The highly anticipated Toronto opening of Lunch Lady is set for June 26, 2025, bringing the beloved Vietnamese restaurant to the bustling Ossington strip. Join us for the grand opening, where the restaurant’s visionary team will officially launch the second Canadian location of this celebrated, Saigon-born eatery whose first Vancouver location received 3 consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards. As the Toronto location opens its doors, it will also honour Mrs. Thanh’s remarkable legacy, one defined by her warmth, and a lifelong passion for feeding her community.

Reservations can now be made HERE.

What: Grand opening of Lunch Lady in Toronto
Activities:
Lion dancing
Live entertainment
Tribute to the late Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thanh
When: 5pm, June 26, 2025
Where: Lunch Lady Toronto – 93 Ossington Avenue
Who:
Michael Tran – Creative Director/Co-Owner

Chef Benedict Lim – Culinary & Operations Director/Co-Owner

Chef Allan Lu – Chef de Cuisine

Daniel Jung – General Manager

Rooted in Tradition, Driven by Innovation
The legendary Saigon street food stall, immortalized by Anthony Bourdain’s acclaimed show No Reservations, will continue the legacy of Nguyen Thi Thanh, who was affectionately named “Lunch Lady” by Bourdain himself. The Toronto location offers an elevated, soulful take on Vietnamese cuisine.
Chef Benedict Lim, with 20 years experience in the hospitality industry, oversees the culinary direction for the brand, while Chef de Cuisine Allan Lu–Toronto native and first generation Vietnamese Canadian chef– leads the Toronto kitchen. With heavy hitters like Chotto Matte and Cactus Club Toronto under his belt, Lu blends his Vietnamese heritage with contemporary culinary precision. Under their collective leadership, the Toronto menu embraces what the team calls the 80/20 philosophy: 80% tradition, 20% creative expression.

Together, they bring a balance of Vietnamese heritage and modern culinary sensibility, crafting a menu that honours tradition while still leaving space for reinterpretation. From the rotating soups inspired by Mrs.Thanh’s original street cart to the street food influenced by Chef Lim’s travels in Saigon. Each dish invites guests into a world that’s nostalgic, bold, and uniquely personal. Signature dishes include the famed noodle soups, fan-favourite Steak Lúc Lắc—caramelized ribeye served with charred scallion butter— and interactive plates that reflect Vietnam’s rich and evolving culinary identity.

These dishes are deeply rooted in Vietnam’s layered food history, from colonial-era creations like Bò Né and Bánh Mì Ốp La, to dishes shaped by the Vietnamese diaspora, where bold, comforting flavours like Lunch Lady’s signature XO garlic noodles emerged as part of a vibrant Vietnamese-Western culinary movement. Unique to the Toronto menu is the Nui Xào Bò – Short Rib Rigatoni, their take on the comfort classic and an excellent showcase of their 80/20 philosophy; featuring tender beef short rib, spicy tomato demi-glace, rigatoni, and a slow-poached egg.

One of Lunch Lady Toronto’s defining features will be its dual-concept approach, drawing inspiration from the bustling rhythm of Saigon’s streets. By day, the restaurant will channel the essence of Mrs. Thanh’s famed lunch-only noodle stall, serving up delicious and unique daily soup specials, exclusive to the lunch menu. When evening falls, the concept transforms. Just as Mrs. Thanh’s stall closes and her neighbouring vendors take over the night market, Lunch Lady Toronto will transition to a dinner menu that pays tribute to the vibrant Saigonese street food culture that comes alive after dark. It’s two distinct culinary journeys, united under one roof by a shared reverence for Vietnamese culture.

A World-Class Cocktail Program Inspired by the Flavours of Vietnam

Lunch Lady Toronto’s cocktail program puts a unique spin on classic drinks, blending traditional techniques with bold, unexpected flavours. From tamarind, pandan, and lychee to Vietnamese coffee and tropical fruits infused with phở spices, each cocktail reflects a deep connection to Vietnamese street culture. It’s a playful, boundary-pushing bar program designed to surprise and delight with every sip. Unique to this location, the wine list features a thoughtfully curated selection of Ontario-sourced wines, showcasing the best of the province’s vineyards. Lunch Lady Toronto has also partnered with two of the city’s top craft breweries, Rainhard and Steadfast, to create exclusive beers on tap. The Rainhard x Lunch Lady Jasmine Rice Lager is crisp and aromatic, while the Steadfast x Lunch Lady Dragon Fruit Pale Ale offers a bright, tropical twist.

