Father and son Kurt and Wyatt Russell collaborate for the first time ever on an as-yet untitled upcoming live-action Apple TV+ Monsterverse Series from Legendary!

They will star alongside an expanding ensemble cast that includes previously announced stars Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe, Kiersey Clemons, Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski.

Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco and the shocking new reality that monsters are real, the untitled series will explore one family’s journey to uncover its buried secrets and a legacy linking them to the secret organization known as Monarch.

Emmy Award-nominated director Matthew Shakman (“WandaVision,” upcoming “Star Trek” film, “The Great”) will direct the first two episodes and serve as executive producer on the untitled series, which is produced for Apple TV+ by Legendary Television and executive produced by co-creators Chris Black (“Star Trek: Enterprise,” “Outcast”), who serves as showrunner, and Matt Fraction (“Hawkeye”). The series is also executive produced by Safehouse Pictures’ Tory Tunnell (“Underground,” “King Arthur”) and Joby Harold (“Obi Wan Kenobe,” “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”). Executive producing for Toho Co. Ltd. are Hiro Matsuoka and Takemasa Arita. Toho is the owner of Godzilla and other classic characters and has licensed the rights to Legendary for this series as a natural byproduct of their long-term relationship on the film franchise.

Legendary’s Monsterverse is an expansive story universe of multi-layered experiences centering around humanity’s battle to survive in a world that is under siege by a catastrophic new reality—the monsters of our myths and legends are real. Beginning in 2014 with “Godzilla” and continuing with 2017’s “Kong: Skull Island,” 2019’s “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” and 2021’s “Godzilla vs. Kong,” Monsterverse films have accumulated close to two billion dollars globally at the box office and is ever expanding with the latest iteration being a new anime series, “Skull Island.”

By Justin Waldman

I just want to start this review stating that I am a True Crime afficionado. Documentaries, Mini-Series and Movies just gets me excited. I’m not a Sociopath, I swear! Now when you add Mormons to the mix and the Cast de la Casts, there really is nothing more one person could ask. Everything about the first two-thirds of Under the Banner of Heaven feels like a continuation of True Detective, especially in the vein of its Season One. There is so much to uncover and discover throughout this Show that you will not be able to pull yourself away from the screen and will have to watch it all in one swift go.

The Show focuses on Detective Jeb Pyre (Andrew Garfield) who is a Mormon Detective investigating the grizzly death of Brenda Lafferty (Daisy Edgar-Jones), which causes him to start questioning his faith in his religion. However, the family at the height of this gruesome murder is very anti-government and will do anything to make sure they don’t have to answer to any branch of the government, even if it means finding out who murdered one of their own. Throughout the Show, Ron Lafferty (Sam Worthington), Dianna (Denise Gough), Dan (Wyatt Russell), Allen (Billy Howle), Matilda (Chloe Pirrie), Robin (Seth Numrich), Samuel (Rory Culkin) and Doreen (Megan Leitch) are all butting-heads with the local police department and Jeb, which starts to strain on his wife, Rebecca (Adelaide Clemens).

The Storyline in Under the Banner of Heaven isn’t quite linear, but instead tells three different stories over different timelines (a few years) and these stories intercut with each other – which gets confusing at times. However, the main Storyline of who killed Brenda Lafferty is the most compelling story that shines throughout. Since this is True Crime, and if you read the 2003 Book of the same name, you might already know how this ends, but that never seems to cause issues as every moment is as captivating as the last.

Moreover though, the performances in Under the Banner of Heaven are truly exceptional. Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Wyatt Russell and Daisy Edgar-Jones are all incredible throughout their performances. Garfield delivers a performance with such passion and heart that is almost akin to his performance on stage in Angels in America. Edgar-Jones plays the innocent woman who just fell for the wrong person in the wrong family perfectly to a tee, while Worthington and Wyatt play the sinister characters excellently.

There is so much to admire and to enjoy within Under the Banner of Heaven if true crime subject matters are something one is into. With the pacing and mystery (if one allows there to be one) present, every moment is more gripping than the last as one tries to piece together who is responsible. The brilliant performances throughout this Mini-series as well, bring it all together and this is one of the most compelling things we’ve seen on Television in recent memory. Under the Banner of Heaven is must-see TV and provides some career highlights for its plethora of brilliant performances.

UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN arrvies Wednesday, June 8, 2022 on Disney+.

(Photo credit: Disney)

Paramount Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see OVERLORD, from Producer J. J. Abrams! The Screening takes place on Wednesday November 7, 2018 in Toronto and Montreal!

