Based on My Chemical Romance Frontman Gerard Way‘s popular graphic novels, Netflix Series THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY is set to stream across the world. Filmed right here in Toronto, from Canadian Showrunner Steve Blackman and Executive Producer Jeff King, it centers on a group of six survivors of fourty three children born one day in 1989 to mothers who prior had shown no signs of pregnancy. Now adults, they must come together to solve the mystery of their father, Sir Reginald Hargreeves, who has passed. This family of superheroes must iron-out their differences in the wake of a possible apocalypse.

Stars of genre-bending The Umbrella Academy reunited on the festive Red Carpet tonight at TIFF Bell Lightbox in support the the Series’ launch tomorrow on the world’s leading internet television service, Netflix. In attendance were Mary J. Blige, Cameron Britton, Colm Feore, Sheila McCarthy, Tom Hopper, Emma Raver-Lampan, Robert Sheehan, David Castañeda, several of the Show’s young stars and Ellen Page, who has made headlines much of late speaking-out for the LGBTQ Community.

We had the pleasure of seeing and snapping the talent tonight on the Carpet including Sheila McCarthy, Colm Feore, Executive Producer Jeff King, Cameron Britton, Tom Hopper and Emmy Raver-Lampman.

Sheila McCarthy – “Agnes”
We ask the Toronto-born Actress about her character Agnes, a donut shop owner. She says, “Her glass is full to brimming, even in very violent situations, she sees the sunny side. She’s having the greatest love of her life with someone half her age, which doesn’t matter.”.  She also tells us about her favourite part of working on the Series, revealing her she won’t forget meeting two-time Oscar nominee and R&B superstar Mary J. Blige. “Two years ago if you told me that I’d be working with her, I’d go ‘What?’!  She’s the sweetest, kindest person”, she states. “It’s very carefully-handpicked show and it’s not always like that. It’s a labour of love I tell ya.”.

Colm Feore – “Sir Reginald Hargreeves”

The screen and stage legend tells us what drew him most to the project and Way‘s vision. “It’s a fabulous part and vision of the part by Gerard (Way) and Steven Blackman, a brilliant Writer. He’s got a serious job creating superheroes who could save the world. He knows what end game is and the stakes are very, very high.”.

The role while being a departure from some of the more charismatic roles Feore is known for in his celebrated career, but he clarifies, “For all the absence of warmth and charm, there’s a real eye-on-the-prize focus on what needs to be achieved.”. “It was awfully-fun cracking the whip on the little ones. I got to be mean to Ellen Page by proxy! I know she’s a little mad at me that I didn’t even read her book about the family, EXTRA ORDINARY, but I knew it would pay dividends in the end.”.

Jeff King, Executive Producer

Known for his work on Stargate SG-1, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and White Collar, Canadian-born King feels incredible about bringing the production to and premiering it in Toronto. “This is incredible. This is hometown for me and I haven’t been here in long time to shoot. But I have to credit the Ontario government and the Government of Canada for having an incentive program that would bring studios like Universal and Netflix and encourage them to be in Toronto because it’s such a great multicultural city. I’ve filmed in Paris, London, New York, New York and Vancouver, but Toronto is a unique mélange of all these things because of its people, architecture and proximity.”. He jokes, “Now if would just snow a little less it would be good.”.

Cameron Britton – “Hazel”

Britton who also starred in Netflix’s Mindhunter, tells us what drew him most to his role as an assassin.  The Actor who is paired alongside Blige‘s Cha-Cha says, “He’s someone who doesn’t know who he is and I’ve wanted always to play someone in transition, finding out who they are. I found it really interesting that who they are in this case is a villain. It’s uncommon for villain not to know their identity.”.

On his preparation process, he admits being a bit nervous. “Preparation was scary because there was too much freedom to find out who these folks were. I didn’t meet Mary till a few days before starting to shoot. That’s when the characters opened-up a lot more. The chemistry was there and sometimes you get lucky in that regard.”.

