#FIRSTLOOK: MARVEL AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N.: THE EXPERIENCE AT TORONTO’S YORKDALE SHOPPING CENTRE

Toronto, are you ever in for a treat! World-travelling and award-winning immersive exhibit Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.: The Experience is arriving sooner than you think! It has just been confirmed after a tease last month that it will run November 20, 2020 until January 31, 2021 at Yorkdale Shopping Centre!

We had the pleasure of previewing the 25,000 square foot space devoted entirely to the fandom of Marvel’s Avengers, but not only this – it gives fans, no matter what age, a coveted chance to experience what it’s like to be a member of the Avengers team! Agents all come in with their own individual personas and their own specialities, so this is really all about you!

Safety is everyone’s top concern right now. Guest Experience Manager Mark Fraser-Davidson tells us, “The Toronto exhibit has been built specifically with COVID-19 in mind”. They have had to get creative in putting together contact-free ways to interact, with frequent sanitation (yes, we saw “Hulk Serum” sanitizer), boosted ventilation and social distancing measures in place. Guests are advised still to practice and observe COVID-19 safety protocols when attending.

The dazzling display contains individual rooms devoted to some of our favourite Avengers including Iron Man (you have an opportunity to transform into him!), Hulk, Captain America, Thor and a Toronto-exclusive in Black Panther, as we commemorate the late Chadwick Boseman. Actual set pieces, models and costumes are enclosed behind glass, and we learned that the latter’s costume is valued at $40k! Even Supervillain Thanos is paid tribute to here with his own section. Actors are present to send us on and guide us through our mission, for an even more heightened experience.

See some of our Snaps from start to finish!

IRON MAN

HULK

CAPTAIN AMERICA

BLACK PANTHER

THOR

MORE COOL STUFF!

We learned that a cap of 40 people will be allowed in every 15 minutes, with a space so large that up to 1,500 people can be accommodated at the exhibit.

Guests have three ticketing options:

General – you must attend at a set time slot.

Flexi – you have a two hour window in which you can enjoy the experience.

VIP – you get increased flexibility with the ability to change your time, with a green screen print of yourself with The Avengers, a VIP Poster and a lanyard.

The Exhibit which can run you between an hour to 90 minutes, also has a retail space with a variety of Avengers merchandise, from figurines to face masks. We learned that clothier Roots and the Exhibit also will collaborate for some special limited edition pieces as well!

It is located directly across from the LEGO store and if you are driving, it is best to park around Shopper’s Drug Mart.

Learn more about Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.: The Experience here.

See what people are saying on the Hashtag #AvengersStationCanada!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Mark Fraser–Davidson)

#FIRSTLOOK: “MARVEL’S 616” TRAILER

This is a must-watch for any Marvel lover! Anthology Docu-Series MARVEL’S 616 is coming soon to Disney+!

Synopsis:

“Marvel’s 616” explores Marvel’s rich legacy of pioneering characters, creators and storytelling to reflect the world outside your window. Each documentary, helmed by a unique filmmaker, showcases the intersections of storytelling, pop culture, and fandom within the Marvel Universe. Episodes in this anthology series will cover topics including Marvel’s world-spanning artists, the trailblazing women of Marvel Comics, discovering the “forgotten” characters of Marvel, and much more.

See the Trailer:

MARVEL’S 616 arrives on Disney+ Friday, November 20, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

#FIRSTLOOK: MINISO x MARVEL COLLECTION

Chinese retailer MINISO in less than a decade, has stamped itself a household name in these parts with their economical, stylish and practical household and consumer goods including cosmetics, stationery, toys, and kitchenware. Tonight at their flagship Queen Street location, they unveiled their MINISO x MARVEL Collection including adorable Miniheroes.  The Collection brings consumers adorable superhero-themed houseware and lifestyle products right in time for the Holidays. Prior, the products were available exclusively at their Vaughan Mills location and over the next weeks, select locations also will be launching the Collection.

 

 

Check-out some of their offerings:

 

Marvel Plushies (large, smaller options also available)

 

 

Water Bottles

 

 

 

Mugs

 

Neck Pillows

 

Fragrances

 

Wireless Mouse

 

Baseball Caps

 

Wireless Speakers

 

Umbrellas

 

Night Lights
 
 
Flip-Flops (we saw socks too!)
 
 
Storage Bins 

Pouches

 

We’ve waited a while for this, so be sure to *grab* your MINISO x MARVEL Collection items before they’re gone!

 

  #BEYOUROWNHERO

 

It is expected that MINISO will expand to 6,000 locations around the world by 2020. Check here to see if the MINISO x MARVEL Collection is coming to a Miniso near you!

 

We don’t believe in leaving you guys out, so courtesy of us, here’s a chance to win a MINISO x MARVEL Tote Bag!

 

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook on Mr. Will on Twitter!

