By Mr. Will Wong

Led by Yelena Belova (Florench Pugh), Marvel’s THUNDERBOLTS is the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Film sees her and a group of anti–heroes placed on a deadly mission by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Forming an unexpected alliance, their bond just might be the only thing that can save them.

We are delighted to have joined the global press conferernce for this long awaited Blockbuster. Joining us today were:

Florence Pugh – “Yelena Belova”
David Harbour – “Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus – “Valentina Allegra de Fontaine”
Geraldine Viswanathan – “Mel”
Lewis Pullman – “Bob”
Wyatt Russell – “John Walker”
Hannah John-Kamen – “Ava Starr / Ghost”
Sebastian Stan – “Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier”
Jake Schreier – Director
Kevin Feige – Producer

Florence Pugh is asked about immersing the audience into her world right away as the Film sees her performing a dangerous stunt.

Pugh: Firstly, I’d like to say that none of stuts are possible without any of the stunt team, riggers and choreographers. The stunts were designed weeks prior to shooting. Obviously, as much I’d like to say I did all my stunts, plenty of the in the Movie aren’t me. I don’t want to claim all of it. When I read the Script and opened the first page, it was such impressive way to start the Movie and really allowed me to understand where she was. When you’re reading it on a page, it didn’t feel like she was stepping off a building alongside with the voiceover, as if she was taking her own own life. I remember how powerful it was to start a movie like that. The trust everyone that everyone clearly was having in pulling a potential stunt in the Script like that many, many months before we started shooting, I was so impressed by it. I was so impressed instantly how as an audience member, we knew what she was feeling and it was because she’s an asssassin that she can land it. For someone to jump off a building like that, with the voiceover, it’s harrowing and not a nice image to have. Which is why when she actually steps off, everyone’s stomach just flips. It’s an image we all associate with something really bad.

Coming from Yelena, the way I always thought about that opening sequence is that she is at such a loss, she doesn’t have any reason to be there anymore. She’s lost her sister, she’s lost her family and her relationship with father dwindled to nothing. she’s in such a state and frame of mind that she’s happy to put herself at risk.

In early fittings, I was going to be in my supersuit. No, no, no, if she’s asking to be put in these situations, to potentially get killed, she has to be in something that doesn’t protect her. We open up a discussion that she has to be in a tracksuit that doesn’t protect her. Let’s take away that added layer of protection, instead of her supersuit, which would have gadgets. Even though she’s doing all these cool things and stunts, realistically she’s going into a mission completely bare. And that also adds texture how desperate she is for someone to end it for her. And of course, you have to act on top of the tallest building and pretend as if it’s not scary and as if you want to jump off it. There’s so many layers.

Schreier: What’s really impressive about that stunt other than the fact that she did it, the shot starts on her face and we’re starting this Movie in this real moment of character. I just knew that Florence was so committed to her character, that you knew that you could be in that moment and perform that moment so beautifully. I had no doubt she could do it, but it’s not the stunt itself that’s so impressive, it’s the acting. There’s a whole arc in that moment, character wise.

David Harbour is asked about approaching Red Guardian with a childlike wonder.

Harbour: You could argue that his obsession with rekindling his glory comes from deragement of failure and all these dark places. And yet, also he just loves being a superhero. There is a portion of me as I act that has a very detailed dark backstory to it, and also just me as a kid, putting on supersuit in a Marvel movie with incredible actors, whom I adore. ‘Guys, we get to hang out today!’. I mean, there’s a puppy quality to him. I do love that Film lets me play that.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is asked how different it is stepping into a character again in Film versus Television.

Louis-Dreyfus: It’s different from playing a character week to week on an episodic TV show. I would say on TV of course, as you get into rhythm of playing a character, you get to know the character more. In this case, it was a toe–dip and in this particular film you really get to know who this person is. This was a lot to chew on and a lot to explore. She’s an anti–villain, as you get an oppotunity to understand why she is the way she is. It doesn’t excuse things, but it’s the way you should always approach a character – without judgment. That was a really exciting way to approach Valentina and her drive. You have to come in from a non–judgmental space. It’s so interesting to consider what fuels her insatiable thirst for power, and a really exciting opportunity to reinvent her.

