Canada Soccer Foundation, in partnership with Infinity &, announced today the official launch of its Iconic XI Ambassador program, featuring a powerful lineup of Canadian icons joining a movement that celebrates excellence and unity in Canadian soccer, and harnessing our collective passion to build a bright future for our sport. This nationwide cultural initiative is designed to unite Canadians behind Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team as they prepare for FIFA World Cup 26™. The first names to be added to the Iconic XI roster are Sidney Crosby, Simu Liu and Shawn Mendes.
The Iconic XI is a curated group of 11 of Canada’s most respected and influential cultural leaders at the intersection of entertainment, sport, fashion, music, media, and the arts. More than a campaign, it’s a national movement and a moment for Canada to shine in front of the entire world. Members of the Iconic XI will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our players to champion their stories and help rally the country behind them.
“The Iconic XI represents the best of who we are as a country today – creative, united and in pursuit of excellence,” said Kevin Blue, CEO and General Secretary at Canada Soccer. “As our players prepare for the world’s biggest stage, these cultural leaders will help amplify the pride and passion that continue to define Canadian soccer. Together, we’re showing the world what it means when Canada stands as one.”
The first three members of the Iconic XI are:
Sidney Crosby – widely regarded as one of hockey’s all-time greats, Crosby has captained the Pittsburgh Penguins since 2007 and led them to three Stanley Cup championships. He also won multiple Hart and Art Ross trophies and claimed Olympic gold with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014.
Simu Liu – actor, writer, and producer who rose to international prominence with his starring role in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He has since become one of Canada’s most recognizable global talents, earning a spot on the TIME 100 list for his influence across film, television, and culture.
Shawn Mendes – representing Canada as a Global superstar, the singer and songwriter has earned three GRAMMY nominations and six Juno Awards. He has released five critically acclaimed studio albums, and most recently wrapped his 2025 tour, On The Road Again. Shawn has amassed over 62 billion global song streams, 20 billion video views, and has had 11 tracks with over one billion streams over the course of his chart-topping career.
“I’m excited to partner with Canada Soccer as they launch their Iconic XI ambassador program ahead of the FIFA World Cup,” said Crosby. “It’s always an honor to represent Canada on the national stage, and I’m happy to support my fellow Canadian athletes. I’ll be cheering for them along the way.”
As ambassadors, Crosby, Liu, and Mendes will leverage their platforms to amplify the stories of Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team — whether through social media platforms, public appearances, or creative collaborations. The aim is to inspire the nation and bring their unique voice and influence to unite Canadians in support of our team during the world’s largest sporting event.
“As the World Cup takes center stage, Canada stands ready for its defining moment. These icons will bridge the worlds of sport and culture, translating the pride of the players and the passion of the fans into a global statement of what it means to be Canadian,” added Jerry Deifer, Partner at Infinity &.
Canada Soccer will announce the rest of the Iconic XI roster over the coming months.
About Canada Soccer Foundation
The Canada Soccer Foundation is a fiduciary body that is legally separate and distinct from Canada Soccer and incorporated under the Societies Act of British Columbia. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of Canada Soccer in promoting the growth and development of soccer in Canada. The purpose, timing and donations expended annually to Canada Soccer, from the Foundation, is at the discretion of the Board of the Foundation.
The Canada Soccer Foundation is dedicated to growing the game and creating opportunities for all Canadians to experience the power of soccer. From supporting our national teams on the world stage to breaking down barriers at the grassroots level, we invest in areas that inspire, develop, and unite communities across the country. Together with our partners and supporters, we are building a stronger future for soccer in Canada – one player, one coach, and one fan at a time.
About Infinity &
Based in Toronto and operating worldwide, Infinity is a full-service music and entertainment company specializing in project management, record label, talent management, and strategic partnerships. Infinity works with artists, brands, and organizations to bring creative visions to life and drive impactful results across the global entertainment landscape.
By Mr. Will Wong
Toronto’s Will Arnett got a big welcome home last night – Sankofa Square billboard and all – as he premiered his latest, IS THIS THING ON? at a special TIFF Lightbox screening, attended by media, friends and family.
Arnett, known best for voicing his unforgettable work as Gob Bluth on Arrested Development, Batman in the LEGO franchise, and the titular role in Bojack Horseman, makes a slight pivot in this upcoming Dramedy from longtime friend Bradley Cooper, exercising his dramatic muscles and also trying Standup Comedy as well for the first time. The Film centers on Alex (Arnett), who is grappling with divorce form his wife of twenty years, Tess (Laura Dern). He stumbles into the world of Standup Comedy and quickly finds himself consumed in the world, forming friendships and finding confidence again.