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Offerings
The beverage menu includes a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, like the Vietnamese Horchata Chè, a refreshing blend of iced coconut milk, fragrant cinnamon, star anise, and chewy pandan sticky rice that blurs the line between dessert and drink. The menu also features a Vietnamese coffee program exclusive to this location, with standout creations like the Pandan Coffee, a Vietnamese iced coffee topped with pandan coconut cream, and a rich, peanut butter-infused cà phê sữa đá, each one a modern take on a beloved classic. Even the sparkling water is intentional—San Pellegrino is the exclusive pour, chosen for its shared commitment to quality and the simple philosophy of bringing the best to the table.
Street Soul and Storytelling: The Design of Lunch Lady Toronto

The team at Lunch Lady Toronto partnered with the award-winning design agency, SOLID Design Creative, helmed by Ian Rydberg and Shae-Lynn Mathers, to execute their vision of a space that embodies the vibrant urban culture of Vietnam, channeling its layered energy and authenticity into a richly immersive interior. From the onset, the vision was clear: to bring the dynamic Vietnamese street life indoors, reimagining the textures, rhythms, and spirit of its alleyways within the context of downtown Toronto. The space is a deliberate nod to the lived-in charm of Vietnam’s backstreet, where everyday life unfolds against a backdrop of hand-painted signage, accordion gates, lush greenery, and tactile materials. Custom-fabricated iron gates and archways anchor the space, while bespoke lighting installations, vintage-inspired awnings, and hand-painted signage contribute to the expressive character of a Southeast Asian streetscape. A curated material palette underscores the narrative, favouring honesty and warmth. Concrete floors feature hand-painted motifs inspired by Hanoi’s iconic stamped sidewalks, while a suspended canopy in a private dining room pays homage to the traditional cyclo bicycle taxi. The bar area references vernacular Vietnamese architecture, with a back wall and gantry that blend utilitarian design with subtle decorative elements, all bathed in a soft, golden glow.

The restaurant seats 140 guests across a variety of distinctive spaces, each capturing a unique aspect of Vietnamese culture. The Main Dining Room is the lively heart of the restaurant – warm, energetic, and communal. The front patio, with seating for 10, is inspired by Saigon’s open-air cafés, offering a relaxed street-side experience. The Nhậu Bar (13 seats) channels the spirit of Saigon’s late-night gatherings, while the Chef’s Counter (6 seats) offers an intimate front-row view of the kitchen in action. For more private experiences, the Rickshaw Lounge (10 guests) features curved booth seating under a hand-painted canopy, evoking the charm of Vietnam’s street-side eateries. The Saigon Supper Room, a fully private space for up to 20 guests, captures the vibrant energy of a Saigon night through rich textures and ambient lighting. A commissioned mirrored artwork offers a dreamlike “window” into daily life in Vietnam, rounding out an experience that goes beyond dining; it’s a cultural journey rooted in memory, storytelling, and sensory immersion.

Experience the Legacy
Though Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thanh has passed, she remains the heart and soul of Lunch Lady. Her spirit continues to guide every detail, from the food to the warm, welcoming hospitality rooted in the Vietnamese saying “một nhà, một gia đình”: one house, one family. This philosophy lives on through the founders, Michael and Ben who carry forward her legacy with deep respect and gratitude. Toronto now welcomes its first Lunch Lady, with Mrs. Thanh’s presence deeply felt in this milestone moment, a celebration of her enduring warmth, vision, and the power of a great meal to tell a story.

Netflix announced today Little House on the Prairie is officially in production. Part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West, this fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic semi-autobiographical Little House books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier.

Previously Announced Cast: Luke Bracey (Charles Ingalls), Crosby Fitzgerald (Caroline Ingalls), Alice Halsey (Laura Ingalls), Skywalker Hughes (Mary Ingalls), Warren Christie (John Edwards), Jocko Sims (Dr. George Tann), Meegwun Fairbrother (Mitchell), Alyssa Wapanatâhk (White Sun), Wren Zhawenim Gotts (Good Eagle), Xander Cole (Little Puma).

