eOne Films x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to attend an Advance Screening of STOCKHOLM. Screenings are as follows:

Toronto – Wednesday April 10 – 7pm at Cineplex Varsity
Vancouver – Wednesday April 10 – 7pm at Cineplex Fifth Avenue (19+)

Synopsis:
Based on the absurd but true 1973 hostage crisis in Stockholm that was documented in the New Yorker as the origins of the ‘Stockholm Syndrome’. The story focuses on a female bank clerk (Noomi Rapace) who falls for her captor, an unhinged American outlaw (Ethan Hawke) as she turns against the police and aids in his escape attempt.

Cast: Ethan Hawke, Noomi Rapace, Mark Strong

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance.

eOne Films release STOCKHOLM Friday, April 12, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

The Cast and Director of SHAZAM received a warm welcome back today, taking over Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square! In town to ring-in the Blockbuster directed by David F. Sandberg and also a world exclusive Fan Event at the hotspot, were stars Zachary Levi (Shazam), Mark Strong (Dr. Thaddeus Sivana), Asher Dov Angel (Billy Batson) and Jack Dylan Grazer (Freddy Freeman).

The affair saw fans queueing as early as this morning for a chance to be up-close to the stars, who just a year ago filmed the Production in the City at various locations including Pinewood Studios. The group did the rounds in the City today making several stop-offs including visits to the CN Tower, Bell Media Headquarters, Corus and CITY‘s Breakfast Television, before hitting up the Red Carpet.

Shazam, based on the DC Comics character of the same name, centers on a 14-year-old orphan named Billy who is taken-in by an adoptive family, after fleeing many times from others. Once again he finds himself struggling to fit-in with their five other adopted children. One day, he is taken on a subway ride where he encounters a wizard who transforms him into a superhero. He soon realizes his purpose is to prevent the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana from taking away the power bestowed upon him, which could cause mass destruction to the world. Billy finds himself turning to his new-found family when he least expects it.

See the Trailer:

Toronto Mayor John Tory had the honour of handing a plaque to Sandberg commemorating Shazam‘s contribution to the City, including a remarkable $55 million in spending as a result of the Film. Tory just returned this weekend from the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas and tells us, “They think it’s cool a movie like Shazam was produced here. And so that helps us to grow the city to make it a great place to live,  for show business and entertainment and a place that welcomes people who are innovative.”.

Mark Strong who plays the Film’s villain, has made numerous Films here in the past and says, “You know that when you come here to make a movie, you know you’re getting the best possible people. I’ve made some really good friends over the things that I’ve done.”.

David F. Sandberg, who shifts from the Horror genre after having made films like Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation, reveals that this was his first time shooting outside of Los Angeles. “It could’ve been a little warmer but other than that, the crews were amazing and really impressed me”, he says. “It was such a great city to shoot in and spend the better part of last year.”.

Zachary Levi is no stranger to Toronto, having filmed TV Series Heroes Reborn here. He states “I’ve been blessed to work here a couple times and this certainly is the biggest thing I’ve gotten to do. Every time I’ve gotten to appreciate the city more and more. Everyone knows the food scene here is fantastic – so kudos to that. This really is Hollywood North. There’s so much talent in this area and around this area.”. He adds, “Really big movies have been made in Toronto, so it’s really cool you’ve allowed us to Shazamify this whole area and bring this fun activation to the fans.”.

Jack Dylan Grazer, plays the adopted brother and best friend of the Film’s central character, Billy. He also filmed both IT and IT: Chapter Two in and around the City. Grazer who attended with his mother, says “I’ve spent a lot of time in Toronto in the summer when it’s beautiful and not so freezing! I’ve spend time in Port Hope and the interiors – I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I’m thankful I had this opportunity.”.

Asher Dov Angel who plays the younger version of Levi‘s character, recalls “It’s been an incredible experience. This was my first time in Toronto ever. The food’s really good, the people are really nice and getting to work with these guys is amazing.”.

He jokes (or maybe not) about a potential sequel being made here. We’ll soon see!

