Sweeping both the Audience Award – U.S. Dramatic and Grand Jury Prize – U.S. at Sundance, Nate Parker takes his tour-de-force The Birth of a Nation north en route to what should be a major player this coming awards season.

The story centers on Nat Turner (Parker), the trusted slave of Samuel Turner (Armie Hammer), who is intent on helping his family regain its former strength after losing his father. Able to read, Nat is enlisted to help preach obedience from the bible to other slaves, but as he and his master embark on their journeys together, he witnesses the inhumane treatment of his fellow black men and women. This drives him to question his own beliefs and his world unravels after he is impacted personally by the inhumanities of slavery. In the name of justice and honour, Nat leads his comrades in  a very violent rebellion against their enslavers.

Make no mistake, The Birth of a Nation in addition to educating us about this not well-known-enough moment in American history, very much is a starmaking vehicle for Parker who quietly has treaded away in the trenches, now ready to unleash what should be a profitable venture for Fox Searchlight with its record-setting investment made after Sundance. Parker is mesmerizing start to finish as we see Nat‘s story progress and his world crumble. Supporting turns from Colman Domingo as fellow slave Hark Turner and Armie Hammer, in a role unlike anything we’ve seen him in thus far, are noteworthy. Aja Naomi King from How To Get Away With Murder is barely-recognizable in a subdued performance as Nat‘s wife, Cherry.

Despite being a period piece, a thoughtfully-conceptualized soundtrack intensifies the experience and makes the experience fresh. This admittedly also disconnects the audience from the moment also, while dialogue at moments fails to capture the period in which the story is set.

The Birth of a Nation will be seen and not forgotten, although whether or not it shakes its audience like recent predecessor, the phenomenal 12 Years a Slave, remains to be seen.

It screens at TIFF Friday, September 9, 2016 at 8:00 PM Winter Garden Theatre and 9:00 PM VISA Screening Room, Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 12:00 PM Roy Thomson Hall and Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 3:00 PM Princess of Wales Theatre.

Paul Verhoeven’s eclectic career has won him legions of Fans in both the mainstream and Arthouse worlds. The Basic Instinct helmer continually has pushed the envelope with several bright spots in his career like Starship Troopers, Total Recall, RoboCop and we actually “got” Showgirls and are unafraid to admit it.

He returns with French psycho-sexual Thriller Elle, which after drawing several raves at Cannes, now makes its way to Toronto where it should make a splash.

Centering on video game company executive Michèle (Isabelle Huppert) who mysteriously gets attacked, she makes it a mission to find her assailant after failing to get the help of police. He edges-in dangerously close, ready to attack again at any moment and the suspense at time becomes unbearable.

Cleverly-crafted, we find ourselves mesmerized by the effortless cool of Michèle in what is an unforgettable performance by the legendary Huppert. We navigate through her complex world of lies, secrecy and seduction. All the while she must consolidate her strained familial relationships with her mother, son and her imprisoned father, while we learn more about her deep, dark past.

ELLE screens at TIFF ’16 Friday, September 9, 2016 at 5:30 PM VISA Screening Room and Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 9:00 AM TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Ewan McGregor tries his hand at directing by adapting Philip Roth’s Novel American Pastoral and the Movie works incredibly-well. There are some downfalls, like a slow-burning Third Act, but for a directorial debut, this is remarkable.

The Movie takes place in 1968 and centers on a family consisting of Merry (Dakota Fanning), Dawn (Jennifer Connelly) and Seymour ‘Swede’ Levov (Ewan McGregor) and how their lives turn upside down when their daughter starts devoting herself to a radical political cause. . However it is not that she just simply believes in another political affiliation, it is the extremes she goes to that sends her family in a downward spiral, destroying everything they have built.

What works in American Pastoral are the powerhouse performances from both McGregor and Fanning respectively as the father who will stop at nothing to find his daughter and the defiant daughter who must stand her ground in the name of what she feels is right. The Film is sure to generate a conversation.

American Pastoral screens at TIFF:

Friday, September 9, 2016 6:30 PM at Princess of Wales Theatre

Saturday, September 10, 2016 10:00 AM at VISA Screening Room

Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

After getting burned quite badly by his highly decisive High-Rise at last year’s Festival, I was a little skeptical to give Director Ben Wheatley’s Midnight Madness opener Free Fire a chance this year.

But I am very glad I did – because I freaking loved every moment of it.

