#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

#TIFF: “JOHN CANDY: I LIKE ME” SELECTED AS OPENING NIGHT GALA AT 2025 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

TIFF is thrilled to announce the World Premiere of John Candy: I Like Me as the Opening Night Gala taking place on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Roy Thomson Hall. Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, this documentary is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Canadian icon, with stories and memories from Candy’s family, closest friends, and longtime collaborators. The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will take place September 4–14, 2025.

“Comedy fans all over the world grew up on John Candy’s humour,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO of TIFF. “We love that John’s global career started in Toronto, and we can’t wait to share John Candy: I Like Me with everyone at this year’s Opening Night Gala premiere. Colin Hanks has made a hugely entertaining film packed with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but like John, this movie is all heart. For us, it’s the perfect way to kick off TIFF’s 50th edition.”

“When you hear the name John Candy, your face lights up. He wasn’t just a great actor; he was an even better person. People loved his everyman qualities, but they didn’t know how relatable John really was. He went through the same struggles we all do, except now we talk about them. We are incredibly honoured to have gotten to know the man better through this process and to bring the real John Candy to audiences starting with his hometown of Toronto.” — Director/Producer Colin Hanks and Producer Ryan Reynolds

From director Colin Hanks and lifelong John Candy fan Ryan Reynolds comes John Candy: I Like Me, an exploration of the life of the Canadian comedic icon. This John Candy film documents his on- and off-camera existence, featuring never-before-seen home videos, intimate access to his family, and candid recollections from collaborators to paint a bigger picture of one of the brightest stars of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. It’s the story of a son, husband, father, friend, and professional driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures. The Amazon MGM title will debut globally on Prime Video in the fall.

Film Details:
John Candy: I Like Me | Colin Hanks | USA
World Premiere | Gala

Official Synopsis: From director Colin Hanks and lifelong John Candy fan Ryan Reynolds comes John Candy: I Like Me, an exploration of the life of the Canadian comedic icon. This John Candy film documents his on- and off-camera existence, featuring never-before-seen home videos, intimate access to his family, and candid recollections from collaborators to paint a bigger picture of one of the brightest stars of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. It’s the story of a son, husband, father, friend, and professional driven to bring joy to audiences and loved ones while battling personal ghosts and Hollywood pressures.  

Directed by Colin Hanks

Produced by Company Name’s Colin Hanks and Sean Stuart, Zipper Bros Films’ Glen Zipper, Maximum Effort’s Ryan Reynolds, George Dewey and Johnny Pariseau, and Shane Reid

Executive Produced by Maximum Effort’s Ashley Fox and Patrick Gooing

Co-Executive Produced by Chris Candy, Jennifer Candy-Sullivan, Rosemary Candy

Co-Producers Maren Domzalski, Aude Temel

Limited tickets to the Opening Night Gala of John Candy: I Like Me will be available as part of TIFF 50 Curated Ticket Packages, on sale exclusively to TIFF Members on June 11 and Visa cardholders on June 18. Visit tiff.net/about-the-festival for more details.

TIFF’s Film Reference Library includes a free John Candy Collection, donated by Rose Candy, containing objects related to Candy’s professional career and personal life from the 1970s to the early 1990s.

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, runs September 4–14, 2025. More Festival details will be shared in the coming weeks.

#FIRSTLOOK: DISNEY’S “SNOW WHITE” ARRIVES JUNE 11, 2025 ON DISNEY+

Whether from the comfort of their living room or an enchanted forest, audiences of all ages can experience the magic and music of Disney’s Snow White when the film streams exclusively on Disney+ June 11, 2025.

The live-action retelling of Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs invites families and friends on a thrilling new cinematic adventure, one that also offers a charming stroll down memory lane. Just as audiences in 1937 were captivated by the magic of animation, today’s viewers can marvel at stunning visual effects that bring nature and fantasy vividly to life.

Set to a soundtrack that blends original songs with fresh takes on beloved classics, Disney’s Snow White comes to life musically through the talents of EGOT-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, La La Land). Snow White (Rachel Zegler) shares her hopes in the heartfelt new ballad “Waiting on a Wish” – one of several soulful “contemporary kingdom” tracks that join timeless favorites like “Heigh-Ho” and “Whistle While You Work.”

Fans can also revisit Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the groundbreaking animated classic that marked the dawn of Disney’s storytelling legacy, now streaming on Disney+, and return to the wishing well where the magic first began!

#FIRSTLOOK: CANADIAN FILM CENTRE & TD BANK GROUP PRESENT “BLACK EXCELLENCE SPEAKER SERIES”

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC), with support from presenting sponsor TD Bank Group (TD), is proud to present the next installment of the Black Excellence Speaker Series with celebrated writer/producer/director Jennifer Holness. Taking place on Thursday, June 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, this free public event, moderated by CFC Executive Director maxine bailey, will spotlight one of Canada’s most dynamic creators whose work continues to shape the cultural and cinematic landscape. The evening will offer an inspiring and candid conversation with Holness as she shares personal insights from her career in film and television, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from her latest film 40 Acres, which premiered at TIFF 2024.

