#BOXOFFICE: BEYONCÉ RUNS THE WORLD WITH CONCERT FILM

The Beyhive rule the Box Office this weekend with RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ taking top spot in its debut for AMC/Cineplex Pictures with $25 million from 2,539 theatres. The Concert Film gets 100% on the Tomatometer.

In second is THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES with $14.8 million for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures, a total gross of $121.5 million in its third weekend.

Japanese Action-Adventure GODZILLA MINUS ONE debuts in third with $10 million for Toho International from 2,308 theatres, garnering an impressive 97% on the Tomatometer.

Fourth goes to Disney‘s WISH with $7.6 million from 3,900 theatres, a two week total of $42.1 million.

Rounding things out is NAPOLEON with $7.4 million for Apple Original Films/Sony Pictures, a total $46 million.

#BOXOFFICE: “HUNGER GAMES” WHETTING APPETITES THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

For a second straight weekend, it’s THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES, taking top spot at the Box Office, dominating U.S. Thanksgiving weekend with $29 million Friday to Sunday, from 3,776 theatres for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures, already surpassing $100 million domestically.

Debuting in second is Disney’s WISH with $20.5 million from 3,900 theatres. It gets 50% on the Tomatometer.

Third is NAPOLEON with $19.6 million from 3,500 theatres for Apple Original Films/Sony Pictures with 62% on the Tomatometer for Director Sir Ridley Scott.

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER gets fourth with $15.4 million from 3,870 theatres for Universal Pictures, a two week run of $62.3 million.

Rounding it all out is THANKSGIVING with $10 million from 3,204 theatres for Sony Pictures.

#FIRSTLOOK: AIR CANADA PARTNER WITH DISNEY’S “WISH”

This week, with the help of “Wish” voice cast member Alan Tudyk (Valentino), Air Canada has unveiled a special new aircraft livery in celebration of the highly anticipated release of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic musical comedy “Wish”. In theatres now, the film marks the culmination of Disney100, a yearlong celebration honouring the legacy of Walt Disney while continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling and innovation for the next 100 years.

The Air Canada Dreamliner Boeing 787-9, complete with special “Wish” livery, will celebrate the film across its global routes. You can watch a video of the characters coming to life on the aircraft here.

“This unique collaboration with Air Canada is really something special for Canadians,” said Quincy Kelman, Vice-President of Marketing, Walt Disney Studios Canada.  “To have Canada play a part in celebrating a 100 years of Walt Disney’s legacy is a momentous occasion.”

“This latest announcement is an exciting continuation of our recent collaborations with Disney,” said Andy Shibata, Vice-President, Brand at Air Canada. “We’re delighted to share the excitement around the release of ‘Wish’ with our customers and add more Disney magic to the Air Canada experience for travellers of all ages.”

Inspired by the setting of Disney’s “Wish”, the airline also launched their “Wish Your Way to Europe” promotion that offers one grand-prize winner and three guests the chance to win* a magical prize package to Europe. The contest runs until November 30 for residents of Canada. For more information and to enter the contest, please visitaircanada.com/wishyourwaytoeurope.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” welcomes audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, and produced by Peter Del Vecho and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones. With a screenplay by Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore, original songs by Grammy®-nominated singer-songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer-songwriter-musician Benjamin Rice, plus original score by composer Dave Metzger, “Wish” is now playing in theatres across Canada.

#SPOTTED: ALAN TUDYK IN TORONTO FOR “WISH” SPECIAL SCREENING

Alan Tudyk not only is a captivating presence on-screen, he also is a brilliant Voice Actor having voiced characters in Zootopia, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Encanto and now, WISH which sees a release as part of Disney‘s 100th annivesary celebrations.

Tudyk made a surprise appearance at a special screening of WISH, walking the Blue Carpet with wide Charissa Barton. TV Personality Patricia Jaggernauth hosted. Tudyk plays Valentino, a goat who gets his wish of being able to speak. In crafting this character, he tried a few different things before ultimately landing on his low voice. He stars alongside Oscar winner Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine in this U.S. Thanksgiving release, expected to pull in big numbers. It centers on a teen girl named Asha (DeBose) who senses a darkness none other can and makes a wish upon a star, getting way more than what she bargained for!

More on Tudyk‘s appearance:

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

One highlight is that Tudyk was presented with a sizzle reel of some of the outstanding work he’s done over the years voicing characters for Disney, Pixar and more!

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Disney‘s WISH arrives in theatres November 22, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: George Pimentel/Walt Disney Studios Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF DISNEY’S “WISH”

Walt Disney Studios Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an advance screening of Disney’s WISH!