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#SPOTTED: SIMU LIU HOSTS TORONTO SCREENING OF “THE FAREWELL”

What a turnout! Toronto’s own Simu Liu, known best for his work on Kim’s Convenience, got a hero’s welcome home tonight. Just this weekend at San Diego Comic-Con, it was unveiled that he was cast in Marvel‘s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Tings, in the titular role. The Film has him starring as the first ever Asian male superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

To support his Shang-Chi Co-Star Awkwafina in her acclaimed new Film directed by Lulu Wang, The Farewell, he invited his fans on Social Media to a free 9:30 PM screening tonight of the Movie of the Cineplex Varsity. The theatre is pulling-in the highest ticket sales for  The Farewell in North America, in addition to already beating Avengers: Endgame‘s per-theatre average!

I’ve never seen a crowd like this ever at this theatre and I’ve been going here for years! Fans crowded both levels of Manulife Centre, queueing for a chance at a free ticket, courtesy of Liu and Gold Open, a movement which supports Asian-Americans in Film, buying-out theatres entirely. The movement was instrumental in helping propel CRAZY RICH ASIANS to #1 at the Box Office in North America last year.

Showing their support for Liu were the stars of DC Comics’ Titans, Ryan Potter and Conor Leslie!

 

See some Snaps!

 

Simu Liu

 

 

 

 

Ryan Potter

 

Conor Leslie

 

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: 2019 SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Some exciting stuff coming out of Comic-Con this weekend in San Diego! A Series of announcements have been made as to the next set of Films to come out in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One of them features our v. own Simu Liu (Kim’s Convenience) in the titual role of Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings!

 

THE ETERNALS

Feige kicked off with an overview of the feature film “The Eternals,” an exciting new team of Super Heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Feige introduced the director, Chloé Zhao, followed by stars from the film, including, Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo,  Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Salma Hayek as Ajak, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Don Lee as Gilgamesh and Angelina Jolie as Thena.

“The Eternals” will make their Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in theatres on November 6, 2020.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER

Feige brought news on the Disney+ original series “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” which pairs up two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most popular heroes—Sam Wilson aka The Falcon and Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier—in a series of action-filled adventures as they fight together against evil after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.”

Anthony Mackie (The Falcon) and Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier) came on stage to greet the fans, and it was revealed that Daniel Brühl will return as the villain, Baron Zemo.

“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” is set to debut on Disney+ in the fall of 2020.

SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS

Feige spoke about the feature film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and detailed how the legend has been hinted at in the MCU films since the first “Iron Man.”

In an unanticipated surprise for all, Kevin Feige then announced the confirmed casting of Simu Liu in the title role of Shang-Chi and both the actor and the director, Destin Daniel Cretton, came on stage to greet the audience. Kevin also shared with the audience the casting of Awkwafina in a yet-to-be-disclosed role. Then, Kevin revealed to the Hall H audience that the real Mandarin will be played by celebrated Chinese actor Tony Leung.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” will be in theatres on February 12, 2021.

WANDAVISION

Next, Feige offered the latest on “WandaVision,” a Disney+ original series where Paul Bettany reprises the role of Vision and Elizabeth Olsen returns to her role of Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch.

Bettany and Olsen were joined on stage by MCU newcomer Teyonah Parris, and Feige announced that Parris will be playing the grown-up version of Monica Rambeau, who was introduced to audiences in “Captain Marvel.”

“WandaVision” premieres on Disney+ in the spring of 2021.

LOKI

Feige offered news on “Loki,” a Marvel Studios original series streaming on Disney+ in the spring of 2021. Tom Hiddleston—back in his role of the mercurial Loki, the god of mischief and everyone’s favorite villain—received a huge welcome from fans when Feige brought him out on stage.

Then to the delight of the audience, Hiddleston answered the biggest question from “Avengers: Endgame”: “Where did Loki go when he took the Space Stone?”

DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS

Feige introduced the second film in the “Doctor Strange” franchise, “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and called the director, Scott Derrickson, and star Benedict Cumberbatch to the stage to a rousing welcome.

In a surprise twist, Feige brought out Elizabeth Olsen, who also stars in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and they talked about how “WandaVision”—the Disney+ series that Olsen will star in as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch—connects directly to the feature-film storyline.

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” hits theatres on May 7, 2021.

WHAT IF…?

Feige offered new information on “What If…?,” the first animated series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “What If…?” is being created exclusively for Disney+ and features stories that present alternate realities in the Marvel universe.

Feige mentioned that many actors from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe will reprise their roles as voice talent in the series. He then surprised the audience by bringing Jeffrey Wright to the stage and introducing him as the voice of the popular character The Watcher in the new series.

“What If…?” joins the Disney+ lineup in the summer of 2021.

