Michael B. Jordan
#INTERVIEW: MICHAEL B. JORDAN ON “CREED II” AT MLSE LAUNCHPAD
The path to stardom has been meteoric for Michael B. Jordan. After an acclaimed breakout role in 2013’s Fruitvale Station, the Los Angeles-based Actor quickly has risen to Hollywood’s top-tier of talent with high-profile roles in critical and commercial successes Creed and Black Panther. In addition to a surprise visit to Toronto to promote his latest effort Creed II, in which he reprises the titular role of boxer Adonis Creed, he also made time to do good for our community. Jordan returns to the City after having filmed HBO‘s Fahrenheit 451 here last year and also having promoted Creed here back in 2015.
MLSE LaunchPad is situated in Toronto’s Moss Park, a collaborative workspace designed to help youth realize their fullest potential through discipline, goal setting and athletic excellence. The 42,000sq ft space just launched its first ever boxing program. Jordan presented a special group of high-achievers who were hyped-up prior by the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Carlton the Bear and the Toronto Raptors’ Raptor, not only a chance to see Creed II first last night courtesy of Warner Bros. Canada, but also a large volume of boxing equipment empowering them to fortify their life and boxing skills. The Venue’s Director of Sports Programming Justin Bobb unveiled the generous donation behind a curtain, from which Jordan appeared as a surprise. He came out, greeted to a room of cheers surrounded by youth rushing to his side for a Photo Op.
See the Trailer for Creed II:
Our David Baldwin had the chance to chat with Jordan about the eagerly-awaited followup to 2015’s Oscar-winning Creed. Jordan, in town for a quick minute met a line of select local Media before heading off to his next destination on the Film’s Press Tour. He was asked what drew him to make such a charitable donation for Toronto’s youth and also about leaving behind his own mark.
Jordan tells us, “I feel awesome doing it. It’s not hard to get me here, they are the future. You invest positivity in them and if we really raise them the right way, we can really change the world. Anything to do with kids, I’m always showing up for.”.
We ask about Jordan and his part in the Rocky legacy. He states, “My and Ryan (Coogler) really wanted to focus on creating Creed’s legacy, we really wanted to focus on him and to have his own franchise. Lucky enough for us we were able to have two movies and hopefully we’ll see more.”.
See the Chat below and highlights from Jordan‘s appearance:
#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:
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:
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: “BLACK PANTHER” LOS ANGELES WORLD PREMIERE PHOTOS
Los Angeles got lit last night as the World Premiere of BLACK PANTHER took place. The starpower was incredible with several A-List names came out to show support for what is looking to be a smash hit for Marvel/Disney. Initial reviews coming-out are incredible and we’re super-excited for this Film. Names like Jon Voigt, Elizabeth Banks, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Martin Lawrence, Kendrick Lamar, Donald Glover and several more attended the night.
See some Pics of the Cast and notable guests:
If you’re in Quebec City or Southern Ontario, don’t forget to check-out the BLACK PANTHER EXPERIENCE as it tours these regions and experience AR Technology and connect Black Panther to Avengers: Infinity War!
Dates:
BLUE MOUNTAIN
• Winter Fest, Blue Mountain Village – January 27 & 28
QUEBEC CITY
• Carnaval De Quebec – February 2-4
OTTAWA
• Winterlude Festival – February 9-11
TORONTO
• Cineplex Cinemas Queensway and VIP – February 13
• CN Tower – February 17 & 18
• Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough – February 20
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release BLACK PANTHER Friday, February 16, 2018.
(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)
#SPOTTED: MICHAEL SHANNON IN TORONTO FILMING “FAHRENHEIT 451”
Hey Daddy! Michael Shannon has been in town for the past month or so filming HBO‘s Ray Bradbury Adaptation FAHRENHEIT 451 and while we saw him a few times on-set, it was nice to see him out enjoying what’s left of our Summer with his Family today! We hear that he’s been burning the midnight oil in recent weeks as the Production films overnight and it should be wrapping in the next few days before the TIFF ’17 madness ensues. We’ll be seeing this brilliant actor in two Films at the Festival, THE CURRENT WAR and and Toronto-made THE SHAPE OF WATER.