Geraldine Viswanathan and Lewis Pullman enter the MCU here as huge fans of it. They are asked about their favourite Marvel films.

Viswanathan: In this Movie, I have the line that ‘I was in high school when the Avengers came’, and I really was in high school when I saw that movie at the theatre with my friends at the mall! It was really full circle and surreal to be in one of these movies. I feel so fortunate to enter this univerise and in this particular movie, which feels like a breath of fresh air. It has that classic Marvel feeling with this kind of emotional nuance and depth. When I first got to see this Movie, I saw it as audience member and cried a bunch, it really landed on me.

Pullman: I think I remember each one vividly, but Guardians of the Galaxy made me feel like I had made a bunch of new friends. It had such a powerful effect and that’s why Marvel has been doing so well since day one, grounding these beautiful human truths. It’s a hard line to toe. I should really watch it again now that I’m talking about it, as it gives me joy.

I remember having so many conversations with Jake and Kevin, how to toe the line and hitting some of these less–discussed topics, at least in larger–scale films like this. And doing it in a way that didn’t feel like PSA but felt grounded and with as much truth from where we were coming from.

I grew–up pretty anxious and suffering from depression is not a fun thing to talk about. It feels weird to say out loud right now. The big goal in this Film was to get rid of that quaky feeling when you bring it up and talk about it. You’re liable to get caught if you just jump. It’s in the silence where the suffering occurs.

Hannah John-Kamen reprises her role of Ghost again and she talks about the journeys the character has been on since her introduction in the MCU.

John-Kamen: There’s always some connection as an Actor with your character. With Ghost originally, she was in Ant-Man and the Wasp projecting imminent death and this volatile kind of dispution and erruption of physicality. She makes immature death threats and survival decisions to survive. In Thunderbolts, she’s very much grown–up in her maturity of control and power, and being able to control that herself. I think she’s more scary in this Movie. It’s empowering not having that distraction of pain and imminent death anymore. She’s built a Fort Knox of herself, basically a guard that she has up and no one can come in.  What is wonderful about Ghost‘s journey, is her understanding it’s okay to need someone andit’s okay to be relied upon, and also rely on others. You don’t have to go through life on your own. Finding a family, you deserve it and you deserve to be loved.

Wyatt Russell talks about reprising John Walker, and while he’s quite different from the character, he witnessed many people like this having been in competitive sports.

Russell: He’s an interesting guy because he believes in who he is and what he doesn’t. Part of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was portraying this new version of an American hero. Steve Rogers was born in World War II and jumped on a grenade for selfless reasons. He (John Walker) will jump on a grendade to be filmed on Instagram and to become a national hero. It’s very reflective of society today. Nobody’s doing for selfless reasons. They’re hoping to famous on Instagram and TikTok. I like playing that version of Ameican hero where he has to be torn down, going to rock bottom before he can start a journey back to somewhere he wants to be.

I don’t think I’m like John, but in a prior life, I knew a lot of people like John, playing athletics and sports for a living. You have to be that way. You have to put on an armour and place vulrnabilites to the side. Never admit you’re feeling bad because the second you show that crack of vulnerability, it can destroy you. It’s fun to turn it on its head with this character. Vulernabtility actually makes you stronger. Admitting ‘I’m not as good as I think I am’ will actually make you stronger. I enjoy playing John, he’s a fun character to explore.

Sebastian Stan talks about what he’s learned over the years, having played Bucky Barnes multiple times in the MCU.

Stan: I have always talked about him like having a sibling I never had. We’ve both been learning from each other for 15 years. That’s what’s been so amazing about it. I keep coming back to him to bring something I’ve gained along the way in my life. There’s a familiarity with him where I can just jump right in there.

This Film was special as the connection was very real. That’s what people are gonna connect with, how real all these characters are. They wear their hearts on their sleeves and try to do right thing, but don’t know if they have the right tools or not. What’s a villain and what’s a hero? My character is always riding that fine line. That’s what we do in life. Learn from the past and try very hard to retain some sort of self.

Producer Kevin Feige talks about the films that inspired him as a child and the importance of that communal theatre experience.

