He’s been touted as a Breakout Star for a while now, but make no mistake – Charlie Hunnam has been in the game for a while and will be for a long time.  We just received news earlier today that the British Star of acclaimed Series Sons of Anarchy is about to become a Megastar.

Only in June was it announced that Sam Tayl0r-Johnson would be helming this Adaptation of E.L. James’ wildly popular Novels and now it has been confirmed that Charlie Hunnam is tied (pardon the pun) to the coveted role of Christian Grey for which many of Hollywood’s A-List Actors have been vying for.  Don’t be shocked though, as Hunnam‘s Career has seen some daring moves including a fearless performance in 1999’s original Queer as Folk Series as as Nathan Maloney.

Confirmed in the Lead Actress Role of Anastasia Steele is Dakota Johnson, Daughter of Stars Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson.  Having sharpened her skills starring in now-defunct Comedy Series Ben and Kate, she also has appeared in popular Films like 21 Jump Street, The Social Network, Beastly and The Five-Year Engagement.

50 Shades of Grey centers on the  intense, erotic relationship between a Student and a 27-year-old Billionaire.  The Series of Novels by James has sold over 70-million Copies worldwide.

We had the pleasure of meeting both the Director Taylor-Johnson and Hunnam in 2012. Both are amazingly wonderful.  Read more here and here.

Hunnam is set to return to Toronto this Fall to film Guillermo del Toro‘s Crimson Peak.

50 Shades of Grey releases August 1, 2014 via Focus Features & Universal Pictures.

See ours and Hunnam‘s Snap below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Vintage Books)

Monsters are rejoicing this weekend as Lady Gaga finally unveiled new material from her much-discussed fourth Studio Disc ARTPOP, due in November. Performing a Live Set at London’s Roundhouse earlier today, Gaga explained her inspiration behind the forthcoming Disc, which perhaps is her most eclectic and artistic to date, veering from some of the commerciality we loved and adored on The Fame and The Fame Monster.

Lady Gaga states in a British accent:
“When I was making ARTPOP, I was thinking to myself what I truly wanted. What was the intention of the Album? I not only wanted to make Music you love because I want to make you happy, but I also wanted to make Music that made me free. Now I don’t mean to make this about me but when I say that what I mean is that I want to set myself free of this Box – this Box they put you in in Pop Music. It’s as if I have to say inside the box to be a Good Girl. I don’t want to stay in the Box. I want to live outside the Box with all of you. So I made some Music that’s a little bit different from what I made before but I made it because I’m a Fan. I’m a Fan of all different kinds of Music. Aren’t you?”.

Based on what we heard from her iTunes Festival Performance, ARTPOP appears to be a highly experimental mixture of Electronic Dance-Pop, early ’80s-inspired Rock, Hip-Hop – it veers to a much more theatrical, darker direction than ever before for Gaga, but she appears to be in her element here. The question is whether or Mainstream Fans will embrace this, but this surely is something she’s fully aware of as she transitions to another plain in her already massive Career.

Pay particular attention to the Track Swine, the rumoured second Single from ARTPOP which is said to target Perez Hilton, with whom she currently is still feuding. Gaga sings, “I know I know I know you really want me/You’re just a pig inside a human body/Squeal Squeal Squeal/You’re so disgusting/You’re just a pig inside”.

Check-out Lady Gaga‘s iTunes Festival Performance below:

Applause:

MANiCURE:

Sex Dreams:

Swine:

Jewels & Drugs (ft. T.I.):

Aura:

Artpop:

I’m really loving Gaga‘s big hair/bikini Barbarella-look inspired by Jane Fonda and of all the Tracks, I’d say MANiCURE is my fave thus far….

Universal Music releases ARTPOP on November 11, 2013.

Moviegoers knew were headed in one direction and one direction only. Morgan Spurlock‘s One Direction: This is Us Documentary was a big hit at the Box Office this Labour Day weekend, the Sony Pictures release earning $17 million from 2,735 theatres. The Film about the World’s hottest Boy Band right now, received a 68% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer and Audiences absolutely loved it, giving it an A CinemaScore.

Slipping to second this weekend is The Butler with $14.7 million, after a two week reign atop the Box Office. The Historical Drama has now surpassed the $74-million mark for The Weinstein Co./eOne Films.

