#FIRSTLOOK: “HEATED RIVALRY” NOW IN PRODUCTION

Production is now underway on the Crave Original Series Heated Rivalry from Accent Aigu Entertainment, as announced today. The highly anticipated series is based on Rachel Reid’s best-selling cult classic novel, and written and directed by the award-winning Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy, The Trotsky). The six-episode series has been filming throughout the Spring in Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph and Muskoka in Ontario.

The production brings together a dynamic ensemble of emerging and established actors including, François Arnaud (Twinless, Fucktoys, The Borgias), Robbie G.K. (Utopia Falls), Sophie Nélisse (Yellowjackets), Dylan Walsh (The Highest Stakes, Nip/Tuck), Christina Chang (The Good Doctor, Unstable), and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova (Robyn Hood, The Boys) and it introduces Hudson Williams (Tracker, Allegiance) and Connor Storrie (Joker: Folie à Deux, Riley) in the lead roles of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.

Created by Tierney, Heated Rivalry tells the epic story of hockey’s steamiest secret — from a tangled, confusing connection to an undeniable, all-consuming bond — culminating in a powerful love story. Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are two of the biggest stars in Major League Hockey, bound by ambition, rivalry and a magnetic pull neither of them fully understands. What begins as a secret fling between two confused teenagers at 17 evolves into a years-long journey of love, denial, and self-discovery. Over the next eight years, as they chase glory on the ice, they struggle to navigate their feelings off of it. Torn between the sport they live for and the love they can’t ignore, Shane and Ilya must decide if there’s room in their fiercely competitive world for something as fragile—and powerful—as real love.

“Heated Rivalry had me hooked from the very first chapter. At its core, it’s a beautiful love story with characters who feel real and so deeply human. Hudson and Connor are bringing Shane and Ilya to life with all the heart, heat, and chemistry that made the book such a fan obsession. This series is exactly what we had in mind when we started Accent Agui – bold, resonant storytelling with global reach. We’re beyond excited to bring it to the screen,” said Jacob Tierney.

“We at Accent Aigu Entertainment, along with our entire team and partners, couldn’t be more excited to bring Rachel Reid’s beloved Game Changer series to life. From the get-go, Bell Media and Crave have shared our passion for bringing this spicy, unforgettable story to the screen. Fans of the book will be thrilled by our phenomenal cast and the chemistry they bring to portraying some of the romance genre’s most endearing characters. This story is more than just enemies to lovers — it’s a joyful, queer adult romance set against one of the most gladiatorial sports there is,” said Brendan Brady, Accent Aigu Entertainment.

Heated Rivalry is executive produced by Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, with Rachel Reid serving as a consulting producer. Bell Media is handling international distribution rights.

Key creative roles include Jackson Parrell (North of North, Anne with an E) as Director of Photography; Aidan Leroux (Orphan Black: Echoes, Ginny & Georgia) as Production Designer; Hanna Puley (BlackBerry, Brother) as Costume Designer; and Polaris Music Prize nominee Peter Peter as Composer. Editing is led by Arthur Tarnowski (The Sticky, Deadfall) and Veronique Barbe (Big Little Lies, Sharp Objects).

For Bell Media: Rachel Goldstein-Couto is Head of Development; Alison Korogyi is Senior Production Executive; Adam Feigen is Scripted Development Executive; Sarah Fowlie is Head of Production; and Carlyn Kebluc is General Manager. Justin Stockman is Vice President, Content Development & Programming.

Talent representation includes: Hudson Williams by RED Management; Connor Storrie by Sovereign Talent Group and Marina Masowietsky; François Arnaud by IAG and Anonymous Content; Robbie G.K. by The Talent House; Sophie Nélisse by CAA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners; Dylan Walsh by IAG and Bob McGowan; Christina Chang by Strand Entertainment; Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova by Hero Artists and Brave Artists Management; and Jacob Tierney by CAA, 3 Arts and GGA. Accent Aigu Entertainment represented by CAA and Jayme Alter (Dentons LLC).

Financing for the production provided by Bell Media, with the financial participation of the Canada Media Fund and the Bell Fund.

ABOUT ACCENT AIGU ENTERTAINMENT

Founded in 2023 by writer, director, and producer Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady, Accent Aigu Entertainment is a next-generation Canadian production company focused on developing and producing premium scripted content for global audiences. Jacob and Brendan bring a wealth of experience from the Canadian film and television landscape. Prior to launching Accent Aigu, the duo spent four years collaborating on over forty episodes of the acclaimed series Letterkenny and its spinoff, Shoresy. Through freezing winter shoots and sun-drenched summer productions, they discovered a powerful creative chemistry and a shared professional ethos. Accent Aigu Entertainment is the natural evolution of that partnership. Visit accent-aigu.ca for more information.