Wheatley’s stylish and wildly unpredictable ode to ‘70s Crime-Thrillers is a blast from start to finish, rarely slowing down to breathe over the course of its 90-minute running time. What starts as a typical weapons deal devolves into a bloody, merciless and quick-witted Mexican standoff inside a sprawling abandoned warehouse. Everyone is in it for themselves, even turning on each other, hoping to be the last one standing to leave with a briefcase full of money.

The character set-up is minimal before chaos erupts, but each cast member seems to slide perfectly into their role. I have never seen Armie Hammer have as much fun or look nearly as cool under pressure as he does here. Sharlto Copley is pure manic insanity, continuing his string of standout, nonsensical character performances. Cillian Murphy is never afforded the time to cut loose, surprisingly staying narrow and calculating throughout. And fresh off her Oscar-winning turn in Room, Brie Larson turns heads as the only female in this room – who is just as lethal and desperate as the rest.

Free Fire is a lot of bloody fun, and the kind of genre film that audiences at Midnight Madness are going to go crazy for. Do not miss out.

FREE FIRE screens at TIFF ’16 on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 11:59 PM and
Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11:30 AM at the Ryerson Theatre.

TIFF ’16 officially has begun and as the stars begin to make their way into the City, Team Mr. Will has begun spotting them! We’re off to a bit of a shaky start, but expect us back in top form again by the weekend! While the Opening Night Gala, The Magnificent Seven took place both at Princess of Wales Theatre and Roy Thomson Hall including the likes of Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke and Chris Pratt, recent Oscar winner Brie Larson, Sharlto Copley and more kicked-off the Midnight Madness Programme at Ryerson Theatre with the Premiere for Free Fire!

While these bigger marquee names graced the Red Carpets, Team Mr. Will spotted these names quietly rolling into town for the festivities on Day 1.

Laura Vandervoort

 

A newly brunette #LauraVandervoort plans to take in a few Movies at #TIFF16 including #GordonPinsent Doc #TheRiverofMyDreams.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2016 at 5:55pm PDT

Jason Ritter, CARRIE PILBY

 

The delightful #JasonRitter, son of #JohnRitter, at #TIFF16 with #CarriePilby.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2016 at 5:52pm PDT

Aunjanue Ellis, THE BIRTH OF A NATION

 

#AunjanueEllis at #TIFF16 with #TheBirthofANation.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2016 at 5:51pm PDT

Mark Boone Junior, THE BIRTH OF A NATION

 

#TheBirthofANation star #MarkBoone arrives for #TIFF16. #SonsofAnarchy

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2016 at 7:53pm PDT

Barry Jenkins, MOONLIGHT

 

Director #BarryJenkins is gaining a lot of traction with his #TIFF16 selection, #MOONLIGHT. Expect big things to come of this one at the Festival.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2016 at 8:32pm PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong & Team)

Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

I am about to ask you to trust me to tell you something so astounding and odd that at first it will seem somewhat unbelievable. Trust me on this because I would not lie or steer you wrong: there is a 162 minute German, subtitled Movie at TIFF that you simply MUST see. Please don’t run away or scoff because I would not lie about the brilliance Writer/Director Maren Ade’s Film Toni Erdmann.

Winfried Conradi (Peter Simonischek) and his daughter Ines (Sandra Hüller) don’t understand each other. He wants her to learn to be happy and she wishes he would learn to grow up. He “likes to make jokes” and she thinks “happiness is a strong word.” In order to find a place in his daughter’s life he becomes Toni Erdmann: a gregarious stranger with bad teeth and an even worse wig. The people in Ines’ life know he’s fake and slightly off-key but they accept this strange man into their circle more willingly than they do Winfried; and to her own amazement, so does Ines.

This unconventional comedy will have you reassessing everything you thought you knew about German Cinema. This oddly-sentimental Film will you have you laughing and smiling for days.

Toni Erdmann screens:

Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 5:30 PM Ryerson Theatre
Friday, September 9, 2016 at 12:15 PM TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX 1

After setting the world of cinema on fire with his all-in 2008 debut Hunger, Irish-German actor Michael Fassbender quickly has risen to the ranks among Hollywood’s top leading men. The striking star has challenged himself with great aptitude in roles so demanding, alas the Academy could not resist, garnering him a nomination for his portrayal of technology icon Steve Jobs earlier this year.

