jai courtney
#TIFF16: DAY 8 SIGHTINGS – LILY JAMES, CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER + JAI COURTNEY
It’s so hard to believe we’re only a couple days away from the end of what has been a memorable TIFF ’16! Highlights tonight around town included our v. own Jacob Tremblay and Vera Farmiga walking the Red Carpet for BURN YOUR MAPS at Ryerson Theatre, plus Lily James, Jai Courtney and Oscar Winner Christopher Plummer walking the Red Carpet for the World Premiere of THE EXCEPTION at VISA Screening Room. Rooney Mara also walked the Carpet at her third Film of the Festival, THE SECRET SCRIPTURE, at Princess of Wales Theatre.
See some of our sightings:
Lily James, THE EXCEPTION
Christopher Plummer, THE EXCEPTION
#ChristopherPlummer at #TIFF16 for #TheException.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Jai Courtney, THE EXCEPTION
Peter Gallagher
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: DAVID AYER, MARGOT ROBBIE + WILL SMITH IN TORONTO FOR THE “SUICIDE SQUAD” BELLE REVE PENITENTIARY FAN EXPERIENCE
Few can deny that SUICIDE SQUAD is the highlight of Summer 2016 at the Movies, thus it is only fitting that the Warner Bros. Blockbuster returns to the place where it all began last spring for what could be the highest-grossing Film ever to be made in our City. Primed for a release, the DC Comics adaptation brought in Director David Ayer, along with stars Margot Robbie and Will Smith for an ultra-exclusive Red Carpet bash at the Distillery district’s Fermenting Cellar.
The Trio walked the Red Carpet in celebration of the Film taglined with the catch-phrase “Worst. Heroes. Ever.“, bringing together Super Villains in an operation to protect the safety of the President of the United States and its people. Just last weekend the Cast were at San Diego Comic-Con promoting the release and they were out in Miami earlier this week interacting with Fans!
Robbie looked a vision, Bohameian-chic, while Ayer and Smith kept it cool and casual, keeping in mind this was a party and they are after all… one of us, right? Right?
Mayor John Tory and the Trio did a ribbon-cutting ceremony together with eTalk’s Ben Mulroney, with Tory welcoming them back any time and gifting them with plaques from our City.
SUICIDE SQUAD stars Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ike Barinholtz, Scott Eastwood, Cara Delevingne and Adam Beach.
For two days only, Wednesday, July 27, 2016 and Thursday, July 28, 2016 1-10 PM EST, the venue will host an awesome Belle Reve Penitentiary Fan Experience. The installation gives Fans a chance to experience:
-Sets and props from the Film including Deadshot Jail Cell, Harley Quinn Baseball Bat, Joker’s Cane and the iconic Belle Reve Mural Wall
-The world’s first Harley Quinn Smash Room, presented by BattleSports Inc. Fans can slip on a safety suit, grab Harley‘s bat and let it all out on glass bottles and vases
Tickets are available for purchase to see the Film in IMAX if you’re worried about getting shut-out at the Box Office opening weekend. Also, many exciting prizes are up for grabs. You in the very least walk away with a collectible poster. Come by, take a Selfie and use the Hashtag: #BelleReveTO.
Admission to the Fan Experience is free.
See some Snaps:
You kinda need a pic with the famous #SuicideSquad mural at #BelleReveTo.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
David Ayer, Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Mayor John Tory at #BelleReveTo. #SuicideSquad #NikonD3300
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Margot + Will. #SuicideSquad #BelleReveTo #MargotRobbie #WillSmith #NikonD3300
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Hot Deadshot. #WillSmith towels down at #BelleReveTo. #SuicideSquad #NikonD3300
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Margot’s smile. #BelleReveTo #SuicideSquad #NikonD3300
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
See our Video of the #BELLEREVETO Fan Experience!
See the latest Comic-Con Remix Trailer for SUICIDE SQUAD:
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release SUICIDE SQUAD Friday, August 5, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros./Mr. Will Wong)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN PASSES IN TORONTO, MONTREAL + OTTAWA TO SEE “TERMINATOR: GENISYS”
Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to take you to see TERMINATOR: GENISYS! Screenings take place in Toronto, Montreal + Ottawa on Monday, June 29, 2015.