#SPOTTED: ANTONI POROWSKI IN TORONTO FOR HOUSE OF PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO 0.0%

Queer Eye‘s ANTONI POROWSKI graced us with his presence tonight at a bash celebrating Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% and Scuderia Ferrari HP’s collaboration. Toronto will get a chance to preview this joint effort at a limited time pop-up taking place at 131 Bloor West until June 15, 2025 only!

The experience, free of charge, includes a first-of-its-kind in Canada photo op with a Scuderia Ferrari HP Showcar, plus a chance to try infusions and authentic Italian Pizza (by way of Piano Piano) inspired by racing icons Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Delicious.

Porowski arrived at the celebration, preparing No. 16 (Leclerc) – an orchard and citrus-flavoured creation containing Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%, and also No. 44 (Hamilton) containing Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%, maple syrup, and smoked sea salt. Both contained non-alcoholic Agave spirits from Almave, Hamilton’s brand.

Some highlights from the lively affair:

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(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “HEADS OF STATE”

Heads of State premieres globally on Prime Video July 2, 2025. The film is an action-packed comedy about the U.S. President (played by John Cena) and the UK Prime Minister (played by Idris Elba), who must set aside their rivalry to thwart a global conspiracy and save the world — if they can work together.

The film is a global adventure blending explosive action and sharp comedic banter that takes audiences on the run and for a thrilling ride.

The film combines fast-paced action sequences and creative stunts with a heavy dose of nostalgia fit with all of the 90s charm of the golden era of buddy action comedies.

This film is helmed by Ilya Naishuller, the filmmaker behind Hardcore Henry (2015) and Nobody (2021).

The film features an all-star ensemble cast including Idris Elba, John Cena, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Stephen Root, Sarah Niles, Richard Coyle and Paddy Considine.

The film reunites John Cena and Idris Elba since The Suicide Squad — but this time, they’re not trying to kill each other…probably.

ABOUT HEADS OF STATE

In the action-comedy Heads of State, the UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Idris Elba) and U.S. President Will Derringer (John Cena) have a not-so-friendly and very public rivalry that jeopardizes their countries’ “special relationship.” But when they become the targets of a powerful and ruthless foreign adversary—who proves more than a match for the two leaders’ security forces—they are begrudgingly forced to rely on the only two people they can trust: each other. Ultimately allied with the brilliant MI6 agent Noel Bisset (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), they must go on the run and find a way to work together long enough to thwart a global conspiracy that threatens the entire free world. The film also stars Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid and Sarah Niles and is directed by Ilya Naishuller.

Directed by Ilya Naishuller

Screenplay by Josh Appelbaum & André Nemec and Harrison Query

Story by Harrison Query

Produced by Peter Safran, p.g.a. and John Rickard, p.g.a.

Executive Produced by Marcus Viscidi, Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, John Cena, Idris Elba

Starring Idris Elba, John Cena, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Stephen Root, Sarah Niles, Richard Coyle and Paddy Considine

#FIRSTLOOK: FANS CAN CALL, TEXT OR SEND A VIDEO MESSAGE CONNOR MCDAVID

Ahead of Game 1 of the Stanely Cup Final tonight, Rogers is giving fans a direct line to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.

Fans can leave a voicemail or send a text, image or video to 780-665-5297 to cheer them on throughout the Stanley Cup Final. Check out Rogers social accounts and billboards around Ice District outside Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Messages may be featured on social media and even shared with McDavid and the Oilers to rally the team as they try to bring Stanley home. Plus, fans who send a voicemail or send a message will be entered into a contest to win a pair of tickets to an Oilers home game in the Final.

#FIRSTLOOK: “SAINT-PIERRE” SEASON TWO IN PRODUCTION

Today, Hawco Productions announced that production is underway on CBC original series SAINT-PIERRE (12 x 60) and debuted a first look image. The police procedural began filming its second season this week on location in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, France, and will also film in St. John’s Newfoundland. It is produced by Hawco Productions for CBC and CBC Gem in association with global film and TV studio FIFTH SEASON, which handles global distribution. The series will premiere on CBC and CBC Gem in Winter 2026 and this season will include two more episodes than in its first season.

Throughout its first season, SAINT-PIERRE was CBC’s #1 most-watched new series of the year and one of the top Canadian drama series nationwide.* The first season is currently available to stream for free on CBC Gem.

SAINT-PIERRE is the creation of Allan Hawco, Robina Lord-Stafford and Perry Chafe, with Hawco and Lord-Stafford as Showrunners. French star Josephine Jobert (Death in Paradise) and Canadian star Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle, Caught, Jack Ryan) lead the cast playing Arch and Fitz, with James Purefoy (Rome, Sex Education, The Following), Benz Antoine (Four Brothers, Get Rich or Die Tryin’), Erika Prevost (The Boys, Dare Me) and Jean-Michel Le Gal (Paris Paris, Accused) rounding out the stellar team.

