#FIRSTLOOK: ROCKY’S GLOBAL LIGHT SHOW TORONTO – FOR “PROJECT HAIL MARY”

Toronto, are you ready for Rocky’s Global Light Show?? You won’t want to miss it, this Thursday, March 19, 2026! This originally was scheduled for Tuesday but has been rescheduled due to weather.

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This is a special experience tied to Project Hail Mary that will be happening in only three cities around the world: Taipei, Berlin, and right here in Toronto! While the shows in Taipei and Berlin will take place at 8:30 PM local time, Toronto’s light show will run in the 9:00–10:00 PM window. The show will be viewable to the public from the downtown waterfront, and we’re encouraging everyone to come out and watch! 

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This event will take place at East Toronto Harbour and will be visible to the public along the east side of the downtown waterfront, east of Yonge St.

UPDATE: We went to go check it out and here are the highlights! WOW!

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Amazon MGM Studios Canada release PROJECT HAIL MARY March 20, 2026!

Nicholas Porteous shares his review here.

(Photo/video credit: Amazon MGM Studios Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: “PROJECT HAIL MARY” LONDON PREMIERE

Stars Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz and Priya Kansara along with directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, screenwriter Drew Goddard and producers Amy Pascal and Aditya Sood attend the London Premiere of PROJECT HAIL MARY on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Amazon MGM Studios presents

a Pascal Pictures, Open Invite Films/Waypoint Entertainment, Lord Miller Production

A Film by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

Only in Theatres & IMAX March 20

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Directed by: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

Screenplay by: Drew Goddard

Based on the novel by: Andy Weir

Produced by: Amy Pascal, p.g.a., Ryan Gosling, p.g.a., Phil Lord, p.g.a., Christopher Miller, p.g.a., Aditya Sood, p.g.a., Rachel O’Connor, p.g.a., Andy Weir

Executive Producers: Patricia Whitcher, Lucy Winn Kitada, Nikki Baida, Ken Kao, Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, Priya Kansara

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW FEATURETTE FROM “PROJECT HAIL MARY” WITH RYAN GOSLING

Tickets now on sale!
Canadians can enjoy early access to PROJECT HAIL MARY on March 16, 2026 in theatres only. Today we get a new Featurette for eagerly-awaited PROJECT HAIL MARY!

Amazon MGM Studios presents

a Pascal Pictures, Open Invite Films/Waypoint Entertainment, Lord Miller Production

A Film by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

Only in Theatres & IMAX March 20

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Directed by: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

Screenplay by: Drew Goddard

Based on the novel by: Andy Weir

Produced by: Amy Pascal, p.g.a., Ryan Gosling, p.g.a., Phil Lord, p.g.a., Christopher Miller, p.g.a., Aditya Sood, p.g.a., Rachel O’Connor, p.g.a., Andy Weir

Executive Producers: Patricia Whitcher, Lucy Winn Kitada, Nikki Baida, Ken Kao, Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, Priya Kansara

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “PROJECT HAIL MARY”

Amazon MGM Studios and Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of PROJECT HAIL MARY. Screenings take place March 18, 2026.

PROJECT HAIL MARY – Vancouver Advanced Screening
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Location: SilverCity Metropolis
Film Start Time: 7:00PM

PROJECT HAIL MARY – Toronto Advanced Screening
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Location: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Film Start Time: 7:30PM

PROJECT HAIL MARY – Calgary Advanced Screening
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Location: Scotiabank Theatre Chinook
Film Start Time: 7:00PM

Synopsis:

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Directed by: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

Screenplay by: Drew Goddard

Based on the novel by: Andy Weir

Produced by: Amy Pascal, p.g.a., Ryan Gosling, p.g.a., Phil Lord, p.g.a., Christopher Miller, p.g.a., Aditya Sood, p.g.a., Rachel O’Connor, p.g.a., Andy Weir

Executive Producers: Patricia Whitcher, Lucy Winn Kitada, Nikki Baida, Ken Kao, Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, Priya Kansara

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK or IG. “Like” this post, comment your city, tag a friend you’re taking in the comments. Multiple entries allowed.

