The first 10 pages (the full prologue) of the upcoming Robbie Amell graphic novel, Code 8: Tales of Lincoln City, Vol. 1, are now available as a free download exclusively through the Indiegogo campaign page. This early preview gives fans their first look at the story and artwork from breakout Hellboy artist Alex Nieto, legendary DC/Marvel cover artist Raúl Allen, and visionary X-Men graphic designer Tom Muller, as the campaign heads into its final stretch on Indiegogo.

The campaign is being managed by Collective Digital, the same team behind the record-breaking Code 8 Indiegogo film campaign in 2019, which raised $3.4M and became one of the platform’s biggest successes.

Additional details:

The gritty sci-fi universe of the Code 8 films is expanding from screen to page with the launch of the graphic novel, Code 8: Tales of Lincoln City, Vol. 1. To officially introduce this new installment in the Code 8 saga, star and producer Robbie Amell (Upload, The Flash, Code 8) will make a special appearance at FAN EXPO Canada in Toronto on Saturday, Aug. 23. Fans will get an exclusive first look at the artwork, story direction, and hear behind-the-scenes insights during a highly anticipated Code 8 panel.

Code 8: Tales of Lincoln City is being brought to life through a crowdfunding campaign, launching tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 23, on Indiegogo.com. Fans looking to get in on the action early can sign up now and receive an exclusive discount on a signed hardcover of the graphic novel.

Connor Reed as depicted in the new graphic novel Code 8: Tales of Lincoln City

Created by Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell, Jeff Chan, and Chris Paré, the Code 8 franchise began as a short film in 2016 and quickly grew into a fan-fuelled phenomenon. Its 2019 Indiegogo campaign raised over $3.4 million, making it the platform’s second-biggest film project ever, and sparked a passionate global following for its grounded, unflinching take on a superpowered underclass. That groundbreaking campaign was run by the team now known as Collective Digital, who are reuniting with the creators to launch this next chapter and once again put fans at the heart of the story.

“Code 8 has always felt bigger than just a film,” said Robbie Amell. “Getting to tell my character’s origin story as a graphic novel is such a full-circle moment for me. And the best part is, we get to do it alongside the fans who made this world a reality.”

“With Code 8: Tales of Lincoln City, we’re not just telling a single story – this is the launch of a new era that expands the Code 8 universe far beyond the screen,” said director and co-creator Jeff Chan. “The graphic novel opens the door to new characters, deeper histories, and untold stories. It’s the first step in a much bigger journey for both the series and its fans,” said writer and producer Chris Paré.

“At Indiegogo, we celebrate creators who dare to bring bold visions to life. The success of the Code 8 campaign helped redefine what’s possible for independent original storytelling,” said Julie dePontbriand, CEO, Indiegogo. “We’re proud to back that momentum with Code 8: Tales of Lincoln City and continue empowering the fans to help shape the future of the franchise.”

Featuring breakout Hellboy artist Alex Nieto, legendary DC/Marvel cover artist Raúl Allen, and visionary X-Men graphic designer Tom Muller, the series is written by Tom Selenow, with creative oversight from the original Code 8 filmmakers. Code 8: Tales of Lincoln City, is the first volume in a must-read graphic novel series that explores the origin stories of Connor, key characters from the film, and Lincoln City itself.

Fans who back the campaign will have access to exclusive perks, including:

Digital, softcover, and hardcover versions of the graphic novel, only available through the campaign

Comics and trading cards signed by Robbie Amell

Their name immortalized in the credits of the comic

Their likeness drawn into the comic as a citizen of Lincoln City

If you’re around for Fan Expo Canada this weekend in Toronto, there are some awesome opportunities coming your way including a chance to see Robbie Amell!

ROBBIE AMELL

Amell will be debuting graphic novel Code 8: Tales of Lincoln City, Vol 1. The appearance is set to take place Saturday, Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. ET at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, followed by a poster signing with Amell.

