Today, Disney+ debuted the official trailer for the second season of International Emmy® and BAFTA® Award winning series, “Rivals”, offering an irresistible glimpse of the drama to come ahead of its launch. The Hulu Original series will roll out in two six-episode batches, beginning with a three-episode premiere on May 15, followed by the second batch later this year on Hulu on Disney+ in Canada.
In the second season, the battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase. More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power. Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 80s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos. Marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences. As rivalries push everyone to the brink, loyalties are tested and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory. But what is the true cost of war?
Reprising their iconic roles are David Tennant (‘Doctor Who’, ‘The Thursday Murder Club’) as Lord Tony Baddingham, Alex Hassell (‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’, ‘The Boys’) as Rupert Campbell-Black, Aidan Turner (‘Poldark’, ‘The Hobbit Trilogy’) as Declan O’Hara, Nafessa Williams (‘Black Lightning’, ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody’) as Cameron Cook, Bella Maclean (‘Sex Education’, ‘London Tide’) as Taggie O’Hara, Katherine Parkinson (‘Humans’, ‘Here We Go’) as Lizzie Vereker, Danny Dyer (‘EastEnders’, ‘The Football Factory’) as Freddie Jones, Victoria Smurfit (‘Bloodlands’, ‘Once Upon A Time’) as Maud O’Hara, Claire Rushbrook (‘Sherwood’, ‘Ali and Ava’) as Lady Monica Baddingham, Oliver Chris (‘The Crown’, ‘Trying’) as James Vereker, Lisa McGrillis (‘Maternal’, ‘Mum’) as Valerie Jones, Emily Atack (‘The Emily Atack Show’, ‘The Inbetweeners’) as Sarah Stratton, Rufus Jones (‘W1A’, ‘Home’) as Paul Stratton, Luca Pasqualino (‘The Musketeers’, ‘Shantaram’) as Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham, Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara (‘Wild Cherry’, ‘Pistol’), Annabel Scholey (‘The Split’) as Beattie Johnson, Gary Lamont (‘Boiling Point’, ‘Outlander’) as Charles Fairburn, Hubert Burton (‘Wolf Hall’, ‘Living’) as Gerald Middleton, Gabriel Tierney (‘Enola Holmes 2’, ‘The Winter King’) as Patrick O’Hara, Lara Peake (‘How To Have Sex’, ‘Reunion’) as Daysee Butler and Bryony Hannah (‘Talamasca’, ‘Call The Midwife’) as Dierdre Kilpatrick.
This season also sees the addition of new guest stars, Hayley Atwell (‘Mission Impossible’, ‘Agent Carter’) as Helen Gordon, Rupert Campbell-Black’s ex-wife and mother of his two children, and Rupert Everett (‘Napoleon’, ‘My Policeman’) as her husband Malise Gordon, Campbell Black’s former show-jumping coach and mentor. They are also joined by Maxim Ays (‘Boarders’, ‘Sanditon’) as Sebbie Carlisle and Bobby Lockwood (‘Wolfblood, Here We Go’) as Dommie Carlisle.
“Rivals”, made by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios, is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins (‘A Very English Scandal’, ‘Holding’, ‘EastEnders’), Alexander Lamb (‘Ackley Bridge’, ‘The Bay’, ‘We Hunt Together’), Olivier Award-winning playwright Laura Wade (‘The Riot Club’), Felicity Blunt, Elliot Hegarty (‘Cheaters’, ‘Ted Lasso’), “Rivals” author Dame Jilly Cooper and for Disney+, Jonny Richards. Eliza Mellor (‘The Midwich Cuckoos’, ‘Behind Her Eyes’, ‘Poldark’) returns as Series Producer. It is written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Laura Wade, Sophie Goodhart, Sam Hoare, Mimi Hare, Clare Naylor, Sorcha Kurien-Walsh and Dare Aiyegbayo, directed by Elliot Hegarty, Jamie J Johnson and Dee Koppang O’Leary. “Rivals” is based on the novel of the same name, part of Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles. The series was commissioned by VP Scripted Content for Disney+ EMEA, Lee Mason.
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.
All episodes of Season 1 are available to stream now on Hulu on Disney+ in Canada.
