#FIRSTLOOK: “FREAKIER FRIDAY” TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Advance tickets for “Freakier Friday,” the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved Disney classic starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, are now available for purchase at wherever tickets are sold.

In addition, a new recording of Take Me Away, the iconic song performed by the film’s fictional band “Pink Slip,” is available today. The song is from the Hollywood Records soundtrack available August 1, featuring original new songs, plus an all-new score from composer Amie Doherty. “Freakier Friday” opens exclusively in theatres August 8, 2025.

On Wednesday, August 6 – the anniversary of the original film’s release – fans across the country can celebrate with exclusive “Fan First” screenings of the sequel. These Wednesday early access screenings will also offer fans the chance to receive limited release “Freakier Friday” swag (while supplies last), including a “Freakier Friday” friendship bracelet set.

In the film, Curtis and Lohan reprise their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman. The story picks up years after Tess (Curtis) and Anna (Lohan) endured an identity crisis. Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might indeed strike twice. “Freakier Friday” is directed by Nisha Ganatra and based on the book “Freaky Friday” by Mary Rodgers. The film, which also stars Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray, Vanessa Bayer, and Mark Harmon, is produced by Kristin Burr, p.g.a., Andrew Gunn, p.g.a., and Jamie Lee Curtis, with Nathan Kelly, Ann Marie Sanderlin, and Lindsay Lohan serving as executive producers.

#FIRSTLOOK: MUBI TO RELEASE “VICE IS BROKE”

MUBI, the global film distributor, streaming service and production company, reveals the trailer and streaming release for Eddie Huang’s VICE IS BROKE. Following its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2024 and a Grand Jury Prize nomination at DOC NYC 2024, the film will premiere exclusively on MUBI in North America, UK, Ireland, Latin America, Germany, Austria, Italy, Benelux, France, Turkey and India on August 29, 2025

SYNOPSIS
The meteoric rise and spectacular fall of Vice magazine—from scrappy Montreal alt-punk ’zine that made fringe culture mainstream, to media empire of the indie sleaze era valued at $5.7bn, up to its recent bankruptcy—directed by author, producer, host and chef Eddie Huang. A disaster capitalism exposé that’s emblematic of an era, from the irresistible insider’s point of view of a man on a mission to tell it like it is.

The film is financed and produced by QC Entertainment, the multi-Academy Award-nominated production/finance company behind a string of global box office hits approaching $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Led by producers Raymond Mansfield and Sean McKittrick, QC is renowned for backing commercially successful, socially resonant films such as Get Out and BlacKkKlansman. The company came aboard Vice is Broke in support of Huang’s bold vision and the moral urgency at the heart of the story. Edward H. Hamm Jr. serves as Executive Producer for QC, with Maya Rodrigo also producing.

ABOUT EDDIE HUANG
Eddie Huang is a filmmaker, actor, chef and television personality who made his feature directorial debut with the 2021 basketball drama Boogie for Focus Features, which he also wrote and co-starred in opposite Pop Smoke and Taylour Paige. His autobiographical book, ‘Fresh Off the Boat: A Memoir’, was adapted into a critically acclaimed ABC comedy series of the same name, which completed its six-season run in 2020. Huang also owned the iconic Baohaus for 10 years, which ushered in a generation of Taiwanese-Chinese restaurants and launched his career hosting cooking shows including ‘Cheap Bites’ & ‘Unique Eats’. Eddie also hosted ‘Huang’s World’ for Vice, which ran for 4 seasons and followed Eddie as he travelled around the world to learn about the local history, culture and food. Eddie directed and stars in this highly anticipated documentary about the rise and fall of Vice Media.

#INTERVIEW: THE CAST OF “STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS” SEASON THREE

It was an amazing night celebrating season three of Paramount+’s STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS Season Three, arriving July 17, 2025 on the streaming service with two new episodes.

This branch of the Franchise continues to win raves with near-perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes, Primetime Emmy, and Critics’ Choice nominations.

This season sees the crew on the U.S.S. Enterprise face a new villain as the series goes deeper than ever and to new heights!