Rules and regulations here.

FILMED FOR IMAX®
Only in Theatres March 20, 2026

(Photo/video credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

#FIRSTLOOK: “PROJECT HAIL MARY” 70MM TICKETS NOW ON-SALE

PROJECT HAIL MARY is only in Theatres & IMAX March 20, 2026.

Experience the film early at select IMAX® 70mm March 13, 14 and 15
70MM IMAX: Cineplex Langley, Cineplex Vaughan
70MM: Cineplex Varsity, Cineplex International Village, Scotiabank Montreal

Tickets are now on sale.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Directed by: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller
Screenplay by: Drew Goddard
Based on the novel by: Andy Weir
Produced by: Amy Pascal, p.g.a., Ryan Gosling, p.g.a., Phil Lord, p.g.a., Christopher Miller, p.g.a., Aditya Sood, p.g.a., Rachel O’Connor, p.g.a., Andy Weir
Executive Producers: Patricia Whitcher, Lucy Winn Kitada, Nikki Baida, Ken Kao, Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, Priya Kansara

#FIRSTLOOK: “PROJECT HAIL MARY” NEW TRAILER

Tonight, we got a new final Trailer for PROJECT HAIL MARY!

FILMED FOR IMAX®
Only in Theatres March 20, 2026

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Directed by: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

Screenplay by: Drew Goddard

Based on the novel by: Andy Weir

Produced by: Amy Pascal, p.g.a., Ryan Gosling, p.g.a., Phil Lord, p.g.a., Christopher Miller, p.g.a., Aditya Sood, p.g.a., Rachel O’Connor, p.g.a., Andy Weir

Executive Producers: Patricia Whitcher, Lucy Winn Kitada, Nikki Baida, Ken Kao, Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, James Ortiz, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, Priya Kansara

#FIRSTLOOK: “PROJECT HAIL MARY” NEW POSTER & TRAILER

Today we get a new Trailer for for PROJECT HAIL MARY starring Ryan Gosling, from Amazon MGM Studios.

The just-released Poster:

Synopsis:

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Directed by: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

Screenplay by: Drew Goodard

Based on the novel by: Andy Weir

Produced by: Amy Pascal, p.g.a., Ryan Gosling, Phil Lord, p.g.a., Christopher Miller, p.g.a., Aditya Sood, p.g.a., Rachel O’Connor, p.g.a., Andy Weir

Executive Producers: Patricia Whitcher, Drew Goddard, Sarah Esberg, Lucy Kitada, Nikki Baida, Ken Kao

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub

Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction

Only in Theatres March 20, 2026.

#FIRSTLOOK: LUCASFILM ANNOUNCE THEATRICAL SLATE AT STAR WARS CELEBRATION 2025

Star Wars Celebration 2025 came to a close last night in Tokyo, after three days of nonstop excitement celebrating Lucasfilm’s impressive slate of major theatrical titles and live action and animated series and specials on Disney+. The weekend featured numerous big announcements, surprise celebrity appearances, and exclusive details and first looks at Lucasfilm’s landmark productions, all of which will continue to deliver unparalleled adventure and entertainment that is truly out of this world.

2025 marks the 16th occurrence of the bi-annual global event, and this year’s event was the biggest international Star Wars Celebration ever, with over 105,000 guests from 125 countries in attendance, which is an 8 percent increase in overall attendance from the last Celebration, which took place in 2023 in London. It was also the fastest Celebration to sell out. The three-day event, which took place at Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Tokyo, featured 26 hours of programming across the three main stages, and 100 hours of fan panel and podcast content.