Feige: The teams on all our films are united. This means a lot. They come from Comic Books which means a lot to lots of people. I think there is a notion of that in every movie. The first movie was I ever saw at the theatre was Pete’s Dragon. I missed that movie and my mom made tuna sandwiches wrapped in foil. Nobody screamed like in Avengers: Endgame, but it was incredible. I saw re–releases of Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back. It was this imagical place. We need this as humans, that communal experience. We’re doing this for Movies. 

Marvel Studios Canada release THUNDERBOLTS in theatres May 2, 2025.

Today, the teaser trailer and poster for the upcoming feature film, “Thunderbolts” debuted. Marvel Studios and a crew of indie veterans who sold out present “Thunderbolts,”an irreverent team-up featuring depressed assassin Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) alongside the MCU’s least anticipated band of misfits.

The film also returns to the screen Marvel Cinematic Universe characters Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), in addition to some exciting new faces.

Jake Schreier directs “Thunderbolts*”with Kevin Feige producing. Louis D’Esposito, Brian Chapek, Jason Tamez and Scarlett Johansson serve as executive producers.

Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts*” opens in theatres on May 2, 2025.

Today we get a new Trailer for A DIFFERENT MAN, starring Sebastian Stan. The film will open in theatres this Fall. The Film premiered earlier this year at SXSW ’24.

Written and Directed By: Aaron Schimberg

Cast: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, Adam Pearson

Synopsis:

Aspiring actor Edward undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance. But his new dream face quickly turns into a nightmare, as he loses out on the role he was born to play and becomes obsessed with reclaiming what was lost.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

By Amanda Gilmore

Aspiring Actor Edward (Sebastian Stan) undergoes a radical facial reconstructive medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance. However, his new face quickly turns into a nightmare, as he loses out on the role he was born to play. A play based on himself — pre-surgery. Instead, theatre Director and Playwright Ingrid (Renate Reinsve) chooses Oswald (Adam Pearson) who meets the representation of the role. But Edward becomes fixated on the role and reclaiming what was lost.

A Different Man is a pitch-black comedic Psychological Thriller that confronts the themes of identity and representation in the arts. Writer-Director Aaron Schimberg isn’t afraid to tackle social issues in his films. Representation in Cinema has been a hot topic in recent years. But none have tackled this subject through the art form the debate surrounds like Schimberg.

To include both sides of the debate, Schimberg intelligently casts Stan (a truly stunning performance that only gets more enticing with each scene), who’s in full prosthetics and makeup for the surgery, as the facially disfigured Edward. Then he casts Pearson (who plays Oswald with charm and kinetic energy), an Actor who has facial disfigurement, as Oswald. This social commentary will work for some and not others. But at the very least it’s a film that has the power to get people talking and even change minds for the better.

Aside from the social commentary, A Different Man is shot beautifully on Kodak film and has a haunting score that unsettles the more Edward fixates on losing the role.

A24 has distribution of A Different Man but the film currently doesn’t have a release date.

A Different Man screens at Sundance ‘24:

Jan 21 at 8:00 PM at Eccles Theatre

Jan 22 at 9:00 AM at Eccles Theatre

Jan 25 at 9:15 PM at Rose Wagner Theatre

Jan 26 at 5:00 PM at Redstone Cinemas – 1

Jan 28 at 4:30 PM at Holiday Village Cinemas – 2

THE APPRENTICE. No, not the Reality Series. Ali Abbasi (Shelley, Holy Spider) is back in Toronto, this time around writing and directing THE APPRENTICE, which centers around former President Donald Trump and his rise from a fledgling real estate mogul throughout the ’70s and ’80s, exploring themes of power and corruption.

Sebastian Stan (Pam & Tommy, I, Tonya) stars as Trump, while Jeremy Strong (Succession) stars as Roy Cohn, who was Trump‘s attorney and mentor. Academy Award-nominee Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Moviefilm), who will be in Canada much of the year filming on multiple projects, stars is Ivana Trump.

The Drama begin filming in the City back in November, before proceeding again in the new year after a brief hiatus during the Holidays. Filming has taken place over weekends around the City to navigate the regular downtown bustle during weekdays. They even were at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory for a stretch!

