Daniel Caesar. PartyNextDoor originally was to appear but had cancelled unfortunately, although the audience was more than delighted with the evening’s offerings.

Singh along with fellow YouTube personality Humble the Poet, unveiled her new puppy who sat patiently waiting on his mommy at the event with a handler.  Singh tells the audience “This was the best decision I ever made”, own taking-on pet ownership. As a tribute to her hometown, she named the puppy “Scarborough” and he is adorable, being hoisted in the air without flinching to feverish cell phone snaps from the sea of adorers.

See some highlights of the night, which as touted truly was unforgettable!

Jessie Reyez

Lilly Singh x Scarborough

Daniel Caesar

“Daniel’s Caesar” – one of the Evening’s official cocktails

Roy Woods

Jazz Cartier

Brett Emmons, The Glorious Sons

Charlotte Cardin

Brett Kissel

DVSN

KRNFX

Jenna Walker, The Reklaws

Sign-up for updates on YouTube Music Canada here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Production is well under way for HBO‘s FAHRENHEIT 451, based on the Ray Bradbury Novel set in a dystopian world where media is an opiate, history is outlawed and where Firemen burn books.

In addition to serving as Executive Producer, the Film stars Michael B. Jordan (Creed, Black Panther) in its lead role. The Film stars also Michael Shannon as his mentor, whom he is at odds with trying to find greater humanity. Toronto’s Lilly Singh was just added to the Cast and Atomic Blonde star Sofia Boutella also stars.

While Shannon was in character, opting not to stop for photos, we spotted Jordan on a break filming on a campus in the east end into the late hours of the night. Very cautious not to be seen in wardrobe, Jordan stopped for a couple Selfies. He’s just as nice as we remember! Jordan, who next can be seen in Marvel‘s Black Panther as Erik Killmonger, last visited Toronto in 2015 for Creed.

See our Snap:

Loved seeing again #MichaelBJordan, in town filming #Fahrenheit451 for HBO. He next can be seen in 2018’s #BlackPanther from Marvel.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 29, 2017 at 4:23am PDT

FAHRENHEIT 451 wraps production in September.

(Photo credit: HBO/Mr. Will Wong)

Known affectionately as the MMVAs, the iHeartRadio MuchMusic Video Awards took place in Toronto this weekend, honouring the best and hottest Music Videos.  Co-hosting this year were Brampton’s own Alessia Cara and Joe Jonas, the latter who has appeared on multiple occasions dating back to his days with his fraternal trio.

In town for the occasion were a litany of talent including performers Imagine Dragons, Arkells, Camila Cabello (formerly of Fifth Harmony), Julia Michaels, Iggy Azalea, Jessie Reyez, Lorde, Post Malone, DNCE (Jonas’ new band) and Niall Horan (formerly of One Direction).

Presenting awards this year are a who’s-who of television among the intended target audience of the awards show including KJ Apa (Riverdale), Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Brandon Flynn (13 Reasons Why), Keke Palmer (Scream Queens), Dove Cameron, Lilly Singh, Nikka Bella, Darren Criss (Glee), Kat Graham (Vampire Diaries), Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars), Carly Rae Jepsen, Bea Miller and supermodel Martha Hunt.

Shutting down a portion of Queen Street at the famed Bell Media headquarters, fans lined the streets and braved the rain for the Red Carpet.  The evening’s biggest winners included:  A Tribe Called Red ft. Yasiin Bey, Black Bear and Narcy – R.E.D. for Video of the Year, Shawn Mendes – Mercy for Best Pop Video and iHeartRadio International Artist of the Year went to Lorde.

Most Buzzworthy Canadian Artist was awarded to Drake, who beat out Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, The Weeknd and Alessia Cara.

We spotted some of the stars of the 2017 iHeartRadio MuchMusic Video Awards around town this weekend. Check out our Snaps!

With #NiallHoran, of #OneDirection, in Toronto for the #MMVAs. He was super-nice! Love his new single #SlowHands! #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 19, 2017 at 11:56am PDT

Ziggy Igs. She’s the realest. #IggyAzalea in town for the #MMVAs #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 17, 2017 at 5:49am PDT

#BrandonFlynn, star of hit Netflix series #13ReasonsWhy in Toronto for the #MMVAs. #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 17, 2017 at 8:22pm PDT

Seeing red. Loved seeing again birthday boy #KJApa in #Toronto for the #MMVAs! Still the nicest! #MuchMusicVideoAwards #Riverdale #Archie

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 17, 2017 at 8:22pm PDT

#KJApa celebrated his birthday in Toronto last night. Fans of #Riverdale wished him a very Happy Birthday! The party continues at the #MMVAs. (@kjapa). #Archie

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 18, 2017 at 6:43am PDT

She’s got issues. We’ve got ’em too. With up-and-coming singer/songwriter #JuliaMichaels, at the #MMVAs! #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 18, 2017 at 8:06pm PDT

With Post Malone, here for the #MMVAs. He is back next weekend for #NXNE at the Port Lands! #MuchMusicVideoAwards #WhiteIverson #PostMalone

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 18, 2017 at 7:57pm PDT

The lovely #KatGraham, of #VampireDiaries at #MMVAs. #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 18, 2017 at 8:35pm PDT

#OneDirection’s #NiallHoran asks for a bit of privacy after some Chinese for dinner. He performs at tomorrow’s #MMVAs. #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 17, 2017 at 8:22pm PDT

#TorranceCoombs (#Reign) x #AlyssaCampanella (Miss USA) at the #MMVAs. #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 18, 2017 at 11:21pm PDT

#DarrenCriss in Toronto for the #MMVAs. Cannot wait to see him in #Versace: #AmericanCrimeStory. #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 19, 2017 at 11:54am PDT

See a complete list of winners here.

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

No rise has been quite as stratospheric as that of Lilly Singh, known online for her moniker IISuperwomanII, entertaining millions around the world on YouTube with her humorous short films, garnering several famous fans including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Hailing from Scarborough, but now residing in Los Angeles, Singh at age 28 came out of nowhere and kept rising to be known as the world’s highest-paid female YouTube Filmmaker, also ranking as the world’s third highest-paid YouTube star according to Forbes.

In town to promote her first book, an empowering self-help read HOW TO BE A BAWSE: A GUIDE TO CONQUERING LIFE, published by Doubleday Canada, Singh also took her tour to Toronto’s TIFF Bell Lightbox Wednesday night, before earning well-deserved day of rest.  Today she was back at it promoting her book including visits to Bell Media’s Headquarters and Global Television’s The Morning Show.

In case you missed her, you will have a chance to catch her at Chapters Brampton this Saturday afternoon at 2:00 PM, where she will meet a limited number of fans. More details here.

We’ve been wanting to meet Singh for a while now and really enjoyed the fast read that was HOW TO BE A BAWSE! It’s literally like reading advice from a friend and we love that many Toronto-related shoutouts she gives from our horrid winter weather to KISS 92.5 and her love for Drake. Despite it being literally freezing out, Singh, armed with a blanket and umbrella, was sweet to stop for a snap! More on it here.

See our Snap:

Mornings with IISuperwomanII, back to her hometown for her new book, How to be a Bawse! #LillySingh #iisuperwomanii #BawseBook #BawseTour

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Apr 7, 2017 at 6:06am PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Doubleday Canada)