By Mr. Will Wong

Would you believe one of this Summer’s most anticipated blockbusters can be enjoyed right from home?

JACKPOT! stars Awkwafina, John Cena and Simu Liu. Directed by Paul Feig, this Action-Comedy arriving August 15, 2024 on Prime Video Canada, is set in the near future where a new lotto, the Grand Lottery, has arrived in California. To win it though, you’ve got to kill the winner before sundown to claim the riches, which are worth billions! Katie (Awkwafina) finds herself in trouble moving to L.A. and finding herself in possession of the winning ticket. She tnen finds herself in a race to save her life from these jackpot hunters. She’s protected by lottery protection agent Noel (Cena), and he must fend-off rival Louis (Simu Liu), the latter trying to get a commission off Katie!

We were delighted to sit-in on a conversation with Feig, Awkwafina, Cena and Liu today as they did the rounds to promote JACKPOT!

Paul Feig, who has brought us his comedic genius in Bridesmaids, Ghostbusters (2016) and The Heat, is asked what drew him to this project.

Feig: I originally receive a script titled Grand Theft Lotto, thought it sounded stupid and was not going to read it. It was days later that my producing partner Laura Fischer said, ‘You should read the script, it is really funny!’. I got into page 40 out of 100 and said, I have to do this Movie. It was too much fun. It was the Jacky Chan movie I always wanted to make. It’s funny, silly, emotional – a story about someone in over their head.

Awkwafina explains her excitement about getting to work with Feig.

Awkwafina: I was attached to the Movie already and we were looking for a Director, and Paul was interested, I was so happy. I’m a huge fan of everything he’s done since Freaks and Geeks. Also, I’ve been friends with him for some time.

Feig: We had dinner and we were both on the same page. We both wanted to make sure it felt real and grounded. It’s always dangerous doing a story about an Actor because it can be difficult to get an audience invested in someone wanting to become famous. Our goal was to make it relatable, and I think we did that.

John Cena talks about joining the project.

Cena: It’s just another day in my life – a bunch of Comedy and Action! Another day at office! I don’t think there’s anybody better to play amatueur protection agent than me!

Awkwafina takes us through her fitness journey prepping for her role as Katie in Jackpot!

Awkwafina: This did kick off my fitness journey for sure, especially in the opening sequence. Simu and I were already in action movie together and for that one I did not train. We were just hanging out at Westfield. This one I felt like it was important for me to work with the team, who are amazing and my stunt double Kiera O’Connor, and also working with John (Cena) too. I really appreciate the way John handles action scenes and is about safety. I felt very, very safe when doing scenes as a group.

Cena: You killed it, you looked great out there. You did a lot of stunts yourself and nailed the physicality.

Simu Liu describes for us his character Louis Lewis, who is seen as the villain.

Liu: Is he a bad guy or just a solid, ambitious Entrepreneur? When you’re introduced to him, he’s kind of a boss – everything John’s character wants to be. Noel is an amateur ambulance-chasing insurance salesman, who’s running after people to hire him. Louis has money and resources to rent out billboards and has got a whole compound working for him. If you won the Grand Lottery, who would you rather go with to protect you?

Feig: And nobody rocks a three-piece white suit like Louis.

Cena: What I love about the Action here is that it’s comical and realistic. There is a scene in a strip mall where we’re going through a karate studio, a yoga studio, etc. What I love about Paul‘s creativity when he said this is his Jacky Chan movie that he wanted to film – when you look at the way Jacky Chan tells a story, he’ll choreograph a fight when he gets on-set. He’ll see the audio guy or a loose chair and he’ll incorporate all those things into the action. I thought the stunt team did an incredible job at incorporating various things you’d find in a karate dojo and all that stuff yields itself to Comedy. When situations were safe, I was happy to do it. But I’m not going to sit here and say I wasn’t grateful to my stunt double. All it takes is for you to lose one of your testicles to find out that you’ve only got two more. Safety is now my prime concern. I’ll do whatever is asked of me, but when they want the stunt double to come in, Spencer (Thomas) is my guy!

Simu Liu recalls an incident where he sent a stunt perfomer to the hospital.

Liu: 90 to 95% of my movements were more straightforward – a couple falls and I had an amazing stunt double Will (Tang) who stepped in. Do you remember when I sent a stunt guy to the hospital?

Cena: Don’t let that sleuth fool you, he’s an athlete! He was taking Choreography and amplifying it!

Simu: What was his name? I did a batckick and couldn’t see where I was kicking, the wires got crossed and I felt so so bad!

Cena: He was back on-set within an hour!

