#SPOTTED: FAN EXPO CANADA 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

By Amanda Gilmore, George Kozera + Mr. Will Wong

Signalling the end of Summer, Fan Expo Canada returned to Metro Convention Centre once again this past weekend, converging the worlds of Sci-Fi, Anime, Horror, Gaming, Comics and Cosplay together into one giant celebration. Fan Expo Canada celebrated its 25th year anniversary and they did it bigger and better than ever with several notable guests in attendance including John Travolta, Jeff Goldblum, Zachary Levi, Karl Urban, Peter Capaldi, Brendan Fraser and more!

Highly-touted Cast reunions highlighted the affair including that of Saved by the Bell, Smallville, Blade Runner, The Goonies and more. The likes of Pamela Anderson, David Harbour, Kristen Kreuk, Jason Momoa also were slated but had other commitments preventing them from making it.

Fans found themselves with many events, panels, photo ops, autograph signings, screenings, panels and even LGBTQ+-inclusive matchmaking events to attend all the way through Fan Expo Sunday wherein previous years, Saturday normally is the busiest day.

The event brought-in an estimated 129,000+ people from around the world.

 

Some Highlights from Fan Expo Canada 2019:

 

COSPLAY

 

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT EXHIBIT

In addition to rate pieces from Star Wars, Back to the Future, Indiana Jones and more, a huge draw at the Exhibit was a travelling, growing ball made from the hair of 600+ people around the world!

 

SAVED BY THE BELL Panel with Elizabeth Berkley, Mark-Paul Gosselaar x Mario Lopez

Stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley talk about their time on the 90s morning TV staple. They reveal while Berkley was filming a certain “Las Vegas movie”, the Cast were watching the O.J. Simpson chase while filming their own Vegas movie. Berkley and Lopez admitted they were nice to Dustin Diamond, Gosselaar not so much! Berkley says she had the most fun filming the Series’s fantasy sequences.

So awesome hearing them do the Show’s signature Bayside cheer!

 

JEFF GOLDBLUM

The screen veteran known for his work in the Jurassic Park franchise, returns to the City he filmed The Fly! He reveals he spent seven hours in makeup a day, that his wife, Olympian Emilie Livingston is from here too! His new Disney+ series The World According to Jeff Goldblum, premieres November.

And he reveals his new Album on Decca will feature surprise vocalists! He even had the room singing “O Canada“! 🇨🇦

 

TEEN TITANS GO Panel with Tara Strong x Greg Cipes

The two Voice Actors joked around and Cipes brought his dog Wingman with him to the Panel and the dog stole the show, drinking out of Strong‘s water cup.

When asked what their advice is for their young fans, Strong said to “Choose kindness.”. Cipes said “Never give up on everything you ever wanted.”.

Strong advises also it is important for voice actors to have an acting background and admits she is very “physical” behind the mic.

Cipes cites Robin Williams as his biggest influence.

 

BLADE RUNNER – Sean Young x Edward James Olmos

Young made some candid revelations from her experience in Hollywood,  telling the audience “Never make a Director feel bad for hitting on you”.

On recent reboot Blade Runner 2041, she admits “At 2 hours and 51 minutes, I thought it was much weaker than the original.”.

On working with Sir Ridley Scott, she says “He made me smoke cigarettes to lower my voice. He was very manipulative towards the ladies.”.

Olmos admits, “At the time he (Harrison Ford) was first announced, I thought he was miscast. All I thought was Han Solo.”.

 

ZACHARY LEVI

Levi, unlike others, didn’t require a Moderator and Morgan Hoffman obliged kindly. He stood-up his entire Panel even, fielding fan questions directly.

One fan got to do a magic trick, one got to sing a song from Disney‘s Tangled with him even!

He imparted a bit of inspiration, telling fans, “We all are worthy of occupying space in this world.”.

On Toronto-made Box Office and critical hit Shazam!, he admits the most fun thing for him was getting to act like a 14-year-old. He says also, “The weather was cold but the costume did not keep me warm.”.

 

JOHN TRAVOLTA

The screen icon talked about his new film THE FANATIC and how much he loves when fans talk to him. He  two also reveals  that two fans broke into his house with the intention of only meeting him. There was no ill will.

He admits he never thought Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction would ever become as popular as they had. He always believed Grease was going to be huge and said he was the one that only wanted Olivia Newton-John as Sandy.

