*FINAL NUMBERS TO COME MONDAY*
Despite competition from all corners, R.L. Stine-adaptation GOOSEBUMPS lands on top in its debut with $24.5 million from 3,501 theatres across North America for Sony Pictures. Starring Jack Black, Dylan Minnette and Odeya Rush, the Film which likely will see sequels based on the success of this and the best-selling series on which it is based, gets 71% from critics on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore from Audiences.
THE MARTIAN after a two-week domination lands in second this weekend with $22 million for 20th Century Fox. It nears the $150-million-mark domestically.
Cold War drama BRIDGE OF SPIES opens in third for DreamWorks with $15.9 million from 2,811 theatres. This latest effort from Steven Spielberg starring Tom Hanks, gets a A CinemaScore and an 86% on the Tomatometer.
CRIMSON PEAK opens in fourth with $13 million from 2,984 theatres for Universal Pictures. The Toronto-shot Romance-Horror starring Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain and Charlie Hunnam from Guillermo del Toro, gets an B- CinemaScore and a 68% on the Tomatometer.
Opening in eighth is football drama WOODLAWN for PureFlix with $4.6 million from 1,553 theatres. It has yet to open in Canada, but Audiences gave it an outstanding A+ CinemaScore.
SICARIO is in ninth with $4.5 million for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films in its fifth week out. Thus far it has grossed $34.6 million in North America.
MAZE RUNNER: SCORCH TRIALS rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.7 million in its fifth week out for 20th Century Fox.
Danny Boyle‘s STEVE JOBS expanded to 60 theatres for Universal Pictures, earning $1.6 million this weekend, to place 11th.
We’re huge fans of Guillermo del Toro and are thrilled to present to you a chance to see first his latest masterpiece, CRIMSON PEAK, which was made in Toronto! Screenings take place in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton on Wednesday, October 14, 2015.
Synopsis:
Legendary Pictures’ Crimson Peak, a co-production with Universal Pictures, is a haunting gothic horror story directed by the master of dark fairy tales, Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy series, Pacific Rim), written by del Toro & Matthew Robbins and starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam and Jim Beaver.
In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author Edith Cushing is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds…and remembers.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Tell me whom Edith should choose, the childhood friend or the mysterious outsider. Also remember to indicate your city.
G’luck Willionaire$!
Universal Pictures Canada release CRIMSON PEAK on Friday, October 16, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
San Diego certainly was the place to be this weekend as the San Diego Comic-Con took place, uniting hundreds of thousands of Fans together with Talent from upcoming Blockbusters of multiple genres. Teasers were unveiled, Trailers were shown, crowds went ecstatic! And to think how many of these Productions filmed right here on our home turf in Canada!
We’ve compiled a bunch of our favourite Snaps to come out of Comic-Con this weekend. We wish we were there, we know that much!
SUICIDE SQUAD:
See the official HQ Teaser! So exciting!!
#Regram @batmanvsuperman. Truce? #BatmanvSuperman #SDCC #HenryCavill #BenAffleck #AmyAdams #JesseEisenberg A photo posted by Warner Bros. Pictures Canada (@wbpicturescan) on
THE HATEFUL EIGHT:
#sdcc #sdcc2015 #sandiegocomiccon #comiccon #starwars #theforceawakens #lereveildelaforce #episodevii #film #movie #cinema A photo posted by The Bloggers Cinema Club (@thebloggerscinemaclub) on
See the Behind-the Scenes Reel here!
MINORITY REPORT:
#HeroesReborn #sdcc2015 #comiccon A photo posted by Ryan Guzman Fans (@ryanaticz) on
20TH CENTURY FOX (X-MEN: APOCALPYSE, DEADPOOL, GAMBIT):
#comiccon2015 #crimsonpeak #miawasikowska #tomhiddleston #jessicachastain @chastainiac A photo posted by Holden Caulfield (@holdy_caulfild) on
What are you most excited to see?
Toronto-filmed CRIMSON PEAK finally gets a Trailer release and it looks bloody terrifying! This is Director Guillermo Del Toro like we’ve never seen! We don’t think we can wait till Halloween for this!
See the Trailer:
Official Synopsis:
Legendary Pictures’ Crimson Peak, a co-production with Universal Pictures, is a haunting gothic horror story directed by the master of dark fairy tales, Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy series, Pacific Rim), written by del Toro & Matthew Robbins and starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam and Jim Beaver.
In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds… and remembers.