Synopsis:
On the eve of D-Day, a group of American paratroopers are dropped behind enemy lines to carry out a mission crucial to the invasion’s success. But as they approach their target, they begin to realize there is more going on in this Nazi-occupied village than a simple military operation.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Please remember to indicate your City!

Paramount Pictures Canada release OVERLORD Friday, November 9, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Contest open to legal residents of Canada aged 18 years or older at the time of entry, and closes Friday, October 26 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. One prize per household. Odds of winning are dependent on the total number of entries received. Winner(s) will be selected at random, and will be contacted via Facebook message. Should a winner be disqualified or fail to respond in a timely manner in cases where further information is required from him/her to redeem the prize, Mr. Will Wong reserves the right to draw another winner in his/her place. By participating in this contest, all entrants agree to be bound by these rules and regulations. Mr.Will Wong accepts no legal liability in relation to the operation of this contest.

Check-out this new Trailer for OVERLORD from Director Julius Avery, the story of two American Soliders behind enemy lines on D-Day!  The Film is produced by J.J. Abrams!

Synopsis:
On the eve of D-Day, a group of American paratroopers are dropped behind enemy lines to carry out a mission crucial to the invasion’s success. But as they approach their target, they begin to realize there is more going on in this Nazi-occupied village than a simple military operation.

OVERLORD stars Jovan Adepo, Wyatt Russell, Pilou Asbaek, John Magaro and Mathilde Ollivier.

See the Trailer:

Paramount Pictures Canada release OVERLORD Friday, November 9, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Taking over Toronto last week at their star-studded Red Carpet for the World Premiere of GOON: LAST OF THE ENFORCERS, the long-awaited Sequel to the Canadian Classic of tomorrow later this week hits theatres nationwide. Co-written, starring and directed by Montreal’s Jay Baruchel, the Film has us reuniting with our beloved hockey brawler Doug Glatt (Seann William Scott) as he delays a much due retirement after his beloved Halifax Highlanders undergo new ownership, captained by his greatest nemesis.

Our David Baldwin had the pleasure of chatting with the Film’s stars, Scott, Marc–André Grondin(Xavier LaFlamme) and Wyatt Russell (Anders Cain).

“The script was awesome”, says Scott on why he returned to reprise his memorable role. “It took my character and all the characters, I felt as I was reading it, I was watching it.”. “I went from, ‘Should we make a Sequel?’ to ‘We have to make this!'”.

Grondin, reveals some of the less flattering things he dealt with for his craft in this Film. “You’re sitting in that gear all day and it’s not good for you skin. It’s gross. After 12 hours, you remove your stuff and you’re like ‘What is this?!'”, he says. “It’s fun but it doesn’t smell good.”.

Russell, a former goalie-turned-actor who also is the son of Hollywood icons Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, reveals how grueling the physical aspects of his role were versus playing hockey in real life. “12 hours per day I was in skates versus one hour in skates. After it was all done, I felt tingly in the toes all day.”.

Watch David’s chats with the Cast below:

Seann William Scott

Marc-André Grondin, x Wyatt Russell

The Red Carpet was rolled-out tonight at Scotiabank Theatre for the Toronto for the World Premiere of Hockey Comedy, GOON. In its own right a Canadian Classic, the Film centers on veteran brawler Doug Glatt (Sean William Scott) who at once is dealing with nagging injuries and aging, just about ready to retire.  This all changes when his beloved team, the Halifax Highlanders are acquired by new ownership and at once, his arch rival is named captain of the team, threatening to destroy the team irreversibly.

Taking the reins this time around as Director, Montreal’s Jay Baruchel wears multiple caps here as Writer and as one of the Film’s stars. Joining him at the Premiere were the likes of stars Seann William Scott, Elisha Cuthbert, Marc-André Grondin, Wyatt Russell, George Tchortov, Richard Clarkin and Trent Pardy, plus TSN‘s James Duthie and Alexisonfire‘s Wade MacNeil, the latter whose music can be heard in this sequel.

It was a night filled with star power as in-town celebrities including English Soul Singer Beverley Knight who stars in Mirvish‘s The Bodyguard came out, while Katie Findlay who stars in Man Seeking Woman alongside Baruchel too showed her support. Several were surprised to see among others, members of iconic Canadian rock outfit RUSH in attendance, including Geddy Lee!

Our David Baldwin and Siobhán Rich had the pleasure of chatting with the Cast of GOON: LAST OF THE ENFORCERS. We chat about their experience filming in Barrie, just north of the City and also some of their own Stanley Cup picks!