Tom Hopper and Emmy Raver-Lampman – “Luther” and “Allison”

Hopper has starred on HBO‘s Game of Thrones and more recently was seen in Amy Schumer Comedy I Feel Pretty, while Raver-Lampman got a breakthrough after a turn on Broadway in Hamilton. They tell us about their love for Toronto.

Raver-Lampman recalls, “We started filming in January and wrapped in July, so we saw all the seasons. So many TV shows and movies come through town and everyone on show was a veteran of their craft.”. “We went to music festivals, did tons of Karaoke and we loved trying different restaurants. We tried to take Toronto in as much as we could.”.

Hopper states, “The amount of fun stuff we did outside of shooting was great. I had a wicked time. At the time my wife was home pregnant with my second baby. What made it a lot easier was these guys and Toronto. I needed these guys to get through this.”.

Despite being siblings, the two show a great chemistry which is prevalent even in few words. We ask how they achieve this on-screen.

Raver-Lampman tells us, “Right from jump, we really got along. There was no ego. We had a willingness to talk through scenes and make the best of the situation. It is because we had a friendship that existed offstage that we became close pals. I think at some point we stopped talking about scenes we had together. I think the Pilot was most we ever talked about scenes and then we would fall right into it and I started figuring out what he needs from me and vice-versa.”.

Hopper adds, “I was learning who Allison was as I was learning who Luther was. I got to know her as Allison as Emmy, it’s weird. And that’s all to do with the trust Emmy that talks about.”.

See our Chats:

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY streams on Netflix Canada Friday, February 15, 2019.

All photos taken on Nikon D3400.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Amanda Gilmore)

Based on My Chemical Romance frontman Gerard Way’s Comic Book series of the same name, THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY is set to stream on Netflix this February.  Way also serves on the series as Executive Producer. The first season, comprised of ten hour-long episodes brings together a quirky ensemble of talent. It centers on seven children born on the same day despite their mothers not having been pregnant, who are adopted by Sir Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore) an alien disguised as a billionaire.

They include:

–Vanya (Ellen Page) who is a skilled Violinist
–Luther (Tom Hopper) who possesses super-strength and the body of an alien ape
–Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman) who is a star of the Red Carpet, who can alter reality through her lies
–Klaus (Robert Sheehan) who is an odd-ball underachiever, able to communicate with the dead
–Diego (David Castañeda) who has superior knifing skills and ability to control his breath
–Number Five (Aidan Gallagher) who has the appearance of a teen boy and is able to travel in time

Mary J. Blige also stars as Cha-Cha, a time-travelling assassin, along with her partner Hazel, played by Cameron Britton.

Shot right here in Toronto, The Umbrella Academy is a genre-bending mix of Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Drama and Comedy, set against a late ’80s-inspired Soundtrack, the period in which the central characters were born and grew-up.  While a bit of a slow-burn, as much time is spent explaining these characters’ back stories, we learn along the way what led to their dysfunction present day as siblings as they look to solve their father’s death. With Number Five travelling into the future to learn that the world will be ending in a matter of days, the siblings must come together to save the world before others threaten to off them and assassins are in hot pursuit of Number Five.

The series’ aesthetic is dark and apocalyptic, set in the poorly-maintained mansion in which the siblings were raised. Fans of the Comic Book Series however surely will find plenty to connect with and rewarded as the plots thicken and the siblings are brought together in a common goal.

The Umbrella Academy is a star vehicle for young Aidan Gallagher who gets a chance to shine with plentiful action sequences, possessing a maturity well beyond his years and he handles the dramatic scenes, especially with Ellen Page with prowess, being her emotional and intellectual equal. Page is fragile and vulnerable, cast well in the role of Vanya who really needs to find herself in a family of siblings whom all possess a useful skill… except her. Tom Hopper as leader Luther and glamorous Emma Raver-Lampman, possess an almost-inappropriate interest in one another which translates from the source material. Robert Sheehan‘s Klaus and David Castañeda‘s Diego are the rebels in the family, keeping things uncomfortably dangerous.

Season One of THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY streams Friday, February 15, 2019.  More here.