See our Recap of the Fan Event and Premiere:

Zachary Levi

Mark Strong

David F. Sandberg

Jack Dylan Grazer x Asher Dov Angel

This looks thrilling. Check-out the new Trailer for STOCKHOLM starring Ethan Hawke, Noomi Rapace and Mark Strong!

Synopsis:
STOCKHOLM is based on the absurd but true story of a 1973 bank heist and hostage crisis documented in the 1974 New Yorker article “The Bank Drama” by Daniel Lang. The film follows Lars Nystrom, (Ethan Hawke) who dons a disguise to raid a central Stockholm bank. He then takes hostages in order to spring his pal Gunnar (Mark Strong) from prison. One of the hostages includes Bianca (Noomi Rapace), a wife and mother of two. Negotiations with detectives hits a wall when (at the request of the Prime Minister) the police refuse to let Lars leave in a getaway car with the hostages. As hours turn into days, Lars alternates between threatening the hostages and making them feel comfortable and secure. The hostages develop an uneasy relationship with their captor, which is particularly complex for Bianca, who develops a strong bond with Lars as she witnesses his caring nature. This connection gave rise to the psychological phenomenon known as “Stockholm Syndrome.”

See the Trailer:

eOne Films release STOCKHOLM.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

We are so proud! Toronto-filmed SHAZAM! got its first look at San Diego Comic-Con this weekend and it actually looks fun and amazing!

Synopsis:
We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s (Asher Dov Angel) case, by shouting out one word—SHAZAM!—this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam (Zachary Levi), courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart—inside a ripped, godlike body—Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong).

“Shazam!” also stars Jack Dylan Grazer (“IT”) as Billy’s best friend and ultimate superhero enthusiast, Freddy, part of the foster family that includes Mary, played by Grace Fulton (“Annabelle: Creation”); Darla, played by Faithe Herman (TV’s “This is Us”); Eugene, played by Ian Chen (TV’s “Fresh Off the Boat”); and Pedro, played by Jovan Armand (TV’s “Hawaii Five-O”). Cooper Andrews (TV’s “The Walking Dead”) and Marta Milans (TV’s “Killer Women”) play foster parents Victor and Rosa Vasquez, with Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond”) as the Wizard.

See the Trailer:

Warner Bros. Canada release SHAZAM! Friday, April 4, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

The Catcher Was A Spy follows the true story of Boston RedSox catcher Moe Berg (Paul Rudd) who also worked for the Office of Strategic Services and was sent to kill Werner Heisenberg (Mark Strong) for possibly making a nuclear bomb.

The Film brings together an impressive and talented Cast consisting of Rudd, Strong, Sienna Miller, Guy Pearce, Jeff Daniels and Paul Giamatti. They all do a great job of bringing their characters to life but none more so then Daniels who steals every scene he’s in. This is also Rudd like you’ve never seen him. Playing a character unlike he ever has before. And he effortlessly disappears into Berg. It’s a compelling story that Director Ben Lewin and Screenwriter Robert Rodat turn into a strong Film.

The Catcher Was A Spy screens at Sundance on Jan. 19 at 8:30PM at The MARC PC, Jan. 24 at 6:30PM at Eccles PC, Jan. 25 at 9AM at Eccles PC, Jan. 27 at 5:30PM at The MARC PC, and Jan. 28 at 6:15PM at The Grand SLC.

While they are set to be unveiled this Thursday at San Diego Comic Con, you guys get a sneak peek first. Check-out these brand new character posters for KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE!

SYNOPSIS:
“Kingsman: The Secret Service” introduced the world to Kingsman – an independent, international intelligence agency operating at the highest level of discretion, whose ultimate goal is to keep the world safe. In “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” our heroes face a new challenge. When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. In a new adventure that tests their agents’ strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organizations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that’s becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy...

Cast: Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, with Sir Elton John, and Channing Tatum and Jeff Bridges

See the Posters:

20th Century Fox Canada release KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE Friday, September 22, 2017.

(Photo credit: 20th Century Fox Canada)

English Thespian Mark Strong was a late addition to drama Miss Sloane, but a welcome one indeed! We last caught up with the star in 2011 when he visited for the Green Lantern Press Tour.  He just last year was voted one of GQ‘s Best Dressed Men of 2015, crediting the late  David Bowie as his own style icon. We were thrilled to see him just as gracious as we remember him!

