A release date has been announced for eagerly-awaited Netflix Film OKJA with a star-studded Cast which includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton, Steve Yeun, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito and newcomer Seo Hyun An.

Synopsis:
From visionary Director Bong Joon Ho, this grand global adventure follows a friendship too big to ignore. Meet Mija, a young girl who risks everything to prevent a powerful, multi-national company from kidnapping her best friend – a massive animal named Okja. Following her across continents, the coming-of-age comedy drama sees Mija’s horizons expand in a way one never would want for one’s children, coming up against the harsh realities of genetically modified food experimentation, globalization, eco-terrorism, and humanity’s obsession with image, brand and self-promotion.

See the Teaser:

Netflix Canada premiere OKJA Wednesday, June 28, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

One of 2014’s most-blogged-about Artists, is about ready to release her big debut!  Meet BANKS!  The 26-year-old Alternative- R&B/Electronica Artist from Los Angeles is winning critical raves all abound with Critics calling her debut Disc GODDESS, “Pop Music at its most deluxe.”.  And did you know she’s a good Friend of our dear Lily Collins?  Ellie Goulding also is a self-professed BANKS Fanatic!

Check-out BANKS’ Beggin for Thread:

Also check-out Drowning:

To enter to win a copy of GODDESS by BANKS, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.

Universal Music Canada release GODDESS on Tuesday, September 9, 2014.

Download on iTunes here.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music Canada)

Tipped hotly as the next Young Adult Franchise to break, The Mortal Instruments, adapted from Cassandra Clare‘s Series of bestselling Novels, soon will see a release on the Big Screen with first installment City of Bones having been shot in Toronto last Fall.  Hence, it is absolutely full circle that Director Harald Zwart and Stars Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan and Kevin Zegers returned to where it all began last night, this time to promote the Blockbuster set to open next week.  If the fact that a second installment already has been green-lit, beginning production in just five weeks’ time, we can expect nothing but for these Films to be a massive success.

The stage was set as a strip of Richmond Street was closed for the Canadian Red Carpet Premiere of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones at Scotiabank Theatre, where Fans lined the barricades all day to get a glimpse of the Talent and perhaps maybe even get their books signed… and several succeeded!

Director Zwart has built an eclectic Résumé which has seen Box Office Hits like 2003’s Agent Cody Banks and 2010’s The Karate Kid Remake.  The Norwegian Native was first to walk the Carpet tonight and I asked him what drew him most to the Franchise and he admits, “I think this is the Movie I’ve been looking for all my life – a bit of Fantasy and Sci-Fi. That’s really my favourite genre.”.  On which Character   he identifies most with, he reveals, “I think I like Luke (played by The Hobbit‘s Aidan Turner). He’s the Outsider who’s watching everyone from a distance, but still protecting them.”.  Traveling solo last time around, he says “This time around I’m actually gonna bring my Family – my Kids and Wife  – and it will be a great experience having them around!”.

BAFTA-nominated Robert Sheehan has risen to prominence in the UK for his work on the Series Misfits.  Tackling the role of the nerdy but loveable Simon Lewis – Best Friend to Lily Collins‘ Clary Fray – the Irish Actor graced the Red Carpet in style tonight in a fitted suit with 3/4-length pants, complete with leopard-print shoes.  On Simon‘s grappling with his unrequited feelings for Clary, I ask what romantic advice Sheehan would give his own Character.  He jokes, “I’d tell him find the nearest table jump up on it, take your shirt off and claim your love as quickly as possible, because in 50 years’ time you might have a Hernia!”. In addition, he has nothing but praise for Torontonians, stating “People here are enduringly content with themselves. It’s infectious!”.  His one regret?  Sheehan wishes he got to do more “touristy” things during his last stay.  “I’m gonna take my weekends and see some sights like Niagara Falls and Montreal”, as he gestures teasingly at an attractive female Journalist beside me, making a pretend date with her.  Charming, indeed.

Despite being from Woodstock, Ontario originally, Toronto practically has become a second home for recently-wed Kevin Zegers.  The Actor stars as Alec Lightwood, a Character who comes to be defined in this installment for his own struggles with his sexuality and jealousy towards Clary Fray, as she captures the attentions of Jace Wayland (Jamie Campbell Bower).   I ask him what he drew upon in his own life for the role and he states, “I’m not a terrifically jealous person. I’m a little judgmental of people at first and I think that was one of my focuses – to be more renascent and distrustful rather than focusing on the jealousy and whether Clary‘s attached to Jace or not.”.  And for those curious, his lovely Wife Jaime Feld walked the Carpet together with him, standing by his side supportively as he greeted Fans and Press.