True crime viewers be warned! A chilling new Super Channel Fuse Original series is set to take audiences into a world where terror lurks just beyond the threshold and a simple knock at the door changes lives forever. Don’t Open the Door (20 x 60 min) premieres Monday, May 4 at 9 pm ET on Super Channel Fuse, with episodes available On Demand the same day.
Each episode reveals a chilling true-crime tale that unfolds like an investigative thriller as ordinary people are thrust into a living nightmare. Viewers follow along as investigators work to unravel the mystery behind these real-life horror stories, examining the complex relationship between perpetrator and victim. Through compelling testimony from family members, criminal psychologists, and the detectives who worked the case—and who eventually brought the killers to justice.
“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with Cineflix Productions and C3 Media to bring Don’t Open the Door to life,” said Kim Ball, EVP, Content & Communications, Super Channel. “With its unique premise and storytelling approach, the series brings a fresh perspective to true crime that we are certain will resonate with fans of the genre.”
Don’t Open the Door is produced by C3 Media and Paquin Entertainment Group. Executive Producers include Gilles Paquin, J.C. Mills, Sherri Rufh and Alex Bystram, with Andrew Akman among the Producers. Cineflix Rights is the exclusive worldwide distribution partner.
About Super Channel Entertainment Network:
Super Channel offers viewers exceptional entertainment value, uncut and commercial-free, with four diverse channels – Super Channel Fuse, Heart & Home, Vault and Quest – plus access to Super Channel On Demand where available by service provider. Super Channel is available via most cable providers across the country as well as streaming live and On Demand with Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV+ and Fubo, with Super Channel+ available to download and stream from anywhere in Canada. Super Channel offers two free ad-supported channels, Super Channel Uncovered and Super Channel Hearties, available on streaming platforms including Tubi, Plex, Xumo Play, LG, Roku, Pluto and Samsung TV Plus. Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company. For a list of service providers, please visit superchannel.ca/subscribe or learn more at superchannelplus.ca.
The Departure Festival + Conference from Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group (OVG) today announced that TD has signed on as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 edition, reinforcing its commitment to supporting creativity, innovation, and the next generation of musical leaders.
As Presenting Sponsor, TD will help spotlight moments that celebrate industry excellence and emerging talent. This includes presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Departure Honours, recognizing Bruce Allen for his lasting impact on Canada’s music landscape. TD will also present the highly anticipated Choir! Choir! Choir! Angel: An Epic Singalong featuring special guest Sarah McLachlan at Massey Hall, marking a marquee moment of the festival experience.
“TD coming on board as our Presenting Sponsor speaks to the strength of Departure as a platform for ideas, talent, and collaboration across industries,” said Kevin Barton, Executive Producer at Departure Festival + Conference. “Their support allows us to continue building something that reflects the energy and ambition of Canada’s creative community.”
“This sponsorship amplifies the platform we’ve built and TD’s commitment to celebrate Canada’s creative community across Departure Honours, live programming, and beyond and ensures we continue to shine a national spotlight on the people and organizations driving music, arts and culture forward,” said Tom Pistore, President, OVG Canada.
“We’re proud to join the Departure Festival + Conference as the Presenting Sponsor,” said Michael Armstrong, Vice President, North American Brand and Sponsorships, TD. “For us, it’s about showing up in a more human way – being there for the fans, the artists, and the music that makes those experiences more memorable. With Departure, we can’t wait to help spotlight talent, build truly fan-first moments, and amplify the industry in new ways.”
From May 4–10, Departure Festival + Conference brings together leaders across music, media, technology, and culture for a dynamic program of conversations, performances, and experiences. With TD as Presenting Sponsor, the 2026 edition will continue to expand its reach and impact, creating new opportunities for connection and discovery.
Premiering Globally on Prime Video May 20, 2026
After four successful seasons on Prime Video, this feature film finds our relatable hero Jack Ryan pulled back into the world of espionage for his most personal and dangerous mission yet.
Set on a global stage, this intelligent thriller blends sharp storytelling with high-stakes action.
John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, and Michael Kelly round out this dynamic ensemble, whose characters and relationships made audiences fall in love with the series.
Sienna Miller joins the cast as MI6 officer Emma Marlowe and proves every bit as sharp and savvy as Jack Ryan, forming an unstoppable duo.