 

THE GOONIES Panel – Sean Astin, Corey Feldman x Ke Huy Quan

Feldman tells fans about his affinity for our country, “I love Canadians so much, I married one!”. He is referring to wife, model Courtney Anne Mitchell.

On the famous water slide seen in the Film, he states “We only got to go down the water slide twice. It was the stunt doubles who did the rest!”.

 

BRENDAN FRASER

The star of Encino Man and The Mummy arrived straight from Johannesburg where he is filming currently. He asks the audience if they want another Mummy movie and they gave him a resounding cheer!

He advises Universal Pictures that the key ingredient is fun when making these movies. He currently can be seen in popular series DOOM PATROL.

 

Other notables:

 

Jack Quaid, star of Amazon Prime‘s THE BOYS

 
Peter Capaldi, star of DOCTOR WHO

 
Mia Farrow, iconic star of Rosemary’s Baby and Golden Globe Award winner
 

For more on FAN EXPO CANADA, visit here.

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/George Kozera/Amanda Gilmore)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN A “GREASE 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION” BLU-RAY COMBO PACK

Paramount Pictures Home Media Distribution x Mr. Will are giving Readers in Canada a chance to win a copy of the Classic’s 40th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray!

EVERYBODY LOVES GREASE!

The GREASE 40th Anniversary Edition will be available in the following formats: 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital.

Synopsis:

Featuring an explosion of song and dance, as well as star-making performances from John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, GREASE made an indelible impact on popular culture. 40 years later, the film remains an enduring favorite as legions of new fans discover the memorable moments, sensational soundtrack and classic love story. Boasting unforgettable songs including “Greased Lightnin,” “Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee,” “Summer Nights,” “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” “Beauty School Drop Out” and, of course, “Grease,” the film is a timeless feel-good celebration.

 

Trailer:

 

Special Features in the different formats include:

 

GREASE 40th Anniversary Blu-ray Combo Pack

The GREASE Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, German 5.1 Dolby Digital, Italian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Japanese 2.0 Dolby Digital, Brazilian Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital, Castilian Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Latin American Spanish Mono Dolby Digital, and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, Cantonese, Mandarin Simplified, Mandarin Traditional, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Brazilian Portuguese, European Portuguese, Castilian Spanish, Latin American Spanish, Swedish, Thai and Turkish subtitles. The DVD in the Combo Pack is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish Mono Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, and Spanish subtitles. The Combo Pack includes access to a Digital copy of the film as well as the following:

Blu-ray

· Feature film in high definition

· Commentary by director Randal Kleiser and choreographer Patricia Birch

· Introduction by Randal Kleiser

· Rydell Sing-Along

· The Time, The Place, The Motion: Remembering Grease

· Grease: A Chicago Story—NEW!

· Alternate Animated Main Titles—NEW!

· Alternate Ending—NEW!

· Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes with Introduction by Randal Kleiser

· Grease Reunion 2002 – DVD Launch Party

· Grease Memories from John & Olivia

· The Moves Behind the Music

· Thunder Roadsters

· John Travolta and Allan Carr “Grease Day” interview

· Olivia Newton-John and Robert Stigwood “Grease Day” interview

· Photo Galleries

· Theatrical Trailer

DVD

· Feature film in standard definition

· Commentary by director Randal Kleiser and choreographer Patricia Birch

· Introduction by Randal Kleiser

· Rydell Sing-Along

· The Time, The Place, The Motion: Remembering Grease

· Alternate Animated Main Titles—NEW!

· Alternate Ending—NEW!

· Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes with Introduction by Randal Kleiser

· Grease Reunion 2002 – DVD Launch Party

· The Moves Behind the Music

· Olivia Newton-John and Robert Stigwood “Grease Day” interview

· Photo Galleries

 

GREASE 40th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack

The 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack includes the Blu-ray detailed above as well as a 4K disc presented in Ultra HD with English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, German 5.1 Dolby Digital, Italian 5.1 Dolby Digital, Japanese 2.0 Dolby Digital, Brazilian Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital, Castilian Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Latin American Spanish Mono Dolby Digital, and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, Cantonese, Mandarin Simplified, Mandarin Traditional, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Brazilian Portuguese, European Portuguese, Castilian Spanish, Latin American Spanish, Swedish, Thai and Turkish subtitles. The 4K Ultra HD disc includes the feature film and commentary by director Randal Kleiser and choreographer Patricia Birch.