Universal Pictures Canada release CRIMSON PEAK on Friday, October 16, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
Sorry, I couldn’t resist, okay? You all know how much I love Charlie Hunnam and I know with certainty the feeling is mutual on your end judging by last week’s responses. We spotted Hunnam again today returning from a grocery run and he was amazing to stop for a couple returning Fans. Quickly dropping-off his groceries, he came back as promised, taking a moment to sign some Autographs and chat. He simply is the nicest, most giving and generous Celebrity I’ve ever encountered and I think he sensed how genuine our excitement was.
This is where my jaw drops. Hunnam recognized me actually last week from the first time we met two years ago and tells me that Guillermo Del Toro‘s Assistant had let him know about my Post last week. “‘I see you met Will Wong‘”, Hunnam was told, to which he replied, “But that was only 12 hours ago! How did you know?!”. He went on to tell me, “I didn’t know you were a Local Celebrity, Will Wong!”. Humbled.
Absolutely unexpected, he then passed me his v. last Sons of Anarchy Autograph Card, which of course I will ensure a lucky Fan has to chance to win, but let me finish telling my Story first. Also, did you know that Hunnam recently did a slight modification to his Signature?
Anyhow, Hunnam tells me that he still loves visiting his fave local Spot for Thai, in fact just having had Dinner there last night. I made him aware though that the Team behind the Restaurant originally had relocated to a new Spot a little more east in the City. He jot down the name on his iPhone and promised to give it a try! Laughs were shared, hearts were warmed, memories were made.
Without revealing too many details about Crimson Peak, Hunnam says, “It’s more a Horror, with Supernatural elements”. Enough said. We’ll just have to see next October.
On the other side of town, Hunnam‘s Crimson Peak Castmates Jessica Chastain and Tom Hiddleston were out celebrating the two-time Oscar Nominee’s Birthday at Brassaii, followed by some festive Ping Pong and Karaoke. You must see the amazing Photos Chastain shared on her Facebook Page here!
I admit I did see Hiddleston out and about too this weekend, but he declined politely to stop but still was gracious about it, clasping his hands in a prayer-like motion of appreciation. I’ve had great experiences prior with him and certainly know when to stop and respect his boundaries – sorry to disappoint those of you asking repeatedly for his updates!
Now back to Hunnam. He is amazing and we promise to leave him alone! To enter to win that ultra-rare Sons of Anarchy Autograph Card, simply click “like” on this corresponding Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Good luck!
Crimson Peak wraps mid-May.
See this super-neat Instagram Post we did of Hunnam:
Mr. Will & The Cast and Director of CRIMSON PEAK:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Let me tell you about a little Story about Charlie Hunnam. Two years ago when I was in-between jobs, I made it a point of allocating my spare time to finding him. Love. The. Guy. It was whispered to me that he had been frequenting a local Thai Hotspot on weeknights after wrapping-up filming on what went-on to be the acclaimed Pacific Rim. I made it a point of visiting the Haunt frequently and $200 of Pad Thai later, I crossed paths with him finally. “I’m a creature of habit” he told me about his dining habits after letting him know how hard I had thaid… I mean tried, frequenting the Restaurant around closing time sporadically over the span of a few weeks.
Hunnam is a rare breed in a crowded field of working Actors. He is ultra-selective about the roles he chooses and it is surprising to see that in a Career which dates back to the late ’90s, he has less than 20 acting credits to his name. But the quality of his work is impeccable. Nicholas Nickelby, Pacific Rim, Queer as Folk (the original U.K. one), Cold Mountain, Sons of Anarchy (for which he is known best for stateside)… and even the upcoming Film Adaptation of wildly-popular 50 Shades of Gray, in which he originally was cast in the Leading Role of Christian Gray until ultimately deciding against it.
Above this, Hunnam is just an all-around nice Guy. Despite repeatedly being asked for Autographs by professional Collectors, he is reportedly just as nice every time and I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who’s crossed paths with him and didn’t have something nice to say about him.
I spotted the British Actor, in-town and re-teaming with Guillermo del Toro once again on his next Film, Crimson Peak (Working Title: Haunted Peak). The Film stars also Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain, the latter who attended a private House Party this weekend held in her honour at a luxurious Hotel/Condo in Financial District.
Carrying a Yoga Mat, he appeared to be coming back from a Workout, before retiring for the night. He is just as awesome as I remembered two years ago when first meeting him and I even managed to get him to sign a Photo for you Wongsters, which he was just gracious about. How do you feel about winning that?
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Share if you like with your Friends on Social Media!
Crimson Peak wraps mid-May.
