The smash Box Office smash that is THE BAD GUYS returns with a sequel, and it arrives in theatres August 1, 2025 via Universal Pictures Canada! We get a new Featurette, “The Mission”.
Everyone’s favorite felons are back, and this time, they’ve got company.
In the new action-packed chapter from DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed comedy smash about a crackerjack crew of animal outlaws, our now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.
Based on the New York Times best-selling book series by Aaron Blabey, which has soared from 8 million to over 30 million copies sold since the first film’s release in 2022, The Bad Guys 2 stars the stellar original cast, led by Academy Award® winner Sam Rockwell as Mr. Wolf, SAG award nominee Marc Maron as safe-cracker Mr. Snake, SAG award nominee Craig Robinson as master-of disguise Mr. Shark, Grammy winner Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha and Emmy winner Awkwafina as hacker Ms. Tarantula, aka “Webs.”
The returning voice cast is joined by a new trio of comedic powerhouses as The Bad Girls: Oscar® nominee Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple) as Bad Girls leader Kitty Kat, a dangerously clever snow leopard; Oscar® nominee Maria Bakalova (Borat Subsequent Movie Film) as Pigtail, a brilliant Bulgarian wild boar engineer; and Emmy nominee and comedy icon Natasha Lyonne (Russian Doll, Poker Face) as Doom, a wry raven with a knack for deception.
From celebrated returning director Pierre Perifel and producer Damon Ross, The Bad Guys 2 also features the alumni voice talents of Emmy nominee Zazie Beetz as Governor Diane Foxington, BAFTA winner Richard Ayoade as Professor Marmalade, Emmy winner Alex Borstein as Police Chief (now Commissioner) Misty Luggins and Lilly Singh as sensationalist reporter Tiffany Fluffit.
The Bad Guys 2 is co-directed by JP Sans, who served as head of character animation on the first film. The music is by Oscar®-nominated returning composer Daniel Pemberton.
Genre: Animated Action Comedy
Cast: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Awkwafina, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, Maria Bakalova, Zazie Beetz, Richard Ayoade, Lilly Singh, Alex Borstein
Director: Pierre Perifel
Producer: Damon Ross
Based on the Books by: Aaron Blabey
Co-director: JP Sans
Today, singer-songwriter Alex Warren releases his highly anticipated single “Bloodline (with Jelly Roll)” via Atlantic Records – listen here. Warren’s vocal prowess is on full display, flawlessly meshing with Jelly Roll’s singing against a stomping beat. Warren and Jelly Roll debuted the previously unreleased song last month in front of 80,000 people as a surprise during Jelly Roll’s Stagecoach set. Fans have been eagerly awaiting its release ever since.
On the single Alex Warren shares, “Bloodline is a record about overcoming generational trauma… it’s a reminder that where you came from and the way you were raised doesn’t define who you are today.”
“Bloodline” follows Warren’s earth-shattering hit,“Ordinary,” released in February to rave reviews, counting over half a billion streams to date, and topping the charts. The smash hit has spent three weeks #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and three weeks as #1 on the Billboard Global 200 songs chart. “Ordinary” was not only Warren’s first top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it also made him the first solo artist to have a top 10 song on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2025.
“Ordinary” has also spent nine consecutive weeks at No.1 on the UK chart. This marks the longest running No.1 in the UK by a US male solo act in more than 60 years. Alex has been the cover of Spotify’s Today’s Top Hits for the last month and he’s currently holding strong at the #1 spot on the playlist. “Ordinary” also continues to rise inside the top 10 at Top 40 radio. He now tallies over 1.4 billion career streams to date.
Recently, Warren made his late night debut with a performance of “Ordinary” on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – watch here. He also performed the song with Ed Sheeran at a local bar around Coachella – see his Instagram post HERE.
Warren is currently embarking on his sold-out headlining, Cheaper Than Therapy Tour, hitting 47 cities across Europe and North America. He just wrapped the UK leg where “Ordinary” is the #1 record in the territory for its 8th consecutive week this week. The shows continue tonight in Minneapolis at Uptown Theatre. He also recently announced an extension of tour dates to additional cities throughout the US.