Synopsis:

With a nod to Walt Disney’s musical legacy as the company marks 100 years, Walt Disney Animation Studios “Wish” welcomes audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

Disney’s “Wish” opens in theatres November 22, 2023.

Screening Details:

Toronto

Monday, November 20

Pre-screening activities begin: 5:00pm

Showtime: 6:45pm

Scotiabank Theatre

259 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3M6, Canada

Calgary

Monday, November 20

7:00pm

Scotiabank Theatre Chinook

6455 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0K4, Canada

Edmonton

Monday, November 20

7:00pm

Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton

8882 170 St NW #3030, Edmonton, AB T5T 4M2, Canada

Vancouver

Monday, November 20

7:00pm

Cineplex Cinemas Marine Gateway

452 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V5X 0C3, Canada

Ottawa

Monday, November 20

7:00pm

Scotiabank Theatre Ottawa

2385 City Park Dr, Gloucester, ON K1J 1G1

Winnipeg

Monday, November 20

7:00pm

Scotiabank Theatre Winnipeg

817 St James St, Winnipeg, MB R3G 3L3

Montreal (ENG)

Monday, November 20

7:00pm

Cinéma Cineplex Forum

2313 Saint-Catherine St W #101, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1N2

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Share this from our X account for another chance:

Enter for a chance to win Advance Passes to see Disney's WISH in Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Montreal!https://t.co/rfGuD0KcWV pic.twitter.com/BIFgosmjUR

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) November 9, 2023

Rules and regulations here.

Be following!

Be checking weekly as a new song gets released from Disney’s WISH every Wednesday before its release. Check-out “I’m a Star“:

Disney’s WISH is in theatres November 22, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

#FIRSTLOOK: DISNEY’S “WISH” ACTIVATION COMING TO SHERWAY GARDENS

The All-New Musical Comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios “Wish” Opens in Theatres Across Canada on November 22, 2023.

Toronto, this is your chance to experience the magic of Disney’s WISH. So excited about this. This activation will take you right inside King Magnifico’s Observatory.

WHAT:                               This year, the Walt Disney Company marks 100 years of magical storytelling, celebrating beloved characters, big-screen adventures, unforgettable experiences and the fans and storytellers who made it all possible.  To celebrate this landmark anniversary and the upcoming release of “Wish”,  Walt Disney Studios Canada invites fans and families in Toronto to come visit this stunning recreation of King Magnifico’s Observatory brought to life.

In the all-new musical comedy,  people come from everywhere to give their wishes to King Magnifico, a charming and confident king who stores the wishes in his observatory. In this immersive family experience, guests can sit on the King’s throne or stand with Asha, Star and Valentino to admire the luminous wishes suspended above. The activation features an array of photo-ops and interactive elements for the whole family to enjoy, including the chance to submit their own wishes to the King. 

WHEN & WHERE:           TORONTO

Friday, November 17 – Sunday, November 26

CF Sherway Gardens, Centre Court

25 The West Mall, Etobicoke, ON M9C 1B8

ABOUT “WISH”

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones (“Encanto”). With a screenplay by Jennifer Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Allison Moore (“Night Sky,” “Manhunt”), original songs by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice, plus original score by composer Dave Metzger, “Wish” opens only in theatres on Nov. 22, 2023. 

#FIRSTLOOK: TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR EARLY ACCESS SCREENINGS TO DISNEY’S “WISH”

Walt Disney Animation Studios is granting wishes for fans Nov. 18, 2023 by offering a chance to see the epic musical comedy “Wish” ahead of its Nov. 22, 2023 theatrical opening. Tickets are now available to the special early access screenings at Cineplex and Landmark Cinemas. A poster is available to download and share. 

“Getting to make this movie has meant the world to all of us at Disney Animation, as it celebrates 100 years of storytelling,” said Disney Animation’s chief creative officer Jennifer Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”), who is a writer and executive producer of the film. “We are so grateful to the fans who’ve shown up to the theatres time and again—to be able to give moviegoers a chance to experience it early is a wish come true for every person in our studio who helped bring ‘Wish’ to life.”  

“Wish” early access screenings will hit the big screen in more than 25 theatres in Canada at 4 p.m. local time on Nov. 18, 2023.

“WISH” MUSIC ROLL-OUT

The announcement comes on the heels of the second song-reveal as part of Wish Wednesdays—Disney Animation and Disney Music Group’s music roll-out that shares a new song each week from the seven original songs penned by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy®-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice. So far, “This Wish,” performed by Ariana DeBose as Asha, and “This Is The Thanks I Get?!” performed by Chris Pine as the villainous King Magnifico, have been unveiled—check them out on SiriusXM’s Disney Hits Channel 302, YouTube, Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music and all digital service providers. 