TIFF ’16, the Festival’s 41st edition, rolled out the Red Carpet for Fassbender at its TIFF Bell Lightbox Headquarters, him headlining its annual Soirée. The London-trained star spoke with TIFF Artistic Director Cameron Bailey before an intimate audience which included notable names Shohreh Aghdashloo, Deepa Mehta, Kristian Bruun and several TIFF Rising Stars. He reflected on his most memorable roles and collaborations with Writer/Director Steve McQueen, both whom have paired together through three widely-acclaimed Films: Hunger, Shame and Best Picture-winning 12 Years a Slave. All three Films premiered at TIFF.

He is back this year with Trespass Against Us for Elevation Pictures, in which he stars alongside Brendan Gleeson. The Film examines the tensions between travelers versus settlers and a son’s attempt to escape the outlaw life of a criminal clan.

Does Fassbender like to watch his own Films?

He describes the process of seeing his own Films rather “horrifying” but admits, “I kinda get off on it.”. He doesn’t plan to sit through his performance in Trespass Against Us.

On his experience working with Director Andrea Arnold, he admits to being a bit of a slow learner as she would pass him his lines the night before. “She likes to create chaos and is brilliant at capturing it, whereas some Directors like to create chaos and can’t do the same.”. “Magic moments are ones that can’t be planned. It’s like the black lines between a photograph which get captured by a camera – they make us fall in love with a story.”.

How does Fassbender compare the experience of acting on stage versus camera?

He says, “It’s about finding the pace of the day when filming and pacing yourself accordingly. Filming is much like sprinting, whereas theatre is more like a marathon.”.

On filming big-budget Blockbusters like Prometheus and X-Men, he breaks down how much slower a process that is versus the smaller-budget Films he’s made in his repertoire.

“On a big budget shoot, we go through maybe two pages of dialogue a day. Everyone has to be in-sync as a machine – it’s quite impressive.”.  He adds, “It took 25 days on the other hand to make Shame and an unbelievable 35 days to make 12 Years a Slave.”.

Playing Erik Lehnsherr in the X-Men Franchise, he sheds some light on his own superpowers.

“I’m a great Powernapper. I mustn’t be without a superpower! I can just lie down on stage if it comes to that. When I’m tired I just have to sleep.”.

How exactly did the magical Steven McQueen-Michael Fassbender partnership begin?

Fassbender admits, “He actually hated me at first and thought I was arrogant”. The Casting Director of Hunger convinced him to let me read again for the much-talked-about 17-minute-long scene between his Bobby and the Priest. He was offered the role shortly after that.

He equates collaborating with McQueen and Team to making music, describing it “like riffing back and forth”.

Bailey asked Fassbender about the physicality he brings to his roles in how he fully transforms every time.

“Pub Theatre (performing the likes of Resevoir Dogs) and doing pantomimes is how I started where we used body as expression,” he recalls. During his time in London, which saw him dropping-out six months before graduation, he studied movement within space and ballet.

“Shoes and costumes give me that extra layer to get into character.  It all starts from feet up.”.

With already this much accomplished we wonder what’s left for Fassbender to conquer?

The Thespian would love to do Comedy. “I spoke to Seth Rogen (his Steve Jobs Co-Star) about it after throwing a blueberry at him over dinner!”.

Trespass Against Us premieres TIFF ’16 on Friday, September 9, 2016 at Princess of Wales Theatre at 10:00 PM.

Fassbender at the TIFF Soirée:

 Shohreh Aghdashloo + Alma Parvizian

TIFF Rising Star Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama + Cameron Bailey

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong + Team)

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Director Kim Nguyen brings to TIFF ’16 a Philosophical Drama, Two Lovers and a Bear, that questions how far one will go for a loved one and at what cost. When two lovers are living close to the North Pole and they both have their inner demons to face, the question gets raised as to what they will do for one another to allow them to achieve their dreams and try to escape the horrible pasts they have left behind.

The Movie focuses on Lucy (Canada’s Tatiana Maslany) and Roman (Dane DeHaan) who are madly in love with one another. They both live near the North Pole in a secluded community to try and escape their pasts but every now and then it manages to resurface and hurt them both. When Lucy receives word that she has been accepted to study biology, their relationship takes a turn for the worst and the movie starts to beg the question of how far will one go for their love?