 

GREASE 40th Anniversary DVD

The GREASE single-disc DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish Mono Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, French, and Spanish subtitles. The DVD includes the following:

· Feature film in standard definition

· Commentary by director Randal Kleiser and choreographer Patricia Birch

· Introduction by Randal Kleiser

· Rydell Sing-Along

· The Time, The Place, The Motion: Remembering Grease

· Alternate Animated Main Titles—NEW!

· Alternate Ending—NEW!

· Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes with Introduction by Randal Kleiser

· Grease Reunion 2002 – DVD Launch Party

· The Moves Behind the Music

· Olivia Newton-John and Robert Stigwood “Grease Day” interview

· Photo Galleries

 

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

 

Sandy, Danny x Mr. Will

 

Paramount Pictures Home Media Distribution release GREASE 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Tuesday, April 24, 2018.

 

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures/Mr. Will Wong)

#TIFF14: THE BEST-OF TIFF ’14!

It was a great TIFF ’14.  I admit things were looking a bit scary with a smaller-than-expected Celebrity Guest List initially and lack of confirmations, but the Festival truly brought its A-Game and this indeed was one for the books!  I distinctly remember feeling a bit of panic on the first Friday of the Festival trailing far off the pace I’m normally at, nabbing only a handful of Celeb Snaps. Once the Festival picked-up by the  weekend, I found myself barely able to hang-on!  What a wild ride!

Many will attribute the shift in pace of the Festival due to the well-publicized guideline changes set this year, making it impossible for any Studios/Filmmakers to premiere at TIFF within its first four days had it premiered elsewhere on the North American Festival Circuit.  This in turn created room for several star-studded In-Conversation-Withs as part of the Festival’s Mavericks Programme with the likes of Denzel Washington & Antoine Fuqua, Richard Gere, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Juliette Binoche.  We felt the pinch, believe me.  This however is a Statement the Festival must make to secure its exclusivity and maintain its place as an important Fixture for Films on the Award Trail.

We loved seeing the Publicity Machine at work before our eyes.  Stars in previous years who were on the inaccessible side, suddenly became warm to Fans. On the contrary though, we noticed a few Stars who normally are friendly and accessible become tough to access this TIFF.  We’re looking at you, Channing. It always is a true testament to how much the Stars believe in their product when they are willing to bring it!

We also are not surprised that THE IMITATION GAME (review here) was awared the Grolsch People’s Choice Award.  Upon seeing it in advance of the Festival, we knew the Film had that something special and this will be the Film that makes Benedict Cumberbatch a household name in North America.  How it shall fare this Awards Season remains to be seen, but given its Oscar-bagging connections – The Weinstein Co. – it should do just fine!

Our Contributors Jonathan Godfrey, David Baldwin, Justin Waldman and myself also might also have a thing or two to say about other deserving Contenders which premiered here at TIFF, which might not have gotten recognition.  Baldwin has the highest praise for Eddie Redmayne‘s performance in The Theory of Everything (review here), while Godfrey still is singing the patriotic praises of the “cosmic” Maps to the Stars (review here).  Waldman has a place in his heart for the overlooked Mommy (review here) and Pride (review here) – both which he feels will be Awards Season Candidates.  I myself was spellbound by the meditative slow-burn of Foxcatcher (review here) and the devastatingly-good Whiplash (review here).  Never discount Jake Gyllenhaal too as his self-starring and produced Nightcrawler was a bit of a Hit among Fans (review here)!  And although we didn’t see it, Chris Rock‘s triumphant return Top Five had multiple Studios in a bidding war for distribution rights.

 … and now for some Lists!