The Wish Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from Walt Disney Records will be available November 17 on all streaming platforms. Fans can pre-order the vinyl here.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR DISNEY’S “WISH”

Walt Disney Animation Studios shared a new trailer, poster and images this morning, showcasing the epic new musical comedy “Wish,” which opens in theatres on Nov. 22. Also revealed today are additional members of the film’s voice cast, who join previously announced cast members Ariana DeBose, who voices 17-year-old heroine Asha; Chris Pine, who lends his voice to the formidable King Magnifico; and Alan Tudyk, who provides the memorable voice of Asha’s pet goat, Valentino.

Cast members include:

Angelique Cabral as Queen Amaya, the wife and sounding board of King Magnifico;
Victor Garber as Asha’s grandfather, Sabino, who—at 100 years old—is patiently waiting for his wish to be granted;
and Natasha Rothwell as Asha’s loving and supportive mom, Sakina.

Plus, Asha’s tight-knit group of confidants, protectors and forever friends:

Jennifer Kumiyama as Asha’s dearest friend, Dahlia, who’s an accomplished baker and unofficial leader of their group;
Evan Peters as the strong guy with a big heart and bigger yawn, Simon;
Harvey Guillén as Gabo, who may be cynical, but he has a heart of gold;
Ramy Youseff as Safi, who’s plagued by allergies;
Niko Vargas as Asha’s joyful, always smiling buddy, Hal;
Della Saba as the seemingly shy teenager, Bazeema, who’s full of surprises;
and Jon Rudnitsky as Asha’s rosy-cheeked, wiggly-eared pal, Dario.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish” is an all-new musical-comedy welcoming audiences to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favorite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones (“Encanto”). Jennifer Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) executive produces—Lee and Allison Moore (“Night Sky,” “Manhunt”) are writers on the project. With original songs by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice, plus score by composer Dave Metzger, “Wish” opens only in theatres on Nov. 22, 2023.

#FIRSTLOOK: WALT DISNEY STUDIOS CANADA “WISH” PREVIEW

By George Kozera

Recently, we had the great honour to be invited by Disney to view select scenes from their upcoming cinematic extravaganza WISH, followed by a Q&A from the Movie’s Producer Peter Del Vecho and first-time feature Director Fawn Veerasunthorn (who had worked on Moana, Raya and the Last Dragon, Zootopia and Frozen in various capacities).

WISH is about a young girl who will meet the King, hoping he will grant her most fervent wish only to discover that all is not what it seems to be.

Oscar winner, Ariana DeBose is the voice of Asha, the young girl with the wish and Chris Pine is the voice of King Magnifico, who may be Disney‘s most fascinating villain to date.

The two songs we had the opportunity to hear and see on the big screen are astonishing (DeBose has pipes!) but it’s the animation that takes your breath away.

Just when you think that Disney movies cannot look better, we are once again floored by what is presented. Veerasunthorn has amalgamated all she had done in previous features and this Movie has Oscar written all over it!

Disney‘s WISH is in theatres November 22, 2023.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “WISH”

Hot off the announcement that Chris Pine will star in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Wish,” which opens exclusively in theatres on November 22, 2023 we get a new trailer! The trailer introduces 17-year-old Asha, the powerful King Magnifico, Asha’s pet goat Valentino, and Star, a celestial ball of boundless energy that Asha’s wish calls down from the sky. It also features a snippet of the song “This Wish,” performed by Ariana DeBose; it’s one of several new songs written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice for the film.

The all-new musical-comedy welcomes audiences to Rosas, a fantastical land located off the Iberian Peninsula. “Our heroine, Asha, lives in Rosas, known as the kingdom of wishes,” said director Chris Buck, who helms the film with Fawn Veerasunthorn. “People come from everywhere to give their wishes to a magical king who promises to grant their deepest desires—someday. Only he can decide which wishes will come true and when.”

Added Veerasunthorn, “We have been inspired by so many iconic films over Disney Animation’s 100 years, especially stories where we explore the power of someone with a wish, combined with the conviction to make that wish come true. Being able to honour that legacy with this incredible story and these amazing characters has been a joy for our entire team.”

ABOUT THE MOVIE

In “Wish,” Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force—a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe—the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico—to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Featuring the voices of Academy Award®-winning actor Ariana DeBose as Asha, Chris Pine as Magnifico, and Alan Tudyk as Asha’s favourite goat, Valentino, the film is helmed by Oscar®-winning director Chris Buck (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) and co-produced by Juan Pablo Reyes (“Encanto”). Jennifer Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”) executive produces—Lee and Allison Moore (“Night Sky,” “Manhunt”) are writers on the project. With original songs by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice, plus score by composer Dave Metzger, “Wish” opens only in theatres on Nov. 22, 2023.