See the Snap. We honestly didn’t even know he was married with kids!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: SOFIA BOUTELLA IN TORONTO FOR “FAHRENHEIT 451”
Few stars are rising faster than Sofia Boutella’s. The Algerian-French Actress/Dancer has been in Toronto for just over a week and today began work on HBO‘s dystopian Ray Bradbury Novel Adaptation, FAHRENHEIT 451. The Film, which she tells us will be released next September, stars also Michael B. Jordan (who also produces) and Michael Shannon.
Seen recently in KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, STAR TREK BEYOND, THE MUMMY and currently in ATOMIC BLONDE, Boutella‘s streak isn’t stopping any time soon. Taking an unconventional path to Hollywood, once a dancer for Madonna, Boutella finally is ready for her close-up.
Since arriving in Toronto, Boutella has enjoyed a bit of downtime with her partner, actor Robert Sheehan (The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones…also made in Toronto!) and found time to discover Kensington Market and see Kendrick Lamar in concert. She even stopped by the set in the City’s east end to say “hi” on her day off yesterday.
Boutella wrapping late on her first day on set, was amazing to stop for autographs and selfies at 2:00 AM wrapping a day in the west end. We loved meeting her and she had nothing but praise for Charlize Theron working with her on Atomic Blonde.
Production moves to Hamilton and Brampton shortly.
See our Selfie:
Fahrenheit 451 wraps in September.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Pictures)
#SPOTTED: MICHAEL B. JORDAN IN TORONTO FOR “FAHRENHEIT 451”
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:
FAHRENHEIT 451 wraps production in September.
(Photo credit: HBO/Mr. Will Wong)
#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TEASER FOR “BLACK PANTHER”
While it isn’t in theatres till early next year, we finally get this new tease for Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER!
Synopsis:
Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.
“Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.
See the Trailer:
Marvel Entertainment Canada release BLACK PANTHER Friday, February 16, 2018.
(Photo/video credit: Marvel Entertainment Canada)
#FIRSTLOOK: WILL CONOR MCGREGOR APPEAR IN UPCOMING “CREED” SEQUEL?
The Rocky franchise is one of those film series that might go down at times but can never be counted out. Everyone had thought that the storied franchise was done after 2006’s Rocky Balboa but new life was breathed into the franchise with last fall’s surprise blockbuster, Creed.
Creed was a massive critical and financial success that helped to successfully reboot the rapidly aging franchise for a new generation. The film grossed $173.6 million on a measly $35 million budget and made newcomer Michael B. Jordan into a bona fide star. It even helped to earn Sylvester Stallone an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Creed actually managed to revive Rocky in the video game world, too. It brought about a mobile fighting game for smart devices, Real Boxing 2, as well as new a licensed casino title based on the franchise at large. This site called the latter a “heavyweight slot” that “packs a punch,” as players are encouraged to step into the ring against some of the most famous adversaries of the Italian Stallion from throughout the series. With this level of success in the theatres and even in gaming, it comes as no surprise that there’s already talk of a sequel to Creed. And we have the low down on some of the most enticing rumours for the upcoming film, including several seriously big cameos.
Much of Creed‘s success came from the unflinching realism of the film. One of the reasons the fights looked so real is these largely weren’t actors in the ring. Creed starred several real-life fighters as the opponents of the titular character; former super-middleweight champion Andre Ward played Danny “Stuntman” Wheeler and former light-middleweight champion Gabriel Rosado played another of Creed’s challengers. In fact, Creed’s opponent in the final bout was none other than current EBU cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew, so naturally we’re already thinking ahead of which fighters might make an appearance in the sequel.
Few fighters are more popular (or as talented) as Irishman Conor McGregor and according to one blog, director Ryan Coogler had hinted that he’d love to have McGregor at least make a cameo in the next film in the series. Unfortunately, it might be a long shot for fans of “The Notorious” as it definitely won’t be happening with Coogler at the helm. The director has been forced to drop out of the project due to his commitment for the upcoming Marvel film, Black Panther.