Both Maslany and DeHaan give it their all, and their performance can turn even the most cynical of people into believers. The chemistry they share throughout the Film is truly magical and makes the audience believe what they are witnessing is genuine emotions. Two Lovers and a Bear is not to be missed at TIFF ’16.

Two Lovers and a Bear screens at TIFF on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 6:30 PM at the Visa Screening Room (Elgin Theatre) and Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 3 PM at Ryerson Theatre.

It’s our favourite time of the year and the team at MR. WILL WONG are excited to share with you their insights as to what you should be seeing at TIFF ’16!  It’s impossible to believe we’re literally two days away from the world’s greatest Film Festival!

Mr. Will (@mrwillw)

La La Land
Elle
Personal Shopper
Loving
Denial

The electric buzz coming out of Venice for LA LA LAND is certainly warranted and we cannot wait for you to discover the genius that is Damien Chazelle‘s dazzling sophomore effort. We also were mesmerized by Isabelle Huppert‘s work in Paul Verhoeven‘s dark and twisty ELLE.  Kristen Stewart mesmerized us in PERSONAL SHOPPER in what is a career-best performance. We haven’t yet seen LOVING, but believe the buzz and can’t wait to be floored by Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton‘s performances.  We also cannot deny we were moved by Rachel Weisz‘s phenomenal work in DENIAL and although people aren’t talking about it as much as some of the other marquee titles, do not let this one slip off your radar. Honourable mention also to UNA starring Ben Mendelsohn and Rooney Mara (we adore her!) which also is getting quite a bit of buzz and acclaim out of Telluride. We will let you know as soon as we see it!

Let’s see what the rest of the Team have to say…

Siobhán Rich (@Typo_Eh)

Abacus: Small Enough to Jail
La La Land
Nelly
Paterson
Toni Erdmann

If you’re only going to see five Movies at TIFF this year you should try and make them well rounded choices. Toni Erdmann is a brilliant Foreign Film that will leave you smiling long after you leave the theatre. Jim Jarmusch’s Paterson is a beautiful character study starring Adam Driver. No Film curation would be complete with a Documentary and you can’t go wrong with Director Steve James. Abacus: Small Enough to Jail is an interesting David & Goliath story centering around the 2008 financial crisis. Checking off both the Vanguard and all important Canadian boxes is Anne Émond’s Biopic Nelly, which explores the life a writer from Québec. Finally, for a fun pick that will leave all your friends envious: La La Land. This hugely buzzed-about Musical staring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone is an early favourite for People’s Choice winner. My bonus pick is Jeff Nichols’ Loving about a couple in Virginia who fought to overturn the State’s ban on interracial marriage.

Have a great TIFF ’16!

David Baldwin (@DaveMABaldwin)

La La Land
I absolutely adored and championed Damien Chazelle’s Oscar-winning Whiplash after seeing it during TIFF ’14. I was immediately on board for anything he had in store for his follow-up. I was excited after hearing it was a Musical, but became infinitely more excited when I found out it would team-up Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone again. No matter what happened, this was the only ticket I absolutely NEEDED at this year’s Festival.

The Birth of a Nation
Nate Parker’s directorial debut about a slave uprising in the 1830s was the toast of this year’s Sundance Film Festival. It was destined for Oscar glory at that time, but now it is being talked about for a whole other despicable reason. It was on my radar from before, but the controversy that is plaguing its release is just making me more interested in watching it. TIFF promises extended talks after the Film for its first two screenings, but are they going to happen?

Headshot
I look back at some years going to TIFF and immediately regret missing out on some great Films. Skipping-out on The Raid back in 2011 was a terrible mistake, and one I made sure I did not repeat when I heard Indonesian action star Iko Uwais was returning to Midnight Madness with his new Film Headshot. I did not even stop to read what the Film was about and still have very little clue. I just know that watching it at Midnight is going to be a blast.

Nocturnal Animals
Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams are two of the best actors working in Hollywood right now. Putting them together under the direction of Fashion Designer-turning-Filmmaker Tom Ford? Well that can only be a truly special kind of Film, and if the buzz out of Venice is to be believed, we are in for a sumptuous treat. And if it is anything like Ford’s A Single Man, it is destined for greatness.

Bleed for This
Miles Teller is one of the very few actors who I will watch anything in, no matter what. When I watched the trailer for Bleed for This during the summer, I knew this would be another great performance from the young actor. And seeing him paired with the likes of Aaron Eckhart, Katey Sagal and the great Ciarán Hinds makes for an unmissable event.