ALEX WARREN – CHEAPER THAN THERAPY TOUR DATES:
Friday, May 23 – Minneapolis, MN – Uptown Theatre (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, May 24 – Kansas City, MO – Midland Theatre
Tuesday, May 27 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
Wednesday, May 28– Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center (SOLD OUT)
Friday, May 30 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, May 31 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox (SOLD OUT)
Sunday, June 1 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday, June 4 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Thursday, June 5 – Los Angeles, CA – The Nova
Friday, June 6 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
Saturday, June 7 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
Tuesday, June 10 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheatre
Saturday, Aug 9 – San Diego, CA – Frontwave Arena
Thursday, Aug 14 – Honolulu, HI – Waikiki Shell
Monday, Aug 18 – Auckland, NZ – The Civic
Tuesday, Aug 19 – Auckland, NZ – Auckland Town Hall
Thursday, Aug 21- Sydney, NSW – Hordern Pavilion
Friday, Aug 22 – Sydney, NSW – Hordern Pavilion
Saturday, Aug 23 – Brisbane, QLD – Riverstage
Monday, Aug 25 – Melbourne, VIC – Margaret Court Arena
Tuesday, Aug 26 – Adelaide, AUS – Adelaide Entertainment Center
Thursday, Aug 28 – Perth, WA – Perth HPC
Tuesday, Sep 23 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Thursday, Sep 25 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
Tuesday, Sep 30 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Wednesday, Oct 01 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater
Friday, Oct 03 – North Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery
Saturday, Oct 04 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
Sunday, Oct 05 – Orlando, FL – Addition Financial Arena
Wednesday, Oct 08 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
Friday, Oct 10 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Saturday, Oct 11 – Oklahoma City, OK – Zoo Amphitheatre
Sunday, Oct 12 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena
Tuesday Oct 14 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Wednesday, Oct 15 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!
OCHE is officially landing in Toronto this summer, from the same people who brought us SPIN!
OCHE is taking over the space above the former Second Floor Events (above SPIN), and reimagining the classic game of darts with immersive virtual reality. OCHE is set in a British pub setting, think of a proper pint with a digital twist – a new experience to the city.
OCHE has made its mark on the global gastro-gaming scene with standout venues in Amsterdam, Melbourne, and Dubai – earning international recognition for reinventing the night out.
Opening to the public on June 15, 2025, OCHE is more than just darts and features interactive shuffleboard, karaoke rooms, and captivating games like Hoggern, High Striker and Cricket.
Blending nostalgia with innovation, OCHE offers a bold new destination where social gaming, elevated dining, and nightlife come together. Inspired by the warmth of classic British taverns, OCHE encourages guests to embrace stepping into the past and playing into the future.
More on OCHE here.
Celebrated Thespian COURTNEY B. VANCE is a legend. The TONY and Primetime EMMY Award (twice) winner was in town promoting his latest film, a big one, the live-action adaptation of Disney’s LILO & STITCH. The tale of a young Hawaiian girl who befriends a cuddly alien has won the hearts of fans of all ages around the world, and will be enjoyed by a new generation when this latest version by Director Dean Fleischer Camp, arrives in theatres this weekend, Friday, May 23, 2024. Vance stars as Cobra Bubbles.
Vance continues to have a flourishing career, having starred in acclaimed titles in recent years, like BEN IS BACK, THE PEOPLE v. O.J. SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY, ISLE OF DOGS, GROTESQUERIE and he next can be seen in PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS.
Along with Vance, iconic Tia Carrere whom has had a long, successful career, known for her work in the WAYNE’S WORLD franchise, RELIC HUNTER, and CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, has also starred as Nani Pelekai in the franchise. This time around she plays Ms. Kekoa. The duo did a full two days of promotion in the City with several appearances including eTalk, Breakfast Television, The Morning Show, The Social, Sirius XM Canada Talks, CP24 Breakfast, and more! We miss the days when talent came and did all this. A real throwback.