The weekend got off to a big start on Friday, with news of an all-new theatrical release set in the Star Wars Galaxy. Lucasfilm’s president Kathleen Kennedy and chief creative officer Dave Filoni brought director Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling to the stage to discuss “Star Wars: Starfighter (see photo above),” an all-new standalone adventure taking place approximately five years after the events of 2019’s “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.” The film, which will begin production this Fall, is an entirely new adventure featuring all-new characters set in a period of time that has not been explored on screen yet. “Star Wars: Starfighter” will be released theatrically May 28, 2027.

The excitement continued when director/co-writer Jon Favreau took to the stage to talk about Lucasfilm’s highly anticipated theatrical release “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” set to hit theatres May 22, 2026. Joining him were Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni and the film’s stars, Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, and Grogu himself, for a brief discussion of what fans can look forward to when the characters from the Emmy Award®-winning Disney+ series bring their biggest adventure yet to the big screen. In the film, the Mandalorian and his young apprentice, Grogu, embark on a thrilling adventure as they travel the galaxy. Behind-the-scenes images and an exclusive first look at the film were shared with the audience.

Friday’s festivities also included a special panel to celebrate Industrial Light & Magic’s contributions to the entertainment industry, as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking visual effects company. The filmmakers from “Light & Magic” came to the stage to talk about the second season of the acclaimed documentary series, which first premiered in 2022 and is now streaming on Disney+. Lucasfilm’s “Light & Magic” Season 2 is a three-part series produced by Imagine Documentaries that follows Lucasfilm’s visual effects company, Industrial Light & Magic, as it enters its most challenging and revolutionary period: the dawn of digital. From creating the first fully realized CG character to solving the challenge of digital water, it is an era that finds ILM scaling new heights of innovation despite dramatic setbacks. The director is Joe Johnston, and the executive producers are Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Justin Wilkes, Sara Bernstein, Joe Johnston, Lawrence Kasdan, Kathleen Kennedy, and Carrie Beck. Jacqui Lopez, Ted Schillinger and Michael Garcia serve as co-executive producers. The series producers are Meredith Kaulfers and Christopher St. John, and Nicole Pusateri is the supervising producer.

Attendees heard from director Joe Johnston and producer Ron Howard via videotaped greetings, and Sam Witwer (voice of Maul) moderated a panel discussion comprised of Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Lynwen Brennan (president and general manager Lucasfilm Business), Doug Chiang (senior vice president and executive design director, Lucasfilm), Janet Lewin (senior vice president, general manager and head of ILM), John Knoll (ILM executive creative director, senior visual effects supervisor), and Rob Coleman (ILM creative director and senior animation supervisor). Filmmakers then unveiled the trailer and key art.

Also on Friday, a special Lucasfilm Animation Panel to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the division that created fan-favorite and critically acclaimed shows like “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars: Rebels,” and more. The panel was moderated by David Collins and included panelists Dave Filoni and Athena Yvette Portillo (vice president, animation production, Lucasfilm), and surprise guest Sam Witwer (voice of Maul).

Fans were treated to the world-premiere of the first episode of Lucasfilm Animation’s “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld,” an all-new anthology series of animated shorts from creator Dave Filoni, which will premiere May 4, 2025, exclusively on Disney+. The popular series, which began in 2022 with “Tales of the Jedi” and continued in 2024 with “Tales of the Empire,” this time focuses on the criminal underbelly of the Star Wars galaxy through the experiences of two iconic villains. Former assassin and bounty hunter Asajj Ventress is given a new chance at life and must go on the run with an unexpected new ally, while outlaw Cad Bane faces his past when he confronts an old friend, now a Marshal on the opposite side of the law.

The panel ended with an announcement many fans have been waiting for: a brand-new series from Lucasfilm Animation, this one focusing on Maul: “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord,” premiering on Disney+ in 2026, starring Witwer. Guests were then treated to an exclusive first look at the series, and gifted an exclusive Lucasfilm Animation special 20th anniversary poster.