Fans can sign up for the campaign early and receive 20% off a signed hardcover of the graphic novel

WHAT:
Actor and producer Robbie Amell (Upload, The Flash, Code 8) will officially announce a brand-new graphic novel set in the world of the Code 8 universe during his panel appearance at FAN EXPO Canada.

Code 8: Tales of Lincoln City, Vol 1 will be funded via Indiegogo and feature exclusive artwork, limited-edition collectibles, and in-universe storytelling that expands the Code 8 cinematic world beyond the screen.

Following the panel, fans can find Amell at the MoviePosters.com booth to receive signed Code 8: Tales of Lincoln City artwork.

Today, Prime Video announced that Season Four of the sci-fi comedy series Upload will premiere on Monday, August 25, 2025 on Prime Video. First-look official images out now. The fourth season will consist of four episodes premiering exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories around the world.

Upload is a sci-fi comedy series from Emmy-winning writer Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation, King of the Hill), set in a technologically advanced future where holographic phones, self-driving vehicles, AI assistance, and 3D food printers are the norm. And, forget about dying – instead, you’ll be “uploaded” to a virtual reality afterlife, and enjoy all the comforts of a world-class resort. Provided you can afford it.

In the four-part series finale event, sentient AI rapidly turns evil, threatening to wipe out Lakeview (and the world!). On top of greedy executives, lingering mysteries, plus heartbreak in VR and IRL, our characters are tested like never before. The only way they can get through it all and save humanity from deletion is by teaming up one last time.

The series was created by Greg Daniels, who also serves as executive producer along with Howard Klein and Maxwell Vivian. Series stars: Robbie Amell as Nathan, Andy Allo as Nora, Kevin Bigley as Luke, Allegra Edwards as Ingrid, Zainab Johnson as Aleesha, and Owen Daniels as A.I. Guy.

Cast and crew from Netflix’s Code 8 Part II descended upon the TIFF Lightbox this evening for the film’s world premiere, followed by a lively Q&A. Fans cheered as Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell, Jeff Chan, Aaron Abrams, Jean Yoon, Alex Mallari Jr. and Sirena Gulamgaus, among other cast members, walked the red carpet; celebrating this Canadian-made film in the city where the Code 8 universe first came to life.

Filmed across the GTA, Hamilton and Kingston, Code 8 Part II releases globally on Netflix February 28, 2024.

Photos from the Premiere by George Pimentel:

(Photo/video credit: Netflix Canada/George Pimentel)

Proudly-Canadian, a new Trailer for CODE 8: PART II, starring cousins Robbie and Stephen Amell, has just been released!

Synopsis:

In this sequel to Code 8, Connor (Robbie Amell) is out of prison and working as a janitor at a community center, having cut ties with his former criminal associate Garrett (Stephen Amell). Connor’s attempt at staying out of trouble is destroyed when he’s forced to help 14-year-old Pav (Sirena Gulamgaus) escape from a pack of corrupt officers led by Sergeant King (Alex Mallari Jr.). King uses the newly launched robotic K9’s to track Pav down, while Connor finds himself once again reaching out to Garrett and his crew for help, but can he trust the man who landed him in prison in the first place?

(Photo/video credit: Netflix Canada)

Filmed right here in Canada, Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell are back with CODE 8 PART II and today we get a release date announcement on Netflix!

Synopsis:

In this sequel to Code 8, Connor (Robbie Amell) is out of prison and working as a janitor at a community center, having cut ties with his former criminal associate Garrett (Stephen Amell). Connor’s attempt at staying out of trouble is destroyed when he’s forced to help 14-year-old Pav (Sirena Gulamgaus) escape from a pack of corrupt officers led by Sergeant King (Alex Mallari Jr.). King uses the newly launched robotic K9’s to track Pav down, while Connor finds himself once again reaching out to Garrett and his crew for help, but can he trust the man who landed him in prison in the first place?