Despite it being pouring out (some spring we’re having!), Vance was so gracious to stop for a quick snap, all smiles. We adore him! Carrere, who understandably wanted to get in and out of the rain quickly, looked amazing and we are thrilled having met her years ago when she came for Fan Expo.
Some snaps:
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Walt Disney Studios Canada)
Stitch, the co-star of “Lilo & Stitch,” visited Graceland in Memphis, Tenn., earlier today. The lovable renegade alien, who happens to love the music of Elvis Presley, arrived at the gates to Graceland Mansion in a pink convertible before going across the street to view the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s jumpsuits and pink Cadillac at Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex. A special screening of the film is scheduled to take place this evening at the theatre at Graceland’s resort hotel, The Guest House at Graceland.
A live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, “Lilo & Stitch” opens exclusively in movie theatres on May 23. 2025.
“Lilo & Stitch” is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. The film is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the Oscar®-nominated filmmaker behind the animated feature film “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On,” with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha. The film is produced by Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a. and Dan Lin, with Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, and Thomas Schumacher serving as executive producers.
Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are thrilled to give readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON!
Screenings take place as follows on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 7 pm:
Toronto:
Scotiabank Theatre
Montreal (EN):
Cinema Banque Scotia
Montreal (FR):
Cinema Starcite
Synopsis:
From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.
On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.
As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.
The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).
How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by three-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns). How To Train Your Dragon is part of the Filmed For IMAX® Program, which offers filmmakers IMAX® technology to help them deliver the most immersive movie experience to audiences around the world.
Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.
Genre: Epic Action-Adventure
Cast: Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur
Written and directed by: Dean DeBlois
Producers: Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and IG in the comments indicate your city/language. Tag one friend in the comments you’ll bring. Multiple entries allowed.
Rules and regulations here.
Universal Pictures Canada release HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON June 13, 2025.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
MUBI, the global distributor, streaming service and production company, shares a first look at Kelly Reichardt’s (First Cow, Certain Women) The Mastermind, in advance of its World Premiere In Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival tomorrow (May 23, 2025).
In a sedate corner of Massachusetts circa 1970, JB Mooney (Josh O’Connor), an unemployed carpenter turned amateur art thief, plans his first big heist. When things go haywire, his life unravels.
The film stars Josh O’Connor (Challengers, La Chimera), Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza), John Magaro (Past Lives, First Cow), Gaby Hoffman (Transparent, Girls), Bill Camp (12 Years a Slave, Joker) and Hope Davis (American Splendor, Synecdoche, New York).
Producers on the film are Neil Kopp, Anish Savjani, and Vincent Savino of filmscience. MUBI is financing the film and will distribute in select territories, retaining rights in North America, UK, Ireland, LATAM, Germany, Austria, Benelux, Turkey, and India, with The Match Factory handling remaining worldwide sales. UTA Independent Film Group handled financing for the film.
UK and worldwide release dates for The Mastermind to be announced.
The official trailer an for “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” are now available. The highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie premieres Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT on Disney Channel and will stream globally the next day, Friday, July 11, 2025 on Disney+.
In the first three ZOMBIES movies, Zed and Addison brought human and monster kind together in their hometown of Seabrook. Now, a new adventure dawns for the duo when their summer road trip takes an unexpected detour, landing them in the middle of yet another monster rivalry: Daywalkers vs. Vampires. Tensions flare when Zed and Addison find themselves acting as camp counselors between the two opposing supernatural factions. With the help of Eliza and Willa, they must convince sworn enemies Nova and Victor to try to unite their warring worlds before an even greater threat endangers them all.
“ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” stars Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Kylee Russell, Chandler Kinney, Malachi Barton, Freya Skye, Julian Lerner, Swayam Bhatia, Mekonnen Knife, Lisa Chappell and Jonno Roberts.