CFC Conversations: Black Excellence provides a platform for Black creatives across the screen-based industry – spanning directors, writers, actors, producers, costume designers, and more—to speak openly about their experiences and the challenges they face, while celebrating their achievements and contributions. The event explores the intersections of craft, community, and what it means to build space for Black stories and storytellers

Jennifer Holness’ credits include critically acclaimed films and series such as Home Again, Subjects of Desire, and Shoot the Messenger and she’s the first Black woman in Canada to win a Canadian Screen Award (CSA) for Best Writing for the mini-series Guns. She recently won a Best Direction CSA for her episode of the doc series BLK: An Origin Story (2023). As co-founder of Hungry Eyes Media with her partner Sudz Sutherland, Holness continues to champion powerful, socially relevant storytelling.

“We are proud to welcome Jennifer to this year’s Black Excellence Speaker Series,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director of the CFC. “Her impressive body of work and commitment to elevating Black voices in the entertainment industry continues to inspire artists and creatives.”

“Through the TD Ready Commitment, we’re pleased to support this series and help create space where stories shaped by diverse lived experiences can be shared and explored,” said Alicia Rose, AVP, Social Impact & Strategy, TD Bank Group. “Jennifer’s work is helping to redefine narratives in film and television, and we look forward to hearing more about her journey.”

Past guests of the CFC Black Excellence Speaker Series include filmmaker Karen Chapman, costume designer Anoinette Messam, actress Amanda Brugel and director Clement Virgo.

With generous support from TD, the event is free to the public. Ticket information is available here.

Jennifer Holness Bio:

Jennifer Holness is a writer, producer, and director, and the first Black woman in Canada to win a CSA for writing. A self-described happy workaholic, Jen’s work spans fiction and documentary, including the multiple festival award winner, Subjects of Desire, which premiered on TVO and Starz and the acclaimed docuseries BLK: An Origin Story for History Channel and Global. She is currently co-directing the Sundance supported doc #WhileBlack about social media and witnessing police brutality, and directing the CBC developed doc, Nothing Fits. Jen also co-produced the Tribeca and Hot Docs award-winning Stateless (PBS/NFB), and is an EP on Black Zombie, Maya Annik Bedward’s feature doc.

She is the producer of 40 Acres, the debut feature from R.T. Thorne is being distributed by Magnolia Pictures in the US and Mongrel Media in Canada. The film hits theatres July 4th in Canada.

Her TV dramatic work includes Shoot the Messenger and Guns (CBC), which earned five CSAs and a Rose d’Or nomination. Jen co-wrote and produced Home Again and Love, Sex and Eating the Bones, both internationally sold, with numerous film-festival wins and CSA/Genie-nominations. Her early short My Father’s Hands won the HBO Short Film Award and five Golden Sheaf Awards. Beyond her creative work, Jen is a tireless advocate for equity in the industry. She’s a founding member of the Black Screen Office and has mentored and supported dozens of diverse creatives through Reelworld, Black Women Film!, and other initiatives. She has served on numerous boards, including CMPA and Ontario Creates. She has 3 daughters, 2 dogs and 1 husband who is also her partner at Hungry Eyes Media.

(Photo credit CFC)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “M3GAN 2.0”

The murderous doll who captivated pop culture in 2023 is back. And this time she’s not alone.

The original creative team behind that phenomenon—led by horror titans James Wan for Atomic Monster, Jason Blum for Blumhouse and director Gerard Johnstone—reboot an all-new wild chapter in A.I. mayhem with M3GAN 2.0.

Two years after M3GAN, a marvel of artificial intelligence, went rogue and embarked on a murderous (and impeccably choreographed) rampage and was subsequently destroyed, M3GAN’s creator Gemma (Allison Williams) has become a high-profile author and advocate for government oversight of A.I. Meanwhile, Gemma’s niece Cady (Violet McGraw), now 14, has become a teenager, rebelling against Gemma’s overprotective rules.

Unbeknownst to them, the underlying tech for M3GAN has been stolen and misused by a powerful defense contractor to create a military-grade weapon known as Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno; Ahsoka, Pacific Rim: Uprising), the ultimate killer infiltration spy. But as Amelia’s self-awareness increases, she becomes decidedly less interested in taking orders from humans. Or in keeping them around.

With the future of human existence on the line, Gemma realizes that the only option is to resurrect M3GAN (Amie Donald, voiced by Jenna Davis) and give her a few upgrades, making her faster, stronger, and more lethal. As their paths collide, the original A.I bitch is about to meet her match.

Directed by acclaimed returning filmmaker Gerard Johnstone, the film co-stars returning cast members Brian Jordan Alvarez and Jen Van Epps as Gemma’s loyal tech teammates, Cole and Tess, and new characters played by Aristotle Athari (Saturday Night Live, Hacks), Timm Sharp (Apples Never Fall, Percy Jackson and the Olympians) and Grammy winner and 11-time Emmy nominee Jemaine Clement (Avatar: The Way of Water, What We Do in the Shadows).

Produced by James Wan, Jason Blum and Allison Williams, the film is executive produced by Gerard Johnstone, Adam Hendricks, Greg Gilreath, Michael Clear, Judson Scott and Mark D. Katchur.

The first M3GAN film shattered box office records, opening to $30.4 million domestically to become the biggest opening weekend for a PG-13 horror film since A Quiet Place Part II. The film went on to gross more than $180 million worldwide.

Genre: Action/Horror/Comedy . . . M3GAN

Cast: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, Ivanna Sakhno, Aristotle Athari, Timm Sharp, Jemaine Clement

Directed by: Gerard Johnstone

Producers: James Wan, Jason Blum, Allison Williams

Executive Producers: Gerard Johnstone, Adam Hendricks, Greg Gilreath, Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Mark D. Katchur