Later that day, everyone’s favorite Pooba, Nubs, then came to the Star Wars LIVE! stage, where it was announced that the third season of “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will debut this Fall on Disney+ and Disney Jr.

Set 200 years before “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” during the High Republic era, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” follows Jedi Younglings Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and Nubs, as they study the ways of the Force, learn from Jedi Master Yoda, explore the galaxy, and help citizens and creatures in need. The upcoming episodes will see the Jedi kids embark on a journey into the delightful world of droid care, where they will befriend the lovable and quirky droid owner of a local shop, Dotti, and three adorable new droid friends: Beepers, Dozer, and Gigi.

The day ended with a photo call at Tokyo’s Zojoji Temple featuring Lucasfilm talent and filmmakers, including Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, Jon Favreau, Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Tony Gilroy, Diego Luna, Rosario Dawson, Hayden Christensen, Shawn Levy, and Ryan Gosling, as well as Grogu and the iconic Stormtroopers.

Saturday was devoted to the return of two of Disney+’s most popular series, as well as exciting news about a new LEGO® Star Wars animated project.

Hosts Sascha Boeckle and DJ Taro took to the stage to kick off the day with a thrilling look at the highly anticipated Season 2 of the Emmy®-nominated drama “Andor,” which returns to Disney+ for its long-awaited conclusion on April 22. The excitement started off with an exclusive look at a recap of Season 1. The duo then welcomed creator/writer/director Tony Gilroy and executive producer and Cassian Andor himself, Diego Luna, to the stage. They were joined by executive producer Sanne Wohlenberg and cast members Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, and Alan Tudyk, for a lively discussion of what fans have to look forward to in Season 2.

The 9,000 guests in attendance were treated to a screening of the first episode, followed by an exclusive preview of Season 2, and a special “Andor” celebration poster.

The second Season of “Andor” takes place as the horizon of war draws near and Cassian becomes a key player in the Rebel Alliance. Everyone will be tested and, as the stakes rise, the betrayals, sacrifices, and conflicting agendas will become profound. Rife with political intrigue and danger, the series is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” which portrayed a heroic band of rebels who steal the plans to the Empire’s weapon of mass destruction—The Death Star—setting the stage for the events of the original 1977 film. “Andor” sets the clock back five years from the events of “Rogue One” to tell the story of the film’s hero, Cassian Andor, and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a rebel hero on his way to an epic destiny. The final Season will unfold over 12 episodes broken down into four chapters of three episodes each. The first chapter of Season 2 will premiere April 22, with subsequent chapters debuting each week, exclusively on Disney+.

Also on Saturday, Celebration attendees were treated to an exclusive look back at the first season of “Ahsoka” with guests Dave Filoni, Jon Favreau, Rosario Dawson, and Hayden Christensen. Panelists shared never-before-seen photography from Season 1 and early production photography from Season 2. Filmmakers officially confirmed that Rory McCann has been cast in the role of fan-favorite character Baylan Skoll, originated by the late Ray Stevenson, and that Hayden Christensen will return as Anakin Skywalker in the upcoming season. The panel ended with an exclusive concept art preview of what audiences can expect from “Ahsoka,” Season 2, which officially begins production next week.

Later that day at the Star Wars LIVE! Stage, Ahmed Best thrilled attendees with the announcement of a new “LEGO Star Wars” animated sequel series, “LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild Galaxy – Pieces of the Past,” and an all-new teaser poster. In “Pieces of the Past,” a new threat rises in the galaxy, and Sig Greebling and Darth Dev must combine their powers of Force Building and Sith Breaking to stop it. Alongside Jedi Bob, Yesi Scala, and Servo, they will journey into the deepest corners of LEGO Star Wars lore, uncovering pieces of all the galaxies that have come before…

On Sunday, hosts Sascha Boeckle and DJ Taro provided fans a first look at Volume 3 of “Star Wars: Visions,” which will debut October 29, 2025, exclusively on Disney+, followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers from david production, Kamikaze Douga, Kinema citrus Co, Polygon Pictures, Production I.G, Project Studio Q, TRIGGER, and WIT Studio.