Awkwafina: The whole stunt team was the best, without them, action movies cant exist.

Cena: They were actually happy finally to do Action-Comedy so that they could laugh at the stunts.

Paul Feig comments on his casting eclectic and talented Casts.

Feig: When I do Comedy, I have people that I work with who are ‘money in the bank’, where they can literall have one line and I know they’re going to make it into something… It was like a team of these up and coming Comedy people.

Dolly De Leon whom I saw in Triangle of Sadness and was so great. I couldn’t believe we got her. I just like to have a deep team of really talented Comedy people who will take what we have and make it into something else.

Don’t forget to stream JACKPOT! when it arrives August 15, 2024 on Prime Video Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada)

Today it was announced that John Cena, Awkwafina, and Simu Liu are set to star in Prime Video’s action-comedy Grand Death Lotto, from director Paul Feig. Feig is directing the film from a script penned by Rob Yescombe (Outside the Wire). The film, which hails from Amazon Studios, will be produced by Roth/Kirschenbaum Films’ Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Feigco Entertainment’s Laura Fischer and Paul Feig. John Cena, Zack Roth, and Rob Yescombe will executive produce.

In the very near future, the Grand Lottery has been established in economically challenged California. The only catch? Kill the winner before sundown and you can legally claim their prize. New LA transplant Katie (Awkwafina) accidentally finds herself with the winning ticket and must join forces with amateur jackpot protector Noel (John Cena) to make it to sundown in order to claim her multi-billion dollar prize, all while dealing with Noel’s protection rival Louis Lewis (Simu Liu), who also wants to get her to sundown in order to claim his rich protection commission.

The Amazon Original Movie will be available to stream on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Production begins next week.

“Grand Death Lotto is the kind of original idea audiences have been craving, and there’s no one better than the endlessly talented Paul Feig to steer the ship,” said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon and MGM Studios. “We can’t wait to watch John Cena, Awkwafina, and Simu Liu bring this fun, action-packed script to life for our Prime Video customers around the world.”

“I love action comedy and extreme physical comedy and this movie has both in abundance, as well as a boatload of heart and hilarity,” said director Paul Feig. “This lotto will make winners of us all.”

John Cena recently starred as Peacemaker in the No. 1 HBO Max Original series of the same name. His upcoming credits include the tenth main installment in the Fast & Furious franchise Fast X, Matthew Vaughn-helmed spy thriller Argylle, Prime Video’s Ricky Stanicky, and the sequel to Vacation Friends.

Awkwafina will next be seen in Universal’s Renfield opposite Nicolas Cage and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Additionally, she will star opposite Sandra Oh in an upcoming Untitled Sister Comedy Project for Hulu and the third season of Comedy Central’s Nora from Queens.

Simu Liu’s credits include Disney’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings and Warner Bros.’ upcoming feature Barbie.

Paul Feig is a DGA-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, writer, producer, and author who most recently served as the director, producer, and co-writer of The School for Good and Evil, which debuted as the #1 film on Netflix in 88 countries worldwide upon release. In television, he is a writer, executive producer, and director of FOX’s Welcome to Flatch, which is currently airing its second season, and an executive producer of Minx, which will premiere its second season on Starz later this year. He has a proven track record of films that have grossed over one billion dollars worldwide including Bridesmaids, Last Christmas, The Heat, Ghostbusters, Spy, and A Simple Favor, the latter of which Feig will direct and produce a sequel.

Cena is represented by WME, Intenta Media, and JSSK. Awkwafina is represented by UTA, Artists First, Schreck Rose & Kovert Creative. Liu is represented by CAA, Authentic Talent & Literary Management, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Feig is represented by CAA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Yescombe is represented by A3 Artists Agency and Curtis Brown.

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see LAST CHRISTMAS! Screenings take place Wednesday, November 6, 2019 in:

TORONTO
VANCOUVER
MONTREAL
OTTAWA
CALGARY

Synopsis:
Emilia Clarke (HBO’s Game of Thrones), Henry Golding (A SIMPLE FAVOR, CRAZY RICH ASIANS), Michelle Yeoh and Emma Thompson star for Director Paul Feig (A SIMPLE FAVOR, SPY, BRIDESMAIDS) in the romantic comedy LAST CHRISTMAS, with a screenplay by Academy Award® winner Thompson (SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, BRIDGET JONES’S BABY) and Playwright Bryony Kimmings.

Kate (Emilia Clarke) harumphs around London, a bundle of bad decisions accompanied by the jangle of bells on her shoes, another irritating consequence from her job as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Tom (Henry Golding) seems too good to be true when he walks into her life and starts to see through so many of Kate’s barriers. As London transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, nothing should work for these two. But sometimes, you gotta let the snow fall where it may, you gotta listen to your heart.