In third and still going strong is the hilarious Comedy, We’re the Millers which now in its fourth week earns $12;6 million for Warner Bros. The Film has now official grossed in excess of $109 million.

Lionsgate Films’ Spanish-language Comedy, Instructions Not Included is a surprise hit opening only in 247 theatres in fifth with $7.5 million.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones in its second week of release slips to seventh spot with $5.2 million, just surpassing the $20 million-mark for eOne Films/Sony Screen Gems. This lands just ahead of well-reviewed The World’s End with $4.7 million, good enough for eighth spot in its second week of release domestically for eOne Films/Focus Features.

Getaway starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez debuts in eighth spot with $4/5 million from 2,130 theatres for Warner Bros. The Action-Thriller mustered only a 2% rating on the Tomatometer and Audiences gave it a C+ CinemaScore.

Rounding out the Top Ten is Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters with $4.4 million in its fourth week  for 20th Century Fox.

The names have never been bigger.  The 2013 Toronto International Film Festival will run from Thursday, September 5, 2013 – Sunday, September 15, 2013 and our City soon will host some of the biggest names in Cinema internationally. Especially outstanding this year is the Female Contingent.  Thanks to Films like August: Osage County, The Railway Man,Don Jon and Labor Day, Toronto will be seeing the likes of Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Winslet and Nicole Kidman and we couldn’t be more excited not only to see their performances, but also what they’ll be donning on our Red Carpets.

Without Film, we would have no TIFF.  In addition to making it out to catch a glimpse of these A-Listers, it is important that we support the Films which give a reason for these Stars to visit our fabulous City.  I’ve had the chance to preview a number of this year’s major Titles seeing a Premiere here during the Festival, some for which I wait to see still with baited breath.

Here are my 12 most notable Players premiering at TIFF ’13, which will be a major force this forthcoming Awards Season:

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY –  A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Stars Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Juliette Lewis and Abigail Breslin. Review to go live September 10th.

Screening times:
Monday September 9 – Roy Thomson Hall 6:30 PM
Tuesday September 10 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) 11:00 AM

Trailer:

RUSH –  A biography of Formula 1 champion driver Niki Lauda and the 1976 crash that almost claimed his life. Mere weeks after the accident, he got behind the wheel to challenge his rival, James Hunt. Stars Liam Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, Natalie Dormer and Daniel Brühl; Ron Howard directs.

Screening times:
Sunday September 8 – Roy Thomson Hall at 9:30 PM
Monday September 9 – Ryerson Theatre at 12:00 PM

Trailer:

LABOR DAY – Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited. Stars Kate Winslet,  Josh Brolin and Tobey Maguire. Review to go live September 14th.

Screening times:
Saturday September 7 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM
Sunday September 8 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 9:00 AM
Saturday September 14 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM

 NO TRAILER

TRACKS – A young woman goes on a 1,700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with her four camels and faithful dog. Stars Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver. Review to go live the evening of September 10th.

Screening times:
Tuesday September 10 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday September 11 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 2:45 PM

Trailer:

DON JON – A New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love. Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore. Review to go live the evening of September 10th.

Screening times:
Tuesday September 10 – Princess of Wales at 6:30 PM
Wednesday September 11 – Ryerson Theatre at 3:00 PM

Trailer:

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE – A story centered on two vampires who have been in love for centuries. Stars Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton. Review to go live September 5th.

Screening times:
Thursday September 5 – Ryerson Theatre at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7 -The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema at 12:15 PM

Trailer:

THE FIFTH ESTATE – A look at the relationship between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his early supporter and eventual colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg, and how the website’s growth and influence led to an irreparable rift between the two friends. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Stanley Tucci, Daniel Brühl, Laura Linney and Anthony Mackie. Review to go live September 5th.

Screening times:
Thursday September 5 –Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:30 PM and Roy Thomson Hall  at 8:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Winter Garden Theatre at 12:30 PM

Trailer:

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB – The story of Texas electrician Ron Woodroof and his battle with the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies after being diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1986, and his search for alternative treatments that helped established a way in which fellow HIV-positive people could join for access to his supplies. Stars Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Dennis O’Hare and Steve Zahn.