 
Justin Waldman (@DubsReviews)

Oh where to begin with the most wonderful time of the year? And no I am not talking about Christmas. Well I lied, I sort of am TIFFmas is here and there are plenty of highly-anticipated Films coming to the Festival this year and without further yammering, here are my top five in no particular order.

La La Land
Nocturnal Animals
Arrival
Free Fire
Paterson

All of these Films have elements to them that make me incredibly-excited for them. Whether that be Actors, Directors or general concept behind each one of these Movies, these have me anticipating TIFF ’16.

Jon Godfrey

American Honey
American Pastoral
A United Kingdom
The Handmaiden
The Red Turtle

What I love most about Film Festivals are the Movies. What I love most about TIFF is its international flavors. Like the city the Festival of Festivals is set in, TIFF Films are from multiple cultures and feature endless perspectives. Though two of my picks have “America” in their title, both are helmed by Directors from the United Kingdom. A United Kingdom is directed by an English woman of Ghanaian decent, and discusses interracial marriage. Then there’s The Handmaiden, set in Japan occupied Korea and dressed like Victoria’s England. Lastly, The Red Turtle, is a Dutch drawn Film co-produced by Japan’s Studio Ghibli… and it’s also my top pick 😉 All my picks look at this world with wonder, and come from around this wonderful world.

Amanda Gilmore (@GilmoreAmanda)

La La Land
Anything Damien Chazelle makes I will run to see! Plus it has the added bonus of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. It’s a Musical! It is one of the most talked about Films of the year.

Manchester By The Sea
Casey Affleck is a marvel to watch in everything he does, that is reason alone to see this. But this year he is getting Oscar buzz for his performance! It’s a quiet Film with a lot of heart.

Loving
This is the most talked about film coming out of film festivals. It’s got Oscar written all over it! The story is one of the more powerful and important ones at the Festival.

Burn Your Maps
This is a small Film that many aren’t talking about. Jacob Tremblay (Room) stars as the lead which is enough reason to go. It’s the Film no one talks about before the Festival, but everyone will hear about it after.

Nocturnal Animals
I’m a sucker for Jake Gyllenhaal. I’m a sucker for Amy Adams. The plot is strange and dark. It’s directed by Tom Ford (A Single Man) and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

George Kozera (@PartyG)

La La Land
Denial
It’s Only the End of the World
Arrival
American Pastoral

From a sun-drenched, most innovative Musical in decades (LA LA LAND) to the darkness of a soul who dismisses the reality of the Holocaust in a court room Drama (DENIAL); from offerings by two Canadian Auteurs who have yet to fail to impress (Xavier Dolan‘s IT’S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD and Denis Villeneuve‘s ARRIVAL) to a heartbreaking Family Drama based on a Philip Roth Novel (AMERICAN PASTORAL), TIFF ’16 is poised to be the best Festival yet!

TIFF ’16 takes place between Thursday, September 8, 2016 through Sunday, September 18, 2016.  Check back right here and bookmark for up-to-minute star sightings and Reviews of the most buzzed Films at the Festival!

Be sure to be following on Social Media also:

Twitter: @mrwillw

Instagram: @mrwillwong

Snapchat: mrwillwong

Facebook: @mrwillwongblog

By Siobhán Rich, Justin Waldman + Mr. Will Wong

Although the end of Summer often triggers a chorus of sighs, it also means that FAN EXPO CANADA‘s back in Toronto.  The annual convention now in its 22nd year, bringing together the greatest figures in Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime and Gaming with their Fans in a true celebration of “geeking-out”, takes place at Metro Toronto Convention Centre between Thursday, September 1 through Sunday, September 4, 2016.

127k Fans were expected to attend this year with star-power unparalleled. Appearing this year are the likes of Jack Gleeson, John Cusack, Joan Cusack, Frank Miller, Gillian Anderson, George Takei, William Shatner, Nichelle Nichols, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Adam West, Burt Ward, Christopher Lloyd,  Anne Heche, Linda Blair, Hayley Atwell, Ben McKenzie, Morena Baccarin, Charlie Cox and the headliner, Mark Hamill. This also marks the final time that Marvel icon Stan Lee will be appearing in Canada.

Riding the high of international sensation POKÉMON GO, Fan Expo Canada introduced for the first time a Pokémon Go Lure Party giving attendees a chance to advance levels on the game and collect rare Pokémon.