Paul Hoen directs, with a screenplay by David Light & Joseph Raso and Josh Cagan. Executive producers include Hoen, Manheim, Donnelly, Light, Raso, Jane Fleming (“The Quest”) and Mark Ordesky (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy). Mahita P. Simpson serves as co-executive producer alongside co-producer Cagan and producer Skot Bright. “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” is a production from Night Zone Productions Limited.
The movies have also garnered nearly a quarter billion streaming hours, becoming one of the most popular Disney Channel Original Movie franchises on Disney+.*
“ZOMBIES,” “ZOMBIES 2” and “ZOMBIES 3” are currently available on Disney+.
Epson has them covered with major sales on select printers and projectors. As a trusted name in consumer technology, Epson is a go-to brand known for performance and durability — qualities any father figure can appreciate.
Please see below for your consideration to include in upcoming Father’s Day gift guides and stories. For high-res images, please see here. If you are interested in testing out any of the products below for either a review or giveaway, please let us know, and we can look into availability.
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF21 Portable Smart Laser Projector (MSRP: $1,149.99 CAD)
Spending quality family time together has become a rare occasion in 2025. If you want to invest in a piece that Dad can enjoy with the whole family for years to come, The Epson EpiqVision EF21 is crafted to encourage family bonding. With built-in Google TV1 and stunning picture quality, everyone can binge watch their favourite TV shows, enjoy big sporting events or even play video games together. The projector is currently on sale for $849.99, making it more attainable if everyone contributes to the gift (everyone will be enjoying it).
Where to Buy:
· Best Buy
· Epson
· Amazon
ET-4850 Wireless Colour All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer (MSRP: $599.99 CAD)
The Epson ET-4850 is a cartridge-free printer ideal for the work-from-home dad who needs an office-grade printer to support his job or business. This model is packed with time-efficient features for the dad with no time to waste, like its high-speed printing, auto-document feeder and 2.4” colour touchscreen for faster navigation. If Dad is a businessman, he understands a good deal and will appreciate that he’ll save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles compared to traditional ink cartridges2. The ET-4850 is also currently on sale for $100 off at participating stores. Keep an eye on the links below as offers update.
· Epson
· Amazon
· Staples
ET-2850 Wireless Colour All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer (MSRP: $399.99 CAD)
The Epson ET-2850 is another cartridge-free printer designed with the simple dad in mind. If he’s been looking for a reliable, low-hassle printer, this one’s for him. The entire household will benefit from worry-free colour printing, no matter the printing job. This printer comes with up to two years of ink in the box3, designed for long-term savings that won’t put a hole in Dad’s wallet. Plus, it can also print up to 5000 pages4, making it a smart investment. Select printers are currently on sale for $100 off at participating stores. Keep an eye on the links below as offers update.
Where to Buy:
· Epson
· Amazon
TITAN: THE OCEANGATE DISASTER premieres at the Tribeca Festival next month, and today we get a new trailer for this Netflix release, arriving June 11, 2025 on the service.
World Premiere at the Tribeca Festival: June 6, 2025
The Titan submersible’s ill-fated journey to the ruins of the Titanic dominated headlines in June 2023, yet the shocking decisions that led to the disaster have never been revealed like this. Titan: The OceanGate Disaster delves into the psyche of billionaire OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and explores his relentless quest to bring oceanic exploration to the masses — at any cost. Through exclusive access to whistleblower testimony, pivotal audio recordings, and footage from the company’s early days, the film provides an unprecedented look at the technical challenges, moral dilemmas, and shockingly poor decisions that culminated in the catastrophic expedition. Titan examines the doomed underwater endeavor that forced the world to reconsider the price of unchecked ambition in the depths of the ocean.
A Story Syndicate Production in association with Diamond Docs
Director: Mark Monroe
Producers: Lily Garrison, Mark Monroe, Jon Bardin
Executive Producers: Liz Garbus, Dan Cogan, Kate Barry, Mala Chapple, Tommy Coriale, Hannah Olson, Jude Gerard Prest, Amy Herdy
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com