Joining us for the night were:

Rebecca Romijn – Number One
Jess Bush – Nurse Christine Chappel
Celia Rose Gooding – Nyota Uhura
Melissa Navia – Lt. Erica Ortegas
Christina Chong – La’an Noonien-Singh
Babs Olusanmokun – Dr. M’Benga
Henry Alonso Meyers – Showrunner/Executive Producer
… and Runa!

So thrilled to get an opportunity to chat as well about what informs their characters, and what they will miss most about Toronto as the final season begins production later this year!

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#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “MAGNETOSPHERE” OUT JULY 22, 2025

Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, proudly announces the acquisition of VOD rights to the coming-of-age comedy MAGNETOSPHERE, which will be available to rent/own on all North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, as well as on DVD, starting July 22, 2025.

In MAGNETOSPHERE, it’s 1997, the Hale-Bopp comet is passing by Earth, and teenager Maggie Campion has a secret. She can see sounds and hear colors, and she experiences the world in a heightened, special way. Shy and cautious, Maggie has always kept this to herself. But when she moves cross-country with her family, Maggie’s world is shaken up. When she starts school and her theatrical, fun-loving dad mounts a ramshackle production of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at the local community theatre, Maggie meets several important people: a first love, a new best friend, a teacher who recognizes Maggie’s differences, and the family’s loony handyman-exterminator, Gil, who nurses a formidable hidden talent. Together, these oddball folks will lead Maggie to realize her differences have a name — synesthesia.

Written and directed by Nicola Rose, MAGNETOSPHERE was produced by Tierney Boorboor, Rebeka Herron, and Drew Martin. The featured cast includes: Shayelin Martin (Wild Goat Surf), Patrick McKenna (The Red Green Show), Colin Mochrie (Whose Line is it Anyway?), Steven He (YouTube star known for “Emotional Damage!”/Asian Dad videos), Debra McGrath (Little Mosque on the Prairie), Tara Strong (The Powerpuff Girls, Teen Titans), Tania Webb (Better Days), Mikayla Kong (Accused), and Zooey Schneider (Li’l Stompers).

“MAGNETOSPHERE is a story about different kinds of love: between families, between friends, first love, confused love, through the eyes of a teen girl with an unconventional brain,” said filmmaker Nicola Rose. “MAGNETOSPHERE is a story full of feelings and silliness — kind of like adolescence itself.”

Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal to acquire MAGNETOSPHERE directly with the
filmmakers and Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films.

#FOOD: THE DRAKE ANNOUNCE NEW MENU UNDER CHEF DANIEL HYAM

The Drake, a Toronto institution, is pleased to share a delicious new chapter at with the launch of a new menu under the direction of Executive Chef Daniel Hyam – a bold evolution where comfort food, candid cocktails, and global flavours reflect the same distinctive personality and playful charm The Drake is known for.

Known as a culinary trendsetter, this new direction ushers in a fresh era for The Drake, which has stood the test of time on Queen West for the past 20 years. The menu is built around shareable plates, an expanded sushi program, and reimagined comfort classics, all served in one of Toronto’s most iconic dining destinations.

Drawing on Chef Hyam’s extensive culinary experience and The Drake’s distinct creative ethos, their new culinary anthology is more than just a menu – it’s an extension of the brand’s cultural fabric.

Just as The Drake blends high-low design and a deep commitment to showcasing local artists, the menu pairs reimagined classics with globally inspired dishes designed for sharing, spontaneity, and staying a while. Each plate sits comfortably in the brand’s world – thoughtful but unpretentious, bold but approachable.

Served alongside a curated cocktail list and an ever-evolving cultural program, the dining experience mirrors the hotel’s role as a true Toronto tastemaker: a place where food, music, art, and people come together.

Chef Hyam is a veteran of high-volume kitchens across North America, having worked for a decade under chef David Lee at the highly acclaimed Nota Bene and then Planta.

The Drake’s New Menu Highlights:

• Umai Bowl featuring miso-glazed salmon with chickpea crumble
• Sticky Baby Back Ribs infused with lemongrass and lime
• All-New Sushi Lineup featuring Snow Crab Hosomaki, Mango Salmon Maki, Crispy Rice Aburi and more. 