JAY BARUCHEL, Director, Co-Writer and “Pat”

Montreal’s Baruchel tells us about the joys of filming in his native Canada. “I’m home. I  get to eat the food I like, people get the references I make and my turns of phrase. Most artists want to create from the place they’re from and I’m no different. It was a very quick ‘yes’.”.  He adds, “This Movie’s been in my head and heart for a very long time.”.

And on who he’d like to win the Stanley Cup this year? “Obviously Montreal!”.

ELISHA CUTHBERT, “Mary“

The Calgary-born Actress who has found major success on popular series like Happy Endings and 24, tells us about her reuniting with former Popular Mechanics for Kids Co-Star Jay Baruchel in GOON: LAST OF THE ENFORCERS. “It’s surreal. We started working together when we were so young and to come full circle and have him directing me – I mean there were some pinch-me moments as I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d be starring in a Film with him directing. It was amazing. It was really cool.”.

On preparing for the role of Mary, she says “I drank a lot. I mean, it was acting but I thought this was so great. I can go into this not worrying about sounding too Canadian and just have a good time with it.”.

Married to hockey star Dion Phaneuf, it is clear who Cuthbert is rooting for in the Stanley Cup. “I hope my husband and his team, the Ottawa Senators go all the way.”.

MARC-ANDRÉ GRONDIN, “Xavier”

Grondin gained international acclaim for his work in Jean-Marc Vallée‘s 2005 Film C.R.A.Z.Y.  The Montreal native tells us, “I would shoot GOON every year. It’s that much fun for real. Surrounded by friends, playing hockey and getting coached into being a better hockey player. What more could I ask for?”.

On working with Baruchel as Director, he reveals “Actually for Jay‘s birthday, I gave him a GOON Jersey with a ‘C‘ on it because he’s the real captain of the ship.”.  He also praises Co-Star Scott, saying “Seann is a great captain, I’ve never seen someone so humble and nice to everyone. He was so available and he’s a real team player and that’s special.”.

“I hope the Habs win.  I’m not too sure but that would be amazing!”, Grondin says about the Stanley Cup.

WYATT RUSSELL, “Anders”

Formerly a professional hockey player, Russell also happens to be son of Hollywood royalty Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn.  On being a real-life hockey player to playing one in GOON: LAST OF THE ENFORCERS, he admits “It was a good time and I’m happy I got to do it.”. That being said, there was still a bit of a learning curve. “I was learning how to be a player because I was a goalie.  It was fun to learn a new hockey skill that wasn’t goal-tending.”.

On what advice he’d give his character Anders on getting along better with his own father, he imparts, “I would teach my dad how not to partake and to show love in a different way. I’d speak more to him than me!”, he laughs.

Being a Los Angeles native, he shows his hometown bias choosing  the Los Angeles Kings to win the Stanley Cup.

TRENT PARDY, “Stevenson“

Taking-over the role of Stevenson from fellow Canadian actor Ricky Mabe, Trent Pardy tells us about how he became involved with this project. “I met Jay a few years ago and Ricky unfortunately couldn’t be a part of number two, and he asked ‘Why don’t you come in and reprise his role?’. I had big shoes to fill, they were hospitable and welcomed me into group. I’m blessed to be a part of the Highlanders family.”.

He recalls his daily routine filming just north of Toronto.  “We shot four weeks up in Barrie on the ice in the morning at 8 o’clock and finished around 6.   We’d shoot and have lunch for 15 minutes only. We’d have epic shinny (street hockey) matches, come off drenched in sweat and Hair & Makeup were like, ‘You have to go shower!’.”.

On Baruchel‘s directorial skills, he reveals to us “He’s so technical behind the camera. He’s able to see what he needs, ask what he needs from the actors and gets the technical team to shoot it and it’s picture perfect.”.

“I’m a Habs fan,  but they way they’re playing these days who knows?”, he comments on the Stanley Cup.

RICHARD CLARKIN, “Gord” 

Reprising the role of Gord, the Murdoch Mysteries star tells us about his experience this time around. “It was the the best family reunion ever. We had such an incredible time – big loving. We got everyone back for the sequel and had as much fun, if not more.  We also gained some great new people come in Callum Keith Rennie, Elisha Cuthbert and Wyatt Russell.”.  

He adds, “Jay is a wonderful Director. He’s generous, trusts and loves his actors. He runs a happy set.”.

