Upcoming STAR WARS Series THE ACOLYTE is next to come in the fantastical Lucasfilm universe and some casting announcements were made today. The Series already is under production in the UK.

Joining the previously announced Amandla Stenberg (“The Hate U Give”) are Emmy Award-winner Lee Jung-jae (“Squid Game”), Manny Jacinto (“Nine Perfect Strangers”), Dafne Keen (“His Dark Materials”), Jodie Turner-Smith (“Queen & Slim”), Rebecca Henderson (“Inventing Anna”), Charlie Barnett (“Russian Doll”), Dean-Charles Chapman (“1917”) and Carrie-Anne Moss (“The Matrix”).

“The Acolyte” is a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated. 

From creator, showrunner and executive producer Leslye Headland (“Russian Doll”), “The Acolyte”has begun production in the U.K. The executive producers are Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King and Jason Micallef. Rayne Roberts and Damian Anderson are producing. Headland will also direct the series pilot.

(Photo credit: Disney)

For a third straight weekend, BLACK ADAM proves too tough to beat, taking the #1 spot yet again with $15 million from 4,402 theatres for Warner Bros. In its domestic run so far, it has earned $134 million.

Debuting in second is ONCE PIECE FILM: RED for Crunchyroll/Sony Pictures, with $9.5 million from 2,400 theatres. The Animated Feature gets a stellar 95% on the Tomatometer from Critics.

Third is TICKET TO PARADISE with $7.2 million from 3,692 theatres for Universal Pictures, a tally of $45.5 million in its run to date. That’s the power of Julia Roberts and George Clooney in a market missing its Rom-Coms!

Fourth is the resilient SMILE with $3.4 million from 3,221 theatres for Paramount Pictures, a total $98.7 million to date.

Rounding things out is PREY FOR THE DEVIL with $3.3 million from 2,980 theatres for Cineplex Pictures/Lionsgate. It has made $13 million over two weekends.

For the first time ever, Toronto-based Songwriting Duo Good Grief hosted THE INNER CIRCLE: A SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE at The Drake Underground. The intimate event brought together on-stage some of this highly-sought-after Duo’s collaborators, to perform acoustic versions of their songs in a Songwriters’ Circle. Good Grief is comprised of Singer-Songwriters Bryn McCutcheon (also known as Bryn) and Kirstyn Johnson (also known as Aryss). After meeting a fateful Songwriters’ Camp, they’ve joined forces and have worked with some of the biggest emerging names including one of our faves, Lilyisthatyou.

Appearing at the event, which hopefully will launch into a Series, were Universal Music Canada Artists Reve and Sofia Camara, plus the amazing Ralph, whom we adore. Telling the audience the stories behind the songs, we got two rounds of songs from each of the special guests and Good Grief, including one round where the Artists performed their collaborations with the Duo. This was followed by individual sets from each McCutcheon and Johnson.

The City definitely needs more platforms to showcase emerging talent, test new material and of course, create a space for female voices in a supportive environment. This was just wonderful and most amazing of all, we got a chance to interact with these amazing Singer-Songwriters. Definitely an experience worth checking-out.

Some Snaps:

Highlights and performances:

Follow these Artists on IG for more:

Good Grief

Bryn

Aryss

Sofia Camara

Rêve

Ralph

Prime Video will launch The Continental, the highly anticipated special event series based on the blockbuster action franchise John Wick. The prequel is produced by Lionsgate Television, and will be exclusively available to Prime Video members worldwide excluding the U.S., Middle East and Israel in 2023.

The Continental is told from the perspective of the hotel manager, portrayed by Ian McShane in the film franchise – a young Winston Scott, played by Colin Woodell (The Flight Attendant). Throughout the series, viewers will follow Winston through the underworld of ‘70’s New York, where he will battle demons from his past as he attempts to seize control of the iconic hotel – a hotel that serves as a meeting point for the world’s most dangerous criminals.

Woodell is joined by Mel Gibson (Braveheart), as Cormac; Ayomide Adegun (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), who will portray a young Charon (based on the character portrayed by Lance Reddick); Ben Robson (Vikings) as Frankie; Hubert Point-Du Jour (Dr. Death) as Miles; Jessica Allain (The Laundromat) playing Lou; Mishel Prada (Vida) as KD; Nhung Kate (The Housemaid) as Yen; and Peter Greene (Training Day), who dons the fedora of Uncle Charlie (based on the tight-lipped body disposal expert).