Official Synopsis:
When John Connor (Jason Clarke), leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) and safeguard the future, an unexpected turn of events creates a fractured timeline. Now, Sgt. Reese finds himself in a new and unfamiliar version of the past, where he is faced with unlikely allies, including the Guardian (Arnold Schwarzenegger), dangerous new enemies, and an unexpected new mission: To reset the future…
See the Trailer:
Official Artwork:
#SPOTTED: MARGOT ROBBIE, JAY HERNANDEZ, JOEL KINNAMAN + JAI COURTNEY FILMING “SUICIDE SQUAD”
Filming continues for Suicide Squad and while we do love having the A-List Cast in the City, local Businesses and Commuters are starting to see the impacts of reduced handle and increased commute times respectively.
A strip of Yonge Street was shut down by Eaton Centre last night and Onlookers got to witness a positively cool Spectacle as The Joker (played by Jared Leto) – or his Body Double at least – sped along the Street. The Batmobile even made an appearance.
A quick look:
Filming wrapped almost at 7 AM, as one by one Cast Members Karen Fukuhara, Margot Robbie, Jay Hernandez, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney and Adewale made their way back to Wardrobe, sporting some physical wear and tear in their makeup, indicating somewhat of a physical scene being filmed in an interior. We caught-up with some of the Cast who despite it being a really long day on-set, still made time to say “hi” before wrapping. Courtney who normally is quiet on-set, patiently stopped for Fans via a roll-down of his window and was wowed by my Camera. “Wow! A Selfie on a Long Lens. Nice!”, he said.
Robbie who consistently is not doing Selfies on-set, much to the disappointment of Fans, signed a sea of Autographs, noticing one Fan who brought along some Suicide Squad Ball Caps which impressed her. She took one home even! This weekend one lucky Fan at Varsity Cinemas was lucky to get a Selfie with the lovely Aussie.
I’M SPEECHLESS. She came to our theatre today again I asked her like “Are you someone who I’m thinking?”, then she nicely answered yes. She was nice enough to take selfie of us and give me an autograph. Nothing can bother me now. What a wonderful day! #MargotRobbie#australian#actress#Thewolfofwallstreet#NaomiLapaglia#Focus#JessBarrett#Suicidesquad#HarleyQuinn#selfie#autogragh#cineplex A photo posted by Yujiro William Sekiguchi (@shikkuro24) on
Hernandez stuck to his word, promising a quick moment with Fans, pulling over his Van to sign everything passed his way and surprisingly was quick to remove his El Diablo skeletal makeup. Kinnaman despite looking most tired, was kind to get out of his SUV to greet Fans. Class Act.
Filming continues through the Downtown Core this week before heading again off-location back to Pinewood Studio.
#MargotRobbie as #HarleyQuinn, on the set of #SuicideSquad. #NikonD3300
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#JaiCourtney as #CaptainBoomerang on the set of #SuicideSquad. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#JayHernandez as #ChatoSantana/#ElDiablo, on the set if #SuicideSquad. #NikonD3300
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
#JoelKinnaman as #RickFlagg, on the set of #SuicideSquad. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “TERMINATOR: GENISYS”
He said he’d be back! A new Trailer for TERMINATOR: GENISYS has been unleashed for our viewing pleasure!
Official Synopsis:
When John Connor (Jason Clarke), leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) and safeguard the future, an unexpected turn of events creates a fractured timeline. Now, Sgt. Reese finds himself in a new and unfamiliar version of the past, where he is faced with unlikely allies, including the Guardian (Arnold Schwarzenegger), dangerous new enemies, and an unexpected new mission: To reset the future…
Watch the Trailer:
Paramount Pictures Canada release TERMINATOR: GENISYS on Canada Day!
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)
#SPOTTED: IKE BARINHOLTZ IN TORONTO FILMING “SUICIDE SQUAD”
Known best for his work in Eastbound and Down, MADtv and more recently Neighbors and The Mindy Project, Funnyman Ike Barinholtz now sets his sights on Film with recent news of his casting in David Ayer‘s Suicide Squad. The Film based on DC Comics’ popular Comic Book Series, sees a group of imprisoned Superheroes tasked with dangerous Black Ops missions in exchange for clemency.