ABOUT TOM CLANCY’S JACK RYAN: GHOST WAR
In this new film, Jack Ryan is reluctantly thrust back into the world of espionage when an international covert mission unravels a deadly conspiracy, forcing him to confront a rogue black-ops unit, and the clock is ticking. Operating in real time with lives on the line and the threat escalating at every turn, Jack reunites with battle-tested CIA operative Mike November (Michael Kelly) and former CIA boss James Greer (Wendell Pierce), their combined experience the only edge they have against an enemy who knows their every move. Backed by an unlikely new partner – razor-sharp MI6 officer Emma Marlowe (Sienna Miller) – Jack and the team navigate a treacherous web of betrayal, facing a past they thought was long put to rest – making this the most personal, high-stakes mission any of them have ever faced.
Directed by Andrew Bernstein
Screenplay by Aaron Rabin, John Krasinski
Story by Noah Oppenheim and John Krasinski
Based on characters created by Tom Clancy
Produced by Allyson Seeger, p.g.a., John Krasinski, p.g.a., Andrew Form
Executive Produced by John J. Kelly, Alexa Ginsburg, Carlton Cuse, Tom Clancy
Starring John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Michael Kelly, Max Beesley, JJ Feild, Douglas Hodge with Betty Gabriel and Sienna Miller
Genre Action and Drama
Rated R for “violence and language” | 105 Minutes
Set in 1993, estranged Street Fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) are thrown back into combat when the mysterious Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament: a brutal clash of fists, fate, and fury. But behind this battle royale lies a deadly conspiracy that forces them to face off against each other and the demons of their past. And if they don’t, it’s GAME OVER!
Helmed by director Kitao Sakurai, Street Fighter is set to bring the battle from the arcade to the big screen with Hadoukens, roundhouses, and all your favorite characters.
Paramount Pictures and Legendary Pictures Present
In Association with Capcom
A Legendary Pictures Production
“STREET FIGHTER”
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY
JJ Hook, Jay Ashenfelter, Kenzo Tsujimoto, Haruhiro Tsujimoto
PRODUCED BY
Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Jason Momoa, Takayuki Nakayama, Stefan Makhoul
Based on the CAPCOM Video Game
STORY BY
Dalan Musson and Gary Dauberman
SCREENPLAY BY
T.J. Fixman and Kitao Sakurai
DIRECTED BY
Kitao Sakurai
STARRING
Noah Centineo as “Ken Masters”
Andrew Koji as “Ryu”
Callina Liang as “Chun-Li”
Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoai as “Akuma”
David Dastmalchian as “M. Bison”
Cody Rhodes as “Guile”
Andrew Schulz as “Dan Hibiki”
Eric André as “Don Sauvage”
Vidyut Jammwal as “Dhalsim”
Orville Peck as “Vega”
Olivier Richters as “Zangief”
Hirooki Goto as “E. Honda”
Rayna Vallandingham as “Juli”
Alexander Volkanovski as “Joe”
With Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson as “Balrog”
And Jason Momoa as “Blanka”
CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
THIS FILM HAS NOT YET BEEN RATED
The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is pleased to announce Sophie Nélisse will receive the Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS at The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards.
The Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS, is presented to a Canadian whose work is gaining significant international recognition and acclaim. This award celebrates individuals who are expanding the reach of Canadian talent and creativity on the world stage, contributing to Canada’s global reputation in the media and entertainment industry.
Sophie Nélisse is an internationally recognized Canadian actress whose career has steadily evolved from award-winning breakout roles to leading performances in acclaimed global productions. After gaining international attention in Philippe Falardeau’s Monsieur Lazhar, she went on to star in The Book Thief, establishing her internationally and earning multiple breakthrough awards. Sophie has built a diverse body of work across film and television in both French and English, having appeared in notable Quebec films such as Endorphine and 1:54.
She currently stars in the critically acclaimed series Yellowjackets, a role that has further solidified her presence on the international stage. Sophie continues to balance French and English-language projects, establishing herself as one of Canada’s most compelling international talents of her generation.
The Radius Award, presented by MADE | NOUS, will be awarded at The 2026 Canadian Screen Awards on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 8 / 9 AT / 9:30 NT on CBC, CBC Gem, Crave, CTV, Global, and STACKTV.
Learn more about Sophie Nélisse and all 2026 Special Awards recipients here.
Paramount Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of Billie Eilish – HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR (LIVE IN 3D)!
