Fox Searchlight x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance first to see THE SHAPE OF WATER, hot off a rousing reception at TIFF ’17.

Screenings take place as follows:

THE SHAPE OF WATER – TORONTO
Wednesday, December 6 / 7:00PM / Cineplex Yonge and Dundas

THE SHAPE OF WATER – VANCOUVER
Wednesday, December 13 / 7:00PM / Cineplex International Village

THE SHAPE OF WATER – CALGARY
Wednesday, December 20 / 7:00PM / Scotiabank Chinook

Synopsis:
From master story teller, Guillermo del Toro, comes THE SHAPE OF WATER – an other-worldly fable, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment. Rounding out the cast are Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Michael Stuhlbarg and Doug Jones.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance.

Fox Searchlight release THE SHAPE OF WATER Friday, December 8, 2017 in Toronto, Friday, December 15, 2017 in Vancouver and wide Friday, December 22, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Fox Searclight)

Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

Masterpiece. That is the easiest and quickest way to describe Guillermo del Toro’s gothic romance The Shape of Water. The Film recently won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and is the early front-runner to take the Grolsch People’s Choice Award at TIFF this Sunday.

It is the 1960’s and mute Eliza (a never better Sally Hawkins) is working as a cleaning lady in a high-tech government facility. While cleaning one of the labs, she discovers what the scientists and top brass refer to as The Asset (Doug Jones) – a fish/human/creature hybrid. Despite the secrecy of his existence, Eliza befriends the creature, changing both of their lives irrevocably.

Not since 2006’s Oscar-nominated Pan’s Labyrinth has del Toro been able to marry his incredible visuals with a worthwhile story. But he delivers in spades here, creating a dark fairy tale that is just as much touching and emotional as it is thrilling. It is a breathless and surprising experience that is sure to delight audiences, and is easily one of the top movies of the year. And it’s all the more special because so much of this period piece was filmed in Toronto – including at the Elgin Theatre where it will screen during TIFF.

Don’t miss it.

Fox Searchlight Pictures will screen The Shape of Water at TIFF ’17 at the following times:

Monday, September 11 9:30 p.m. Elgin Theatre
Tuesday, September 12 3:00 p.m. Elgin Theatre
Friday, September 15 9:00 p.m. Elgin Theatre
Sunday, September 17 6:30 p.m. Elgin Theatre

Filmed right here in Toronto last summer, a brand new Trailer has surfaced for THE SHAPE OF WATER!

Synopsis:
From master story teller, Guillermo del Toro, comes THE SHAPE OF WATER – an other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1963. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa (Sally Hawkins) is trapped in a life of silence and isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) discover a secret classified experiment. Rounding out the cast are Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Michael Stuhlbarg and Doug Jones.

See the Trailer:

Fox Searchlight release THE SHAPE OF WATER Friday, December 8, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)

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)

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)

It’s only Day One of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and already our City is lit bright on Star Power alone.  Although all eyes are on the Opening Night Gala, of Bill Condon‘s The Fifth Estate over at Roy Thomson Hall, several Stars were spotted out today, a taste of the excitement to come over the course of the next eleven days.

Benedict Cumberbatch undoubtedly has thrust himself into the Spotlight as Hollywood’s Next “It” Boy and with three Films at TIFF ’13, he has commanded attention from all. The Star of Box Office Hit Star Trek Into Darkness, was spotted at a Cocktail Party prior to heading to his Premiere at Roy Thomson Hall.  Although not many Fans got their coveted Photos with him nor Autographs signed, citing fatigue, Cumberbatch was ever dapper in a Tuxedo and in good spirits at the star-studded Afterparty for The Fifth Estate.

TIFF‘s relationship with Filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro has been noted and although the Pacific Rim Director really is in town to prep upcoming Series, The Strain, he is known to partake in TIFF Festivities. Don’t be surprised if he’s sitting next to you at a Screening this weekend!

