For a second straight week, DEADPOOL demolishes the competition with a fantastic $56 million from 3,722 theatres for 20th Century Fox. In two weeks it has amassed $236.9 million in earnings already!

KUNG FU PANDA 3 is a distant second but rises back up to second spot with $13.2 million for 20th Century Fox also, now in its fourth week out.  It has made $117 million domestically to-date.

RISEN debuts in third with $11.5 million for Sony Pictures from 2,915 theatres. Its A- CinemaScore should help it in coming weeks as the Biblical Drama looks to carry its life into Easter. Critics gave it 58% on the Tomatometer.

THE WITCH debuts in fourth for A24/Elevation Pictures with $8.3 million from 2,046 theatres. Audiences didn’t respond too well with a C- CinemaScore, but Critics know best with an 88% score on the Tomatometer and a Twitter endorsement from King of Horror himself, Stephen King.

HOW TO BE SINGLE slips to fifth spot with $8 million for Warner Bros. this weekend, now in its second week out, making $35 million thus far.

Jesse Owens Biopic RACE debuts in sixth spot with $7 million from 2,369 theatres for eOne Films/Focus Features. Critics gave it a just-passing 61% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it an A CinemaScore, which should give it some life in coming weeks.

ZOOLANDER 2 slips to seventh spot in its second week out with $5.3 for Paramount Pictures.  It has made $23 million in its run thus far.

Rounding-out the Top Ten is HAIL, CAESAR! with $2.6 million for Universal Pictures.  Numerically coincidental, it has made $26 million to date in three weeks.

Burlesque icon Dita Von Teese made her way to Toronto today spreading her signature glamour through the City after some pretty bleak weather.  Gracing covers internationally, runways and performing for the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin and Marc Jacobs, the multi-talented star gave Fans a rare chance to connect with her.

Arriving a little past 1 PM, the Von Teese made her way through the front entrance at Bloor West alternative fashion shop, ROSIE THE REBEL as 200+ Fans queued the block.  A vision in a rose-print black dress, she gave event management clear, concise instructions before Fans promptly made their way into the store, not only getting copies of her latest Book YOUR BEAUTY MARK signed, but also photos with her too!  The HarperCollins release divulges some of her greatest beauty secrets over 400 glossy pages. More here.

Several of her admirers made her influence known, donning outfits inspired by the fashion force herself!

As part of Northbound Leather’s 26th Anniversary Fetish Night, Von Teese also would headline with not one – but two performances at The Phoenix Concert Theatre.  The performances mark the first time in almost a decade that she has performed in the City, her last time being for Fashion Cares in 2007. Back then we were just learning who Katy Perry was!

We had the pleasure of meeting Von Teese, and she was absolutely gracious.  Although she totally didn’t have to do a Selfie, she was more than nice about accommodating me!

Von Teese next is Montreal-bound, slated for a performance at Olympia tomorrow night.

See some Snaps:

So amazing meeting #Burlesque icon, #DitaVonTeese! She’s here for a performance at The Phoenix and to sign her new book, #YourBeautyMark. 👄

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 20, 2016 at 11:28am PST

#DitaVonTeese meeting fans today for book, #YourBeautyMark. #The6ix #Toronto @ditavonteese

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 20, 2016 at 10:24am PST

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Elevation Pictures + Mr. Will want to get you elevated! We want Readers across Canada to win copies of LEGEND on Blu-ray Combo Pack!

 
LEGEND
From Academy Award® winner Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential, Mystic River) and Working Title (The Theory of Everything) comes the true story of the rise and fall of London’s most notorious gangsters, Reggie and Ronnie Kray, both portrayed by Tom Hardy in a powerhouse double performance. Together, the Kray Twins take over the city. But as their reign expands, power-struggles, fierce madness,and a woman diminishes their bond; the weak link that could cause their empire to collapse. Legend is a classic crime thriller taking us into the secret history of the 1960s and the extraordinary events that secured the infamy of the Kray Twins.

LEGEND is available on-demand and Blu-ray Combo Pack Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Tom Hardy, Emily Browning and Taron Egerton star.

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Canadian Readers only please.

G’LUCK.

This Giveaway brought to us by Elevation Pictures.