MR. WILL‘S TOP TIFF ’14 MOMENTS

1. Meeting Tom Hardy

2. Meeting Bill Murray

3. Meeting Benedict Cumberbatch x 2

4. Epic Reese Witherspoon Photo Op (after six tries prior)

5. Meeting Steve Carell

6. Meeting Melissa McCarthy

7.  Ansel Elgort saying he had to get a Selfie with Mr. Will, followed by comment from him on Instagram.

8. Mr. Will‘s Epic Hat Fail,  blocking Jennifer Garner‘s beautiful face

9. Meeting Miles Teller/J.K, Simmons WHIPLASH Combo

10. John Travolta‘s Fan Buffet outside The Forger Press Junket

MOST FAN-FRIENDLY CELEBS AT TIFF ’14

1. John Travolta

2. Tom Hardy

3. Reese Witherspoon (we are shocked!)

4. Benedict Cumberbatch

5. Chris Evans

CELEBS WHO OWNED TIFF ’14

1. Bill Murray

2. Al Pacino

3. Benedict Cumberbatch

4. Anna Kendrick

5. Steve Carell

SURPRISE! CELEBS

1. Melissa McCarthy

2. Kristen Bell

3. Chris Pine

4. Elizabeth Banks

5. Cara Delevingne

LEAST-ACCESSIBLE CELEBS

1. Robert Downey Jr.

2. Tina Fey

3. Keira Knightley

4. Denzel Washington

5. Kate Winslet

CELEBS WHO MADE THE MOST OF TIFF ’14

1. Chris Evans

2. Steve Carell

3. Benedict Cumberbatch

4. Jon Stewart

5.  Bill Murray

BUZZMETER

1. Benedict Cumberbatch

2. Eddie Redmayne

3. Miles Teller

4. Felicity Jones

5. Ansel Elgort

FILMS TO LOOK-OUT FOR AWARDS SEASON FROM TIFF ’14

1, The Imitation Game

2. St. Vincent

3. The Theory of Everything

4. Foxcatcher

5. Whiplash

And last but not least, we must thank our wonderful Supporters throughout TIFF who make it all possible.

CP24 & Bell Media: Thank you for continuing to provide and support me with an Outlet to share my greatest passion with Ontarians at my favourite time of year. I look forward to working together again TIFF ’15!

H&M Canada: Everything I wear is H&M.  Your Cardigans and Jackets were perfect for the indecisive hot-cold of TIFF ’14. Your clothing gives me confidence and comfort.  Thank you.

Nikon Canada: Although I am still mastering my Nikon D3300 admittedly, many of my Photos were another level of fantastic.  Capturing Photos in 24MP has given my Pictures a depth, clarity and level of detail which I’ve never before achieved.  In the words of Joel McHale (at the Festival with Adult Beginners), “Are you sure this is the best Camera to take a Selfie with?” *SNAP* “I guess it is!”.

Novotel Centre Toronto: I am happy to have called you my home once again TIFF ’14.  Billy and I miss our amazingly cozy bed and we appreciate the Puppy Welcome Package.  This shows the level of attentiveness you have for your Clients.  To be only minutes away from the thick of it all: the Movies, Parties and Celebrities and be able to crash in my Hotel Room for a quick recharge when I was in dire need of it was an absolute luxury I will not take for granted.  The in-and-our privileges of your Parking Lot were a blessing as was the reliable Wi-Fi.  The Staff always are accommodating, understanding and friendly. Without a doubt, I can recommend Novotel Centre Toronto as the place to stay during TIFF.

Samsung Canada: Communication is key to my Brand during TIFF and having access to  the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Tab S this year ensured I always was able to stay in touch and charged.  When there was the ever rare lull in my day, I could whip-out my Devices and prep my Photos and Blog Posts, ensuring that I could actually spend precious time in my Hotel Room sleeping versus working.  This meant so much to me and I basically cannot imagine my life without a Galaxy Tab S. Really!

Ford Canada: I have never experienced  luxury like a LINCOLN MKZ.  The Panoramic Roof was a dream.  The 6-Speed SelectShift® was absolute state-of-the-art. The massaging chairs were decadent. The THX® II Certified Audio System was symphonic. The customizable interior lighting let me changing colours according to my mood. The Lincoln MKZ‘s concern for my safety with frequent alerts kept me focused on the road. Did I mention it’s awful easy on the eyes? I will never forget the TIFF in which Billy and I rolled in that silky, smooth Lincoln!

Out There with Melissa DiMarco: We always have a blast at Melissa’s Out There VIP Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite! Thank you for keeping Team Mr. Will fed and hydrated with your delectable goodies and thank you for embracing my Willionaire$!

NKPR IT LOUNGE: We are thrilled to have experienced the goodness enjoyed by the likes of Julianne Moore, Robert Pattinson, John Cuasack, Justin Long, Jena Malone, Felicity Jones and several more! Thank you also for giving my Willionaire$ a taste of that Celeb Life with your generosity!