HAWKEYE

Jeremy Renner came on stage and revealed the previously undisclosed title of the Hawkeye Disney+ original series. He joined Kevin Feige to give exciting news about “Hawkeye,” including details about Kate Bishop, a character well-known in Marvel comics, who will be an integral part of the series.

“Hawkeye” launches on Disney+ in the fall of 2021.

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER

Feige talked about the next Thor film, “Thor: Love and Thunder,” which will be the fourth feature film in the “Thor” franchise. It was revealed that Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman, will become the Mighty Thor, the goddess of Thunder.

Director Taika Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson and Natalie Portman all came on stage for the presentation, eliciting a wild response from the Hall H audience who are looking forward to the film’s November 5, 2021 debut in theatres.

BLACK WIDOW

Feige officially announced the feature film “Black Widow,” which is slated for a May 1, 2020 release in theatres, making it the first film of Phase Four to hit the big screen.

Feige surprised the audience with the first footage from “Black Widow,” which is currently in production. The film is directed by Cate Shortland who was on hand to greet the Hall H audience along with Scarlett Johansson, reprising her role of Natasha Romanoff, as well as newcomers to the Marvel Cinematic Universe David Harbour as Alexei aka The Red Guardian, Florence Pugh as Yelena, O-T Fagbenle as Mason and Rachel Weisz as Melina.

BLADE

Following the “Black Widow” presentation, Feige had another big surprise up his sleeve for the enthusiastic Hall H crowd. He was joined on stage by actor Mahershala Ali and then announced the new Marvel Studios feature film “Blade” that Ali will star in.

 

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: “AVENGERS: ENDGAME” NEW TRAILER

The new Trailer for AVENGERS: ENDGAME has just debuted following-up of Thanos’ destructive snap. Surely you didn’t think that was it, did you? Captain Marvel also surfaces here!

Synopsis:
The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios’ grand conclusion to twenty-two films, “Avengers: Endgame.”

 

See the Trailer:

 

New Artwork:

Marvel Entertainment Canada release AVENGERS: ENDGAME Friday, April 26, 2019.

 

(Photo/video credit: Marvel Entertainment Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: “CAPTAIN MARVEL” POP-UPS COMING TO TORONTO + VANCOUVER!

Who’s pumped for CAPTAIN MARVEL? Fans in Toronto and Vancouver are in for a lucky treat as a ’90s-inspired Video Store Pop-Up in celebration of the Movie are coming soon!

TORONTO:
277 QUEEN STREET WEST
FRIDAY, MARCH 1
12 PM – 7PM

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 & SUNDAY MARCH 3
10 AM – 6PM

Hashtag: #CAPTAINMARVELTO

 

VANCOUVER:
METROTOWN MALL – 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby
(ground floor near Muji and the Bay)

FRIDAY MARCH 1 & SATURDAY MARCH 2
10 AM – 9 PM

SUNDAY, MARCH 3
11 AM – 7 PM

Hashtag: #CAPTAINMARVELVAN

WHAT: Marvel Studios is inviting Canadians to race against time in an immersive scavenger hunt inside Stanley Video, a 90’s video rental store. Consumers have to find the DVD titles that are answers to a series of clues. Teams have 5 minutes to complete the game. Successful teams have the chance to win a collector “Captain Marvel” pin plus premiere screening passes and Garage gift cards.

Synopsis:
Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom.

The film stars Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Rune Temte, Algenis Perez Soto, Mckenna Grace, with Annette Bening, with Clark Gregg, and Jude Law.

 

 

Captain Marvel is in theatres Friday, March 7, 2019.

 

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR”

We have a new Trailer for AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR! Tickets also now are on sale!

Synopsis:
An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.

 

See the Trailer:

 

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR on Friday, April 27, 2018.

You now can buy tickets in Canada to see AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR here.

 

(Photo/video credit: Marvel Entertainment Canada)

#INTERVIEW: DANAI GURIRA ON “BLACK PANTHER”

Huge things are expected of Marvel’s long-awaited BLACK PANTHER and with just another week to go till release, Toronto Fans were treated to a celebratory Canadian Premiere for the Ryan Coogler-directed Film. Fans queued hours for a chance at rush tickets to the event graced by none other than star Danai Gurira, known best for her work on AMC’s acclaimed series The Walking Dead as Michonne.

The groundbreaking Blockbuster comes with raves based on its Los Angeles Premiere last week and members of the Cast were just in South Korea to promote the Film too.

BLACK PANTHER is set in a technologically-advanced African nation called Wakanda, where upon the death of his father, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) rises to the throne as a successor king. He summons the help of the warriors Dora Milaje led by Okoye (Danai Gurira), his estranged wife Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and sister Shuri (Letitia Wright), among others to defend what he is due by birthright. Unexpected challengers surface suddenly to overthrow him, also threatening to cause chaos in the world with weapons made from a precious element native to Wakanda called Vibranium.