Several series premiered episodes at Fan Expo Canada including the likes of Travelers, The Killjoys, Son of Zorn and YouTube series Carmilla.

Netflix Canada getting into the spirit also presented a retro 90s-theme Dance Party for attendees to mingle.  The Canadian League of Gamers eSports Tournament debuts at Fan Expo Canada also this year. More info on that here.

We had the chance to sit-on some panels and even chat with some of talent appearing this year.  Here are some highlights and memorable quotes:

JACK GLEESON, GAME OF THRONES

“People just love to hate me”, says Gleeson on his role as King Joffrey Baratheon on the record-breaking HBO series. The 24-year-old Irish actor adds “I just give ’em a hug and we are alright”, when people transfer their dislike of him on the show to him in real life.  On whom he’d like to see take the throne on Game of Thrones, he chooses Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). “We need a woman to knock some sense into people.”.

JOE QUESADA, Chief Creative Officer, MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT

The Comic Book Writer, Artist and Editor from New York grew-up loving the likes of Black Panther, Daredevil, Punisher and The Inhumans.  When he was brought-on to Marvel in the late ’90s, he admits he wanted most to work on these books. He tells us, “They were paying artists $14 per hour back in 1990!”. After being appointed CCO in 2010, he has helped transform Marvel Entertainment into the powerhouse it has become once again. He admits, “I am the luckiest son of a bitch in Comics right now.”.

STAN LEE, FORMER PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN OF MARVEL COMICS

The Marvel legendary is making his final Canadian appearance at Fan Expo 2016 and was a great sport appearing from start to finish. He spoke at his hotly-buzzed panel, reflecting back on his career.  On the many iconic characters he has developed, he says “I really don’t have a favourite character. I love them all. I love Silver Surfer, I love Doctor Strange, I love Spiderman. I love them all. But every time I get asked the question I always say Spider-Man and the audience goes ‘yay’.”.

Of all the talented actors to bring his character to life on-screen, he reveals “My favourite actor is Robert Downey Jr.  I asked him if  anyone ever has called him Bob? He said sure you can call me Bob, Bobo. So now I call him Bobo.”.

ADAM WEST & BURT WARD, BATMAN

We all grew-up at some point watching the Batman live-action series of the ’60s. How amazing is it that Batman and Robin both were at Fan Expo Canada together this year in spirited fashion?

Ward, known best for his role as Robin gives his Co-Star West the highest praise.  “There were a lot of fine actors who played Batman, but there’s only one Batman and that’s Adam West!“.  West jokingly replied, “I deserve that!”. On some of the highly-physical work he did on the series, he kids “They took out a $3 million life-insurance policy on me and I’m convinced by the end of the show they were trying to claim it!”.

West, reflecting on Catwoman remembers, “She gave me a curious stirrings in my utility belt!”.

GILLIAN ANDERSON, THE X-FILES

Work has brought the The X-Files star back to the City to film, including upcoming series AMERICAN GODS. At her panel, she shed some light on her Agent Scully character saying, “She is quite square and I’m not, but I like her.”.

JOHN CUSACK, HIGH FIDELITY

The well-known Actor appeared in a package offer with his equally-brilliant sister Joan.  While he is quite political on Social Media, he made an interesting analogy at his panel, “I see Twitter as curation and graffiti.”.

JOHN BARROWMAN, DOCTOR WHO/ARROW

The spirited Scottish-American Actor appeared at a hot ticket panel to thunderous applause. He tells his Fans, “If you don’t follow me you’re missing out on my fabulous life!”.

On his theatrical pursuits, he does say that his dream role on-stage would be Mac in Mac and Mabel.

MARK HAMILL, STAR WARS

The iconic Star Wars Actor made a rare appearance at Fan Expo this year and offered a VIP Experience to Fans and spoke at multiple panels. He tells his Fans, “This isn’t a show it’s an intimate conversation between thousands of my new best friends and me”.

On the upcoming continuation of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, he says “Gareth Edwards said five words to me that’s the biggest spoiler.”.

CHARLIE COX + ELDEN HENSON, DAREDEVIL

The two stars originally were to be joined by Marvel‘s Daredevil Co-star Jon Bernthal, although he was unable to make Fan Expo 2016 in the end. The duo spoke at a panel today and when asked which Marvel character they’d like to appear as a cameo on their series, Cox chose Black Widow.  Henson however is a fan of Chris Pratt and would like to see his Star-Lord appear on the series.

