Huge things are expected of Marvel’s long-awaited BLACK PANTHER and with just another week to go till release, Toronto Fans were treated to a celebratory Canadian Premiere for the Ryan Coogler-directed Film. Fans queued hours for a chance at rush tickets to the event graced by none other than star Danai Gurira, known best for her work on AMC’s acclaimed series The Walking Dead as Michonne.

The groundbreaking Blockbuster comes with raves based on its Los Angeles Premiere last week and members of the Cast were just in South Korea to promote the Film too.

BLACK PANTHER is set in a technologically-advanced African nation called Wakanda, where upon the death of his father, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) rises to the throne as a successor king. He summons the help of the warriors Dora Milaje led by Okoye (Danai Gurira), his estranged wife Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and sister Shuri (Letitia Wright), among others to defend what he is due by birthright. Unexpected challengers surface suddenly to overthrow him, also threatening to cause chaos in the world with weapons made from a precious element native to Wakanda called Vibranium.

We ask a dazzling Gurira dressed in black and gold, about being approached by Coogler who admittedly had never seen The Walking Dead when reaching out to her.

Gurira: “He had seen me in a Movie that was same time as Fruitvale Station at Sundance and that Movie was called The Mother of George. So it was from that quiet Indie he became interested in working with me. This came to pass and he wrote a role with me in mind. As an Actor, nothing really tops that because I had so much respect for him. I was just so proud of him, this young man who came out of grad school and made this type of an impact. He’s so humble, so sweet, such a good guy.”.

One of the greatest things about BLACK PANTHER is its element of humour and often we see its characters are aware of the world beyond Wakanda. Likewise, Gurira’s Okoye keeps Boseman‘s T’Challa in-check when he struggles. We ask her about her experience working with the Film’s leading man.

Gurira: “He’s such a fantastic quintessential leading man. He really helms things with a quiet, calm energy that just allows everyone to feel valued and connected to him. He’s an astounding collaborator and he respects people’s thoughts and opinions. He’s a deep thinker and a great writer and storyteller himself. Working with him is really easy.”

Gurira tells us the toughest part about getting into Okoye‘s headspace.

Gurira: “I’m not as much a traditionalist as she is, I’m more a modernist. I loved that about her and I understood it, but it wasn’t where I come from. But really this let me connect more deeply with the essence to really what Wakanda speaks to, which is African self-determination. That to me is something I totally can latch-on to, this idea of a nation that has never been colonized and a need to protect that. That I could connect to.”.

Hover left and right to see photos of Gurira on tonight’s Carpet:

(Swipe left!) The dazzling #DanaiGurira at tonight’s Canadian Premiere of #BlackPanther. Opens 2.16.18. She’s in #Valentino. #BlackPantherTO #Michonne #TheWalkingDead #BlackPantherCA

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🏮 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 6, 2018 at 10:09pm PST

The Canadian Premiere saw local talent like Kardinal Offishall, Jazz Cartier, Pree and Arkells come out to show their support.  We had the pleasure of speaking to Kardinal Offishall, Priya and Arkells about what BLACK PANTHER means to them.

Kardinal Offishall: “I think since the time I was a kid, the possibility that there could be something that took place – even though it’s fictional – in a world dominated by people of colour, used to be unbelievable. It’s not a Movie that is going to be limited to people of colour as the story is universal. It’s just going to be amazing for everyone to watch this Movie. I think positive imagery that shows people who look like me in a different light, these are all things that are super-necessary, especially for the time we’re living in.”.

Offishall admits he has heard Soundtrack (out Friday, February 9, 2018 via Universal Music Canada) single All the Stars by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, thus far and gives a vote of confidence, stating “Kendrick having a hand in forming what it’s gonna sound like, I’m sure sonically it’s gonna be incredible.”.

Arkells: “Normally when we’re invited to these things, we’re on the road. On Twitter I saw last week people were going nuts about this Movie.”.

On their four JUNO nominations today, lead singer Max Kerman admits, “We planned on getting no JUNO nominations.”. The Band does plan to be in Vancouver for the Awards on Sunday, March 25, 2018 airing on CBC at 8:00 PM ET.