LAST CHRISTMAS features the music of George Michael, including the bittersweet holiday classic of the Film’s title. The Film will also premiere brand new unreleased material by the legendary Grammy-winning artist, who sold more than 115 million albums and recorded 10 No. 1 singles over the course of his iconic career.

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.

Rules and regulations here.

LAST CHRISTMAS is in theatres Friday, November 8, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

It’s never too early for Christmas, is it? Check-out the new Trailer for LAST CHRISTMAS starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding!

Synopsis:

Kate (Emilia Clarke) harumphs around London, a bundle of bad decisions accompanied by the jangle of bells on her shoes, another irritating consequence from her job as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Tom (Henry Golding) seems too good to be true when he walks into her life and starts to see through so many of Kate’s barriers. As London transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, nothing should work for these two. But sometimes, you gotta let the snow fall where it may, you gotta listen to your heart … and you gotta have faith.

Last Christmas is directed by Paul Feig, with the Music of George Michael.

See the Trailer:

Universal Pictures release LAST CHRISTMAS is in theatres Friday, November 8, 2019.

eOne Films x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see A SIMPLE FAVOR! Screenings take place Wednesday, September 12, 2018 in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Halifax.

Synopsis:
A SIMPLE FAVOR, directed by Paul Feig, centers around Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), a mommy vlogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily‘s (Blake Lively) sudden disappearance from their small town. Stephanie is joined by Emily‘s husband Sean (Henry Golding) in this stylish thriller filled with twists and betrayals, secrets and revelations, love and loyalty, murder and revenge.

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.

eOne Films release A SIMPLE FAVOR Friday, September 14, 2018!

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

We know you’re just as excited! Check-out this new Trailer for A SIMPLE FAVOR, Writer/Director Paul Feig‘s(The Heat, Ghostbusters) first Thriller!

Synopsis:
A SIMPLE FAVOR, directed by Paul Feig, centres around Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), a mommy vlogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily’s (Blake Lively) sudden disappearance from their small town. Stephanie is joined by Emily‘s husband Sean (Henry Golding) in this stylish thriller filled with twists and betrayals, secrets and revelations, love and loyalty, murder and revenge.

See the new Trailer:

Artwork:

eOne Films release A SIMPLE FAVOUR Friday, September 14, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

At last, a new Trailer for Toronto-made A SIMPLE FAVOR!

See the new Teaser Trailer:

Universal Pictures Canada release A SIMPLE FAVOR Friday, September 14, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures)

What happened to Emily? Since this filmed in Toronto last Summer, we’ve been wondering when it would finally surface? Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, Ghostbusters) gives us a little something different this time with his Thriller A SIMPLE FAVOR starring Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding and Blake Lively. The Film was just unveiled in Las Vegas at Cinemacon!

See the Trailer:

eOne Films release A SIMPLE FAVOR Friday, September 14, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Lionsgate Films/eOne Films)

If like me you loved of 2016’s Ghostbusters, Bridesmaids, Spy, The Heat, Nurse Jackie or The Office, chances are you’re already a huge Fan and might not even know it! Writer/Actor/Director Paul Feig makes a rare visit to Toronto today, speaking at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival tonight at Randolph Theatre in an intimate chat with Bruce McCulloch (Kids in the Hall).

Granting only one live TV interview this morning, the Freaks and Geeks Creator appeared at CITY‘s Breakfast Television to chat with Dina Pugliese about his career and tonight’s chat.

Despite it being blisteringly-cold, Feig handled a growing group of Fans with grace and stopped for personalizations and Selfies (multiples in one instance), in no rush.

See our Snap:

One of my favourite Directors, #PaulFeig. If you loved #Ghostbusters (2016), #TheHeat, #Spy, #FreaksandGeeks, #Bridesmaids, #TheOffice or #NurseJackie, you’re already a huge fan and might not even realize it! He speaks tonight at the #SketchFest in Toronto.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Mar 10, 2017 at 5:06am PST

More #PaulFeig. #Sketchfest (@thaliapolo)

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Mar 10, 2017 at 5:39am PST

More on tonight’s appearance here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Words cannot describe our excitement. We had our doubts about this new GHOSTBUSTERS Film, but this Trailer should alleviate that. It looks awesome!

Synopsis:
Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. This summer, they’re here to save the world!

See the Trailer:

Sony Pictures Canada release GHOSTBUSTERS Friday, July 16, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)