Miss Sloane began filming in Toronto last month and continues to do so through April.  Starring Jessica Chastain, the John Madden (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Shakespeare in Love) Film centers on an ambitious lobbyist up against a powerful gun lobby in an attempt to pass gun control legislation. Alison Pill, Michael Stuhlbarg, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jake Lacy (!!) also star.

A busy man indeed, Strong was just in Los Angeles promoting new Comedy The Brothers Grimsby in which he stars alongside Sacha Baron Cohen and immediately returned to work this week. The crew and cast have been busy working late into the night in Financial District filming interior and exterior scenes.

Strong’s résumé continues to wow with roles in important recent releases like Kingsman: The Secret Service, The Imitation Game and Zero Dark Thirty, the latter reuniting him with Chastain. The two appear to be colleagues at the same firm here as per what we saw. But we’ll know perhaps Awards Season?

See our Snap:

Waited till like 2 AM after a day of work, but awesome getting a Selfie with #MarkStrong, in town filming gun control drama #MissSloane.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Mar 9, 2016 at 11:02pm PST

See a quick clip of Chastain sporting a new bob at work:

The best. #JessicaChastain #IndependentSpiritAwards #Oscars #AcademyAwards

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 27, 2016 at 2:17pm PST

#JessicaChastain is a true Movie Star. She tells me she is so tired, taking a day off filming #MissSloane in #Toronto. #IndependentSpiritAwards #Chastainiac @chastainiac

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 27, 2016 at 12:20pm PST

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

After bringing the giggles with a Teaser a couple months back, we get a full THREE-MINUTE Trailer for The Brothers Grimsby!

This spring, the only thing more dangerous than the world’s greatest spy is his brother. Don’t miss the hilarious new comedy by Sacha Baron Cohen.

See the full Trailer:

Sony Pictures Canada release THE BROTHERS GRIMSBY Friday, March 11, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

Hot on the heels of spy-comedy SPY which did phenomenal at the Box Office earlier this year, we have THE BROTHERS GRIMSBY!  The Action-Comedy stars Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Strong, Rebel Wilson, Isla Fisher, Annabelle Wallis and Penélope Cruz.

Synopsis:

The estranged brother of a football hooligan with a perfect life and perfect girlfriend is one of MI6‘s deadliest assassins, and the two team up to save the world when they reunite.

See the hilarious Trailer:

Sony Pictures Canada release THE BROTHERS GRIMSBY on Friday, March 4, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

Elevation Pictures and Mr. Will want you to get-in on a Film which has Critics and Audiences in overwhelming agreement of its greatness! THE IMITATION GAME premiered here at TIFF ’14 to resoundingly positive response winning the People’s Choice Award. Although it’s been in theatres in limited release for a bit, we want you to experience what is definitively a Contender at the Academy Awards!  Also, we want you to win a copy of Alan Turing: The Enigma, on which the Film is based and if this weren’t enough how about a super-rare authentic signed Photo from BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH himself?

Official Synopsis:
In THE IMITATION GAME, Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Alan Turing, the genius British mathematician, logician, cryptologist and computer scientist who led the charge to crack the German Enigma Code that helped the Allies win WWII. Turing went on to assist with the development of computers at the University of Manchester after the war, but was prosecuted by the UK government in 1952 for homosexual acts which the country deemed illegal.

THE IMITATION GAME also stars Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Mark Strong and Allen Leech.

See the Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook!  Click “share” on this Post from there and get an extra chance.  You also may Re-Tweet the below for another opportunity also:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/theimitationgame @MRWILLW wants us to #win a #THEIMITATIONGAME Prize Pack!

 Good luck, Willionaire$!

A glance at that Cumberbatch Autograph:

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 9, 2014 at 8:28am PDT

Mr. Will + The Cast of The Imitation Game:

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Jan 1, 2015 at 5:31pm PST

Elevation Pictures release THE IMITATION GAME, now in theatres.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)