Thankfully, rising star Michael B. Jordan is still completely on board and he has big ideas for what to expect from a sequel. This article states that the actor feels the sequel needs a proper villain, not dissimilar to Ivan Drago in Rocky IV. He was actually responsible for the death of Creed‘s father, Apollo, and as close to a true villain the series has ever gotten. If Creed 2 ends up looking more like Rocky IV, we’re more than OK with that. It’s one of the best films in the franchise and it’d be great to see Jordan fight up against an honest-to-goodness bad guy. Who knows, maybe Conor McGregor might be just the man for the job.
#SPOTTED: MICHAEL B. JORDAN, TESSA THOMPSON + RYAN COOGLER IN TORONTO FOR “CREED”
Fans of the ROCKY franchise will be thrilled to see its latest installment, as our favourite on-screen boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) passes on the torch in mentoring the son of his colleague Apollo Creed in Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan).
The stars of the Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station) penned and directed Film are in Toronto on a 24-hour whirlwind Press Day which saw them surprise fans at a private screening of Creed last night, introducing the drama at TIFF Bell Lightbox. And fans took to Instagram and Twitter expressing their shock and delight and later in the evening! We hear the Trio were spotted at a hot sports bar where Jordan caught-up on his football.
Loved CREED!! Go see the movie! #CreedMovie @michaelb4jordan @TThompsonYES https://t.co/5DjhQvofF7
— ϟїη Ðαḯ ♥♫ █♥█ ツ (@sindai) November 9, 2015
Coogler reunites here with up-and-coming Jordan after phenomenal acclaim on their 2013 drama Fruitvale Station. Stunning actress Tessa Thompson (Dear White People, Selma) also is a part of the tour, playing the role of Bianca in Creed. Despite quickly zipping by, we caught-up with the Trio earlier today and it was amazing getting a snap with Jordan who promised to do one on his way out after being in a rush. Thompson was relaxed and kindly stopped for a photo, while Coogler was enjoying his morning coffee as he geared-up what looks to be a long day as they visit the next city on their promo tour later today. Be sure to check-out their interview on The Roz & Mocha Show tomorrow on KISS 92.5. Later in the day, the Trio headed to Queen Alexandra Middle School, attending an assembly with 250+ students without warning and drawing cheers as they donated $5,000 to their current fundraiser campaign.
Adonis Johnson (Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there’s no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed’s legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa. Once in the City of Brotherly Love, Adonis tracks Rocky (Stallone) down and asks him to be his trainer. Despite his insistence that he is out of the fight game for good, Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo—the fierce rival who became his closest friend. Agreeing to take him on, Rocky trains the young fighter, even as the former champ is battling an opponent more deadly than any he faced in the ring. With Rocky in his corner, it isn’t long before Adonis gets his own shot at the title…but can he develop not only the drive but also the heart of a true fighter, in time to get into the ring? Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release Creed on Friday, November 25, 2015.
The talented #MichaelBJordan in #Toronto promoting latest #ROCKY installment, #CREEDMovie. A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO ATTEND AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “THAT AWKWARD MOMENT” STARRING ZAC EFRON IN TORONTO, OTTAWA, WINNIPEG, MONTREAL, VANCOUVER, CALGARY, EDMONTON AND HALIFAX!
Mr. Will Wong, VVS Films and Touchwood PR and thrilled to give Readers a chance to see the hilarious new Comedy THAT AWKWARD MOMENT! Boasting an irresistible Cast which includes Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Imogen Poots, Mackenzie Davis and Michael B. Jordan, we dare you see what’s in store here!
Screening dates and times to be finalized shortly, but Passes will be available for Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal and Vancouver.
Official Synopsis:
Zac Efron, Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan star in the Comedy, THAT AWKWARD MOMENT, about three Best Friends who find themselves where we’ve all been – at that confusing “moment” in every dating relationship when you have to decide “So…where is this going?”.
Watch the funny-as-heck Trailer below:
Official Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Double your chances by Re-Tweeting the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/thatawkwardmoment @MRWILLW wants us to attend an Advance Screening of #THATAWKWARDMOMENT starring #ZACEFRON, out 1/31!
Good luck and happy laughing!
VVS Films release THAT AWKWARD MOMENT on Friday, January 31, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com