Netflix Release Date | February 28, 2024

DIRECTOR: Jeff Chan
WRITERS: Chris Paré, Jeff Chan, Sherren Lee, Jesse Lavercombe
PRODUCED BY: Jeff Chan, Chris Paré, Steven Hoban, Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell
CAST: Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell, Alex Mallari Jr., Sirena Gulamgaus, Jean Yoon, Aaron Abrams
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Collective Pictures
Filmed in Canada

Robbie and Stephen Amell are back with CODE 8 PART II, arriving in 2024. Today we get a brand-new Trailer!

SYNOPSIS:
In this sequel to Code 8, Connor (Robbie Amell) is out of prison and working as a janitor at a community center, having cut ties with his former criminal associate Garrett (Stephen Amell). Connor’s attempt at staying out of trouble is destroyed when he’s forced to help 14-year-old Pav (Sirena Gulamgaus) escape from a pack of corrupt officers led by Sergeant King (Alex Mallari Jr.). King uses the newly launched robotic K9’s to track Pav down, while Connor finds himself once again reaching out to Garrett and his crew for help, but can he trust the man who landed him in prison in the first place?

DIRECTOR: Jeff Chan
WRITER: Jeff Chan, Chris Paré
PRODUCERS: Jeff Chan, Chris Paré, Steve Hoban, Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Mark Smith

CAST: Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell, Alex Mallari Jr., Sirena Gulamgaus, Jean Yoon, Aaron Abrams

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

By Mr. Will Wong

April Mullen‘s SIMULANT got the Red Carpet treatment tonight at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto. The Sci-Fi Thriller was filmed in and around Toronto last year. Stars Sam Worthington, Robbie Amell, Masa Lizdek, Emmanuel Kabongo and Mullen were in attendance at the affair, brought to us by Mongrel Media and Telefilm Canada. Italia Ricci also came out to support her husband, Amell!

The Film looks at the consequences of Artificial Intelligence in a world where simulated versions of humans are looking to access the same things that their human counterparts have. At the center of the story is a woman named Faye (Jordana Brewster) who is torn between her love for her late husband Evan (Amell) and his surviving simulated version. The gorgeously-shot Feature certainly leaves audiences thinking and also stars Toronto’s Simu Liu as well.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Mullen and the Cast of SIMULANT.

Masa Lizdek plays an Android named Lisa. She has built a solid body of work appearing in productions like The Handmaid’s Tale, Saving Hope, Murdoch Mysteries and TIFF selection, THE WAITING ROOM. She tells us about this amazing opportunity, starring alongside a prolific Cast. All she had to do was be herself in the audition.

Lizdek: “‘I remember asking my agent, ‘Do you think I should go all out and put on this wig?’ and she was like, ‘Just go as yourself, look like your headshot. Don’t be extra, Masa. Just calm down’. Low and behold, being super-natural paid off, April liked what she saw and she offered me the role. I was more than happy to take that.”.

She tells about the extensive work that went into her makeup, costume and prosthetics.

Lizdek: “So they did a lifelike cast of me, silicon mold that was later silicon-cast, and then it was patinaed to give a nice skin tone. There was a styrofoam wig involved, we put on some lashes. We played a bit with teeth, I don’t think that worked out. Some contact lenses…”.

April Mullen who has been behind the lens in films like Wander, Below Her Mouth and series like The 100, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Wynonna Earp and several more, helms SIMULANT. She tells us about her decision to jump aboard this project, which was filmed over 20-plus days under some unpredictable weather conditions.

Mullen: “At the beginning, I read the Script actually eight years ago with AI technology was not like what it is now at all. It felt a lot more far-fetch and Sci-Fi to be honest. But the ending tore me up so much that I couldn’t sleep. I didn’t know who I was rooting for of the main characters. The Simulants were almost more appealing than the human beings because they were so focussed on one role, which was love. It opened-up a whole can of worms in my brain because I’ve always been an advocate for humanity. I just couldn’t sleep and had to make this next film.”.

We ask Mullen what she hopes the audience will take away from this Film.