Touchwood PR: We love you and appreciate the Golden Tickets my Readers and I have been given thanks to your kindness.  We value your friendship and are excited about what’s next to come!

Rock-It Promotions: We are honoured by some of the plum opportunities we were given this TIFF and we look forward to building our relationship with you in the future!

Shinan Govani: We are so proud to call you a Friend.  You are one of TIFF‘s most omnipresent Stars.  We continue to look-up to you and your profound influence on our thriving Celebrity Culture.

We hope you had a blast on our Digital Journey this TIFF ’14 and we can’t wait to do it all over.

Stick around, we’re at this year-round.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#TIFF14: DAY 9 RECAP – JOHN TRAVOLTA, JENNIFER CONNELLY, CHRIS EVANS, MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS + BÉRÉNICE BEJO

We’re in the Home Stretch at last!  TIFF ’14 has been a bit of an endurance test to say the least. Normally at this time of year, we’re relaxing and simply enjoying Films but what makes this Festival a bit different is that some of the bigger Titles were saved a bit later in the game.  Not that you have to push us to keep-up. We’re more than willing, trust me.

The names on Day 9 of TIFF ’14 were on-par with some of the Megastars we saw earlier. Believe me, you will be impressed.

JOHN TRAVOLTA
We all grew-up with GREASE (’90s) and HAIRSPRAY (’00s), so you can understand the sheer delight of seeing let alone meeting John Travolta in-person.  He is everything I hoped he would be and more.  The hair (!!!), the persona and the Fan-friendliness.  Despite arriving late to his Press Junket for The Forger, he took the time after to meet and greet every single Fan in waiting and believe me, there were hundreds.  I cannot believe this happened.  Nicest Star of the Festival.

CHRIS EVANS
He may be the Captain of America, but he certainly was in it to win it at the Festival and win he did. Making his directorial debut at TIFF ’14 with BEFORE WE GO, Chris Evans was pleased to announce that his Film picked-up distribution via RADiUS, a Boutique Label from The Weinstein Company. Yes, it must be THAT good.  Remember to check our Reviews Section as Contributor David Baldwin saw it! By absolute chance, we crossed paths with the handsome Star who was adamant this Festival about Selfies only and no Autographs with Fans.  Co-Star Alice Eve was far less giving, disappointing several Photo Seekers.

JENNIFER CONNELLY + PAUL BETTANY
Although we spotted Paul Bettany earlier last week, it was the stunning and brilliant Jennifer Connelly that we were looking for still and we got our wish seeing the Couple arrive at the Junket for his directorial debut, SHELTER. They were amazing about it all and Bettany particularly gratuitous, went around the bend signing Autographs and taking Selfies. He even greeted a Baby!

 

MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS + BÉRÉNICE BEJO
I loved THE ARTIST. I saw it like six times at the theatre. So you can understand me excitement for not only Jean Dujardin (whom we spotted on TIFF ’14 DAY 8) but also Co-Star Bérénice Bejo and Husband-Director Michel Hazanavicius being in-town at the same time. A reliable source tells me that they all crossed paths yesterday at a Hotel but realized they couldn’t make each other’s Premieres.

The French Power Couple are at the Festival with Chechen Civil War Drama THE SEARCH, which I not only was lucky enough to see (and cry to… multiple times, actually), but also attend the Thompson Hotel Cocktail Party for, organized by none other than our own Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott. The Brothers were busy this TIFF with their heavily-attended The Producers Ball. The untrained Child Star in the Film, Abdul Khalim Mamutsiev, is absolutely phenomental in this Film and there already is Best Foreign Picture buzz for this.

Bejo was absolutely stunning, pairing a chic leather jacket with a gorgeous sequined black number, perfect for a Premiere and Academy Award-winning Hazanavicius looked incredibly smart. I love this Couple and am honoured to have partied with them both.

Just one more day to go till TIFF ’14 soon becomes a memory. One, we’re loving that we actually are getting some sleep. Two, we are a bit sad. We are hoping to see Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman on Day 10!

All Photos taken on the NIKON D3300 and communicated via the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#TIFF14: OFFICIAL LIST OF STARS ANNOUNCED

It absolutely is our favourite time of the year again and announced this morning is the official list of Talent coming to Toronto for TIFF ’14! We look forward to seeing plenty of returning names – some just here last year like the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Kate Winslet – and also plenty of Stars from years past making their way back here once more!