About Little House on the Prairie
Logline: Part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West, this fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic semi-autobiographical Little House books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier.
Showrunner/Executive Producer: Rebecca Sonnenshine (The Boys, Vampire Diaries, Archive 81)
Executive Producers: Joy Gorman Wettels for Joy Coalition, Trip Friendly for Friendly Family Productions, Dana Fox, Susanna Fogel
Directors: Sarah Adina Smith is set to direct the first episode.
Studio: Produced by CBS Studios and Anonymous Content
Filming Location: Canada

Since its original publication in the 1930s, the LITTLE HOUSE book series and brand has remained a constant in the global zeitgeist. The classic novels have sold over 73 million copies in more than 100 countries, translated into at least 27 languages. Most recently, 50 years after the 1974 show first debuted, Nielsen reports that fans of all generations have embraced the nostalgic show garnering an astonishing 13.25 billion minutes of viewing in 2024 alone.

Telefilm Canada, at the Annecy International Animation Film Market (MIFA), proudly announces the launch of a new initiative for the development and export of animated feature films.

Telefilm Canada will establish a special envelope of $420,000 for animated features that will be integrated into the Development Program. This initiative aims to recognize the distinctive nature of animated films and to support their early creative stages, particularly storyboard development. It is part of a broader effort to prioritize animation across Telefilm’s entire continuum – from development to marketing – and to reflect the sustained growth of this sector within the audiovisual industry, both in Canada and abroad.

In collaboration with national and international partners, the initiative will highlight the excellence and creativity of Canadian animation while strengthening its export positioning. Backed by Telefilm’s funding programs, this new approach is designed to encourage business development in the field of animation.

A distinctive process

Creating an animated film is a distinctive process that mobilizes a wealth of resources and expertise from the project’s outset. Consequently, Telefilm will support Canadian producers and creators at a key moment, when the imagination takes shape and the narrative and visual foundations of the film are laid. The aim is not only to nurture artistic vision but also to maximize commercial potential by helping projects attract partners and distributors, especially international players.

Animation: a booming sector

Since 2017, Telefilm invested $36.28M in animation projects. During that time, funding applications for animation have doubled, testifying to the sector’s growing interest and dynamism. In the past seven years, Canadian animated films have ranked ten times among the annual top 15 box-office earners.

Telefilm’s aim is to accelerate the development of high-potential projects, strengthen the competitiveness of Canadian animation, engage more audiences and expand animation’s reach at home and abroad.

“Animation embodies our creativity, our capacity to innovate and bring generations together around powerful stories”, said Julie Roy, Executive Director and CEO of Telefilm Canada. “With this initiative, Telefilm is reaffirming its commitment to animation as a national jewel by supporting creators at the earliest stages of the process. It’s also a way of looking to the future, of continuing to seduce, captivate and reach audiences of all generations at home and abroad. And lastly, it’s a strategic investment in a fast-growing sector that generates economic value while showcasing Canadian talent on the world stage.”

Watch the official trailer for Ari Aster’s Eddington, an explosively modern western starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Austin Butler, and Emma Stone.

EDDINGTON arrives July 18, 2025 via VVS Films.

We get a new Trailer for TOO MUCH, from Lena Dunham, starring HACKS breakout star Meg Statler! Arriving July 10, 2025 on Netflix.

In addition to the trailer, Netflix has confirmed the final casting for the series with five more guest stars joining the cast: Andrew Scott, Jennifer Saunders, Kit Harington, Rita Ora and Jessica Alba.

About Too Much

LAUNCH DATE: 10th July 2025

SYNOPSIS: Jessica (Megan Stalter) is a New York workaholic in her mid-thirties, reeling from a broken relationship that she thought would last forever and slowly isolating everyone she knows. When every block in New York tells a story of her own bad behaviour, the only solution is to take a job in London, where she plans to live a life of solitude like a Bronte sister. But when she meets Felix (Will Sharpe) – a walking series of red flags – she finds that their unusual connection is impossible to ignore, even as it creates more problems than it solves. Now they have to ask themselves: do Americans and Brits actually speak the same language? From the creator of Girls and the producers of Love Actually, Too Much is an ex-pat rom-com for the disillusioned who wonder if true love is still possible, but sincerely hope that it is.