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Terry Richardson)
He’s back! Is it safe to say that Robert Pattinson by now call Toronto a second home, filming his third Movie here in just three years? I mean, he’s practically Canadian now!
LIFE is set to begin production in Toronto on February 18, 2014, wrapping about one month later. The Film from Control Director Anton Corbijn centers on a Photograph for LIFE Magazine, Dennis Stock, assigned to shoot James Dean. The two went-on to become great Friends.
Starring in the role of Stock will be Pattinson, while Up-and-Comer Dane DeHaan – just in Toronto at TIFF ’13 for Kill Your Darlings – has been cast as Dean. Stock shot the iconic Photos of Dean which went on to become synonymous with the Star’s iconic brand of coolness.
News of the $15-million Production broke last September via The Hollywood Reporter, but within the blink of an eye, the time soon is before us. Also beginning production simultaneously next month is Guillermo del Toro‘s Crimson Peak, as announced previously. More details here.
Give yourself a Patt on the back, Toronto! We’ve waited long for some real Starpower in this City!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
He’s been touted as a Breakout Star for a while now, but make no mistake – Charlie Hunnam has been in the game for a while and will be for a long time. We just received news earlier today that the British Star of acclaimed Series Sons of Anarchy is about to become a Megastar.
Only in June was it announced that Sam Tayl0r-Johnson would be helming this Adaptation of E.L. James’ wildly popular Novels and now it has been confirmed that Charlie Hunnam is tied (pardon the pun) to the coveted role of Christian Grey for which many of Hollywood’s A-List Actors have been vying for. Don’t be shocked though, as Hunnam‘s Career has seen some daring moves including a fearless performance in 1999’s original Queer as Folk Series as as Nathan Maloney.
Confirmed in the Lead Actress Role of Anastasia Steele is Dakota Johnson, Daughter of Stars Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. Having sharpened her skills starring in now-defunct Comedy Series Ben and Kate, she also has appeared in popular Films like 21 Jump Street, The Social Network, Beastly and The Five-Year Engagement.
50 Shades of Grey centers on the intense, erotic relationship between a Student and a 27-year-old Billionaire. The Series of Novels by James has sold over 70-million Copies worldwide.
We had the pleasure of meeting both the Director Taylor-Johnson and Hunnam in 2012. Both are amazingly wonderful. Read more here and here.
Hunnam is set to return to Toronto this Fall to film Guillermo del Toro‘s Crimson Peak.
50 Shades of Grey releases August 1, 2014 via Focus Features & Universal Pictures.
See ours and Hunnam‘s Snap below:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Vintage Books)
We all know Guillermo del Toro loves Toronto, but he really walks the walk in a recent Chat with Collider where he confirms that his next couple Projects are slated to Film in Toronto. Call this City del Toronto if you will. With his epic Pacific Rim, filmed here last Winter, recently greenlit for a Sequel we learned that both his upcoming FX TV Series, based upon his and Chuck Hogan‘s Trilogy of the same name The Strain, begins filming later this year throughout early next year. It is set in a World where Vampires rule and Humans are enslaved. Following that, the likes of Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone Mia Wasikowska, Benedict Cumberbatch Tom Hiddleston and again Charlie Hunnam (who stars in Pacific Rim also) may be here as early as next Spring to begin Production on Crimson Peak.
del Toro tells Collider:
“We’re shooting The Strain in Toronto, Crimson Peak in Toronto, and I love Toronto so much. We’re basically moving there for a couple of years at least. It also has the best cinematheque in the world, the Lightbox. TIFF is amazing, and I’m doing a Hitchcock series every December there. We’re going to do it every December for films by Hitchcock, talking to the audience about them, and doing a little class if you would. It’s a great community.”.
About Crimson Peak, del Toro is v. vague, but does reveal to Total Film:
“It’s the turn of the century. So it’s at the turn of the century and half of the movie takes place in America, and the other half takes place in a crumbling mansion in Cumbria (Northwest England). And basically it’s a ghost story and gothic romance, trying to subvert the rules of the usual gothic romance.”.
Not only did I get to work on Pacific Rim for a week last year doing Background Work, I caught-up with del Toro last Winter as he hosted one of those mentioned Alfred Hitchock Master Classes at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Here’s a hint, he quite literally loves that Building and adores Luma, dining there frequently.
Although some finishing touches were applied early March in Toronto with Re-shoots, Warner Bros. at long last releases Pacific Rim on July 12, 2013. I’ll be posting a Post about my week on-set following the release – stay tuned!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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