The Drake’s New Cocktail Highlights

• Bubblegum Cosmo: with bubblegum, lime, orange, Absolut Citron vodka
• Hot Lips: featuring grapefruit, Campari, gochujang, lime, Altos plata tequila
• The Drake Martini: with your choice of: Beefeater gin or Absolut vodka and choose your adventure: Dirty, Dry, Wet

At the multi-venue Drake Hotel, there’s always something happening that brings people together to enjoy the dynamic spirit of West Queen West. Whether it’s bold, protein-packed dishes inspired by global flavors or live music and DJ sets that keep the nights lively, The Drake never misses a beat. From morning through sunset, you’re invited to enjoy every bite your way, whether you’re lounging at the Sky Yard or relaxing in the Patio Café.

Location: 1150 Queen Street West
Website:TheDrake.ca
Instagram: @thedrake

About Chef Daniel Hyam –Executive Chef, The Drake Hotel: With over 16 years of experience in high-volume, acclaimed kitchens across North America, Chef Daniel Hyam brings a dynamic blend of creative leadership, culinary innovation, and operational excellence to his role as Executive Chef at The Drake Hotel. A Toronto native and George Brown College alum, Daniel spent nearly a decade honing his craft at the award-winning Nota Beneunder Chef David Lee, progressing from Chef de Partie to Chef de Cuisine. Daniel played a key leadership role in the launch and expansion ofPlanta Restaurants, developing menus, opening concepts, and training teams in Toronto, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. As Executive Chef at Planta HQ, he helped define the group’s modern, globally inspired, plant-based approach. Known for bold flavour profiles, layered spices, and contemporary interpretations of comfort classics, Daniel’s culinary style is globally informed but grounded in approachability and guest connection.

We had the pleasure of attending an event for the new launch. Confirming, delicious!

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#FIRSTLOOK: SEASON FOUR OF “UPLOAD” COMING TO PRIME VIDEO CANADA AUGUST 25, 2025

Today, Prime Video announced that Season Four of the sci-fi comedy series Upload will premiere on Monday, August 25, 2025 on Prime Video. First-look official images out now. The fourth season will consist of four episodes premiering exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories around the world.

Upload is a sci-fi comedy series from Emmy-winning writer Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation, King of the Hill), set in a technologically advanced future where holographic phones, self-driving vehicles, AI assistance, and 3D food printers are the norm. And, forget about dying – instead, you’ll be “uploaded” to a virtual reality afterlife, and enjoy all the comforts of a world-class resort. Provided you can afford it.

In the four-part series finale event, sentient AI rapidly turns evil, threatening to wipe out Lakeview (and the world!). On top of greedy executives, lingering mysteries, plus heartbreak in VR and IRL, our characters are tested like never before. The only way they can get through it all and save humanity from deletion is by teaming up one last time.

The series was created by Greg Daniels, who also serves as executive producer along with Howard Klein and Maxwell Vivian. Series stars: Robbie Amell as Nathan, Andy Allo as Nora, Kevin Bigley as Luke, Allegra Edwards as Ingrid, Zainab Johnson as Aleesha, and Owen Daniels as A.I. Guy.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE SEASON 2”

Netflix’s biggest reality competition show returns for an unforgettable second season on November 4, 2025. In addition, a third season of the record-breaking unscripted series has been renewed. The real games are about to begin!

ABOUT SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE SEASON 2
Logline: The Emmy® nominated and BAFTA winning global sensation Squid Game: The Challenge returns for a gripping second season. This time, 456 brand-new contestants will enter the ultimate test of strategy, alliances, and endurance as they compete for a life-changing $4.56 million prize. Inspired by the iconic original series – with shocking new twists and never-before-seen games – season two raises the stakes higher than ever. As players face elimination at every turn, only one can emerge victorious. New players. New games. New rules.

Executive Producers: Nicola Brown (The Garden), Tim Harcourt (Studio Lambert), John Hay (The Garden), Anna Kidd, Stephen Lambert (Studio Lambert), Nick Walker, Nia Yemoh (Studio Lambert), and Stephen Yemoh (Studio Lambert)
Production Companies: Studio Lambert & The Garden (part of ITV Studios)

ABOUT SQUID GAME:
Squid Game is a fan-beloved Korean drama that quickly became a cultural phenomenon and Netflix’s most popular show ever. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game’s highly anticipated third and final season had a record-setting #1 debut in all countries ranked, making history as the first show to do so in its premiere week; amassed more than 106 million views through two weeks; and currently ranks at #3 on the Most Popular Non-English TV List.