CREATORS: Lena Dunham and Luis Felber

WRITER/DIRECTOR: Lena Dunham

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Lena Dunham, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Michael P. Cohen, Surian Fletcher-Jones and Bruce Eric Kaplan

PRODUCER: Camilla Bray

PRODUCTION COMPANY: A Working Title Television and Good Thing Going Production

STUDIO: Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group

CAST: Megan Stalter, Will Sharpe, Michael Zegan, Janicza Bravo, Richard E. Grant, Leo Reich, Daisy Bevan, Adele Exarchopoulos, Dean-Charles Chapman, Rita Wilson, Naomi Watts, Prasanna Puwanarajah, Andrew Rannells, Rhea Perlman, Emily Ratajkowski, Stephen Fry, Kaori Momoi, Adwoa Aboah

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, Scarborough Town Centre will host the Official Launch of the 2025 Toronto Caribbean Carnival season at a day-long block party. During this stunning event, held from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., attendees will be able to view colourful Carnival costumes, enjoy delicious food, culture and live music.

Tickets are on sale now and cost $10 for general admission, $40 for a group of five and children five-years-old and under are free. Visit torontocarnival.ca to learn more.

This year, the Carnival theme is “Take Me Home.” It speaks to the love affair between our homelands and Canada. It is a place where people of all nations can feel at home, experience joy, and feel connected to each other.

WHAT:

Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Official Launch

WHERE:

Scarborough Town Centre,
300, Borough Drive, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

WHEN: June 14, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

• Welcome from Executive Chair of the Board, Jennifer Hirlehey
• Government Officials Acknowledgement, Carnival Updates
• Carnival Events Announcement

2:50 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Performances by:

• Jfyre
• Jaxx
• Hummingbird Tassa performers
• Dance Caribe
• Pan Fantasy
• Terry Gajraj
• David Rudder
• Ossie Gurley
• Panatics
• & more

Toronto’s Little Italy is back with its annual Taste of Little Italy festival, running June 13 to 15, 2025 along College Street between Bathurst and Shaw, which will be closed to vehicle traffic all weekend to make way for pedestrians, patios, and live entertainment.

This year’s lineup features four distinct voices of the district: Ficoa, serving bold contemporary Latin bites like crispy potato tacos and PEI oysters; Radici Project, blending Italian and Japanese flavours with a focused four-course tasting menu and festival-exclusive snacks; Tondou Ramen, dishing out classic Japanese fried chicken and refreshments under pop-up tents; and Suite 115, the renowned cocktail bar, offering sharp cocktails and small plates without reservations.

Reservations are recommended for Ficoa and Radici Project and Tondou Ramen. Suite 115 operates on a walk-in basis only.

FICOA
585 College St, Toronto, ON
@ficoa.to

This year for Taste of Little Italy, Ficoa brings bold Neo-Latin flavours to the street with a vibrant takeout menu that captures the restaurant’s signature warmth and creativity. Highlights include a refreshing haddock ceviche, crispy potato flautas with cotija cheese, and half a dozen PEI Malpeque oysters served with your choice of piri piri, cocktail sauce, or mignonette. Pair it with the Cantarito — a bright, citrusy mix of watermelon, pineapple, lemon, chamoy, and grapefruit soda. Ficoa will also be serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Take-out menu

Ceviche
Haddock, pico de gallo, mixed chips

Guacamole
Pico de gallo, cucumber, mixed chips

Tacos
4 pc crispy potato flautas, salsa verde, cotija cheese, crema

Oysters
Half dozen PEI Malpeque oysters, piri piri sauce, cocktail sauce or mignonette

Cantarito
Watermelon, pineapple, lemon, chamoy, and grapefruit soda

Brunch Menu

Eggs benny – $20
Poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise, sourdough

Avocado toast – $16
Creamy avocado on toast, topped with sweet corn, radish, crumbled queso cotija, and served with salad