Despite dividing his time between New York and Los Angeles, Toronto will always be home for Arnett after leaving here about 30 years ago to pursue his acting dreams and this latest effort actually is the type of complex role he always wanted to perform, even with life handing him several comedic gigs.
We had the pleasure of chatting with Arnett about what inspired him and Cooper to team-up to adapt what actually is a true story based on English Funnyman John Bishop‘s life. We ask him about what informs his memorable character, Alex Novak, and also the burning question, whether The SmartLess Podcast (which he co-hosts with Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes) at long last will be making a Toronto tour stop.
Some highlights from our Chat with Arnett:
The Film really features some fantastic career-best work by Arnett and Laura Dern, as a couple finding themselves later in life and revisiting their relationship through a current lens. With a smart Script (co-written by Arnett, Cooper and Mark Chappell), Bradley Cooper once again delivers some fantastic, thoughtful storytelling, bringing the best out of his talent time and again. Cooper also reunites with Cinematographer Matthew Libatique to craft a unique, up-close and intimate watch.
Searchlight Pictures release IS THIS THING ON? December 19, 2025.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Searchlight Pictures)
By Justin Waldman
Playing from now until November 30, 2025 (which is already an extension) is the incredible transfer from New York of Ava: The Secret Conversations. This is the Canadian Premiere that stars Elizabeth McGovern alongside Aaron Costa Ganis, which the former had adapted herself from the book written by Peter Evans and Ava Gardner about their conversation in 1988 about Hollywood icon Gardner‘s life.
What it becomes is a perfectly-paced and beautifully-acted show about the life of Gardner, but elements that she didn’t always share – it wasn’t the story about Howard Hughes, Frank Sinatra, Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw but it was about Ava Gardner, herself. She wanted to ensure that she got to tell her story the way she wanted to, and the translation to stage was nothing shy of exceptional.
When crafting a show that doesn’t let up on the audience and ensures that there is no intermission that entire act is crucial, there is no room for a lag, no room for anything dull – just has to be power hit after power hit and thankfully McGovern and Costa Ganis manage to deliver that tenfold. Ava: The Secret Conversations may be about a series of conversations that people weren’t entirely aware of their happenings, but the performance and show itself should be far from a secret.
A video review:

AVA: THE SECRET CONVERSATIONS plays at Mirvish’s CAA Theatre till November 30, 2025.
Tickets here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Justin Waldman/Mirvish Productions)
Disney and Pixar have debuted the first teaser trailer and an all-new poster for “Toy Story 5,” and this time, it’s Toy meets Tech.
In the teaser, fans are introduced to the new character Lilypad, a high-tech, frog-shaped smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee (“Past Lives,” “The Morning Show,” “TRON: Ares”) that makes Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs exponentially harder when they go head to head with the all-new threat to playtime.
Tom Hanks returns as the ever-loyal cowboy Woody, Tim Allen reports for duty as Buzz Lightyear, Joan Cusack saddles up again as the rootin’-tootin’ cowgirl Jessie, and Tony Hale is back as the voice of the handcrafted toy Forky. It was recently announced that Conan O’Brien will also join the voice cast as the toilet training tech toy Smarty Pants.
Director Andrew Stanton and co-director Kenna Harris state, “It’s been a hilarious and poignant journey exploring how our favourite team of legacy toys might respond to today’s world of technology, and we’re thrilled to share this first glimpse with audiences. Having the remarkably talented Greta Lee bring Lilypad to life — balancing a playfully antagonistic tone with humour and heart — has been incredible.”
“Toy Story 5” is directed by Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton (“WALL•E,” “Finding Nemo,” “Finding Dory”), co-directed by Kenna Harris (“Ciao Alberto”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (“Turning Red,” “WALL•E,” “Finding Dory”). The animated adventure releases in theatres nationwide on June 19, 2026.
From writer/director Josh Safdie and starring TimothĂ©e Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion, Kevin O’Leary, Tyler Okonma, Abel Ferrara, and Fran Drescher. MARTY SUPREME – In Theatres December 25, 2025 via Elevation Pictures. Today we get the official Trailer!