Screening times:
Saturday September 7 – Princess of Wales at 10:00 PM
Sunday September 8 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

Trailer:

PRISONERS  –  A Boston man kidnaps the person he suspects is behind the disappearance of his young daughter and her best friend. Stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mario Bello, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo, Terrence Howard and Paul Dano. Review to go live September 13th.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Princess of Wales at 12:00 PM
Friday September 13 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 2:30 PM

Trailer:

THE RAILWAY MAN – A victim from World War II’s “Death Railway” sets out to find those responsible for his torture. A true story. Stars Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 – Roy Thomson Hall at 6:30 PM
Saturday September 7 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM
Thursday September 12 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

 NO TRAILER

12 YEARS A SLAVE – In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 – Princess of Wales at 6:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Ryerson Theatre at 11:30 AM
Saturday September 14 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 9:00 PM

Trailer:

PHILOMENA – A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman’s search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. Stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

Screening times:
Sunday September 8 – Princess of Wales at 3:30 PM
Monday September 9 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

Don’t forget to check back as Reviews and loads of Celebrity Photos and Scoops will be posted throughout the Festival. Click here for our Reviews section and get the scoop on what we thought of these TIFF ’13 Titles!

(Photo credit: Fox Searchlight)

Mr. Will Wong and Sony Music Canada are thrilled to give Readers a chance to attend one of this Summer’s hottest Events, the KISS 92.5 WHAM BAM!  We all know how much I love KISS 92.5, Avril Lavigne and Robin Thicke!  Lavigne and Thicke will be co-headlining this year’s Show which features also Shawn Desman, Classified, Nikki Williams and also Set It Off Live with Mocha & DJ Clymaxxx.

Proceeds from Ticket Sales go to Red Cross in aid of Calgary Flood Relief efforts.

The Show starts 5:00 PM at Toronto’s  Molson Amphitheatre.  It’s not too late to get tickets here still!

This Contest runs only for a few hours, so hurry!  To enter, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Share this Post right away with your Friends to increase your chances, or Re-Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/kiss925whambam @MRWILLW wants us to #win Tickets to tomorrow’s #KISSWHAMBAM featuring #AvrilLavigne and #RobinThicke!

Have you checked out Lavigne‘s awesome new Video for Rock N Roll?  Watch here.

Good luck.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Say what you must about Miley Cyrus, but her and her people sure know how to generate a frenzy.  These brand new Promotional Photos for her new Disc, Bangerz have just surfaced and she really is owning it.

 Although I agree the crotch-touching and tongue-showing are getting a bit much, we cannot deny that we cannot stop looking.  I know I can’t!  Thank you Miley in an age of Political Correctness and hyper-awareness for making Pop Music edgy, controversial and exciting again.  Inasmuch as many would like to discount her as being all gloss and  little substance, the two Tracks we’ve been presented from the Disc both have been phenomenal, so certainly she has the goods to back it all up. I haven’t been this excited about a Pop Disc in quite some time, really.

Sony Music Canada releases Bangerz on Tuesday, October 8, 2013.

(Photo credit: RCA Records/Sony Music)

Published in 2010,  Actor/Director/Screenwriter/Producer/Author James Franco‘s Collection of Short Stories, Palo Alto, was inspired by some of his own memories as a Teen and those stories submitted by the students of Palo Alto High School. The Stories centers mostly on experimentation and Family conflict.  The Film Adaptation of the Book, directed by Gia Coppola (Granddaughter of Francis Ford), will see its premiere at TIFF next week!

See the brand new Trailer below:

Palo Alto stars: James Franco, Emma Roberts, Nat Wolff, Val Kilmer, Zoe Levin and Keegan Allen.

Those of you attending TIFF ’13 have three chances to see it:
Friday September 6, 2013 – Scotiabank 4 at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7, 2013 – The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema at 9:30 AM
Friday September 13, 2013 – The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema at 6:00 PM

Pathé International handles sales for the Film, which still has yet to find North American distribution.

(Photo credit: Sammy Bandini)

One of the Films I’m looking forward to seeing most at TIFF ’13 is Jason Reitman‘s Labor Day. Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin, star in the mega-intense Drama, adapted from Joyce Maynard‘s Novel.