Ficoa breakfast – $20
Two eggs cooked your choice, served with chorizo, fried plantain and refried beans, served with toast or tortillas

Omelette – $18
Egg whites filled with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and Oaxaca cheese, served with toast or tortillas

Huevos divorciados – $18
Refried beans, fried tortillas, salsa roja, salsa verde, fried eggs

Chilaquiles – $20
Crispy corn chips, queso cotija, crema, onion, cilantro, fried egg

Molletes – $16
Toast topped with chorizo + refried beans, Oaxaca cheese, and pico de gallo

Churro french toast – $16
Brioche French toast, cinnamon, dulce de leche

3LECHES pancake – $18
Fluffy pancakes soaked in a blend of three milks, strawberry compote

Empanadas – $16
Corn masa, braised short rib, queso cotija, crema

Molotes – $8
Cheese stuffed plantain, salsa tatemada, crema

Ficoa x Taste of Little Italy Weekend Schedule:

Friday: Indoor dining and takeout from 5–10 pm
Saturday:
Brunch | 10 AM–2 PM
Takeout | 12 PM–10 PM
Dinner | 5 PM–10 PM
Sunday:
Brunch | 10 AM–2 PM
Takeout | 12 PM–6:30 PM

Whether you’re dropping in for brunch, picking up takeout, or dining in for dinner, Ficoa’s vibrant flavours are sure to impress at Taste of Little Italy.

Reservations for Ficoa can be made HERE.

RADICI PROJECT
588 College St, Toronto, ON
@radici_project
Taste of Radici – $80

Radici Project offers two ways to experience its signature Italian-Japanese fusion this festival weekend. At their outdoor booth: pizza pockets filled with creative, cross-cultural flavours, Kakigori (Japanese shaved ice), and beer. Inside, guests can enjoy “Taste of Radici” — a $80 four-course tasting menu available exclusively from June 13–15.

On Sunday, Radici teams up with Izumi Sake for complimentary sake tastings and bottle sales.

Radici Project x Taste of Little Italy Weekend Schedule:

Friday:
Indoor Dining (Taste of Radici Tasting Menu) | Regular hours (5 PM–11 PM)
Outdoor | 7 PM–1 AM
Saturday:
Indoor Dining (Taste of Radici Tasting Menu) | Regular hours (5 PM-11 PM)
Outdoor | 11 AM–1 AM
Sunday:
Indoor Dining (Taste of Radici Tasting Menu) | Regular hours (5 PM–10 PM)
Outdoor | 11 AM–10 PM

Note: Indoor service is limited to the $80 four-course “Taste of Radici” menu from June 13–15. No à la carte or full tasting menu will be available.

Reservations for Radici Project can be made HERE.

TONDOU RAMEN
596 College St, Toronto, ON
@tondoutoronto

Tondou Ramen brings its signature comfort and bold flavours outdoors for Taste of Little Italy. Festival highlights include crispy Chicken Karaage alongside refreshing drinks. Known for its casual warmth and late-night energy, Tondou offers a laid-back stop for Japanese street food classics throughout the weekend.

Reservations for Tondou Ramen can be made HERE.

SUITE 115
532 College St, Toronto, ON
@suite115.to

Suite 115 is a cocktail bar with roots in one of Toronto’s favourite speakeasies, Suite 114. Opened by two of its former bartenders, the space brings the spirit of craft and inclusivity to Little Italy. For Taste of Little Italy, Suite 115 will offer $14 ready-to-drink cocktails — including the Milagro Lychee Paloma and Brugal Añejo Mojito — alongside local beer, cider, house shots, and slushies. Small plates like chicken skewers, chimichurri bites, and fried rice round out the menu.

Cocktails – $14
Milagro Lychee Paloma – 20%
Hibiscus rose–infused Milagro Tequila, fino sherry, umeshu, lychee cordial. Tropical, zesty, lightly sparkling.

Brugal Añejo Mojito – 13%
Brugal Añejo rum, Amaro Montenegro, fino sherry, mint syrup, eucalyptus tea, citrus. Cool, bright, and herbal.

Beer & Cider
Wellington Helles Lager – 4.5% | $5
German-style lager. Crisp, light, with balanced malt and noble hops.