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
Cineplex Pictures has partnered with ICON Creative Studios to bring audiences Charlie the Wonderdog, a heartwarming new family adventure starring Owen Wilson, opening in theatres nationwide on January 16, 2026. When Danny’s family dog discovers he has superpowers, Charlie sets out to fulfill his destiny and protect the people he loves — only to learn that real heroism comes from courage, kindness, and believing in yourself.
“ICON Creative is extremely thankful and appreciative for Cineplex Pictures’ distribution of Charlie the Wonderdog in Canada,” said Shea Wageman, ICON Creative’s CEO and the film’s Director. “Their approach to working with filmmakers, and their love for films, is unsurpassed, and we’re fortunate they saw the audience potential of our film’s story.”
Charlie the Wonderdog (95 minutes) is produced by Canadian based production company ICON Creative Studios. Charlie the Wonderdog was directed, written, and produced by Shea Wageman, written by Raul Inglis and Steve Ball, Production Designed by Geoff Taylor, Original Score by Petteri Sainio. with original music by Bryan Adams, produced by Jennifer Rogan and Carson Loveday, and executive produced by Michael Balfry, Carson Loveday, and Bahar Dehghanian.
About Cineplex Pictures
Cineplex Pictures, a division of Cineplex, is a Canadian film distributor specializing in theatrical releases across various genres. Past releases include The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, The Queen of My Dreams, John Wick: Chapter 4, and The Boy and the Heron, with upcoming titles such as Now You See Me: Now You Don’t and The Housemaid, among others.
LIVE ONLY ON NETFLIX AT 8 PM ET | 5 PM PT
MONDAY | 11/17/25
ONE LAST RAW. ONE LAST TIME. THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS ARENA.
Celebrate the legacy of a true WWE legend at Madison Square Garden. Don’t miss John Cena’s farewell moment. Watch the trailer NOW for John Cena’s final WWE RAW.
ABOUT WWE ON NETFLIX:
The much-anticipated debut of live weekly programming unfolding 52 weeks a year on Netflix marks a new era for WWE fans. Beginning in January 2025, Netflix will be the exclusive home of the WWE’s flagship weekly wrestling program in the US, Canada, UK, and Latin America, among other territories, with additional countries and regions added over time. This is the first time in the show’s 31-year history that WWE Monday Night RAW is available to stream.
Additionally, Netflix will bring WWE’s electrifying content to audiences outside the United States, including SmackDown, NXT, and events such as WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and SummerSlam.
Toronto’s most spirited holiday pop-up has grown up. Little Sister, the city’s acclaimed Dutch-Indo food bar, returns this season with its iconic festive takeover—Java Jingle—opening November 13th and running through December 31st across both of their Toronto locations at 102 Portland St. and 2031 Yonge St. This year, the takeover has been refreshed with a Winter Wonderland theme, bringing a new look and experience to the season. Reservations can be made HERE for Portland St. and HERE for Yonge St.
The pop-up became a cult favourite among Toronto’s nightlife crowd for its extravagant décor and nostalgic holiday energy. This year, Little Sister is introducing a new chapter: one that keeps the warmth and conviviality of the season but trades in over-the-top kitsch for a subtler, more refined experience.
“It’s still about joy and celebration,” says General Manager and Bar Manager Robin Wynne, “but we wanted to evolve the concept—something cozier, sleeker, and more atmospheric. More magic.”
Guests can expect the two-level Portland space to be transformed with layered lighting, frosted glass details, and a palette that blends wintry whites with Little Sister’s signature tropical touches. The space is designed to feel like a soft escape from the season—a festive hideaway without the clichés.
The cocktail program, long at the heart of Little Sister’s December celebrations, returns with a mix of returning favourites and new seasonal creations that blend winter spices, tropical fruit, and house-made syrups.
Bar & Cocktails at Java Jingle
This year’s Java Jingle takeover features 12 festive cocktails, alongside seasonal shots and non-alcoholic options. According to Bar Manager Robin Wynne, “There’s a cocktail for everyone this season—from margaritas and sprits to mulled wine riffs, smoky Manhattan riffs, eggnog riffs, and matcha riffs. We’ve even created a special drink for guests to share.”