Two new exciting star-studded Netflix Original Films to tell you about which will see a theatrical release and also be streamed right to your homes!

THE HIGHWAYMEN
The outlaws made headlines. The lawmen made history. From Director John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side), The Highwaymen follows the untold true story of the legendary detectives who brought down Bonnie and Clyde. When the full force of the FBI and the latest forensic technology aren’t enough to capture the nation’s most notorious criminals, two former Texas Rangers Frank Hammer (Kevin Costner) and Maney Gault (Woody Harrelson) must rely on their gut instincts and old school skills to get the job done.

March 22 – Limited Theatrical Release in Toronto
March 29 – Netflix

More here.

TRIPLE FRONTIER
A group of former Special Forces operatives (Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund and Pedro Pascal) reunite to plan a heist in a sparsely populated multi-border zone of South America. For the first time in their prestigious careers these unsung heroes undertake this dangerous mission for self instead of country. But when events take an unexpected turn and threaten to spiral out of control, their skills, their loyalties and their morals are pushed to a breaking point in an epic battle for survival. Directed by Academy Award® nominee J.C. Chandor (Margin Call, All Is Lost, A Most Violent Year) and co-written by Chandor and Academy Award® winner Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty).

March 6 – Limited Theatrical Release in Toronto
March 13 – Netflix

See the Trailer:

We had too much fun at Taylor Swift‘s reputation Tour this summer and we’re thrilled to experience it again! See the new Trailer for the reputation Stadium Tour Concert Film, coming soon to Netflix!

See the Trailer:

Netflix Canada stream the reputation Stadium Tour Monday, December 31, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

We all remember Madeline Brewer from ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, but here she is unlike ever before! Check-out the Trailer for intriguing Netflix Original Movie, CAM!

Synopsis:
CAM is a technology-driven psychological thriller set in the world of webcam porn. It follows Alice, an ambitious camgirl, who wakes up one day to discover she’s been replaced on her show with an exact replica of herself. As this copy begins to push the boundaries of Alice‘s internet identity, the control that Alice has over her life, and the men in it, vanishes. While she struggles to regain what she’s lost, she slowly finds herself drawn back to her show and to the mysterious person who has taken her place.

See the Trailer:

Netflix stream CAM Friday, November 16, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

We remember spending our New Year’s Day going hardcore on this and we cannot wait to do it all again! A release date has been set for long-awaited MAKING A MURDERER: PART 2.

Synopsis:
“Steven and Brendan, their families and their legal and investigative teams have once again graciously granted us access, giving us a window into the complex web of American criminal justice,” said executive producers, writers and directors Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos. “Building on Part 1, which documented the experience of the accused, in Part 2, we have chronicled the experience of the convicted and imprisoned, two men each serving life sentences for crimes they maintain they did not commit. We are thrilled to be able to share this new phase of the journey with viewers.”

Part 2 introduces viewers to Kathleen Zellner, Avery’s hard-charging postconviction lawyer, in her fight to prove that Avery was wrongly convicted and win his freedom. Ricciardi and Demos follow Zellner, who has righted more wrongful convictions than any private attorney in America, as she tirelessly works the case and uncovers unexpected evidence about what may have happened to Teresa Halbach and about how and why the jury convicted Steven of her murder.

See the new Trailer:

Artwork:

Netflix Canada stream MAKING OF A MURDERER: PART 2 Friday, October 18, 2018.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

Well this looks yummy! From Netflix is a new four-part Food Adventure, SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT.

Synopsis:
Master these four elements, master the kitchen. Based on Samin Nosrat’s best-selling book, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is the essential guide to the basic elements of good cooking. Across the four part experience, the spirited guide Samin travels to home kitchens of Italy, the southern islands of Japan, the heat of the Yucatán and back to Berkeley‘s Chez Panisse—where she started her culinary career—to demystify and explore the central principles of what makes food delicious and how each of us can easily incorporate those elements into every dish.

See the Trailer:

www.netflix.com/saltfatacidheat

SALT, FAT, ACID, HEAT premieres on Netflix Friday, October 11, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

We know you’ve been waiting for it! Check-out this gorgeous new Artwork from Netflix’s RIVERDALE, Season Three!