(Photo credit: Elevation Pictures)

Willionaire$!  I’m thrilled to announce that for a second time, I have the great honour of being invited to Beverly Hills, California to attend AN EVENING WITH CANADA’S STARS!  The Gala pays tribute to Canadian accomplishments in Awards Season and Honorees, Winners and Nominees will be in attendance. It is now in its third year, brought to us by Telefilm Canada, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles.

We can all agree that Canada’s had a phenomenal year.  Did you know that Academy Award Best Picture Nominees ROOM and BROOKLYN are Co-Canadian productions?  Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada points out that this is the first time Canada ever has had two productions in-the-running for Best Picture. ROOM was filmed entirely in our City, also premiering in our City at TIFF ’15 to People’s Choice Award success at the Festival, propelling Writer Emma Donoughue, Director Lenny Abrahamson, Actor Jacob Tremblay and Actress Brie Larson onto a massively-successful Awards Season trail. Let us not forget Toronto’s The Weeknd who is up for Best Original Song for Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey) and also our Rachel McAdams’ Supporting Actress nomination for Toronto-filmed SPOTLIGHT – seen widely as a frontrunner for Best Picture.  Canada plays a more pivotal role in Hollywood and the international stage than one might think.

James Villeneuve, Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles says, “Canada’s talent—on screen and behind the scenes—is a sign of the strength of the entire range of Canadian creative industries. It’s a great moment to celebrate our filmmakers’ achievements and keep building on the momentum of our successful partnerships in the US and elsewhere.”

Taking place at the prestigious Four Seasons on Thursday, February 25, 2016 4-7 PM PST, the affair promises to be a star-studded one.  Expected this year are the likes of: Amanda Crew, Tricia Helfer, Greyston Holt, Jonathan Keltz, Brett Dier, Amanda Plummer, Sarah Rafferty, Maxim Roy, Jacob Tremblay, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Anna Silk, David Sutcliffe and Laura Vandervoort. Lyriq Bent, Emmanuelle Chriqui and Adam Beach, who will soon be seen in Suicide Squad, will be presenting.

Both Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara will be honoured that night with an Academy Legacy Award.

Past attendees include Eric McCormack, Don McKellar, Sandra Oh, Suzanne Somers, Kathleen Robertson, Wendy Crewson, Lyndie Greenwood, Norm Jewison, Jason Priestley and Academy Award winner Craig Mann (whom I was classmates with in Music Keyboarding back at St. Mary!).

While this is our second time ever visiting Hollywood, we are thrilled to appear on SIRIUS XM as radio veteran Todd Shapiro brings THE TODD SHAPIRO SHOW show to Los Angeles through March, discussing Awards Season. Stay tuned for times as we’d love it if you tuned-in!

An Evening with Canada’s Stars takes place in advance of Canadian Screen Week festivities, running Monday, March 7, culminating in the Canadian Screen Awards Sunday, March 13, 2016.  We’ll definitely be there! More here.

Stay tuned for all the Red Carpet excitement!

Mr. Will

It literally has been 10 years since the world’s seen an album from music and fashion icon Gwen Stefani. We all grew-up with Gwen. When we first heard her front No Doubt, we were mesmerized by Don’t Speak. Her distinctive voice, her unmistakable presence and her groundbreaking style have come to define her and will continue to define her.

Third solo disc THIS IS HOW THE TRUTH FEELS is due to hit stores in March 2016 via Universal Music Canada. We want to give Readers across Canada a chance to own a copy of the Disc!

Check out the Tracklist:

1. “Misery”
2. “You’re My Favorite”
3. “Where Would I Be”
4. “Make Me Like You”
5. “Truth”
6. “Used to Love You”
7. “Send Me a Picture”
8. “Red Flag”
9. “Asking for It”
10. “Naughty”
11. “Me Without You”
12. “Rare”

Official Artwork:

To enter to win a copy, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Stefani has had an amazing repertoire. Name for us your favourite song. You may click “share” from there for an extra chance!

G’luck, Willionaire$!

Universal Music Canada release THIS IS HOW THE TRUTH FEELS in standard and deluxe editions Friday, March 18, 2016.

If you haven’t seen Stefani‘s new first-ever Live Music Video for Single MAKE ME LIKE YOU, then you must. Click here to see it!