One lucky winner wins a Prize Pack that includes Eilish’s acclaimed album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT on Vinyl and a $50 Cineplex gift card!
Screenings are as follows:
TORONTO
Monday, May 4th | 7:00PM
Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Eglinton and VIP
________
MONTREAL (ENGLISH)
Monday, May 4th | 7:00PM | ENG
Cinéma Cineplex Banque Scotia Montréal
MONTREAL (FRENCH)
Monday, May 4th | 7:00PM | FRE
Cinéma Starcité Montréal
________
CALGARY
Monday, May 4th | 7:00PM
Scotiabank Theatre Chinook
________
VANCOUVER
Monday, May 4th | 7:00PM
Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, X or IG. In the comments, indicate your City and tag 1 friend you’re taking with you! Multiple entries permitted. You must be following.
Enter for a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of Billie Eilish: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR (LIVE IN 3D) in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver.
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) April 16, 2026
One winner gets a Prize Pack!
Details are here: https://t.co/8gPDaBIQLq pic.twitter.com/h7RuPrRzHq
Rules and regulations here
Paramount Pictures Canada release BILLIE EILISH HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR (LIVE IN 3D) May 8, 2026.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)
Today, BritBox released first look images for the second season of the acclaimed detective series Ludwig, starring David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin, which will air later this year on BritBox. The photos feature a first preview of new series regulars Mark Bonnar and Sian Clifford, who join the cast this season.
Picking up from the end of season one, master puzzle-setter John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor (David Mitchell) is now a Crime Scene Consultant, working alongside DCI Russell Carter (Dipo Ola), on ‘impossible’ crimes for the Cambridge Police Authority. No longer having to masquerade as his brother, he’s openly more ‘Ludwig’ than ever – brilliant at solving puzzles but hopeless at everything else. But John’s identical twin brother, James, is still missing, and now that he’s an official employee of the station, John is forbidden from using any police resources to look for his brother or uncover exactly what he was investigating. Of course, John won’t stop and neither will Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin), John’s sister-in-law and wife of his missing brother James. A puzzle needs solving and a husband and father needs bringing home. One masquerade may have ended, but a new one has just begun.
Joining the cast as series regulars are Mark Bonnar (Dept. Q, Guilt) as newspaper editor Gareth Fisher, Sian Clifford (Fleabag, The Ballad of Wallis Island) as local MP, Joanne Kemper, Ben Ashenden (Deep Cover, Black Mirror) as DC Ethan Cole, and Rumi Sutton (After the Flood, Mutiny) as DC Caitlin Sullivan.
Returning cast include Dylan Hughes as Henry Betts-Taylor, Dorothy Atkinson as DCS Carol Shaw, Ralph Ineson as Chief Constable Ziegler, and Karl Pilkington as DI Matt Neville.
Ludwig is created and written by Mark Brotherhood and produced by Big Talk Studios (part of ITV Studios), in collaboration with That Mitchell and Webb Company. Season one of the binge-worthy comedy-drama is BritBox’s biggest scripted series launch to date.
Ludwig season two (6×60’) is a Big Talk Studios production in association with That Mitchell And Webb Company, in co-production with BritBox and ZDF, for the BBC. It is produced in association with ITV Studios, which also handles international distribution. The series was commissioned for BBC One and BBC iPlayer by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy. Season two is again written by Mark Brotherhood, and the directors are George Kane (episodes 1,2 & 3) and Stella Corradi (episodes 4, 5 & 6). The executive producers are Kenton Allen and Toby Welch for Big Talk Studios, Mark Brotherhood, David Mitchell, Kathryn O’Connor, Chris Sussman; Robert Schildhouse and Stephen Nye for BritBox; and Claus Wunn and Frank Seyberth for ZDF. The producer is Georgie Fallon, with Anya Wilson serving as co-producer. The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Gregor Sharp and Roya Eslami.
The first season of Ludwig is available to stream on BritBox.
Today we get a new Trailer for tiff50 selection, BLOOD LINES. Elevation Pictures release June 26, 2026.
Directed by: Gail Maurice
Starring: Dana Solomon, Derica LeFrance, Mélanie Bray, Bertha Durocher, Maggie Maurice, Mary Burnouf, Tamara Podemski, Gail Maurice
An estranged Métis mother and daughter struggle to overcome their differences, but their world comes crashing down when an alluring woman enters their lives.