Word is that Ayer (End of Watch, Training Day) will have his Cast go to some deep, dark places as the Film begins filming tomorrow in Toronto.
Barinholtz was spotted out and about earlier today doing a quick grocery run, stopping for a moment to take Photos with Fans, noticeably fitter and almost unrecognizable in his Aviator sunglasses. The Cast this weekend were spotted partying at Sound Academy on Will Smith‘s tab, one last hurrah before they head to work this week.
See Will Smith rap at the Party, video courtesy of Co-Star Jim Parrack. Could this be signs of new material from him on the Soundtrack?
Stars Scott Eastwood and Cara Delevingne appeared to be absent, the former partying at Coachella right now, after an aggressive Promo Tour for The Longest Ride and the latter attending MTV Movie Awards festivities in Los Angeles. Jared Leto was spotted sporting his green Joker hair proudly on the streets earlier this afternoon as well!
Our Snap:
With #IkeBarinholtz of #TheMindyProject, in town filming #SUICIDESQUAD.
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
SUICIDE SQUAD films in Toronto through August.
Warner Bros. release SUICIDE SQUAD August 2016.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#INTERVIEW: MEKHI PHIFER + JAI COURTNEY ON “THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT”
The Black and Blue Carpet was rolled out tonight at Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre as Mekhi Phifer and Jai Courtney, Stars of Veronica Roth Adaptation The Divergent Series: Insurgent, flew-in for the grand occasion. Filled with Selfie-aspiring Fans and eager Television and Digital Media, the Carpet was adorned in blue lit-panels depicting the five Factions known so well by Fans of the Franchise. After strong Reviews and grossing over $150 million in North America, expectations are high of this second Installment.
Many know Phifer for his work on long-running, celebrated TV Series ER and a string of popular Films he made in his early 20s, including O, 8 Mile and Honey. Australian-born Courtney‘s star is emerging quickly with high-profile Roles in Unbroken, A Good Day to Die Hard and recent news of his casting in DC Comics’ Suicide Squad, to film in Toronto next month with a Cast of Heavyweights.
INSURGENT picks-up where Divergent left-off in a futuristic dystopian Chicago. We witness Tris (Shailene Woodley), Four (Theo James), (Miles Teller) and (Ansel Elgort) on-the-run from ruthless Erudite Faction Leader Jeanine (Kate Winslet), who is determined to capture and test the limits of potentially destructive Divergents (those not belonging to any one particular personality type) at all costs – sparing no lives, placing them through a grueling and deadly set of simulations. Jeanine is in possession of a box containing secrets which Tris‘ Parents lost their lives in the name of protecting. Tris finds herself having to face Jeanine, risking her life for the protection of her People once she is captured. What is the secret which Jeanine is so set on keeping it hidden from Tris and the Population? And how will Tris survive Jeanine‘s fatal Regime?
At the heart of The Divergent Series are some strong Female Characters. Legions of young Women look-up to Tris and we ask Phifer who plays Dauntless Leader Max, about his own Female Role Models. “My Mom first of all”, he says without hesitation, “She was a single Parent who raised me in Harlem. She was a School Teacher who loved the Community – a Choreographer and Dancer. My Mom was definitely an inspiration.”.
Courtney, who just turned 29 this week, thinks likewise, crediting “My mother of course, I think.”. He adds, “My Sister too. There a lot of strong Women in my life, including some friends of mine.”.
Phifer recounts his transition from a young impoverished Actor, overcoming the odds to make it in Hollywood with a Career spanning 20 years. We ask what’s changed from then till now for him. He says, “I’m 40-years-old, a Dad of two and married. I mean, it’s inevitable.”. “That’s the beauty of acting – there’s no age limit. As long as you can remember lines and read, that’s all you need.”.
Our Justin Waldman asks Courtney about his physically-intensive role as Dauntless Leader Eric, who like Phifer‘s Max, reports to Winslet‘s Jeanine. His Character is menacing, in hot pursuit of Tris and Four, playing a Key Role in her eventual surrender to Jeanine. “I was working on Terminator Genisys at the same time as Insurgent”, he reveals. “It was a lot of Cardio and Circuit Work – boring stuff. It’s what I have to do to prepare for work. It’s like reading or researching for a role, but you have to become a bit of an Athlete.”. “It gets old.”.