Synopsis:
With tensions between the North and Southside at an all-time high—stoked by Hiram Lodge with the help of Reggie Mantle (Charles Melton), and intensified with the Black Hood’s unexpected re-emergence—a civil war seemed imminent. And, indeed, after a brief respite during which everyone came together to put on CARRIE the Musical, directed by Kevin Keller (Casey Cott), season two built to a riot that brought out the worst (and best) of Riverdale and its citizens, and culminated in the shocking arrest of one of our main characters. In season three, it’s the start of Junior year and the gang is forced to think about something new—their future. But with Hiram now in control of the Southside, Archie on trial for murder, and complicated romantic relationships forming, fans can expect a gripping start to the new season.

Based on the Archie Comics characters, RIVERDALE stars KJ Apa (The Cul de Sac), Lili Reinhart (Surviving Jack), Camila Mendes, Cole Sprouse (The Suite Life of Zack and Cody), Marisol Nichols (24), Madelaine Petsch (The Curse of Sleeping Beauty), Ashleigh Murray (Appearances: Younger, The Following), Casey Cott (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Mark Consuelos (Queen of the South, Pitch), Skeet Ulrich (Law & Order: LA, Jericho) with Mädchen Amick (Twin Peaks), and Luke Perry (Beverly Hills, 90210). 

Artwork:

Season 3 of RIVERDALE premieres Friday, October 11, 2018 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

We all love a good twisted revenge comedy! Debby Ryan, Alyssa Milano and Dallas Roberts star in juicy new one-hour, ten-episode Netflix Series, INSATIABLE!

About Insatiable:
Insatiable is a dark, twisted revenge comedy starring Debby Ryan, Dallas Roberts and Alyssa Milano. For years, Patty (Debby Ryan) has been bullied, ignored, and underestimated by those around her because of her weight. But now that she finds herself suddenly thin, Patty is out for payback against anyone who has ever made her feel bad about herself. Bob Armstrong (Dallas Roberts), a disgraced attorney whose true passion is coaching beauty pageant contestant, is the only one who sees Patty’s potential, and takes her under his wing — first as a legal client, and then as a pageant contestant whom he coaches toward becoming the top pageant queen in the country. But Bob and his wife Coralee (Alyssa Milano) have no idea how deep Patty’s rage goes, or how far she will go to exact revenge on anyone who has ever wronged her. Bullies beware: payback’s a bitch, revenge is sweet, and if you cross Patty, you’ll be her next treat.

See the Teaser:

See some new Stills:

INSATIABLE streams on Netflix Friday, August 10, 2018.

More here.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

English Actor Tom Hopper has been hard at work in Toronto balancing filming Netflix’s upcoming Adpatation of THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY and family life back home. While the Series based on My Chemical Romance Frontman Gerard Way‘s Comic Books is set to wrap in about a month we thought we’d never see the star! Hopper plays one of the principal characters, Luther.

We spotted the Actor out and about King West going for a walk. Just yesterday his Castmates and he were out at the Field Trip Festival dancing to the grooves of  Damien Marley at Fort York!

In addition to roles on Black Sails, The Adventures of Merlin and Game of Thrones, Hopper last was seen this spring in Amy Schumer Comedy I FEEL PRETTY!

We totally weren’t ready for this spotting, which was completely random. Hopper was amazing to stop for a Selfie!

See our Snap:

When you’re wandering about wondering if you’ll ever meet #TomHopper and he appears right in front of you! The handsome English Actor stars in Netflix’s #TheUmbrellaAcademy, wrapping next month! He stars as principal character Luther! Such a nice dude!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 3, 2018 at 1:50pm PDT

A little later in the day we spotted star of Haven, ER, Brothers & Sisters and Graceland, Emily Rose. Although it isn’t yet announced what she’s filming here in Toronto, we’re sure her fans are excited to see her return! She also was super-sweet to stop for a Snap!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | eOne Films)