Two highlights guests can expect on the menu include:
-Noggy Colada – (new)
Bumbu Rum, coconut liqueur, pineapple liqueur, eggnog, coconut cream, eggnog bitters
-Polar Express (Drink for 2) – (new)
Finlandia Vodka, gingerbread liqueur, condensed milk, ginger coffee syrup, milk washed
In keeping with tradition, the full Little Sister food menu will remain available throughout the pop-up’s run, ensuring guests can enjoy the restaurant’s signature Dutch-Indo dishes alongside the limited-edition cocktails.
“After years of big, boisterous holidays, we wanted to create something that feels warm and inviting,” Wynne adds. “A moment of escape in the middle of the city.”
Java Jingle runs from November 13 through December 31 at Little Sister Portland (102 Portland St.), with reservations strongly recommended. Guests can reserve HERE for Portland St. and HERE for Yonge St.
About Little Sister Dutch Indo Food Bar
Little Sister Dutch Indonesian Food Bar draws inspiration from one of its founders’ experiences in the Dutch Navy and the intricate historical connection between the Netherlands and Indonesia. We have meticulously crafted an inviting food bar atmosphere that pays homage to the rich tapestry of Indonesian flavors. Our culinary offerings showcase dishes infused with our own handcrafted spice blends, created from a medley of fresh herbs and spices, along with specially imported ingredients from Indonesia. Our menu is designed around a delightful array of small to medium-sized dishes, perfect for sharing and savoring together.
Today, Disney+ debuted first look images from the highly anticipated third season of “Tell Me Lies” premiering January 13, 2025 exclusively on Hulu on Disney+ in Canada with two episodes, followed by one episode weekly.
“Tell Me Lies” season three follows Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White) as they’ve rekindled their tumultuous romance in time for spring semester at Baird College. While they promise things will be different this time, past indiscretions hinder their best intentions, and Lucy finds herself embroiled in a controversy she wants nothing to do with. Meanwhile, the disastrous repercussions from the previous year also force Lucy and Stephen’s friends to face their own destructive behaviours. As scandalous secrets fester around campus, vicious consequences threaten Lucy and everyone in her circle.
The series stars Grace Van Patten, Jackson White, Cat Missal, Spencer House, Sonia Mena, Branden Cook, Alicia Crowder and Costa D’Angelo.
Meaghan Oppenheimer serves as executive producer and showrunner. Emma Roberts, co-founder Karah Preiss and Matt Matruski executive produce under their Belletrist banner, and Laura Lewis executive produces for Rebelle Media. Shannon Gibson, Stephanie Noonan and Sam Schlaifer also serve as executive producers, and Tyne Rafaeli is executive producer and director. Adapted from Carola Lovering’s novel of the same name, Lovering serves as a consulting producer. The Hulu Original series is produced by 20th Television.
Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Junior Mode profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.
SOCIAL MEDIA
X: @DisneyPlusCA
Instagram: @DisneyPlusCA
Facebook: @DisneyPlusCA
Hashtag: #DisneyPlus
ABOUT DISNEY+
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and outside the U.S., general entertainment brand Hulu. As the flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ serves as a connection point for audiences around the world with an unmatched collection of award-winning general entertainment and gold-standard family programming. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, it is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Subscriptions also include access to the Disney+ Perks loyalty program including special discounts, everyday savings, and early access to exclusive experiences that only Disney can offer. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.
Discover the true meaning of the holiday season with Imagine Entertainment’s live-action adaptation of the beloved classic, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas on 4K Ultra HD and Steelbook from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment available on November 11, 2025. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the film returns in a stunning newly remastered edition featuring Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for an enhanced home viewing and listening experience. This special release also includes over 30 minutes of brand-new bonus content exploring the making of the beloved holiday classic.
Starring Jim Carrey as The Grinch, Academy Award®-winning director Ron Howard and Academy Award®-winning producer Brian Grazer reimagine one of the most enduring holiday stories of all time. Why is The Grinch (Carrey) such a grouch? No one seems to know, until little Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch’s world upside down, inside out…and funny side up. Filled with dazzling scenery, special effects, makeup and costumes, this is an adventure “that can make your heart grow three sizes—if you’re not laughing too hard!” (Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
BONUS content AVAILABLE ON DISC & DIGITAL:
-25 Years Later: The Gift of THE GRINCH (NEW) – Director Ron Howard, producer Brian Grazer, make-up artist Rick Baker and actor Taylor Momsen look back on the making of the holiday classic and discuss its legacy.