SEASON 2 SYNOPSIS: After the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector, Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, digs too deeply into a local politician’s nefarious activity, he is exiled to work in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon – the French Territory nestled in the Atlantic Ocean. Fitz’s arrival disrupts the life of Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault, a Parisian transplant who is in Saint-Pierre for her own intriguing reasons.

Although the islands seem like a quaint tourist destination, the idyllic façade conceals the worst kind of criminal activity. As if by fate, these two seasoned officers — with different policing skills and approaches — are a formidable team, solving the unique and exciting crimes that wash up on Saint-Pierre’s beautiful shores.

SAINT-PIERRE is executive produced by Janine Squires, Erin Sullivan, Robina Lord-Stafford, John Vatcher and Allan Hawco.
*Source: Numeris TV Meter, 1/6/2025 – 2/24/2025, CBC Total, Ind.2+, Mon 9p-10p, Total Canada, AMA(000), generated by Instar.

#FIRSTLOOK: “MAXTON HALL” SEASON TWO TEASER

Launching November 7, 2025 the second season of the Original Series Maxton Hall – The World Between Us will be available worldwide and exclusively on Prime Video. In addition, Maxton Hall’s first teaser promises intense emotions and dramatic twists, offering an exclusive glimpse into the developments surrounding Ruby and James. The upcoming season will be based on the second part of the bestselling novel series Save You by author Mona Kasten.

Maxton Hall – The World Between Us Season Two:

Those who fly high can also fall low… After their passionate night together in Oxford and her greatest life goal within reach, everything seems to be going perfectly for Ruby (Harriet Herbig-Matten). But a stroke of fate in James’ (Damian Hardung) family changes everything and James himself, of all people, brings her back from cloud nine to a harsh reality. Ruby is devastated. She has never had such strong feelings for anyone as she does for James – and never before has anyone hurt her so deeply. She wants her old life back, where no one at Maxton Hall knew her yet and she wasn’t part of the elitist world of her classmates. But she can’t forget James – especially since he’s doing everything, he can to win her back.

In addition to Damian Hardung and Harriet Herbig-Matten, Sonja Weißer as Lydia, Ben Felipe as Cyril, Fedja van Huêt as Mortimer, Runa Greiner as Ember, Justus Riesner as Alistair, Andrea Guo as Lin, Frederic Balonier as Kieran, and Eli Riccardi as Elaine return to the cast of the second season.

Martin Schreier (Traumfabrik) once again directs the second season of Maxton Hall – The World Between Us. Producers of the upcoming season include Markus Brunnemann and Ceylan Yildirim, who also acts as head writer of the series. In addition to Yildirim, Juliana Lima Dehne and Marlene Melchior are also involved as screenwriters on the series. Valentin Debler is once again the producer for UFA Fiction. The series is supported by the German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF).

#FOOD: MIKU TORONTO CELEBRATES FATHER’S DAY WITH SEAFOOD & SUSHI BUFFET

On Sunday, June 15, Miku Toronto invites guests to celebrate Father’s Day with an indulgent Japanese Seafood and Sushi Buffet at its downtown location (10 Bay Street). This one-day-only lunch experience is priced at $95 for adults, $35 for children ages 7 to 12, and free for kids 6 and under. Guests will enjoy an afternoon filled with Aburi favourites, chef-curated stations, and the debut of a special Father’s Day cocktail, the Kalamansi Sour. Reservations are now open and can be made HERE.

Father’s Day is a time to honour the important figures in our lives, whether that is your dad, your uncle, a grandfather, or a person you consider to be a father figure. Miku welcomes everyone to gather and celebrate those who have shaped us with love, care, and strength. The restaurant invites you to treat the father figure in your life to a memorable dining experience full of bold flavours, elevated hospitality, and thoughtful touches.

Raw Bar & Appetizers
Chef-selected sashimi
Shrimp cocktail with yuzu cocktail sauce
Seared tuna tataki with truffle ponzu
Salmon nanbanzuke (chilled marinated fried salmon)
Kinpira (sliced root vegetables)
Dashimaki (Japanese omelette)
Mentaiko (pollock roe)
Hijiki seaweed salad
Miso soup

Sushi Station
Chef’s selection of Aburi nigiri
Chef’s selection of maki

Kitchen Favourites
Prime rib carving station
Make-your-own ramen
Aji katsu (Spanish mackerel fry)
Chicken karaage
Deep-fried salmon with tonkatsu sauce, mayo, and lemon
Hamachi (yellowtail) teriyaki
Grilled Atlantic salmon miso yaki

Desserts
Petit green tea opera cake
Yuzu mousse
Mango coconut sorbet

Father’s Day Feature Cocktail- $17
Toki Suntory Japanese whisky
Kalamansi citrus juice
Ginger liqueur
Pickled ginger syrup

Celebrate Father’s Day with a memorable dining experience full of bold flavours and exceptional hospitality. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made HERE.