“The John Wick films have created one of the most immersive, detailed and enjoyable universes we’ve seen on screen in the last decade” said Chris Mansolillo, Director, Content Acquisition, Prime Video. “We are extremely proud to play a part in continuing to build that universe, offering viewers an insight into the origins of the infamous Continental Hotel and its incredible characters.”

“We’re delighted to partner with Prime Video, which is always a world-class home for our properties,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer. “The Continental promises to be one of the major streaming events of 2023, and it will be a perfect fit for Prime Video’s global audience as the John Wick franchise continues to grow. This deal wouldn’t have been possible without Agapy Kapouranis and Chase Brisbin and their talented counterparts at Prime Video, who crafted a multifaceted agreement that reflects today’s evolving marketplace.”

Greg Coolidge and Kirk Ward serve as writers and showrunners on The Continental, and executive produce alongside Albert Hughes, Thunder Road Pictures’ Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski, Derek Kolstad, David Leitch, Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese, and Marshall Persinger. Shawn Simmons serves as a writer and executive producer. Albert Hughes directs the first and third nights and Charlotte Brandstrom directs the second night.

The John Wick films have grossed nearly $600 million worldwide to date, with each film outperforming its predecessor. John Wick: Chapter Four is scheduled for theatrical release worldwide on March 24, 2023.

(Photo credit: Lionsgate)

A sensual new adaptation of D.H Lawrence’s classic novel LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER is on the way – notoriously banned at the time of its publication. Directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, the film stars Emma Corrin and Jack O’Connell, along with Joely Richardson (returning again to the story after famously playing Lady Chatterley in the Ken Russell directed version) and Matthew Duckett. Just arriving today is a new Trailer!

DIRECTOR: Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre
WRITER: David Magee
PRODUCERS: Laurence Mark, Pete Czernin & Graham Broadbent
CAST: Emma Corrin, Jack O’Connell, Matthew Duckett, Joely Richardson
CINEMATOGRAPHY BY: Benoit Delhomme
SCORE BY: Isabella Summers
LOGLINE: Based on the classic D.H. Lawrence novel, a story well ahead of its time, we follow the life of Lady Chatterley, a woman born to a life of wealth and privilege, who soon finds herself married to a man that she eventually falls out of love with. Lady Chatterley engages in a torrid affair with a gamekeeper on their English estate, discovering more desire and intimacy than she thought possible. When she realizes that she has fallen heart and soul, she breaks all traditions of the day and seeks happiness with the man she loves.

LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER arrives on Netflix December 2, 2022.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

The new Trailer for SAVAGE X FENTY SHOW VOL. 4 is here! And here’s a first look!

Now in its fourth-consecutive year, the SAVAGE X FENTY SHOW VOL. 4 continues to challenge tradition and break boundaries. The trailblazing event is raising the bar yet again with a new all-star lineup of models, actors, some of the biggest names in music, and more, debuting the latest Savage X Fenty styles. A seductive fashion fever dream, this year’s show blends Emmy award-winning choreography, style, and music with the hypnotic essence of nocturnal nature. Featuring a star-studded cast all wearing the newest Savage X Fenty looks, the show is an un-missable visual feast.

The Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4 Collection will be available to shop in the Amazon Fashion store and at Savage X Fenty on November 9, 2022. An homage to self-expression and personal empowerment, Rihanna’s latest collection features disparate textures, unexpected detailing, and unconventional proportions that come together seamlessly to create a boundary-bending xperience for everyBODY. Offering bra sizes ranging from 30–46 in bands and A–H in cups (up to 46DDD/42H), and underwear, sleepwear, and loungewear ranging from XS–4X/XS–XXXXL. Customers can visit the Amazon Fashion Store and Savage X Fenty for more information.

Rihanna served as executive producer and creative director of Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4, steaming November 9, 2022 only on Prime Video.

Don’t be sad, THIS IS US fans, Justin Hartley is back in THE NOEL DIARY and here’s a glimpse at the new Trailer.