Wellington Special Pale Ale – 4.5% | $8
English-style pale ale. Copper colour, biscuit and caramel malt, citrus hop finish.

Pommies Farmhouse Dry Cider – 6% | $8
Dry, medium-bodied cider. Ontario apples, effervescent, notes of tart apple, dried fruit, and spice.
Hard Seltzer & Non-Alc

Bangarang Tropical Bellini – 5% | $8
Peach, pineapple, mango. 100 cal, 1g sugar. Clean, fruity, easy-drinking.

Cascade Sparkling Hop Water – 0% | $4
No alcohol, no calories. Ontario Cascade hops with citrus and grapefruit character.

Extras
Jäger & House Shooter – $4
House Shots – $7
Red Bull Slushie – $5
Snacks
Chicken Skewers – $13
Chimichurri Bites – $16
Fried Rice
Small – $10 | Large – $16

Suite 115 is first come, first served and does not take reservations.
— —
About Ficoa
Founded by Patricia Toro, Ficoa is inspired by the comfort of family meals and a deep love for nourishing, flavourful food. Named after her childhood neighborhood in Ambato, Ecuador, Ficoa offers Neo-Latin cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Rooted in sustainability and heartfelt hospitality, Ficoa is a place where wellness, tradition, and warmth come together.

Regular Hours
Wednesday to Saturday
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

About Radici Project
Radici is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici offers Italian-Japanese cuisine through a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainable practices and the use of Canadian ingredients. The restaurant features a dual-concept layout, with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table experience at the back. With thoughtful sake and wine pairings and a serene, locally inspired space, Radici brings a new kind of storytelling to Toronto’s dining scene.

Regular Hours
Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Monday – Tuesday: Closed

About Tondou Ramen
Named after one of the Ryukyu Kingdom’s busiest trading ports—now part of Okinawa—Tondou Ramen draws from the region’s history of cultural exchange. The restaurant brings a taste of Okinawa to Toronto and Hamilton with comforting bowls of ramen served in a casual, welcoming space.

Tondou focuses on good food, community, and connection—just like the port it’s named after. It’s a place to gather, eat well, and enjoy honest flavours rooted in tradition.

Regular Dine-In Hours
Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Kitchen last call: 30 minutes before close
Regular Takeout Hours
Sunday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:30 AM

About Suite 115
Tucked away in downtown Toronto, Suite 115 is a cocktail bar with a story. Rooted in a passion for craft and curiosity, it’s a space where both cocktail newcomers and seasoned drinkers are welcomed with equal enthusiasm.

At Suite 115, the guest’s palate leads the way. Every cocktail is an opportunity to explore, guided by a commitment to creativity, humility, and genuine hospitality.

Regular Hours
Open nightly: 5:30 PM – 2:00 AM
No Reservations

Toronto got a huge a surprise following a special Advance Screening of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, the live-action version of the beloved animated film that became a Franchise. Director Dean DeBlois made an appearance following the screening participating in a Q&A for the eagerly-awaited film. The Sheridan College alumni also is know for having written LILO & STITCH, which also is seeing a huge resurgence in popularity too with its live-action adaptation.

Though unpublicized, Jay Baruchel, who starred in the animated films, also came out to show support in the audience!

DeBlois told the audience a few interesting tidbits:

•A sequel to this first live-action film already is in the works
•Cate Blanchett is actively being sought; she voiced Valka Haddock in the animated films
•DeBlois got to keep Gerard Butler‘s sword as a keepsake after filming wrapped

Universal Pictures Canada release HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON in theatres June 13, 2025.

(Photo credit: Justin Waldman/Mr. Will Wong/Universal Pictures Canada)

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC), with support from Presenting Program Partner Bell Media and Program Partner Blink49 Studios, is pleased to announce the new Comedy Series Lab, a full time professional comedy writing and series development initiative dedicated to fostering the next wave of Canadian talent. This ​high impact program​ balances the collaborative comedy story room work with the nurturing of individual creative voices and development of original new ​content that is ready ​for the marketplace. Applications can be made here.