And for those curious, Courtney remains tight-lipped about his return soon to the City for the star-studded Suicide Squad with the likes of Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Cara Delevingne and Joel Kinnaman. “What am I gonna tell you? We haven’t started yet, but we’re getting ready”, he says before hinting “I’m gonna get to use my Australian accent. I can tell you that much.”.
Watch our Video Chats with Phifer and Courtney:
eOne Films release THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT on Friday, March 20, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO ATTEND THE TORONTO ADVANCE SCREENING OF “I, FRANKENSTEIN”
eOne Films and Mr. Will Wong want to take Readers to the Toronto Advance Screening of I, FRANKENSTEIN! This is your chance before everybody else to see the Adaptation of Kevin Grevioux‘s beloved Graphic Novel!
Official Synopsis:
Two hundred years after his shocking creation, Dr. Frankenstein‘s creature, Adam (Aaron Eckhart), still walks the Earth. But when he finds himself in a modern day world in the middle of a war over the fate of humanity, Adam discovers he holds the key that could destroy humankind.
As a host of frightening supernatural creatures are looking to rise up and take over, Adam uses his unhuman strength to fight against them.
I, Frankenstein stars Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Yvonne Strahovski, Miranda Otto, Socratis Otto, Jai Courtney and Kevin Grevioux.
Trailer below:
Official Artwork:
The Screening takes place Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Scotiabank Theatre, 7:00 PM in Toronto.
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Under this Post, tell me, if you could have one unhuman strength, what would it be?
Those who Re-Tweet the below can double their chances of winning:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/ifrankenstein2 @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to the #Toronto Advance Screening of #IFRANKENSTEIN. In theatres 1/24!
Good luck.
eOne Films release I, FRANKENSTEIN on Friday, January 24, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN AN “I, FRANKENSTEIN” PRIZE PACK
Attention Wongsters! We’ve got a Facebook Exclusive for you loyal Readers! Fans of Kevin Grevioux‘s Graphic Novel I, Frankenstein surely must be excited about the release its Film Adaptation and here’s a chance for you to catch the spirit and enter to win official Posters and Notebooks from the Action-Fantasy.
Official Synopsis:
Two hundred years after his shocking creation, Dr. Frankenstein‘s creature, Adam (Aaron Eckhart), still walks the earth. But when he finds himself in a modern day world in the middle of a war over the fate of humanity, Adam discovers he holds the key that could destroy humankind.
As a host of frightening supernatural creatures are looking to rise up and take over, Adam uses his unhuman strength to fight against them.
I, Frankenstein stars Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Yvonne Strahovski, Miranda Otto, Socratis Otto, Jai Courtney and Kevin Grevioux.
Watch the Trailer below:
Swag below:
Mr. Will & The Cast of I, Frankenstein:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post over at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Giveaway open to Canadian Readers only.
Good luck.
eOne Films release I, Frankenstein on Friday, January 24, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
#TIFF13: MR. WILL’S HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2013 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
With great sadness, we must say farewell to another TIFF. And with fatigue, a limp in my right foot and great pain in my neck today after a gruelling run these past 11 days, I look back at the happy times, the regrets and what TIFF ’14 might hold. Despite all these mixed emotions, I know it won’t be long before I’m begging for more! I live for the Toronto International Film Festival – the greatest in Film Festival the World – and wouldn’t rather be anywhere else.
Here’s a look back at some of the Highlights for me of the Festival in Compiled Lists:
MR. WILL’S MOST GRACIOUS 10
Anyone who encountered these Stars up-close and personal during TIFF ’13 can vouch that they deserve a warm round of applause for the respect, appreciation and courtesy they’ve shown our City. Whether it be Jessica Chastain‘s consistent grace and humility towards her Fans, Brad Pitt‘s surprise Red Carpet appearance in which he took several Photos with Fans at the 12 Years a Slave Premiere, Hugh Jackman stopping in the rain outside the Press Conference for Prisoners to meet and great all his Supporters individually – these Stars understand exactly what the Festival is all about for us Fans!