Canadian Actress Cara Gee recently was named one of TIFF‘s Rising Stars for 2013 starring in  Empire of Dirt. The stunning Beauty was seen mingling tonight at The Fifth Estate‘s Afterparty with EE BAFTA Rising Star Award-winning Actress Juno Temple (seen second below) who left her with some supportive parting words. The always delightful Temple stars in Horns opposite Daniel Radcliffe, premiering later tonight.

We spotted Daniel Brühl arriving in Toronto just yesterday and although he was a little Fan-shy then, he delivered upon his promise at the Roy Thomson Hall Red Carpet Premiere for The Fifth Estate and also again at the Afterparty for the Film. He will continue to be in the City for the next week, promoting also Ron Howard‘s Rush in which he stars as Formula 1 Driver Niki Lauda.

An absolute vision of beauty, Swedish Actress Alicia Vikander stunned in an elegant green floral print dress at the Premiere for The Fifth Estate in which she plays the important role of Anke, Wife of WikiLeaks Spokesperson Daniel Berg (Brühl). In addition to being amazing to Fans, she also will be starring in eagerly-awaited Fantasy Seventh Son next, making her one to look out for.

Dutch Actress Carice van Houten has gained a Cult Following thanks to her work as Melisandre on HBO‘s Game of Thrones. Her star continues to rise on an international level, starring in The Fifth Estate as Birgitta Jónsdóttir and she was delightful with Fans. After the Afterparty for the Film she was the only Cast member amazing enough to greet Fans from the Patio of the Venue.

Downton Abbey Fans will rejoice that handsome Star Dan Stevens (Dan Crawley) is at TIFF ’13 after all for The Fifth Estate!  The British Star was amazingly nice to stop for Fans both at the Airport today, arriving just hours before his Red Carper Premiere and again at the Event itself!

We wouldn’t be in Toronto without a shout-out to our amazing Homegrown Talent. World-famous DJ and Producer Deadmau5 was spotted out and about tonight at The Fifth Estate Afterparty with his new Girlfriend, Actress/Singer Sophie Tweed-Simmons (Daughter of Gene). The latter of course got to ride “Shotgun” in his new Ferrari 458 Italia as the zoomed off into the night.

They don’t come any classier than the brilliant Tom Hiddleston and he couldn’t have been any more kind to his Fans thus far in his TIFF ’13 visit for Only Lovers Left Alive. The British Star known best for his work in The Avengers/Thor as Loki, graciously zipped his way through the large crowd of Fans at Ryerson Theatre tonight, signing as many Autographs as fast as he could. Our Snap I will reveal at a later date, I being one of the few to get one!

It’s been a couple years since we’ve seen Anton Yelchin at TIFF, but he remains a true Gentleman and also a name just below the radar still. The Actor who filmed Charlie Bartlett here in Toronto back in 2007, stars alongside Hiddleston in Vampire-Thriller Only Lovers Left Alive as one of the few Human Characters, Ian. As always, he was outstanding to his Supporters at the Premiere.

Although we met her this Summer in Toronto filming David Cronenberg‘s Maps to the Stars, Rising Star Mia Wasikowska always is a pleasure to see and she is fully supporting her three Films at the Festival this year: The Double, Tracks and of course Only Lovers Left Alive. She was a vision in red at the Ryerson Theatre Red Carpet but unfortunately several Fans were left disappointed as she zipped by into the theatre. Better luck next time?

An unexpected name tonight at The Fifth Estate Afterparty was Colin Hanks, who was a late confirmation for Historical-Drama Parkland. The Son of Tom who was recently in the City filming No Stranger Than Love, has a shot at being back at TIFF ’14 with that Romantic-Comedy. Although opting to be low-key, he still obliged for Fans looking for a Photo, taking the Selfie himself.

Tom Welling, known best for playing Clark Kent on Smallville also was a surprise at the Afterparty for The Fifth Estate, here to present Parkland tomorrow night at Roy Thomson Hall. Set on the day President John F. Kennedy died, he plays his Right-Hand Man, Roy Kellerman.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*Photos taken on the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5

Back in January 2012, I had the opportunity to do a bit of work on $180-million mega-opus from Director Guillermo del Toro, Pacific Rim.  I was incredibly honoured to do work days on the Production as a Background Performer. I was unemployed at the time, having lost a job I had for many years and always dreamed of being in a Movie, so, why not?  Because we had signed Confidentiality Agreements, details we weren’t permitted to be disclose any details until filming had completely fully.  After holding on this post for over 22 months, finally I can talk about my experience!

