By Justin Waldman

Bringing back a beloved show that is 27 years old, that had ended with (spoilers) the death of Charles Xavier is certainly a challenge. Marvel and Kevin Feige manage however, to handle it shockingly well. With a new Showrunner, there was some lingering doubt among the fandom about where this show would fall in the ever apparent superhero fatigue. However, X-Men ’97 not only manages to escape this, it also manages to create a brilliant Season Six essentially (even with a slightly different Voice Cast). The audience not only is left with great anticipation every week, but a massive cliffhanger after the premiere, addressed in episode three, will leave audiences with jaws dropped.

Without spoiling the Show, the X-Men consisting of Jean Grey, Cyclops, Rogue, Wolverine, Beast, Morph, Gambit, Storm, Jubilee, and Bishop (voiced respectively by Jennifer Hale, Ray Chase, Lenore Zann, Cal Dodd, George Buza, JP Karliak, A. J LoCascio, Alison Sealy-Smith, Holly Chau and Isaac Robinson-Smith), are still reeling from the death of Professor X. They have to try and move on with their lives and respect the legacy Professor X wanted to leave behind. While the first three episodes focus on who becomes their new Professor X, set next to lead the X-Men, former foes reappear and rear their ugly heads, giving the X-Men potentially their most difficult challenge to date. While each episode could be bottled, they do tie into each other (thus far) and it does appear there will be a singular story overarching throughout the season.

While some of the voices have changed, and it is a little jarring hearing some of the characters being voiced by different actors as this Series is a direct continuation, the storytelling and animation prevail first and foremost. The Show is captivating. The animation has not been updated or modernized, instead it just is in high definition this go. The style which made X-Men back in the ’90s one of the definitive cartoons of the superhero universe, is still here and even more engaging than ever. This may sound hyperbolic, and maybe it is the mentioned fatigue that has fully set in, but this is the best X-Men project audiences have received since X2. It truly is one of the best things Marvel Studios has put out in a while, and the best Marvel television project since Wandavision. Simply put, if you loved X-Men back in the ’90s and this was your cartoon back then, this continuation is simply perfection. The only thing that could be changed would be dropping it all at once because patience is no longer a virtue.

X-Men ’97 is a revelation that truly excels at revitalizing something that brought so much joy nearly 30 years ago. With the same animation and a change in voices, this feels perfectly placed in ’97 and an excellent start to a Season Six.

With many of the MCU TV Series getting 4K physical releases, maybe we can hope to see the original series get a proper release past the DVDs. Regardless though, X-Men ’97 is a perfect show, there are no notes. It is simple perfection, a rare feet to accomplish in an over-saturated market today.

X-Men ’97 launches exclusively on Disney+ Canada Wednesday, March 20, 2024 with a two episode premiere at 12am PT, 3am EST with each further episode premiering Wednesdays.

Toronto Comicon, presented by FAN EXPO Canada, is back at Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building) now through March 17, 2024!

The three-day affair brings together fans in a celebration of sci-fi, fantasy, comic, anime, gaming and horror! With panels, photo ops, autograph signings, meet-ups, Cosplay competitions and a chance to get commissioned pieces made, there truly is something for everyone! The event typically brings thousands into Toronto every March.

A star-studded roster of guests grace the event including Tom Cavanagh (The Flash), Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica), Denis Lawson (Star Wars Trilogy), Diana Lee Inosanto (Ahsoka), Eman Esfandi (Ahsoka), Harvey Guillen (What We Do in the Shadows), Jeff Ward (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D), plus Star Trek: Strange New Worlds stars Ethan Peck and Anson Mount, as well as Avatar: The Last Airbender breakout stars Gordon Cormier and Ian Ousley.

Among the highlights were a special screening of Animated Disney+ Series X-MEN ’97 at cozy Xavier’s Lounge for Gifted Youngsters. The Series has stars of X-MEN: THE ANIMATED SERIES reprising their roles, including Lenore Zann. The Series arrives March 20, 2024.

The Cast of Prime Video Canada Series DAVE & JONESIE’S LOCKER also are set to make an appearance this weekend, Sunday, March 17, 2024 between 4-5 PM. There will be a screening of its first episode, followed by panel. Talent in attendance include: Veronika Slowikowska (Davey), Jaelynn Thora Brooks (Jonesie), alongside Nikko Angelo Hinayo, Erika Swayze, Sydney Topliffe, Kevin Osea, Alexa Yaphe and Parker Lauzon. Series arrives March 22, 2024.

A reel of highlights:

More here, including tickets.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

A trailer is now available to celebrate the upcoming Disney+ debut of Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ’97.” The all-new series, which features 10 episodes, begins streaming March 20, 2024.

“X-Men’97” revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future. The voice cast includes Ray Chase as Cyclops, Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey, Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, JP Karliak as Morph, Lenore Zann as Rogue, George Buza as Beast, AJ LoCascio as Gambit, Holly Chou as Jubilee, Isaac Robinson-Smith as Bishop, Matthew Waterson as Magneto and Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler. Beau DeMayo serves as head writer; episodes are directed by Jake Castorena, Chase Conley and Emi Yonemura. Featuring music by The Newton Brothers, the series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and DeMayo. 