We quickly caught a glimpse of Stan and Strong filming a scene, exiting a Stretch Limo, convicingly capturing the essence of the ’70s. And we are hearing both Actors have gotten very deep into their characters, keeping a very low profile off-set.

We are hearing from insiders that the Film is being eyed for the Film Festival circuit. Do not be surprised if we see it at TIFF! Cannot wait to see this and we’re sure this one will be much-talked-about! Mongrel Media will be releasing this one in Canada.

(Photo/video: Mr. Will Wong)

A new official Trailer has surfaced for A24 and Apple TV+‘s SHARPER starring Sebastian Stan and Julianne Moore.

Synopsis:

Starring Julianne Moore, “Sharper” unfolds within the secrets of New York City, from the penthouses of Fifth Avenue to the shadowy corners of Queens. Motivations are suspect and expectations are turned upside down when nothing is as it seems.

“Sharper” is directed by Benjamin Caron and features a star-studded ensemble cast led by Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, newcomer Briana Middleton and John Lithgow. The film is produced by Jessica Switch and Erik Feig of Picturestart along with Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, and written by Gatewood and Tanaka. Julia Hammer and Amy Herman serve as executive producers.

Director: Benjamin Caron
Cast: Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, Brianna Middleton, Darren Goldstein and John Lithgow
Writer: Brian Gatewood, Alessandro Tanaka
Producers: Erik Feig, Jessica Switch, Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood, Alessandro Tanaka
Exec. Producers: Julia Hammer, Amy Herman

“Sharper” will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on February 17, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)

Fresh, pardon the pun, off its Sundance Premiere comes the Horror FRESH starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan. Here’s a look at its new Trailer.

Synopsis:

“FRESH” follows Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who meets the alluring Steve (Sebastian Stan) at a grocery store and – given her frustration with dating apps – takes a chance and gives him her number. After their first date, Noa is smitten and accepts Steve’s invitation to a romantic weekend getaway. Only to find that her new paramour has been hiding some unusual appetites.

Jojo T. Gibbs (“Twenties”), Charlotte Le Bon (“Anthropoid”, “The Hundred-Foot Journey”), Andrea Bang (“Luce”), and Dayo Okeniyi (“Runner Runner”, “The Spectacular Now”) round out the cast. The expert crafts team includes cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski (“Hereditary”, “Midsommar”), editor Martin Pensa (“Wild”, “Dallas Buyers Club”), production designer Jennifer Morden (“Riot Girls”), and composer Alex Somers (“Honey Boy”, “Captain Fantastic”).

STAR arrives on Disney+ via its Star banner March 4, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Eight-episode Series PAM & TOMMY thrust its way onto our radar the moment we saw that first look photo of Lily James transforming amazingly into a dead-ringer for Pamela Anderson. Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Disney’s Cruella) once again brings us a fascinating glimpse into the world of a misunderstood heroine and we’re here for it.

The ’90s-set Series is very intentional in its nostalgic references, whether it be in its Soundtrack, or keen attention to details in set decor and costumes. Just as many of us were getting our first dial-up modem and signing-up for our first e-mail addresses in the mid-90s, it was impossible to avoid the controversy of Mötley Crüe Drummer Tommy Lee (Sebastian Stan) and Pamela Anderson‘s Sex Tape Scandal. The VHS tape, recorded during the former couple’s honeymoon, was stolen by Rand Gauthier (Seth Rogen), a spiteful electrician owed money by Lee, who had been hired to do some renovation work in their home. Gauthier then began reproducing copies of the tape for sale, before things got out of hand, the tape continued to get pirated and surfaced online before Lee and Anderson even knew how to long onto the internet.

James is just superb as Anderson, really embodying her as a woman in love who wants nothing more than to be a mom, an Actress determined to advance her career, and when probed indignantly about her sexual past. All this, while being the blonde bombshell in a bikini whom America loved. Whether she is tilting her head up defensively or cautiously looking backwards at fans crowding around her, we believe every second that she is Anderson. Stan while given less to work with as the clueless Lee, gives it his all still and is in on the joke and all of Lee‘s absurdities. Similar can be said about Rogen, who is cast well as our eyes and ears into Pam & Tommy‘s world, but also acting often before thinking.