Also don’t forget to check-out the BLACK PANTHER EXPERIENCE as it tours Southern Ontario. It allows you to connect BLACK PANTHER to upcoming release AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR and witness Black Panther in marvelous AR Technology. Stops are as follows:

OTTAWA

Winterlude Festival – February 9-11

TORONTO

Cineplex Cinemas Queensway and VIP – February 13
CN Tower – February 17 & 18
Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough – February 20

Hover left and right to navigate slideshow:

(Swipe left!) Do not forget to check-out the #BlackPanther Experience as it tours Southern Ontario! You can get a snap with him in amazing AR Technology and connect the Film to #AvengersInfinityWar! Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER hits theatres 2.16.18. Dates: OTTAWA Winterlude Festival – February 9-11 TORONTO Cineplex Cinemas Queensway and VIP – February 13CN Tower – February 17 & 18Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough – February 20

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🏮 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 6, 2018 at 9:06pm PST

See our Chats with Kardinal Offishall, The Arkells and Gurira:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER Friday, February 16, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Photography taken on the NIKON D3300.

LWe’re all pumped for it! Though BLACK PANTHER isn’t out for a couple more weeks here’s the leas single from its Soundtrack to set the mood! PRAY FOR ME has Grammy Winners Kendrick Lamar and Canada’s The Weeknd pairing together and the Track is as epic as the Movie itself we’re hearing!

Check it out:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release BLACK PANTHER Friday, February 16, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada/Universal Music Group)

Los Angeles got lit last night as the World Premiere of BLACK PANTHER took place. The starpower was incredible with several A-List names came out to show support for what is looking to be a smash hit for Marvel/Disney. Initial reviews coming-out are incredible and we’re super-excited for this Film.  Names like Jon Voigt, Elizabeth Banks, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Martin Lawrence, Kendrick Lamar, Donald Glover and several more attended the night.

See some Pics of the Cast and notable guests:

If you’re in Quebec City or Southern Ontario, don’t forget to check-out the BLACK PANTHER EXPERIENCE as it tours these regions and experience AR Technology and connect Black Panther to Avengers: Infinity War!

Dates:

BLUE MOUNTAIN
• Winter Fest, Blue Mountain Village – January 27 & 28

QUEBEC CITY
• Carnaval De Quebec – February 2-4

OTTAWA
• Winterlude Festival – February 9-11

TORONTO
• Cineplex Cinemas Queensway and VIP – February 13
• CN Tower – February 17 & 18
• Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough – February 20

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release BLACK PANTHER Friday, February 16, 2018.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

The year that was 2017 is almost over and that means we have an entire slate of 2018 Movies to look forward to. Whether you’re a fan of animation, superheroes, or space cowboys one studio has the answer to all your dreams: Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada. As the home of Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney Animation and Disney Live Action among others, they are host to the Must-See Movies of 2018 than you can shake a lightsaber at.

Before you start trying to figure out how Coco fits into the greater Pixar universe or prepare to jump to lightspeed in anticipation of December’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the team here at Mr. Will Wong has your inside scoop to everything Disney in 2018.

Kicking things off in February, Chadwick Boseman returns as the eponymous hero in Marvel’s Black Panther. The action moves to the kingdom of Wakanda where T’Challa’s enemies are conspiring to take down the new king. Director Ryan Coogler has assembled a star-studded cast featuring a villainous Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger, and Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira members of Wakanda’s elite all-female special forces.

Madeleine L’Engle’s 1962 book A Wrinkle in Time can be found on the shelves of countless children and movie critics around the world. In March, Oscar-nominated Director Ava DuVernay will tackle this timeless Novel with a Cast featuring Mindy Kaling, Chris Pine, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon. Frozen’s Jennifer Lee adapted this story of a girl who learns her father is being held captive on a distant planet decides to save him the help of her brother, a classmate, and a little interdimensional travel.

There is no end of excitement for May’s Avengers: Infinity War. This Movie will bring together heroes from all corners of the Marvel universe as they battle Josh Brolin’s Thanos.

One word has the ability to make all animation fans thrill: Pixar. In June Brad Bird returns to direct of one of the most highly anticipated animated, superhero Sequels in decades: The Incredibles 2. Joining Bob, Helen, Violet and Dash is baby Jack Jack whose powers manifested at the end of last Movie. Pixar is keenly-aware of never messing with a good thing and have reunited not only the Director and Cast but also many of the behind-the-scenes people including the Composer and Producers. Prepare to be dazzled but remember: no capes!