Building off the CFC’s previously acclaimed Prime Time TV model, the Comedy Series Lab will offer four emerging to mid-level Black, Indigenous, and/or racialized writers in Canada with the opportunity to be immersed in a professional comedy writing room while developing a new series under the mentorship of a top Comedy Showrunner, establish strong collaborative relationships, and build confidence in their story room skills. This Lab will also see each writer develop their own original comedy series pilot, deliver on a produced TV teaser to promote their voice and series, and gain a greater understanding of the new creative tools and business considerations in this fast changing content landscape. The Comedy Series Lab will run from October 2025 to March 2026 and applications are now open here.

“We’re proud to offer this incredible opportunity for exciting, authentic comedy writers/creators to deepen their skills and expand their career opportunities through the Comedy Series Lab,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre. “We’re delighted to have Bell Media and Blink49 Studios on board as partners; together we’ll help usher a new wave of talent into the pantheon of legendary Canadian comedy creators.”

“We’re excited to team up with Bell Media and the CFC for the launch of this year’s Comedy Series Lab and support the next wave of comedic talent in Canada,” said John Morayniss, CEO, Blink49 Studios. “This partnership is a key part of our strategy to build a robust comedy pipeline across North America, following our recent acquisition of Pier 21 Films and our strategic investment in the digital comedy production studio, Stapleview. It reflects our shared commitment to bold, original storytelling that connects with audiences both at home and globally.”

“Supporting emerging comedic talent is at the heart of Bell Media’s mission to deliver innovative and engaging content,” said Justin Stockman, VP, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media. “Building on our existing partnerships with Blink49 Studios and the CFC, this new collaboration on the Comedy Series Lab allows us to invest directly in the next generation of creators who will shape the future of Canadian comedy. We’re proud to be part of this exciting journey and look forward to the bold, original stories that will come to life through this program.”

For more information, visit cfccreates.com.

About The CFC:
The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) is a charitable cultural organization that drives the future of Canadian storytelling. Our intensive, hands-on programs in film, television, and entertainment technologies empower, shape and advance opportunities for Canadian creators and entrepreneurs working in screen-based industries. Learn more at cfccreates.com.

About Blink49 Studios:
Blink49 Studios is a full-service independent studio developing, producing, and monetizing premium scripted and unscripted content for global audiences. Headquartered in Toronto with offices in Los Angeles and Vancouver, the company was launched in partnership with anchor investor and strategic partner FIFTH SEASON. With strategic investments in Front Street Pictures, as well as the recent acquisition of Pier21 Films, Blink49 has expanded its vertically integrated operations across Canada and the U.S. The studio’s content-first approach is driven by strong creative partnerships and a commitment to championing new and diverse voices.

Named Playback’s Producer of the Year (2024) and Dealmaker of the Year (2022), Blink49’s slate includes scripted hits like Wild Cards (CBC/The CW), Sight Unseen (CTV/The CW), The Trades (Crave), Late Bloomer (Crave) and Don’t Even (Crave/APTN), alongside unscripted titles such as Queen of the Castle (CTV Life), Beast Games (Prime Video), The Braxtons, and Toya & Reginae (We TV). Library series include Ride (The CW), Run the Burbs (CBC, The CW, Hulu) and The Beaverton (CTV).

THE HOBBY: TALES FROM THE TABLETOP is about to hit theatres across Canada. The Film follows the fandom and love of board gaming. To celebrate the release – in select theatres June 20, 2025 – the Film is going on tour with the following stops:

June 17 – Board Game Night at Snakes and Lattes College in Toronto

June 18 – Press & Q&A Screening at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto

June 19 – Board Game Night at The Hexagon Board Game Cafe in Edmonton

June 20 – Press & Q&A Screening at the Metro Cinema in Edmonton

June 21 – Board Game Night at Pizzeria Ludica in Vancouver

June 22 – Press & Q&A Screening at The Rio Theatre in Vancouver

Synopsis: Are games the meaning of life? The Hobby: Tales From The Tabletop is a funny, affectionate, character-driven portrait of the surprisingly massive subculture of modern board games, featuring a fascinating and diverse group of subjects who find deep meaning in “meaningless” pursuits.

Trailer:

In addition to premiering in Toronto, Edmonton & Vancouver, it is opening across the country in independent theatres in a staggered release. Theatrical bookings are available here: https://www.route504pr.com/the-hobby