20th Century Fox Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see DARK PHOENIX in Toronto at Scotiabank Theatre, June 5th at 7:00PM.

Synopsis:
In DARK PHOENIX, the X-MEN face their most formidable and powerful foe: one of their own, Jean Grey. During a rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force. Once she returns home, this force not only makes her infinitely more powerful, but far more unstable. Wrestling with this entity inside her, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. With Jean spiraling out of control, and hurting the ones she loves most, she begins to unravel the very fabric that holds the X-Men together. Now, with this family falling apart, they must find a way to unite — not only to save Jean’s soul, but to save our very planet from aliens who wish to weaponize this force and rule the galaxy.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!

20th Century Fox Canada release DARK PHOENIX Friday, June 7, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox Canada)

THE CONJURING makes a huge splash at the Box Office in its debut this weekend with $38 million from 3,343 theatres for Warner Bros. By contrast, the Horror’s 2013 predecessor opened with $41 million. Critics gave it a solid 75% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it an A- CinemaScore.

In second is WARCRAFT with an impressive $25.7 million from 3,400 theatres for Universal Pictures. The Action-Fantasy based on the global video game phenomenon, gets a B+ CinemaScore from Audiences.

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 opens an impressive third with $23.3 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films. Critics gave this installment a 36% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it an A-CinemaScore. Its predecessor made $29.4 million in its debut back in 2013.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS slips to fourth with $13.9 million for Paramount Pictures, in its second week. It has made $60 million over two weeks.

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE is in fifth with $9.5 million in its third week out for 20th Century Fox, a tally of $135 million domestically.

ME BEFORE YOU continues to post great numbers, with $9.3 million in its second week out for Warner Bros. The Romance has made $36 million this far.

THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE is in sixth this weekend with $6.8 million, nearing that $100 million mark for Sony Pictures in its fourth week.

THE JUNGLE BOOK shows amazing longevity, rounding out the Top Ten in its ninth week out with $2.7 million for Disney. It thus far has made $352 million in North America.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS repeats the feat of its 2014 Predecessor, topping the Box Office with $33.7 million in its debut. It plays in 4,071 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Critics gave it 37% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore from Audiences. The last Film in the Franchise however opened with $65 million.

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE slips to second this weekend with $22.5 million for 20th Century Fox.  In its two week run domestically it has made $112 million so far.

In third is the Romantic Drama ME BEFORE YOU, opening with an impressive $18.3 million for Warner Bros. from 2,704 theatres. Critics gave the adaptation with 54% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore. Expect this one to have legs to go in the next few weeks.

ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS is in fourth this weekend with $11 million in its third week, just surpassing $50 million for Disney.

THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE, a former number one, is in fifth this weekend with $9.2 million for Sony Pictures, earning $86 million so far.

POPSTAR: NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING debuts in seventh from 2,311 theatres with $4.6 million for Universal Pictures. Reviews are great with 76% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it an okay B CinemaScore.

THE NICE GUYS rounds out the Top Ten for Warner Bros. with $3.2 million in week three.

It’s Memorial Day in the U.S., which means tons of Box Office activity as some blockbuster new releases hit theatres this weekend. X-MEN: APOCALYPSE prevails over the North American Box Office with $66 million in its debut from 4,150 theatres for 20th Century Fox. Critics gave this installment mixed reviews with a 49% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences thought much better of it with an A CinemaScore.

Disney‘s ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS debuts in second with $29 million from 3,763 theatres. Critics gave it a 29% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences loved it with an A- CinemaScore.

Last week’s champ THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE slips to third with $20 million still for Sony Pictures, from 3,932 theatres.  Thus far it has made $74 million in North America.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR is in fourth with $16.5 million for Disney, from 3,395 theatres. It has made $378 million thus far in its domestic run.

NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING earns $9.4 million in it second week out for Universal Pictures, bringing its run so far to $40 million.

THE NICE GUYS in its second week out makes $6.8 million for Warner Bros., a cumulative $24 million thus far made.

Rounding-out the Top Ten is ZOOTOPIA earning $866k in its thirteenth week out for Disney!

San Diego certainly was the place to be this weekend as the San Diego Comic-Con took place, uniting hundreds of thousands of Fans together with Talent from upcoming Blockbusters of multiple genres.  Teasers were unveiled, Trailers were shown, crowds went ecstatic!  And to think how many of these Productions filmed right here on our home turf in Canada!

We’ve compiled a bunch of our favourite Snaps to come out of Comic-Con this weekend.  We wish we were there, we know that much!

SUICIDE SQUAD:

I love my squad!! #suicidesquad #comicon @jaicourtney @margotrobbie @caradelevingne #willsmith @jayhernandez001 @karenfukuhara

A photo posted by Joel Kinnaman (@joelkinnaman) on Jul 11, 2015 at 1:31pm PDT

See the official HQ Teaser! So exciting!!