DIRECTOR: Charles Shyer
WRITERS: Charles Shyer & Rebecca Connor and David Golden
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY: Richard Paul Evans
PRODUCERS: Timothy O. Johnson, Stephanie Slack, Margret H. Huddleston
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Justin Hartley, Norman Stephens, Andrew Gernhard
CAST: Justin Hartley, Barrett Doss, Essence Atkins with Bonnie Bedelia and James Remar
LOGLINE: When best-selling author Jake Turner (Justin Hartley) returns home at Christmas to settle his estranged mother’s estate, he discovers a diary that may hold secrets to his own past and that of Rachel (Barrett Doss) – an intriguing young woman on a mission of her own. Together, they embark on a journey to confront their pasts and discover a future that’s totally unexpected.

THE NOEL DIARY arrives on Netflix November 24, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Searchlight Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see THE MENU.

Screenings take place as follows:

• Toronto: Cineplex Varsity at 7:30 pm
• Montreal: Cineplex Forum at 7:00 pm 
• Vancouver: International Village at 7:00 pm 

Synopsis:

A couple (Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult) travels to a coastal island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef (Ralph Fiennes) has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises.

Directed by: Mark Mylod
Written by: Seth Reiss & Will Tracy
Produced by: Adam McKay, Betsy Koch
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, Janet McTeer, Judith Light, Reed Birney, Paul Adelstein, Aimee Carrero, Arturo Castro, Mark St. Cyr, Rob Yang and John Leguizamo

To enter for a chance to win Advance Passes, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City there in the comments. Re-Tweet the Contest Tweet below for an additional chance.

Rules and regulations here.

Searchlight Pictures release THE MENU November 18, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to attend an Advance Screening of SHE SAID in Toronto and Montreal.

Advance screenings will be held Wednesday, November 16, 2022 in:

• Toronto: Scotiabank Theatre at 7:00 pm
• Montreal: Scotiabank Theatre at 7:00 pm 

Synopsis:

Two-time Academy Award® nominee Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman, An Education) and Zoe Kazan (The Plot Against America limited series, The Big Sick) star as New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, who together broke one of the most important stories in a generation— a story that helped propel the #Metoo movement, shattered decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood and altered American culture forever.

From the Academy Award® winning producers of 12 Years a Slave, Moonlight, Minari, Selma and The Big Short and the Oscar®-nominated producer of Zero Dark Thirty and American Hustle, the film is based on the New York Timesbestseller, She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement.

She Said is directed by Emmy winner Maria Schrader (Unorthodox limited series) from a screenplay by Oscar® winner Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Ida).

The film is produced by Academy Award® winners Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner for Plan B Entertainment and is executive produced by Oscar® nominee Megan Ellison and Sue Naegle for Annapurna Pictures.

Genre: Drama

Cast: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan 

Directed by: Maria Schrader

Written by: Rebecca Lenkiewicz

Producers: Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner

Executive Producers: Megan Ellison, Sue Naegle

To enter for a chance to win Advance Passes, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City there in the comments. Re-Tweet the Contest Tweet below for an additional chance.

Rules and regulations here.

Universal Pictures Canada release SHE SAID November 18, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Will Smith is back after the success of his Oscar win, in EMANCIPATION, a new Feature coming next month to Apple TV+.

Synopsis:

Apple Original Films’ “Emancipation,” directed and executive produced by Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” “The Equalizer”) and starring and produced by Will Smith (“King Richard,” “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “Ali”), will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, December 9, 2022. The announcement was made following an advance screening of “Emancipation” hosted together with the NAACP during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 51st Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC., where Fuqua, Smith and Mary Elliott, curator of American Slavery at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, participated in a conversation about the film moderated by politics and culture commentator Angela Rye.

“Emancipation” tells the triumphant story of Peter (Smith), a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom. The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” taken during a Union Army medical examination, that first appeared in Harper’s Weekly. One image, known as “The Scourged Back,” which shows Peter’s bare back mutilated by a whipping delivered by his enslavers, ultimately contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.
Director: Antoine FuquaCast: Will Smith, Ben Foster, Charmaine Bingwa, Gilbert Owuor, Mustafa Shakir, Steven Ogg, Grant Harvey, Ronnie Gene Bivens, Jayson Warner Smith, Jabbar  Lewis, Michael Luwoye, Aaron Moten and Imani Pullum 
Writer: William N. Collage

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)