Cast in the role of an Engineer, I learned first-hand how much work can go into filming just one scene, let alone an entire Film.  Some days began as early as 5:30 AM, while ending as late as 10:30 PM.  Now if you think that’s a long day, know that some of the Crew are required to arrive even earlier and to stay later to set-up and pack-up.  Having  worked a 9 to 5 job with a cushy seat, I appreciate just how spoiled I was. A non-unionized Background Performer makes a v. minimal amount of money and endures gruelingly long days.

The futuristic Sci-Fi/Action Flick, taking-up a majority of the eight stages at Toronto’s Pinewood Studios, pits Humans and Robots up against Apocalyptic Monsters, rising from beneath the Pacific Ocean.  A majority of the Film appears is shot against a Green Screen and is F/X-heavy. Set Design is fascinating and intricate – “mechanical” and “martial” are words I would choose to describe it all.   Much of the Film is set on a Compound off the Pacific Ocean shores, with hoards of Labourers working at a feverish pace to build Robots, which ultimately will be piloted by Soldiers to fight-off the destructive Enemies.  Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba) leads the Charge, declaring a War to cancel the Apocalypse.  Working under him in the fight are Right-hand Man Herc Hansen (Max Martini), Australians Raleigh Antrobus (Charlie Hunnam), Yancy Antrobus (Robert Kazinsky) and Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi).  There even is an adorable and talented English Bulldog named Max joining the fight too!

Acclaimed Director Guillermo Del Toro is back in Toronto once again, now promoting his latest $300-million Robots vs. Monsters Sci-Fi/Action Epic, Pacific Rim which he filmed in Toronto at Pinewood Studios.

In addition to a series of interviews scheduled today, a noticeably slimmer del Toro did some TV appearances including City‘s Breakfast Television, where he not only charmed Host Jennifer Valentyne, but also wowed Fans stopping generously to pose for Photos and sign Autographs. While on a quick break, del Toro did the impossible, coming out to greet Fans and some workers inside the building too. Often the Talent are content resting in their Green Rooms, but del Toro certainly is something special.

The Director/Producer/Writer known best for Oscar-nominated Pan’s Labrynth and Hellboy will pretty much be making Toronto his home for at least a year as he feels TV Series The Strain in the City this Fall, followed by Crimson Peak next Spring. The latter reunites him with his new Muse, Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy). It is said that del Toro held a private screening of Pacific Rim for the Toronto Cast of the Film.

I had the pleasure of filming a week’s worth of scenes as a Background Performer and cannot wait to see it!

See my Snap of del Toro:

Warner Bros. releases Pacific Rim on Friday, July 12, 2013.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Go big or go extinct.

Could we ask for anything more?  Careful not to give too much away still, this brand new Trailer for Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim has just been released, focussing almost exclusively on the War between Monsters and Robots.  In a scintillating display of Action, Destruction and neon-lit Chaos, this Toronto-filmed Action-Adventure looks to deliver on every scale in a big way.

Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman, Robert Kazinsky, Max Martini, Clifton Collins Jr. and Idris Elba star.

Watch the Trailer below:

And while we’re on it, news has just surfaced that del Toro‘s next Feature Crimson Peak will begin production in Toronto July 2014.  Let’s roll-out the Welcome Mat for Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, Benedict Cumberbatch and once again Hunnam!

Warner Bros. releases Pacific Rim on July 12, 2013.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

“To fight Monsters we created Monsters”.

The endless tease continues.  A brand new Poster for what is this Summer’s Must-See Event, Pacific Rim, has just surfaced.  Here we see a giant Robot crushing the City and although it might appear to be doing bad, it is actually being employed to save the World from the attack of Monsters.

See the official Poster below:

Warner Bros. releases Pacific Rim on July 12, 2013.

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)