-Spotlight on Location
-Deleted Scenes
-Outtakes
-Who School – An inside look at how actors learned to walk, talk, and move like real Whos from Whoville.
-Makeup Application and Design – Go behind the scenes to see the elaborate process of creating the Grinch’s iconic look and the Whos’ whimsical styles.
-Seussian Set Decoration – Explore how Dr. Seuss’s imaginative world was brought to life through colorful, larger-than-life set designs.
-Visual Effects – Discover the movie magic that blended practical effects with cutting-edge technology to transform Whoville.
-Music Video: Faith Hill “Where Are You Christmas?”
-Theatrical Trailer
-Feature Commentary with Director Ron Howard – Hear stories and insights from director Ron Howard as he reflects on bringing the classic to the big screen.
FILMMAKERS
Cast: Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Molly Shannon
Narrated by: Anthony Hopkins
Casting by: Jane Jenkins C.S.A. , Janet Hirshenson C.S.A.
Music Composed by: James Horner
Music Supervisor: Bonnie Greenberg
Special Makeup Effects by: Rick Baker
Costume Designer: Rita Ryack
Associate Producers: Aldric La’Auli Porter, Luoisa Velis
Edited by: Dan Hanley, Mike Hill
Production Designer: Michael Corenblith
Director of Photography: Don Peterman A.S.C.
Executive Producer: Todd Hallowell
Based on the Book by: Dr. Seuss
Screenplay by: Jeffrey Price & Peter S. Seaman
Produced by: Brian Grazer
Directed by: Ron Howard
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Street Date: November 11, 2025
UPC Number: 191329282809 (US), 191329282496 (CA)
Layers: BD-100
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 & 1.85:1 Widescreen
Rating: PG for some crude humor
Subtitles: English SDH; Castilian Spanish; Danish; Finnish; French Canadian; French European; German; Italian; Latin American Spanish; Norwegian; Swedish
Sound: English Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital 2.0; Castilian Spanish DTS Digital Surround 5.1; French Canadian DTS Digital Surround 5.1; French European DTS Digital Surround 5.1; German DTS: X; Italian DTS Digital Surround 5.1; Latin American Spanish DTS Digital Surround 5.1
Run Time: 01:44:54
About Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE – www.uphe.com) is a unit of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG). UFEG produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television and other distribution platforms, as well as consumer products, interactive gaming and live entertainment. The global division includes Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Brand Development, Fandango, DreamWorks Animation Film and Television and Awesomeness. UFEG is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
About Dr. Seuss Enterprises
Founded in 1993, Dr. Seuss Enterprises is a global entertainment company. Our mission is to educate and entertain generations around the world by promoting and protecting the literary and artistic works of Dr. Seuss. We provide world-class content that drives joyful learning and creates hopeful futures.
All Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ profits benefit charitable organizations that focus on causes such as education, science, health, animal conservation, and the arts. For more information, subscribe to our YouTube channel, visit DrSeussEnterprises.com, or follow us on Instagram.
About Imagine Entertainment
Founded in 1986 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Imagine Entertainment is a multi-award-winning film and television production company with a remarkable track record of creating critically acclaimed and commercially successful content across genres for over 40 years. Imagine’s productions have been honored with 90 prestigious awards, including 47 ACADEMY AWARD™ nominations and 296 Emmy® award nominations. Award-winning productions include the ACADEMY AWARD™ Best Picture winner “A Beautiful Mind”, as well as Grammy Award Best Film winner “The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years” and the critically acclaimed documentary “Jim Henson Idea Man”, a definitive portrait of Jim Henson’s life, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Best Documentary EMMY Award following its global premiere on Disney+.
With numerous hit projects including the Peabody Award-winning “Judy Blume Forever,” (Prime Video), “Frida” (Amazon/MGM), “Genius: MLK/X” (Disney+); “The Dynasty: New England Patriots” (Apple TV+), “Friday Night Lights” (NBC), “Parenthood” (NBC), “Apollo 13” “Rush”, “The Da Vinci Code”, “”Frost/Nixon”, and “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”, Imagine Entertainment has consistently redefined the boundaries of storytelling in the entertainment industry.
Recent projects include “The Gringo Hunters,” a drama for Netflix based on investigative reporting in the Washington Post and a feature-length Barba Walters documentary for Hulu. Upcoming projects include “After the Hunt,” a thriller for Amazon MGM directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny, and a Ron Howard-directed documentary on renowned photographer Richard Avedon.
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