Season 2 launched in December 2024, smashing multiple records including most views for a show in its premiere week and entering the Most Popular Non-English TV list in just three days – it ranks #2 with 192.6 Million views just behind Season 1 at 265.2 Million. The show became a global sensation boosting interest in K-content; iconic moments went viral, Vans slip-on sneakers sales increased 8,000%; and Halloween costumes sold out around the world, shaping trends and solidifying its place in pop culture. Squid Game made Emmy® history with first-ever wins for a non-English language show and Season 2 was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama. In 2023, Netflix debuted the Emmy® nominated and BAFTA-winning reality competition Squid Game: The Challenge, which spent five weeks on the Global Top 10 (English) List. The franchise continues to expand with Squid Game: The Experience, a touring activation where fans can play games inspired by the show; fans can bring their favorite show home with a variety of lifestyle products and collaborations; and with Squid Game: Unleashed, a multiplayer video game that is on track to become Netflix’s most downloaded game. Squid Game Seasons 1, 2 and 3 are now streaming on Netflix.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW POSTER FOR “HONEY DON’T!”

Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada will release HONEY DON’T! In Theatres Nationwide on Friday, August 22, 2025. This premiered at Cannes to big raves!

Details:

Directed By: Ethan Coen

Written By: Ethan Coen & Tricia Cooke

Producers: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke, Robert Graf, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner

Cast: Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Charlie Day, Billy Eichner, and Chris Evans

Genre: Dark Comedy

Synopsis: HONEY DON’T! is a dark comedy about Honey O’Donahue, a small-town private investigator, who delves into a series of strange deaths tied to a mysterious church.

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PASSES IN TORONTO AND VANCOUVER TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “OH, HI”

Mongrel Media x Mr. Will want to give readers in Toronto and Vancouver a chance to win passes to an advance screening of OH, HI on July 23, 2025.

Synopsis:

OH, HI! stars Molly Gordon (‘The Bear’), Logan Lerman (Perks of Being a Wallflower) — Iris has met the perfect guy in Isaac. He is cute, funny, charming, and he’s booked them their first romantic getaway. A picturesque farmhouse, with amazing views all around. What could go wrong? Apparently, everything.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and in the comments, tell us which city!

Rules and regulations here.

Mongrel Media release OH, HI July 25, 2025

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “CHIEF OF WAR” STARRING JASON MOMOA

Today, Apple TV+ released the trailer for its upcoming historical drama “Chief of War,” starring, written and executive produced by Jason Momoa. Set amidst the scenic backdrop of the islands of Hawai‘i, the nine-episode series, based on true events, follows warrior Ka‘iana, portrayed by Momoa, as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century. “Chief of War” will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, August 1, 2025, followed by new episodes every Friday through September 19, 2025.

Told from an indigenous perspective, “Chief of War” is a passion project for creators Momoa and Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett, who share native Hawaiian heritage. The series features a predominantly Polynesian cast, led by Momoa alongside Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale‘o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka, Te Kohe Tuhaka and Benjamin Hoetjes.

“Chief of War” is produced for Apple TV+ by FIFTH SEASON and Chernin Entertainment. Momoa directs the season finale and serves as executive producer. Doug Jung serves as showrunner and executive produces along with Sibbett, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook and Brian Andrew Mendoza. Justin Chon directs the first two episodes and serves as executive producer. Anders Engström, Jim Rowe, Molly Allen, Francis Lawrence and Tim Van Patten also serve as executive producers. Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer, Hans Zimmer wrote the theme music and co-produced the score for all nine episodes with composer James Everingham, during his tenure with Bleeding Fingers Music, the multiple Emmy Award-winning and BAFTA Award-nominated composer collective co-founded by Zimmer in 2013.

“Chief of War” follows the worldwide success of Apple’s hit series “See,” starring Momoa. All three chapters of “See” are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favourite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honoured with 578 wins and 2,674 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”