November marks the return of Vanellope and Ralph (Sarah Silverman and John C. Reilly) in Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2. Details of this Disney Animated Sequel were first shared in July at D23 and although we can’t tell you much we assure you Ralph Breaks the Internet is even better than the first.

As the holiday season approaches, Disney hopes to enchant audiences with their take on a Tchaikovsky classic in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. Most people will be thrilled to see Keira Knightley in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy to Mackenzie Foy’s Clara. Devoted ballet enthusiasts will no doubt be more focused on the addition of Misty Copeland in this ballet inspired Movie. Morgan Freeman is along for the ride as the mysterious Drosselmeyer.

But wait, that’s not all! In May, head back to a galaxy far, far away when Solo: A Star Wars Movie hits the big screen. A third Marvel Movie is headed for theatres in July with Ant-Man and the Wasp. Finally, 2018 will definitely end on a high note when Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda sing their way to the big screen in December’s Mary Poppins Returns.

That’s just a small taste of the wonders Walt Disney Pictures Canada has in store for fans next year. Small kids and big kids alike are sure to find something to love in 2018.

San Diego Comic Con proves again why it is the ultimate fan mecca! Fans were treated to up-close and intimate access to their favourites and giants from the DC Comics and Marvel universes, plus game-changer Netflix, made their presences felt!

It was announced that a standalone BATGIRL Film and Sequels to WONDER WOMAN and SUICIDE SQUAD are on the way from DC Comics.

This of course, was not to outdone by the eagerly-awaited BLADE RUNNER 2049, which also made an appearance this weekend!

See some goodies unveiled out of #SDCC2017:

New DC Comics’ JUSTICE LEAGUE Trailer – out November 17, 2017 via Warner Bros.

Fandango Live Chat with Cast of BLADE RUNNER 2049 – out October 6, 2017 via Warner Bros.

New Trailer from Marvel’s THE DEFENDERS – streams Friday, August 18, 2017 on Netflix

New Trailer for Marvel’s THOR: RAGNAROK – out November 3, 2017 via Disney

New Poster for Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER – out February 16, 2018 via Disney. Lucky Fans got to see some exclusive footage too, getting a standing ovation!

New Trailer for the $90-million BRIGHT starring Will Smith – streams on Netflix December 22, 2017.

New Trailer for DEATH NOTE – streams  August 25, 2017 on Netflix

A Gallery from #SDCC2017. Hover cursor left and right to navigate:

(Swipe left) San Diego Comic Con is where it was at this weekend! #SDCC #SDCC2017 #ComicCon #SanDiegoComicCon #Marvel #DCComics #Netflix #TheDefenders #Bright #BladeRunner #Thor #BlackPanther

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 23, 2017 at 9:21am PDT

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros./Disney/Marvel/Netflix)

While it isn’t in theatres till early next year, we finally get this new tease for Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER!

Synopsis:
Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.

“Black Panther” stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, with Angela Bassett, with Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.

See the Trailer:

Marvel Entertainment Canada release BLACK PANTHER Friday, February 16, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Marvel Entertainment Canada)

Marvel certainly knows how to do it big and this morning at L.A.’s El Capitan Theatre we learned through President Kevin Feige not only that Breakout Star Chadwick Boseman (42, Get on Up) has confirmed what we’ve known all along – he’s a Megastar –  the brilliant Actor has been announced to star as BLACK PANTHER!

In addition, several release dates have been confirmed on their Blockbuster Marquee Slate including:

5/1/15 –     AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

7/17/15 –   ANT-MAN

5/6/16 –     CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

11/4/16 –   DOCTOR STRANGE

 5/5/17 –     GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 (previously dated 7/28/17)

7/28/17 –   THOR: RAGNAROK

11/3/17 –   BLACK PANTHER

5/4/18 –     AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR PART I

7/6/18 –     CAPTAIN MARVEL

11/2/18 –   INHUMANS

5/3/19 –     AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR PART II

Impressive, right?  We’re so waiting on DOCTOR STRANGE casting news, although we certainly aren’t alone in wanting Benedict Cumberbatch to get the assignment!  The thought of 2019 actually kinda scares us on some levels!

Dates of course are subject to change.  Are we excited?

(Photo credit: Marvel Canada)