Mullen: “I hope audiences really look inward, think about what they saw and reflect on it because I think AI technology is getting closer and closer to becoming intimate partners in friendships and relationships. We’re losing connection between ourselves that we’re almost becoming more isolated because we’re entertained in our own little boxes. What I think is so beautiful about humanity is that we can touch hands – I see a father and daughter tying a shoe and I’m inspired to make Art. I don’t want to lose that.”.

Toronto’s own Robbie Amell talks about playing a dual role in one as the real Evan and the other, his simulated counterpart.

Amell: “The nice thing is when April and I talked about it, you’re not supposed to know that they’re Sims. They’re supposed to be very real. They’re supposed to be very real and the Sim should have all the memories that Evan had. So really I’m just playing one character until he finds out that he’s a Sim. And then things start to change a little bit. There’s that moment he opens the door and he just walks away from it. It’s built into his programming he’s not allowed in there, so it shouldn’t feel weird to him at all.”.

With the Film having Simu Liu‘s name literally in its title, we had to ask what it was like working with the Shang-Chi star.

Amell: “I’m a huge Marvel fan and a huge Simu fan. I saw Shang-Chi in theatres, I loved it. Immediately when we worked together, I asked him about the bus scene and he’s awesome. He’s super-fun, super-prepared and he knows his stuff, he’s very funny and super-talented. I’m very happy he’s getting the success he’s getting and I was super happy to work with him.”.

Avatar leading man Sam Worthington had a day off and Toronto was fortuante enough to have him back. He plays Artificial Intelligence Compliance Enforcement (AICE) agent Kessler (Sam Worthington), who is out to target SIMs. He reflects upon his experience filming in and around Toronto.

Worthington: “Well we had to drive down to Hamilton a lot, so that’s a long trip, but I like the people – they’re friendly.”.

He tells us what he felt was the toughest thing about embody Kessler.

Worthington: “Getting the costume right. I kinda built that from the outside. I kinda had a costume I wanted to wear… and then you have to convince the Director you’re on a different track.”.

Asides from the next installment of Avatar, he tells us what we can expect next.
Worthington: “I’m doing Kevin Costner‘s movies (Horizon) There’s four films.”.

A reel of highlights from the night:

Mongrel Media release SIMULANT in theatres April 7, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media/Mr. Will Wong)

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY. We are giving you two chances to see it. One, an Advance Screening in Toronto November 24, 2021 with a Q&A with star Robbie Amell in-attendance. We also will have Cineplex Passes to see it in theatres across Canada!

Synopsis:

Returning to the origins of the massively popular RESIDENT EVIL franchise, fan and filmmaker Johannes Roberts brings the games to life for a whole new generation of fans. In RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY, once the booming home of pharmaceutical giant Umbrella Corporation, Raccoon City is now a dying Midwestern town. The company’s exodus left the city a wasteland…with great evil brewing below the surface. When that evil is unleashed, a group of survivors must work together to uncover the truth behind Umbrella and make it through the night.

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

Rules and regulations here.

NOTE: Winners will only be contacted from this account. Please do not accept friend requests from other accounts asking you to provide your personal details.

Elevation Pictures release RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY November 24, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

While Fan Expo looked a little different this year, fans still were able to enjoy the three day event safely amidst our current climate. The three-day event took place this weekend at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, bringing together fans of Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime, and Gaming together under one roof with a chance for them to meet some of their idols. The event was modified to a Limited Edition version this year, working around safety guidelines and restrictions/caps. It normally draws hundreds of thousands of people every year when at full capacity.

While there were several guest cancellations this year due to uncertainty and changes in scheduling, fans still were able to feast on an exciting array of programming and stars including the likes of Kit Young, GeorgeTakei, Robert Patrick, Melanie Scrofano, Robbie Amell, Stephen Amell, James Marsters, Italia Ricci, Trailer Park Boys (including a fun #Swearnet backdrop seen above for fans to pose at), Christopher Eccleston… and of course the legend himself William Shatner, fresh off his successful mission to space, giving him the distinction of being the oldest person ever to visit it.