Pre-order now on iTunes.

Meeting Gwen Stefani back in 2016:

What I really need is for this #GwenStefani Comeback finally to be happening. So happy meeting her at #MuchMusic and getting her to sign my Deluxe Edition of #LoveAngelMusicBaby. Wish I asked her for a Selfie back then!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 3, 2015 at 7:19am PST

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

2018. Mark your calendars, everyone! In addition to being a major attraction as a casino and host to world-class Horse Racing, plans were announced today regarding Woodbine Racetrack‘s long-awaited transformation!  With 275-hectare parcels of land available, we learned today that Woodbine will be the new home to a 165,00 square foot, 5,000 seat concert venue. A memorandum of understanding was just signed between Woodbine Entertainment Group and Trinity Development Group.  That’s right – more live acts coming into the City  and less dreadful commutes way, way, way out of the Greater Toronto Area!

Our Friend Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Group reveals also that in the long-term, a movie theatre, shops and restaurants are in development, while eventually homes, offices and post-secondary school satellite buildings also could be a reality.  We’re terribly excited about this. Inasmuch as we love Woodbine, having grown-up there, a rejuvenation to draw people from our generation out is long overdue.

Make no mistake though, Woodbine still very much is a gaming facility with fortunes to be won.  In addition to over 2,500 slot machines ranging from 1¢ to $5, more electronic games are expected also.

BBB Architects will be overseeing this transformation and their previous projects are of a huge magnitude, including Madison Square Garden in New York and the L.A. Forum in Los Angeles. We’re talking WORLD. CLASS.

Jim sent me a note today telling me, “Thought you’d like our Music announcement today. Kind of a Daily Double for you!”.  Little does he know this is actually a Superfecta for me!  Shopping. Dining. Movies. Music and Horses?  I might as well just live there basically.  Jim I know really loved Lady Gaga‘s David Bowie Tribute at The Grammys last night, so I grilled him if we can expect to see her out at Woodbine in 2018?  “Hopefully before she turns 60!”, he jokes.  At least we know he’s working on it!  

Gwen’s back!  After multiple delays, one of our fave platinum blonde is ready to release her new Disc WHAT THE TRUTH FEELS LIKE, kicking it off with an album listening session here in Toronto over NBA Allstar Weekend!

She debuted her first-ever Live Music Video, sponsored by Target for new single MAKE ME LIKE YOU during the Grammys last night.  Did you see it?

One of her more catchy tunes, we’re getting a bit of Lovefool mixed with a little Viva La Vida. Do you hear it? Did you know this was all dedicated to her muse, Blake Shelton?

See the Video:

Universal Music Canada release WHAT THE TRUTH FEELS LIKE on Friday, March 18, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music Canada)

The weather could not stop Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton from letting Eddie fly! The Duo after being scheduled for the Canadian Premiere of Sports Biopic EDDIE THE EAGLE at Scotiabank Theatre had unforeseen delays preventing them from leaving New York in time for last night’s Red Carpet. Attending however was Actor/Director Dexter Fletcher, treating last night’s audience to a Q&A. More on that here.

Welsh-born Egerton, who was just at the BAFTAs this weekend, gained many new Fans last year in breakout hit KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE. Although we were expecting to see him at TIFF alongside Tom Hardy for LEGEND, today would be the day – a snowy afternoon with traffic moving at a pedestrian pace.

Despite being in a rush, Egerton stopped for Fans quickly after a morning of Press, before heading out to CTV‘s THE SOCIAL where he and Co-Star Hugh Jackman would appear.

We spotted Jackman in a t-shirt, jeans and a handful of bags heading into his SUV, apologizing that he didn’t have time to stop today. Hughly..errr… we mean highly forgivable as he has been wonderful to the City, starring in a one-man show at Princess of Wales Theatre Summer 2011 greeting fans daily, the Premiere of Real Steel and his last visit here TIFF ’13 for Prisoners.

EDDIE THE EAGLE centers on Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards (Egerton) who competed at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics without funding or sponsorship. After placing last in two ski jumping events for Great Britain, he became an example of “heroic failure”, celebrated and becoming a star in his own right with a career which saw him authoring a book and several television appearances. The Film hones in on his battle to compete after he sparked several changes in rules and regulations to qualify for the Olympics, and also his relationship with imaginary mentor Bronson Peary (Jackson).