Official Synopsis:

For many of us, Labor Day weekend evokes bittersweet memories of first loves, family vacations, and a final gasp of freedom before the new school year. For thirteen-year-old Henry and his reclusive, divorced Mother, Adele, it offers a chance for the happiness that they have long lived without.

With the first day of school approaching, Adele (the formidable Kate Winslet) and Henry (newcomer Gattlin Griffith) have ventured on a rare outing together to buy him some new clothes, when the Boy is approached by Frank (the brooding Josh Brolin) — whose bloodied forehead and clear sense of desperation signal the need for help. Setting aside their suspicions, Henry and his Mother reluctantly bring the Stranger home, only to discover they got more than they bargained for. It’s not long before they find themselves hostages of an escaped Felon, and convicted Murderer. And yet there’s something comforting about Frank. What begins as a kidnapping slowly evolves into something else.

Indiewire’s Anne Thompson posted a glowing review for the Drama following its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival tonight and here’s an excerpt: “The Movie played to strong applause. I’d like to think that these movie-loving adults will spread the word that audiences around the country should let the studios know that it’s ok to make these Movies”.  Read her complete Review here.

In Contention‘s Kristopher Tapley also had praise for the Film, stating: “The edge that has defined Reitman‘s work has been set aside while a more refined, lived-in aesthetic has taken hold.”.  Read his Review here.

Those of us attending TIFF ’13 have three chances to see Labor Day:

Saturday, September 7, 2013 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM
Sunday, September 8, 2013 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 9:00 AM
Saturday September 14, 2013 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM

Paramount Pictures releases Labor Day on Christmas Day.

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures)

Great news! Our Friends at VVS Films want you to have a chance to see HORNS before everybody else! Daniel Radcliffe will be taking over Toronto this TIFF with not one, not two but THREE Films at the Festival, and HORNS surely has its share of buzz surrounding it.

Official Synopsis:

When his longtime Girlfriend Merrin (Juno Temple) is brutally murdered, Ignatius “Ig” Perrish (Daniel Radcliffe) is blamed by many in his small town for her death. While the case remains open, public opinion has already condemned Ig for the crime, and the media are poised to crucify him. In the wake of this Tragedy, Ig awakens one day to find horns growing from his head.

Suddenly, people start being strangely honest with Ig, confessing their darkest desires and most hidden secrets. As everyone — Friends, Family and Strangers alike — is compelled to confess to him their ugliest impulses, Ig struggles to understand his newfound power and how he might be able to use it to find Merrin‘s real Killer.

HORNS also stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple, Max Minghella, Joe Anderson, Kelli Garner, Heather Graham, David Morse, Kathleen Quinlan and James Remar.

Our Friends at VVS Films and Rue Morgue would like to give you a chance to win a Double Pass to see
HORNS at TIFF ’13:

Sunday, September 8, 2013
Scotiabank 4
1:00 PM

To enter to win, simply click here and fill out the form. Good luck.

 VVS Films releases HORNS in Canada.

(Photo credit: VVS Films)

After having set-up shop in October 2011, Wahlburgers soon will begin its Canadian expansions starting with a City which Brothers Donnie and Mark both love – Toronto! Amidst all the TIFF ’13 festivities, Donnie, Mark and their Brother Paul, whose title is Executive Chef for the Burger Chain,  are  all expected to attend a Green Carpet event in celebration of its launch at the SoHo-Metropolitan Hotel, where its first location will be built.

Among the Comfort Food Offerings:

Donnie’s Choice: “The BBQ Bacon Burger” topped with white cheddar cheese, bacon and avocado, finished with jalapenos and a house-made BBQ sauce.

Mark’s Choice: “The Thanksgiving Burger” made with fresh ground and seasoned turkey dressed with Paul‘s orange cranberry sauce, homemade roasted butternut squash and stuffing.

Paul’s Choice: The Wahlburgers original “Our Burger” made fresh to order with the restaurant’s special blend of beef topped with government cheese (American cheese), dill pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion and finished with the signature Wahl sauce.

Expect Macaroni Salad, Sweet Potato Tots, Fresh-Cut Fries and Alcoholic Milkshakes!   There will be a Sports Bar, Seated and Takeaway options available as part of the dining experience.

More here.

(Photo credit: Wahlburgers)