1. Jessica Chastain
2. Sandra Bullock
3. Tom Hiddleston
4. Daniel Radcliffe
5.. Brad Pitt
6. Josh Brolin
7. Hugh Jackman
8. Jennifer Aniston
9. Nicolas Cage
10. Emma Thompson
MR. WILL’S SUCCESSFUL 6
These six Films gained a great amount of buzz and momentum coming out of TIFF ’13 in advance of their forthcoming Awards Season Best Picture Campaigns. Sadly, August: Osage Country didn’t wind up getting critical love universally (I enjoyed it much!) hoped for, but it still remains a major Contender in the Acting categories – especially for a heartbreakingly-absent Queen Meryl Streep.
1. 12 Years a Slave
2. Labor Day
3. Dallas Buyers Club
4. Prisoners
5. Gravity
6. Rush
MR. WILL’S EMERGING 5
These five up-and coming Stars caused quite a stir wherever they spotted around TIFF ’13. This time next year, expect to know them pretty much on a first name-basis.
1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Emilia Clarke
3. Daniel Brühl
4. Jai Courtney
5. Taylor Schilling
MR. WILL’S NAUGHTY LIST
Although we try to keep things positive here, we remain hopeful that next time these Stars visit our City, they show us a bit more Fan Appreciation – not just only when the Cameras are on – than they showed this year. Little things like picking-up a Sharpie or taking time to pose for Photos with Fans, or maybe not distancing themselves a 15 feet from the Barricades where their Fans had queued for hours to see them, would be a first step. In all fairness, some had hyper-assertive Handlers or lateness to blame.
1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
3. Scarlett Johansson
4. Mila Kunis
5. Emilia Clarke
MR. WILL’S FASHIONABLE 5
These Stars certainly made a Statement whether it be out and about in our City or on the Red Carpet. I still cannot get over Kitsch‘s gray-on-gray Suit he wore at the Premiere of The Grand Seduction and certainly was a bit obsessed with Toni Collette‘s new Bangs. Julia Roberts was a Vision in her Dolce & Gabbana Dress at the Premiere of August: Osage County too, but my favourite look was Sandra Bullock at the Gravity Premiere in Narciso Rodriguez!
1. Sandra Bullock
2. Julia Roberts
3. Taylor Kitsch
4. Toni Collette
5. Jessica Chastain
And who exactly did Mr. Will got a Photo-with at TIFF ’13?
Ben Cotton, Dane Cook, Jason Reitman, Josh Brolin, Nicole Kidman, Anika Noni Rose, Bill Condon, Donnie Wahlberg, Paul Wahlberg, Jack Huston, Tom Arnold, John Torturro, Lauren Lee Smith, Sami Gayle, Mary Walsh, Saoirse Ronan, Michael C. Hall, Tye Sheridan, Katie Boland, Aaron Abrams, Kelly Rowan, Daniel Radcliffe, Taylor Schilling, Effie Exarchopoulos, Dan Stevens, Daniel Brühl, Alicia Vikander, Tom Hiddleston, deadmau5, Carice Van Houten, Tom Welling, Vanessa Paradis, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Taylor Kitsch, Toni Collette, Dakota Fanning, Jai Courtney, Ciaran Hinds, Jessica Chastain, Emilia Clarke, Jared Harris, Adelaide Kane, James Lafferty, Jennifer Morrison, David Arquette, Alfre Woodard, Ryan Kwanten, Catherine O’Hara, Mark Boone Junior, Will Forte, Emma Thompson, Cara Gee, Demian Bichir, Jude Law, Tom Wilkinson, Alfonso Cuaron, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Thompson (again!), Lea Seydoux, Robert Baker, Amanda Walsh, Adam Driver, Keanu Reeves and Nicolas Cage.
To re-visit some of the amazing names that I snapped in the City over the Festival, click here.
To read some of my Reviews of the Films that premiered at TIFF ’13, click here. More Reviews to come over the next day or two as I play catch-up after all the madness.
…until next year, Wongsters!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
*Photos taken on Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com