A fun fact revealed is that the portrait on the wall at the 15th Precinct in the series is actual one of Stan Lee!

MAT FRASER + NAOMI GROSSMAN, AMERICAN HORROR STORY: FREAKSHOW

Speaking to our Justin Waldman and Siobhán Rich, the two stars of the popular FX Series reveal some personal details about their experience.

Fraser tells us about filming a bed scene with Jessica Lange,  “Of course, she’s hugely attractive but when you’re acting you’re acting. […] She pulled me in close. She made it really intimate. She nailed the scene: she nailed the intimacy between two actors to make the scene believable. Because she is a star in every sense of the word.”.

Grossman talks to the series’ shorter seasons, stating “As an actor it’s amazing. Because with the exception of me everyone’s gotten a chance to play another role. So I hope to have that opportunity.”.

CHARLES MARTINET, MARIO

We enjoyed most our chat with charismatic Charles Martinet, who voices Video Game icon Mario.

Listen below:

Some of the BEST cosplay I saw today at @FANEXPOCANADA #Hawkman #Hawkgirl #JLA pic.twitter.com/YxAJ3A1IqT

— Justin (@DubsReviews) September 3, 2016

.@FANEXPOCANADA is the place to find epic #cosplay today. #FanExpoCan pic.twitter.com/SB2AptkzA6

— MsTypo (@Typo_eh) September 2, 2016

.@FANEXPOCANADA is proof that Toronto loves #cosplay. pic.twitter.com/iRd7U7HQbU

— MsTypo (@Typo_eh) September 2, 2016

 

That amazing moment @JoeQuesada crashes @TheRealStanLee @FANEXPOCANADA panel. 😮😳 #FanExpoCan pic.twitter.com/4snbnvDLbK

— MsTypo (@Typo_eh) September 4, 2016

#JackGleeson of #GameofThrones, appearing at #FanExpoCanada today. He chooses #Daenerys to take the throne! “We need a woman to knock some sense into people”.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 2, 2016 at 6:50pm PDT

Burt Ward + Adam West of #Batman series at #FanExpoCanada today. Ward still thinks West was the best Batman. West agrees. LOL (Photo credit: @dubsreviews)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 2, 2016 at 6:55pm PDT

#GillianAnderson at #FanExpoCanada: “She’s quite square, but I like her!” on Scully. #XFiles #FanExpo (Photo credit: Catherine Dennis)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 8:04pm PDT

#JohnBarrowman at #FanExpoCanada: “If you don’t follow me you’re missing out on my fabulous life!”. #FanExpo (Photo credit: @mstypo)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 8:48pm PDT

Since signing on as #Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer in 2010, #JoeQuesada has helped transform it to the mega-empire it has become again after reaching bankruptcy. #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo (Photo credit: @mstypo)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 6:31am PDT

#MarkHamill at #FanExpoCanada last night. “I would choose rainbow! How’s that for a dodge?”, on which light saber he would choose. #StarWars #LukeSkywalker #FanExpo (Photo credit: @dubsreviews)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 6:26am PDT

#TheCusacks. #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo #JohnCusack #JoanCusack

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 4:17pm PDT

#MarkHamill, b*tches. #StarWars #LukeSkywalker #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 4:16pm PDT

With #JackGleeson, of #GameofThrones. #KingJoffreyBaratheon #GoT #KingJoffrey #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 11:27am PDT

#CharlieCox at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo #Daredevil

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 7:02pm PDT

#WilliamShatner at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo #StarTrek

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 11:13pm PDT

You know a bro’s got your back when they fix your hair for your Mark Hamill photo op. #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 11:12pm PDT

#JurassicWorld Cosplay at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 11:22pm PDT

#TheWalkingDead’s #ScottWilson at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo #TWD

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 3, 2016 at 11:24pm PDT

With #LindaBlair, star of #TheExorcist. #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 4, 2016 at 4:41pm PDT

With star of #TheFlash, #DaniellePanabaker. #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 4, 2016 at 4:41pm PDT

Meeting #Marvel icon, #StanLee, who made his final Canadian appearance at #FanExpoCanada 2016. #FanExpo

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 4, 2016 at 4:41pm PDT

Missed out on FAN EXPO CANADA? Learn more here and plan for next year!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Justin Waldman/Siobhán Rich/Catherine Dennis)