See our Snap:

With #EddieTheEagle star #TaronEgerton who made it in after all for Press Day! The snow could not stop this brilliant star of #Kingsman!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 16, 2016 at 10:15am PST

20th Century Fox Canada release EDDIE THE EAGLE Friday, February 26, 2016.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Not that it was a surprise, but Taylor Swift takes home the Album of the Year award a second time at the GRAMMYs tonight for her 5.7 million copy-selling Disc, 1989. The Album also won for Pop Vocal Album, while single Bad Blood won Video of the Year.  Swift, sporting a new bob-cut, stole the spotlight, addressing some shade thrown her way recently on Kanye West track Famous on which he takes credit for her rise to fame. She said, “There are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame, but if you just focus on the work and you don’t let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you are going, you’ll look around and you will know that it was you and the people who love you who put you there and that will be the greatest feeling in the world”.

West once again proves that he isn’t a favourite with GRAMMY voters, failing to win tonight despite being up for Rap Song, Rap-Sung Collaboration and Rap Performance this year.  Rap categories were dominated by leading nominee Kendrick Lamar, who was victorious for Rap Performance, Rap/Sung Collaboration, Rap Song, Rap Album and also Music Video for his collaboration with Taylor Swift on Bad Blood.

Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson got some much due respect winning Song of the Year for their outstanding collaboration, Uptown Funk. The track also won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and its remixed version by David Audé also won Best Remixed Recording (Non-Classical).

Meanwhile Ed Sheeran, won Song of the Year with Thinking Out Loud. The track also got Pop Solo Performance for the English Singer/Songwriter.

Often seen as a bit of a career curse, promising talent Meghan Trainor was named Best New Artist, reaching the summit of the Billboard Hot 200 with platinum-selling debut disc, Title.

Canada’s Justin Bieber notches his first GRAMMY win ever for Dance Recording with Skrillex/Diplo collaboration Where Are You Now. Our The Weeknd also brought-home that Canadian glory with Best R&B Performance on Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey Soundtrack) and Best Urban Contemporary Album for Beauty Behind the Madness.

See some of the evening’s most memorable performances!

Adele performing All I Ask (penned and introduced by Bruno Mars):

Lady Gaga paying tribute to David Bowie:

Tribute to Lionel Ritchie by John Legend, Demi Lovato, Luke Bryan, Meghan Trainor + Tyrese:

Complete list of winners here.

(Photo/video credit: TNT/Grammys)

Based on the story of Eddie Edwards, EDDIE THE EAGLE was well-received coming out of Sundance earlier this year.  In Toronto tonight was Director/Actor Dexter Fletcher to grace the Scotiabank Theatre Red Carpet.  Fletcher, who has starred in many classics like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Bugsy Malone, The Long Good Friday and The Elephant Man, stepped-up to the challenge of carrying the Premiere on his own after stars Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman were held-up in New York due to unforeseen delays.  The stars are expected to be in the City tomorrow still for their Press Tour.

The uplifting Biographical Comedy follows Edwards’ challenges after becoming the first ever ski jumper to compete at the Olympics. Even without sponsorship or funding, he found himself competing against the world’s best for Great Britain at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics and despite under-performing he went on to achieve great fame for his inspiring story of perseverance and “heroic failure”.  Edwards is played by Kingsman: The Secret Service‘s Egerton and imaginary mentor Bronson Peary is brought to life by Hugh Jackman.

Arriving a little after 8:30 and speaking to local outlets like Virgin 99.9, CTV, Space and Entertainment Tonight Canada, Fletcher had nothing but praise for Egerton and Jackman – their natural chemistry very apparent as friends on-camera.  He stated that this made his job much easier, making him responsible simply for capturing that.  He also feels that an uplifting story like Eddie The Eagle is needed when we we are inundated with so many heavy stories on the daily.

See our Snaps of Fletcher:

Actor/Director #DexterFletcher in #Toronto tonight for #EddieTheEagle. Opens 2/26. #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 15, 2016 at 6:55pm PST

See the Trailer:

20th Century Fox Canada release EDDIE THE EAGLE Friday, February 26, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/20th Century Fox Canada)