George Kozera from Team Mr. Will and I were able to check-out some of the thrills and sit-on (literally on the floor) on some of the exciting Q&As with the talent. George even got to ask Shatner a question!

Some highlights and quotes:

ITALIA RICCI

This former Supergirl star, hailing from Richmond Hill, Ontario is connected to a few superheroes, being married to Robbie Amell (The Flash) who is a cousin of Stephen Amell (Arrow) – the latter married to Cassandra Jean, also who has starred in Arrow. When asked about her family being like a mini Comic-Con, she says “Well, none of us got the keep the costumes. Maybe Stephen, I don’t know. But yeah, it’s been fun. Supergirl shoots in Vancouver, but when I shot season one, it was on the Warner Bros. lot. But I had a lot of fun and didn’t think they would kill me. I thought ‘I’m coming back for sure!'”. Ricci also filmed Designated Survivor here in Toronto and when asked about McDonald’s vs. Pizza, she says she takes her son almost daily to McDonald’s right now, although she admittedly still hasn’t found amazing Pizza in the City just yet. Her hunt continues.

JAMES MARSTERS

The most fascinating tidbit revealed during the Q&A session with Marsters (Spike on TV’s BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER) was that the Producers of the Show were unhappy with the success of the Angel character and that the audience attention was drawn-away from Buffy. Originally hired for a five to ten episode storyline (it stretched to 97 episodes), Marsters said ” I would have fired myself to keep the integrity of Buffy intact.”.

WILLIAM SHATNER

At 90 years young, the iconic, natural-born raconteur William Shatner greeted the crowd with “Hello, fellow Canadians” where he quickly added, “I haven’t been able to say that in a long time” and entertained the rapt and adoring crowd with stories of his childhood growing up in Montreal, living in Toronto on Sherbourne Street as a struggling Actor trying to find work and living on his one inexpensive meal at the Sherbourne Hotel. When I asked him about his experience working in JUDGEMENT AT NUREMBERG he replied, in part, “Imagine being a youngActor, sitting on a bench and watching icons like Judy Garland and Spencer Tracy perform”. He promoted his new album “Bill“, then spoke at length of his recent space flight on Jeff Bezos‘s rocket and likened the darkness he saw to death itself. There was only a very brief mention of STAR TREK (while never mentioning the title), none of BOSTON LEGAL (for which he won his only Emmy,) but it didn’t matter; Shatner owned the room!

CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON

Watching Christopher Eccleston at his Q&A was revelatory. He was self-effacing (“I am the worst Marvel villain ever” and “My dad said to me:you finally get a job in Hollywood and you play the invisible man?”), brutal honest (he spoke of his one season as DOCTOR WHO as contentious and hated the direction that the BBC wanted to Series to proceed. However, he also mentioned two episodes that contained some of his best work ever due to the exceptional Script and, in hindsight, would have liked to have done one more year to correct the acting mistakes he felt he made). Highly complimentary of other Actor’s work (“I don’t envy the next Actor who steps into the shoes of James Bond after what Daniel Craig has done in the past 15 years” but didn’t think he’ll ever get a chance to play the character “not with these ears!”) and comparing Toronto lovingly with his hometown of Manchester.

STEPHEN & ROBBIE AMELL

These Toronto born first cousins admitted they were not very close growing up (Stephen: “I was 13 years old. He was 6. He had little in common”), but eventually bonded when they discovered their mutual love of acting. Whereas Stephen was saddened when ARROW ended its TV run, he was excited about exploring new opportunities and then the pandemic hit and “nothing!!!” though he is thrilled with his new HBO show HEELS. Robbie was thrilled to report that the second season of CODE 8: PART ll is back in production and is currently being filmed in Toronto. The chemistry between the Amell boys was infectious and giddy to watch!

Some more Snaps from the event:

Some exciting Cosplay at Fan Expo Limited Edition 2021!

To learn more about FAN EXPO, visit here. This was fun, and thrilled to days ahead when it returns to its regular capacity!

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