We ask a dazzling Gurira dressed in black and gold, about being approached by Coogler who admittedly had never seen The Walking Dead when reaching out to her.

Gurira: “He had seen me in a Movie that was same time as Fruitvale Station at Sundance and that Movie was called The Mother of George. So it was from that quiet Indie he became interested in working with me. This came to pass and he wrote a role with me in mind. As an Actor, nothing really tops that because I had so much respect for him. I was just so proud of him, this young man who came out of grad school and made this type of an impact. He’s so humble, so sweet, such a good guy.”.

One of the greatest things about BLACK PANTHER is its element of humour and often we see its characters are aware of the world beyond Wakanda. Likewise, Gurira’s Okoye keeps Boseman‘s T’Challa in-check when he struggles. We ask her about her experience working with the Film’s leading man.

Gurira: “He’s such a fantastic quintessential leading man. He really helms things with a quiet, calm energy that just allows everyone to feel valued and connected to him. He’s an astounding collaborator and he respects people’s thoughts and opinions. He’s a deep thinker and a great writer and storyteller himself. Working with him is really easy.”

Gurira tells us the toughest part about getting into Okoye‘s headspace.

Gurira: “I’m not as much a traditionalist as she is, I’m more a modernist. I loved that about her and I understood it, but it wasn’t where I come from. But really this let me connect more deeply with the essence to really what Wakanda speaks to, which is African self-determination. That to me is something I totally can latch-on to, this idea of a nation that has never been colonized and a need to protect that. That I could connect to.”.

 

Hover left and right to see photos of Gurira on tonight’s Carpet:

(Swipe left!) The dazzling #DanaiGurira at tonight’s Canadian Premiere of #BlackPanther. Opens 2.16.18. She’s in #Valentino. #BlackPantherTO #Michonne #TheWalkingDead #BlackPantherCA

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🏮 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 6, 2018 at 10:09pm PST

 

The Canadian Premiere saw local talent like Kardinal Offishall, Jazz Cartier, Pree and Arkells come out to show their support.  We had the pleasure of speaking to Kardinal Offishall, Priya and Arkells about what BLACK PANTHER means to them.

Kardinal Offishall: “I think since the time I was a kid, the possibility that there could be something that took place – even though it’s fictional – in a world dominated by people of colour, used to be unbelievable. It’s not a Movie that is going to be limited to people of colour as the story is universal. It’s just going to be amazing for everyone to watch this Movie. I think positive imagery that shows people who look like me in a different light, these are all things that are super-necessary, especially for the time we’re living in.”.

Offishall admits he has heard Soundtrack (out Friday, February 9, 2018 via Universal Music Canada) single All the Stars by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, thus far and gives a vote of confidence, stating “Kendrick having a hand in forming what it’s gonna sound like, I’m sure sonically it’s gonna be incredible.”.

Arkells: “Normally when we’re invited to these things, we’re on the road. On Twitter I saw last week people were going nuts about this Movie.”.

On their four JUNO nominations today, lead singer Max Kerman admits, “We planned on getting no JUNO nominations.”. The Band does plan to be in Vancouver for the Awards on Sunday, March 25, 2018 airing on CBC at 8:00 PM ET.

 

Also don’t forget to check-out the BLACK PANTHER EXPERIENCE as it tours Southern Ontario. It allows you to connect BLACK PANTHER to upcoming release AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR and witness Black Panther in marvelous AR Technology. Stops are as follows:

OTTAWA

Winterlude Festival – February 9-11

TORONTO

Cineplex Cinemas Queensway and VIP – February 13
CN Tower – February 17 & 18
Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough – February 20

 

Hover left and right to navigate slideshow:

(Swipe left!) Do not forget to check-out the #BlackPanther Experience as it tours Southern Ontario! You can get a snap with him in amazing AR Technology and connect the Film to #AvengersInfinityWar! Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER hits theatres 2.16.18. Dates: OTTAWA Winterlude Festival – February 9-11 TORONTO Cineplex Cinemas Queensway and VIP – February 13CN Tower – February 17 & 18Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough – February 20

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🏮 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 6, 2018 at 9:06pm PST

 

See our Chats with Kardinal Offishall, The Arkells and Gurira:

 

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER Friday, February 16, 2018.

 

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

 

Photography taken on the NIKON D3300.

#FIRSTLOOK: TOM HARDY IN “MARVEL’S VENOM”

We love us some Tom Hardy and we wonder where he’s been! Alas, we have answers. Presenting this new image from Marvel’s VENOM in which Hardy stars.

Synopsis:
One of Marvel’s most enigmatic, complex and badass characters comes to the big screen, starring Academy Award® nominated actor Tom Hardy as the lethal protector Venom.

 

See the first look:

 

Sony Pictures Canada release Marvel’s VENOM Friday, October 5, 2018.

 

(Photo credit: Sony Pictures)