About Miku
Located in Toronto’s Harbourfront at Bay and Queen’s Quay, Miku Toronto is ABURI Restaurants’ first East Coast location, offering a contemporary upscale dining experience in over 7,000 square feet of space, complete with a raw bar, sushi bar, and spacious patio. Known globally for its signature ABURI Sushi & Cuisine, Miku blends traditional Japanese techniques with innovative flavour profiles, led by Head Sushi Chef Junnosuke Fujikawa. The menu features ABURI sushi, unique land-based dishes, and Japanese and European-inspired desserts crafted in-house by the pastry team. Miku’s extensive beverage program includes signature cocktails, curated wines, and an impressive sake list, with staff ready to recommend pairings for a seamless and unforgettable dining experience.

#FIRSTLOOK: TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR “THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS” | NEW 75-SECOND LOOK

The countdown begins for the epic film’s July 25, 2025 theatrical opening: tickets are on sale now for Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Future fans can purchase advance tickets wherever tickets are sold. Marking the milestone, a 75-second new look:

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” introduces Marvel’s First Family—Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal. The action adventure also stars Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne and Sarah Niles. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is directed by Matt Shakman, produced by Kevin Feige and executive produced by Louis D’Esposito, Grant Curtis and Tim Lewis.

#FIRSTLOOK: “FRIDAY NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2” NEW POSTER

Anyone can survive five nights. This time, there will be no second chances.

Blumhouse’s box-office horror phenomenon Five Nights at Freddy’s, the highest-grossing horror film of 2023, begins a blood-chilling new chapter of animatronic terror. Today we get a new Poster. Universal Pictures Canada release December 5, 2025.

Based on Scott Cawthon’s blockbuster game series, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is directed by acclaimed returning filmmaker Emma Tammi (The Wind, Blood Moon). 

The first film, which opened to a record-shattering $80 million and went on to earn almost $300 million worldwide, followed Mike, a troubled young man who reluctantly takes a job as a night security guard at an abandoned theme restaurant, Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, hoping it will help him retain custody of his young sister. That fateful decision instead drags him into the black heart of a supernatural nightmare.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is again produced by Jason Blum (M3GAN, Black Phone, Halloween franchise) and Scott Cawthon.

Genre: Horror

Director: Emma Tammi

Producers: Jason Blum, Scott Cawthon

#FIRSTLOOK: “THE BLACK PHONE 2” TRAILER

Four years ago, 13-year-old Finn killed his abductor and escaped, becoming the sole survivor of The Grabber. But true evil transcends death … and the phone is ringing again.

Four-time Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke returns to the most sinister role of his career as The Grabber seeks vengeance on Finn (Mason Thames) from beyond the grave by menacing Finn’s younger sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw).

As Finn, now 17, struggles with life after his captivity, the headstrong 15-year-old Gwen begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone and seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake.

Determined to solve the mystery and end the torment for both her and her brother, Gwen persuades Finn to visit the camp during a winter storm. There, she uncovers a shattering intersection between The Grabber and her own family’s history. Together, she and Finn must confront a killer who has grown more powerful in death and more significant to them than either could imagine.

From returning visionary writer-director Scott Derrickson, Black Phone 2 is written again by Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill, based on characters created by Joe Hill. The film is produced by Jason Blum, Derrickson and Cargill. The executive producers are Joe Hill, Adam Hendricks and Ryan Turek.

The cast includes Oscar® nominee Demián Bichir (The Nun, A Better Life) as the supervisor of the camp, Arianna Rivas (A Working Man) as his niece, Miguel Mora (The Black Phone) as the brother of one of The Grabber’s victims, and Jeremy Davies, returning as Finn and Gwen’s father, Terrence. Other new cast members include Maev Beaty (Beau is Afraid) and Graham Abbey (Under the Banner of Heaven).

Universal Pictures and Blumhouse’s horror phenomenon The Black Phone, released in 2022, received widespread critical acclaim and earned more than $160 million worldwide.

Genre: Horror

Cast: Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Demián Bichir, Miguel Mora, Jeremy Davies, Arianna Rivas

Director: Scott Derrickson

Written by: Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill,

based on characters created by Joe Hill

Producers: Jason Blum, Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill

Executive Producers: Joe Hill, Adam Hendricks, Ryan Turek