 

#Regram @batmanvsuperman. Truce? #BatmanvSuperman #SDCC #HenryCavill #BenAffleck #AmyAdams #JesseEisenberg A photo posted by Warner Bros. Pictures Canada (@wbpicturescan) on Jul 11, 2015 at 8:43pm PDT

THE HATEFUL EIGHT:

Cast of #thehatefuleight on the #redcarpet outside of #hallh. #SDCC #quentintarantino

A photo posted by Cineplex (@cineplexmovies) on Jul 11, 2015 at 2:16pm PDT

#sdcc #sdcc2015 #sandiegocomiccon #comiccon #starwars #theforceawakens #lereveildelaforce #episodevii #film #movie #cinema A photo posted by The Bloggers Cinema Club (@thebloggerscinemaclub) on Jul 12, 2015 at 1:41am PDT

See the Behind-the Scenes Reel here!

MINORITY REPORT:

#Repost @meagangood ・・・ #MinorityReport @starkweather @wilmervalderrama @thelauraregan

A photo posted by spartantown (@spartantown) on Jul 11, 2015 at 8:26pm PDT

#HeroesReborn #sdcc2015 #comiccon A photo posted by Ryan Guzman Fans (@ryanaticz) on Jul 11, 2015 at 9:10pm PDT

20TH CENTURY FOX (X-MEN: APOCALPYSE, DEADPOOL, GAMBIT):

I protagonisti del panel della #20thCenturyFox al #ComicCon2015 #ComicCon #SDCC #XMenApocalypse #Wolverine #Deadpool #Gambit #MichaelFassbender #JamesMcAvoy #JenniferLawrence #HughJackman #RyanReynolds #ChanningTatum #StanLee

A photo posted by Superga Cinema (@supergacinema) on Jul 12, 2015 at 5:49am PDT

#comiccon2015 #crimsonpeak #miawasikowska #tomhiddleston #jessicachastain @chastainiac A photo posted by Holden Caulfield (@holdy_caulfild) on Jul 12, 2015 at 3:27am PDT

What are you most excited to see?

NOTE: FINAL NUMBERS TO COME

It was a battle of the Sequels this weekend at the Box Office and prevailing just like its Predecessor was Sony Pictures’ 22 Jump Street which brought in $62 million. By comparison, the first Film in the Franchise opened back in 2012 with $36 million, this time around doubling its take.  Critics have been kind, giving the Action-Comedy a great 83% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences also responded strongly with an A-CinemaScore.

A valiant second is How to Train Your Dragon 2 for 20th Century Fox, opening with $52 million at the Box Office!  The Film which got a bit of a boost recently from Star America Ferrera‘s Red Carpet incident involving a Prankster at Cannes, got great reviews from Critics tallying 92% on the Tomatometer, and an equally strong A CinemaScore. Its 2010 Predecessor by comparison debuted with $41 million, easily besting the performance of that one.

Disney’s Maleficent continues to ride high in its third week with $20 million this weekend, normally enough for the number one spot some weekends, but good enough for third against the current slate of Blockbuster releases.

The Fault in our Stars opened atop the Box Office last weekend, but slips to fourth spot this weekend with $19 million for 20th Century Fox. It already has grossed $85 million across North America.

Edge of Tomorrow in its second week out accounts for the fifth spot at the Box Office with $16 million for Warner Bros., cumulatively earning $56 million domestically.

X-Men: Days of Future Past finds itself in sixth spot with $9 million for 20th Century Fox also in its its fourth week out, just surpassing the $200 million mark this week in these parts.

Chef rounds out the Top Ten with $2.1 million in its sixth week out in a limited number of theatres. To date, it has grossed $14 million.

The Fault in our Stars certainly is to blamed for Moviegoers going teary-eyed this weekend. The Adaptation of the popular Novel by John Green opens to astoundingly positive response, earning a whopping $48.2 million from 3,171 theatres in its debut for 20th Century Fox.  This shows that Audiences don’t necessarily need huge Blockbusters to go to the Movies in the Summer – just strong stories. Just two weeks back the Studio performed phenomenally with X-Men: Days of Future Past.  Starring Box Office Princess Shailene Woodley and Newcomer Ansel Elgort, the Film earned an A CinemaScore and an on-par 82% from Critics on the Tomatometer.

Disney‘s Maleficent in its second week out performs strongly with $33.5 million from 3,948 theatres. It already is nearing the $130 mark domestically.

Edge of Tomorrow opens solid in third with a respectable $30 million from 3,490 theatres for Warner Bros. The Action-Fantasy starring Tom Cruise saw the Megastar travel multiple continents on a whirlwind Press tour in support of the Film which has received strong reviews from Critics (89% on the Tomatometer) and Audiences (B+ CinemaScore).

X-Men: Days of Future Past slips to fourth spot with $14.7 million in its third week out, edging closer to the $200 million mark in North America.

Godzilla finds itself in sixth spot in its fourth week out for Warner Bros., earning $5.9 million this weekend. It has grossed $185 million in its run.

Chef expands to 1,298 theatres for VVS Films/Open Road Films, just getting a Canadian release this weekend. It made $2.5 million this weekend, surpassing $31 million in North America.

Million Dollar Arm rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.5 million for Disney in its fifth week out.