One thing we were fearful of with PAM & TOMMY was that it was taking the couple’s misfortune for the sake of entertainment. After all, wasn’t it enough that they had to go through it all once? Much of the earlier part of the Series has us being annoyed at the hormone-charged escapades between the couple, them oblivious to much else other than themselves. We also get to know Gauthier and establishing the motives for doing what he did. To be frank, these parts could have been condensed into an episode or two.

Where PAM & TOMMY truly takes flight is where we see Gauthier begin to face the consequences of his actions, not exactly getting rewarded for his “big business venture”. Writer Robert D. Siegel explores the impacts of this tape on the couple’s marriage and more so on Anderson‘s career. She seemed to be on the brink of something huge. No disrespect to her legacy. The Series examines gender double standards and how Anderson bears the weight of scrutiny and judgment as a woman, and also the question of consent which still bears just as much today in 2022 as it did when this controversy surfaced. In looking back at it all through fresh lens, we hope viewers not only see the Series as entertaining and often comical, but that what had taken place was a crime with lasting impacts.

PAM & TOMMY streams on Star, via Disney+ February 2, 2022.

By Amanda Gilmore

FRESH is a delicious Horror film that’s perfectly twisted, fun and well — fresh.

Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is sick of online dating. It’s only led to bland, often repulsive dates. So when she runs into the seemingly enchanting Steve (Sebastian Stan) she takes a chance and gives him her number. What she soon finds out is that behind Steve’s charming grin lays a surprising appetite.

Screenwriter Lauryn Kahn has written a knockout Horror about the risks women face in today’s dating world. Imagine the worst thing that could happen…Kahn takes it to the next level. In doing so, she’s also created a film about the commodification of women’s bodies. The entire concept is dark, however, she brilliantly infuses witty Comedy through dialogue and situations. Thus, allowing the audience moments of levity while swallowing down its feminist message.

Director Mimi Cave builds on this Dark Comedy by adding textual layers and killer retro hits. Cave and Cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski work together to bring close-up shots that thrust the audience into Noa’s claustrophobia. Further, when it gets to the intoxicating late-second and Third Act the Cinematography dazzles to its zealous finish.

At the forefront is the magnetic, wicked performances from Edgar-Jones and Stan. They share a strong rapport and are radiant together. Edgar-Jones is a force having to balance between desire, terror and survival. Later in the second half, Noa begins putting on a performance of her own. Therefore, causing the talented Edgar-Jones to play a double act, which she excels at. And Stan uses his natural charisma to create a terrifying psychopath hidden within a charming exterior. He is truly great at playing bad.

FRESH screens virtually at Sundance:

Premiere: Jan. 21 at 1:55AM EST
Second Screening: Jan. 23 at 10AM EST (available for 24hrs)

We are way excited for this! Love seeing Sebastian Stan and Lily James transform completely as Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee in one of the biggest scandals of the late ’90s! See the new Teaser for PAM & TOMMY!

Synopsis:

Set in the Wild West early days of the Internet, “Pam & Tommy” is based on the incredible true story of the Pamela Anderson (Lily James, “Yesterday”) and Tommy Lee (Sebastian Stan, “The Falcon & the Winter Soldier”) sex tape. Stolen from the couple’s home by a disgruntled contractor (Seth Rogen, “Long Shot”), the video went from underground bootleg-VHS curiosity to full-blown global sensation when it hit the Web in 1997. A love story, crime caper and cautionary tale rolled into one, the eight-part original limited series explores the intersection of privacy, technology and celebrity, tracing the origins of our current Reality TV Era to a stolen tape seen by millions but meant to have an audience of just two.

“Pam & Tommy” is executive produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Alex McAtee at Point Grey, and Megan Ellison, Sue Naegle and Ali Krug at Annapurna. The series is written by executive producers Rob Siegel and DV DeVincentis, and directed by executive producer Craig Gillespie. Dylan Sellers, Dave Franco, Chip Vucelich and Sarah Gubbins also serve as executive producers.

The drama series premieres with three episodes on February 2, 2022 on Disney+ under the Star banner. New episodes stream weekly.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)