Although we’ve seen him in both The Twilight Saga and Harry Potter Franchises, British Actor/Musician Jamie Campbell Bower finally gets his moment to shine in The Mortal Instruments in a Lead Role, which actually is rather physically-demanding especially late in the Film in some highly choreographed action sequences with Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ Valentine Morgenstern.  Bower‘s Jace is seen widely as a bit of a “Bad Boy” and I asked him what influences he drew upon in crafting the role.  He lists for me some of his influences – some more surprising than others, “James Hetfield (Metallica), Kurt Cobain, young Johnny (Depp), young Heath (Ledger) and River (Phoenix) as well”, he says. “I’ve always been interested in Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones) also.”.

It’s always a pleasure seeing Lily Collins, one of Hollywood’s most promising new faces.  I still recall my shock spotting her out and about in the City last Summer while prepping for filming and to see her star rise so quickly fills me with a great sense of pride.  Upon seeing each other on the Carpet, she came over gave me a big hug.  An absolute vision in her white Houghton Dress, I had only a quick moment to chat, but asked her where in Toronto she’d take Clary Fray out on a date.   “Oh my God! Well, it’s funny because I went bowling in that Bowling Alley (pointing down the road to The Ballroom Bowl) when I was creating Clary. I’d  definitely have to go to Yamato for Sushi because Yorkville‘s my ‘hood’.  We’d also just go hang-out on Queen Street and go Vintage Shopping.”.   Reflecting on her meteoric rise, she says “Last time we came here no one knew who we were except you!”.  I invite her to look behind me at her hoards of adoring Fans and she flashes  a brilliant, animated smile. “I’m so thrilled to be here!”.

Watch Video Clips of my Chat with the Director and Cast of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones below:

eOne Films & Mr. Will Wong are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win one of 20 Double Passes to the Canadian Premiere of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones! It was filmed in our City and now we’re proud to celebrate its release in our City! The Red Carpet Event takes place Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto with several Cast Members in attendance.

Official Synopsis:

Based on the best-selling Young Adult Novel by Cassandra Clare, when her Mom is attacked and taken from their home in New York City by a Demon, a seemingly ordinary Teenage Girl, Clary Fray, finds out truths about her past and bloodline on her quest to get her back, that changes her entire life.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones stars: Lily Collins (Mirror, Mirror), Jamie Campbell Bower (Twilight Saga), Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), Kevin Zegers (The Colony), Kevin Durand (Robin Hood), Robert Sheehan (Misfits), Jared Harris (Mad Men) and Jonathan Rhys Meyers (The Tudors).

Watch the sizzling Trailer below:

Official Artwork below:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Double your chances by sharing this Post with your Friends on Facebook or Re-Tweeting the below to your Followers:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/themortalinstruments @MRWILLW wants us to #win a Double Pass to the #Toronto Premiere of #TheMortalInstruments 8/15. Out 8/21! #TMIMovie

Good luck, Shadowhunters! This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for.

eOne Films releases The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones on Wednesday, August 21, 2013.

Pre-order your Tickets here.

(Photo credit: eOne Films)

A few things about this brand new Sneak Peek Trailer for The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones:

-We get to witness adorable Lily Collins introducing the Trailer
-We see that Demi Lovato, Zedd and Colbie Caillat have contributed Tracks to the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from Universal Republic
-We can hear Previews of the Soundtrack here; it is available for Pre-order here (out August 20, 2013)
-The Film is PG-13 as per the MPAA
-It will be available in IMAX

Watch the Sneak Peek Trailer at Yahoo! Movies in full here or watch it in HD below:

eOne Films releases The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones on Wednesday, August 21, 2013.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

There are few Celebrities I am as cosmically in-sync with as Lily Collins. I keep crossing paths with her, honestly not even intentionally! Remember last Summer when we first spotted her out and about with Jamie Campbell Bower (read here)?

Collins just wrapped a week of work on Rom-Com, Love, Rosie, in Toronto along with another burgeoning star in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire‘s Sam Claflin (read more here) with sightings ranging from Etobicoke to Downtown’s Roy Thomson Hall to Financial District.

Remembering me right away, she tells me “Nice seeing you again!”, sporting a slight hint of red in her locks. “Your hair! Looks great!!”, I tell her. “Aww, thanks!”, she says grabbing a few strands of it. Collins was getting ready to fly out and tells me “I think we’ll be back again for the Premiere later this Summer.”.

With a second The Mortal Instruments installment already green-lit for Production without the first even being released, Studio Executives over at Sony Pictures really are that confident in Collins‘ ability to clary – sorry, I mean carry – a Franchise on her own.

See my Snap:

eOne Films releases The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones in Canada August 22, 2013.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Things undisputably are on the up-and-up for Sam Claflin. The 26-year-old British Actor who made a splash in Box Office Smashes Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Snow White & The Huntsman, soon after was cast in upcoming The Hunger Games Sequel, Catching Fire, in the coveted role of Finnick Odair.  Co-Star Jennifer Lawrence in fact also arrived on Canadian soil this weekend to begin work on X-Men: Days of Future Past, being spotted in Montreal Sunday night!