On the Stanley Cup, he says “I’m a Leafs fan but I think Pittsburgh’s got a good chance to repeat.”.

WADE MACNEIL (ALEXISONFIRE), Composer

Known best for his work as a guitarist and vocalist in popular Canadian post-hardcore band Alexisonfire, MacNeil and Baruchel actually have been friends for quite some time. “Jay has been a big Alexisonfire fan for a long time. A few years ago we went to Habs game together and as he was putting a Film together. I did a song… and then another… and then I sat down and watched the whole thing. When all was said and done, I did about 30-40 minutes of music.”.

On his goals sonically for GOON: LAST OF THE ENFORCERS, he explains “I wanted it to be all things that sound like you could turn up to 10 in an arena, whether it be big, show-offy, Rock and Roll stuff or tense agro-dance music – whatever it needed to be.”.

MacNeil having grown-up in St. Catharines, Ontario which is close to Buffalo, naturally is Sabres fan.

JAMES DUTHIE (TSN) as himself

The Canadian Screen Award-winning TSN personality has a cameo in this sequel and explains to us about his day on-set. “I shot in one day and next to T.J. Miller, who was lots of fun.He said the rudest, most outrageous stuff I’ve ever heard. I cracked-up several times so I don’t know if I did my part very well.”. He jokes, “I played James Duthie, a sportscaster, so I really had to go out of my realm to play myself.”.

For the Stanley Cup, Duthie has four picks: Washington, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Minnesota. He says, “If I had to narrow it down to one, it’s Washington.”.

Richard Clarkin, Wyatt Russell, Marc-André Grondin, Seann William Scott, Elisha Cuthbert, Jay Baruchel, George Tchortov + Trent Pardy

Seann William Scott, Elisha Cuthbert + Jay Baruchel

Marc-André Grondin, Wyatt Russell, Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel + Elisha Cuthbert

Jay Baruchel

Marc-André Grondin

Wade MacNeil

Trent Pardy

Elisha Cuthbert

Wyatt Russell

Seann William Scott

eOne Films release GOON: LAST OF THE ENFORCERS Friday, March 17, 2017.

Stay tuned also for David Baldwin‘s chats next week with Seann William Scott, Wyatt Russell and Marc-André Grondin.

All photos taken on the NIKON D3300, video on the SAMSUNG S7.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/David Baldwin/Siobhán Rich)

Fox Searchlight x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary a chance to attend an Advance Screening of TABLE 19! Screenings take place on Monday, February 27, 2017.

Synopsis:
Ex-maid of honor Eloise (Anna Kendrick) – having been relieved of her duties after being unceremoniously dumped by the best man via text – decides to hold her head up high and attend her oldest friend’s wedding anyway. She finds herself seated at the ‘random’ table in the back of the ballroom with a disparate group of strangers, most of whom should have known to just send regrets (but not before sending something nice off the registry).

As everyone’s secrets are revealed, Eloise learns a thing or two from the denizens of Table 19. Friendships – and even a little romance – can happen under the most unlikely circumstances.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your City. For an extra chance, “favourite” this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw.

Anna x Mr. Will

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2014 at 12:22am PDT

Fox Searchlight release TABLE 19 on Friday, March 3, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)

eOne Films x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to attend the World Premiere of GOON: LAST OF THE ENFORCERS! The screening takes place Monday, March 6, 2017 at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto with cast and crew in attendance!

Synopsis:
It’s a new day for the Halifax Highlanders. A pro lockout has reunited old teammates and brought a crew of new players to the bench; notably missing from the line-up, however, is everyone’s favourite enforcer and heart of the team, Doug “The Thug” Glatt. Sidelined after one too many hits and now married with a baby on the way, Doug is hanging up his skates and settling into life as an insurance salesman. But when Doug’s nemesis, Anders Cain, is made captain of the Highlanders and new ownership threatens to tear his team apart, Doug is compelled back into action.

Ignoring the wishes of wife Eva, Doug heads to the rink, discovering an unlikely training partner in fellow retired enforcer and one-time arch rival, Ross “The Boss” Rhea. Together with grit, passion and unrivaled loyalty, they will grind out one last chance to do what they do best…protect their team.

Goon: Last Of The Enforcers stars Sean William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Allison Pill, Liev Schreiber, Elisha Cuthbert and Wyatt Russell.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook! “Favourite” this Tweet at @mrwillw for an extra chance!

G’luck. Looks to be a great time!

eOne Films release GOON: LAST OF THE ENFORCERS on Friday, March 17, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)