Among the names attending TIFF ’14 this year include:

Jon Stewart, Martin Scorcese, Richard Gere, Andrew Garfield, Viggo Mortensen, Gael Garcia Bernal, James Franco, Jane Fonda, Chloë Moretz, Brit Marling, Laura Dern, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vanessa Redgrave, Vera Farmiga, Al Pacino, Tina Fey, Haley Joel Osment, Robert Pattinson, Ansel Elgort, Alice Eve, Sam Rockwell, Amanda Seyfried, Michael Shannon, Dax Sheppard, Robert Duvall, Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Hailee Steinfield, Justin Chatwin, Method Man, Jennifer Connelly, Bobby Cannavale, Kuoth Wiel, Cassie Williams, Danny Webb, Dominic West, Jung Woo-Sung, John Boylan, Sam Worthington, Tye Sheridan, Andrew Scott, Timothy Spall, Alan Rickman, Connie Britton, Reese Witherspoon, Evan Bird, Zhao Wei, Han Ye-Ri, Melissa Benoist, Haley Bennett, Sonja Bennett, John Travolta, Julianne Moore, Isaach De Bankolé, Dan Stevens, Jason Bateman, Corey Stoll, Xavier Dolan, Peter Stormare, Ben Schnetzer, Abigail Spencer, Ellen Barkin, Bill Pullman, Charlotte Aubin, Kate Winslet, Ryan Reynolds, Rene Russo, Roger Waters, Simon Pegg, Rosamund Pike, Loreto Aravena, Tobey Maguire, Aubrey Plaza, Tobey Maguire, Gemma Arterton,  Juliette Binoche, Zhang Yimou, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler, Rose Byrne, Channing Tatum, Chris Evans, Jake Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Mark Ruffalo, Bill Murray, Daniel Barber, Liam Aiken, Mike Leigh, Olivier Assayas, Richard LaGravenese, Diane Keaton, Kevin Kline, Anna Kendrick, Morgan Freeman, Benicio del Toro, Michael Douglas, Rosario Dawson, Chris Rock, John Cusack, Benedict Cumberbatch, Octavia Spencer, Keira Knightley, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Kevin Costner, Anthony Mackie, Patricia Clarkson, J.K. Simmons, Miles Teller, Priyanka Chopra, Daniel Bruhl, Michael Winterbottom, Justin Chon, Steve Carell, Gong Li, Hayden Christensen, Tory Kittles, Jordana Brewster, Holliday Grainger, Max Irons, Lone Scherfig, Sam Claflin, Douglas Booth, Paul Bettany, Daniel Barnz, Noah Baumbach, Barry Avrich, Jennifer Aniston, Akon, Nick Kroll, Holly Hunter, Catherine Keener, Greta Gerwig, Omar Sy Jennifer Garner, Salma Hayek, Kevin Smith, Eddie Redmayne,  Felicity Jones, Faye Marsay, Bill Nighy, Justin Long, Christopher Plummer, Marton Csokas, David Cronenberg, Sarah Gadon, Tom Schilling, Tom Hardy and more!

TIFF also will be hosting a series of In-Conversations-With as part of their Mavericks Programme. Joining-in are the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Denzel Washington, Richard Gere, Juliette Binoche, Jon Stewart, Dan Savage, Julie Taymor and several more!

As is the case always, it’s sometimes not just who’s coming – it’s who they’re bringing.  Don’t be surprised if Jennifer Garner brings Husband Ben Affleck along and be warned if Andrew Garfield brings Emma Stone along!

Who’s on our list of Must-Meets?  Plenty!  We hope finally to get a positive moment with Reese Witherspoon and Kate Winslet!  Excited about Martin Scorcese, J.K. Simmons, Bobby Cannavale, Miles Teller, Corey Stoll, Tobey Maguire, Rose Byrne, Michael Douglas and newer names like Max Irons and Douglas Booth, that’s for sure.  And did we read TINA FEY!?!?  Finally!  AND WHERE IS TOM HARDY?!?!

The list is always subject to surprise and no-shows as we know all too well!

Visit the official TIFF Website for more.

TIFF ’14 runs September 3 – 14, 2014.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)