Claflin, arrived in Toronto over the weekend, to begin a few days only of Production on Rom-Com, Love, Rosie, opposite Rising Star Lily Collins, who practically is now a Torontonian after all the time she’s spent here this past year! The Film centers around a pair of Friends who are separated when one (Alex, played by Claflin) relocates with his Family to America and one remains in Dublin (Rosie, played by Collins).  “Can Friendship and Love survive distance and separation?”, we are asked in this Adaptation of  the popular Novel by Cecelia Ahern (P.S. I Love You).  Toronto of course, has been cast in the role of Boston, where part of the Story is set, with the remainder of Production taking place in Dublin.

It has just been announced that Lionsgate Films will distribute The Quiet Ones, a Poltergeist-Horror which has him starring opposite a currently-in-Toronto Jared Harris, with a release date set for April 25, 2014.  Meanwhile, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, also from Lionsgate Films (eOne Films in Canada), sees a November 22, 2013 release.

I spotted a redheaded Claflin, out and about earlier today arriving to work and he was awful nice to stop for a quick Snap, happy that I’m excited for Catching Fire.  He even signed a Photo for you my Readers, although that will be timed for later in the year. Stay tuned to Mr. Will Wong on Facebook for more on that!

See more Photos of Collins and Claflin filming Love, Rosie in Toronto here.

See my Snaps below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/GQ)

As if Lily Collins’ Career couldn’t be getting any hotter, news has just surfaced that she’s close to sealing the deal to star in Pride, Prejudice and Zombies. The Horror-Drama-Romance is based on Seth Grahame Smith’s Mash-up of the Literary Classic by Jane Austen.  This of course has long been in-the-works with Natalie Portman once being attached to star, but after several delays Variety reports Burr Steers will direct.

Collins first will need to pass her first major test of Box Office bankability in this Summer’s The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.  If this sizzling new Trailer is any indication how massive it will be, then the Hollywood’s A-List better click that “enter” key a few times to make some room quick for a new name.

Watch the Trailer:

eOne Films releases The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones on Friday, August 23, 2013.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

Finally, some life is breathed into Toronto’s Film Industry with a few exciting updates!  Sam Claflin, whose star quickly is on the rise starring in upcoming The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, arrives in Toronto for a few days of shooting next month for Romantic-Comedy, Love, Rosie, based on the Novel by Ceceila Ahern.  The Film centers around Best Friends Rosie and Alex who are separated after the latter’s Family relocates to America.  Lily Collins, who has been in Toronto much of late for The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones and recent Re-shoots, also stars.  Love, Rosie sees a 2014 release.

Pompeii from Paul W.S. Anderson (The Three Musketeers, Resident Evil: Retribution)  just began Production and will continue to film till July in the City.  Several Game of Thrones Fans around Toronto have had to do a double-take after spotting Kit Harington.  The Actor has been sporting lighter-coloured locks for the Film and confirmed to some Fans recently that he has met the entire Cast which includes Jared Harris (Mad Men), Kiefer Sutherland (24) and Emily Browning (Sucker Punch) already, who are scattered in separate parts of the City.  Paz Vega (Spanglish) was recently added to the Cast along with Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix).

Those of you who like me are looking forward to Sony Pictures’ Carrie Remake will be excited to know that some of the Cast will be back in Toronto early May for a couple days to do Re-shoots for the Horror.  In the meantime, several of the Cast Members have gone-on to do some great things.  For one, Julianne Moore of course was just cast in David Cronenberg‘s Map to the Stars, set to film in L.A. reuniting that Director with Robert Pattinson. Gabriella Wilde filmed Squatters with Thomas Dekker (just in Toronto this week).  Ansel Elgort who calls Carrie his first Movie ever, was cast in what sure is to be a Hit in Divergent alongside Shailene Woodley.  Of course, its Star, Chloë Moretz filmed Kick-Ass 2 here in Toronto last Fall right after Carrie.

The Big Bang Theory Star Kunal Nayyar also just arrived in the City to film Dr. Cabbie’s Meter’s Running starring Vinay Virmani (Breakaway) and Adrianne Palicki (G.I. JOE).  The Cast have been in and around the City and last week were spotted in-and-around Bay x Wellesley filming and are expected here till late May.

In another bit of casting news, British Actor Max Beesley (Glitter, Hotel Babylon) has just been cast in USA Network‘s Hit Legal Series Suits and is expected to arrive in the City shortly to begin filming.  Filming continues throughout the Summer into October.

(Photo credit: Lionsgate Films)

“You have an incredible gift and we need you. I need you.”.

I cannot contain my excitement at this for multiple reasons.  One, this brand new Trailer for The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones not long looks amazing, but also it’s got some funny bits in it!  Two, Author Cassandra Clare announces that there will indeed be a Canadian Premiere for one of this Summer’s most eagerly awaited Blockbusters filmed last Summer here in Toronto!  “We are thrilled and excited to celebrate with you all. See you soon!”, she says.

Watch the brand new Trailer in full below.  The intense opening sequence as Clary (Lily Collins) Mother Jocelyn (Lena Headey) gets taken is just too much to take!