Telefilm Canada invests $24M+ in 11 big-budget features in the English market
Telefilm Canada invests over $24 million to fund 11 feature-length films in the English market as part of the first round of decisions under the Production Program’s big budget stream, seven of which are majority coproductions and several book-to-screen adaptations. This investment accounts for 69 per cent of Telefilm’s annual budget for funding English market feature films under the Production Program’s big budget stream.
The selected projects represent impactful stories, told from distinctly Canadian perspectives, that will resonate widely and satisfy commercial and arthouse audiences.
In addition, four projects are receiving greenlight funding for additional pre-production support, including projects from Newfoundland, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec; and three of which are majority coproductions.
The evaluated projects featured filmmakers with experience levels ranging from award-winning veterans to mid- and early-career creatives and those selected for funding echo that exciting mix.
A Thread of Violence (mystery/crime)
Director: Robert Budreau
Screenwriters: Robert Budreau and Grayson Moore
Production: January Media and Lumanity Productions
Co-Production: Sleeper Films
Distributor: Mongrel Media
Province: Ontario
Language: English
*Majority coproduction with Ireland
Eggplant (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Yung Chang
Production: Medium Density Fibreboard Films Inc.
Distributor: Game Theory Films
Province: Ontario
Language: Mandarin
*Majority coproduction with Ireland
Forgiveness (historical drama)
Director: Deepa Mehta
Screenwriter: Mark Sakamoto
Production: Hamilton-Mehta Productions Inc.
Distributor: Mongrel Media
Province: Ontario
Language: English and Japanese
Half-Blood Blues (historical drama)
Director: Clement Virgo
Screenwriters: Patrick Whistler and Clement Virgo
Production: Conquering Lion Pictures Inc.
Distributor: Elevation Pictures
Province: Ontario
Language: English, French and German
*Majority coproduction with Germany
Lullabies For Little Criminals (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Sarah Gadon
Production: Brightlight Pictures Inc.
Distributor: Elevation Pictures
Province: British Columbia
Language: English and French
Mary, Mary (drama)
Director: Bruce LaBruce
Screenwriters: Bruce LaBruce and Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay
Production: Compass Productions Inc.
Distributor: A-Z Films Inc. (with Raven Banner)
Province: Quebec
Language: English
*Majority coproduction with Belgium
Nightingale (historical drama)
Directors and screenwriters: Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson
Production: Thin Stuff Productions Inc.
Distributor: Elevation Pictures
Province: Manitoba
Language: English
*Majority coproduction with United Kingdom
Rapture (horror)
Director and screenwriter: Jordan Tannahill
Production: Elevation Pictures
Distributor: Elevation Pictures
Province: Ontario
Language: English
*Majority coproduction with United Kingdom
Suffering Is Optional (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Zarrar Kahn
Production: CityLights Media Inc., LBG Films Inc., Other Memory Media, and Couronne
Nord Inc.
Distributor: Game Theory Films, with h264 (Quebec)
Province: Ontario, Quebec
Language: English, French and Urdu
Untitled Matt Johnson Film (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Matt Johnson
Production: Zapruder Films Inc.
Distributor: Elevation Pictures
Province: Ontario
Language: English
Worse Together (drama)
Director and screenwriter: Luis De Filippis
Production: JA Productions Inc. and Fra Diavolo Films Inc.
Distributor: Maison 4:3, with MDFF
Province: Ontario
Language: English
*Majority coproduction with Switzerland
In the first intake of the Production Program’s big budget stream, 55 projects – including 13 majority coproductions – were assessed, representing $126 million in funding requests. Telefilm met with the teams behind each project submission.
An advisory committee composed of external and internal representatives has evaluated the projects and made its recommendations. The decision-making process, across multiple rounds of decisions over the coming months, is designed to ensure that Telefilm funds a balanced production portfolio reflecting a variety of genres, budgets, company sizes, regions of the country, and perspectives. A list of the selection committee members will be posted on Telefilm’s Project Financing Advisory Committees page at the end of each fiscal year.
It should also be noted that the project teams selected under the Springboard Initiative will be contacted shortly. Under this initiative, projects that were not selected for production funding but ranked highly during the evaluation process may be invited to apply for development funding to strengthen their project for a future production application.
More funding decisions will be announced through April to September of this year. Statistics on all films funded in the year will be published in the 2026—
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