Volume 1 of “Star Wars: Visions,” which premiered in 2021, received an Emmy® nomination for the short, “The Duel.” The Emmy, Lumierre, and Annie Award-winning second volume was released in 2023, and featured shorts by global animation studios, including Aardman, Cartoon Saloon, Triggerfish, and Punkrobot.

With Volume 3, the animated anthology returns to where it all began with nine shorts from nine different anime studios to further demonstrate the diversity and creativity of Japanese animation.

The titles of each studio’s short, the directors, and key details were revealed for all nine shorts:

David Production – “BLACK”

Directed by Shinya Ohira

A psychedelic battle between past and present, light and dark, and life and death plays out in the haunted psyche of an Imperial trooper who is on the cusp of defeat.

Kamikaze Douga + ANIMA – “The Duel: Payback”

Directed by Takanobu Mizuno

With the help of some unexpected allies, Ronin faces off against his greatest foe – a twisted Jedi known as the Grand Master who is bent on revenge.

Kinema Citrus – “The Lost Ones”

Directed by Hitoshi Haga

After assisting refugees escape a natural disaster, an incognito F is forced to confront the ghosts of her past when their refugee ship is intercepted by the Empire.

Kinema Citrus – “Yuko’s Treasure”

Directed by Masaki Tachibana

A sheltered orphan teams with a street rat kid to rescue his droid caregiver and find a long lost treasure.

Polygon Pictures – “The Bird of Paradise”

Directed by Tadahiro Yoshihira

After she is blinded in battle, a hot headed Jedi padawan must undergo a series of spiritual trials in order to overcome the temptation of the Dark Side.

Production I.G – “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope”

Directed by Naoyoshi Shiotani

Pursued by Jedi Hunters, and blasted adrift into space, Kara encounters a seemingly abandoned ship tended to by a mysterious droid.

Project Studio Q – “The Song of Four Wings”

Directed by Hiroyasu Kobayashi

A princess-turned-rebel protects a child from the might of the Empire on a snowbound planet.

TRIGGER – “The Smuggler”

Directed by Masahiko Otsuka

A smuggler, desperate for a quick payday, agrees to take on a job to bring a wanted young prince to safety as the Empire pursues.

WIT Studio – “The Bounty Hunter”

Directed by Junichi Yamamoto

A rogue bounty hunter takes on a job for a shady industrialist that has unexpected consequences for her and her droid.

While complete cast details have not been announced, an exclusive sizzle was screened for fans in room (and on the Star Wars LIVE! Stream), which featured the voices of Ami Maeshima, Yasuko Hatori, Takako Honda, Yume Miyamoto, Makoto Koichi, and Chinatsu Akasaki from the Original Language cast, and George Takei, Sonoya Mizuno, Nick Kishiyama, Lincoln Bonilla, Jimmie Yamaguchi, Mike Bodie, and Stephanie Hsu from the English dub.

The day ended with an announcement from James Waugh, Lucasfilm’s senior vice president, franchise content and strategy, who also serves as an executive producer on “Star Wars: Visions,” that the series will continue with the creation of an all-new banner “Star Wars: Visions Presents,” which will be used to tell longer-form “Star Wars: Visions” stories. Kenji Kamiyama, who directed “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” joined Waugh on stage to announce the first title to be released under the new banner: “Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi.” Kamiyama will serve as supervising director of the limited series, which will continue the story of Lah Kara that first debuted in “Star Wars: Visions,” Volume 1. “Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi,” a new ‘Star Wars: Visions Presents’ limited series, will premiere on Disney+ in 2026.

Be sure to check out the 20th anniversary release of Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith,’’ in theatres on April 25. The film will run in theatres and select international territories for one week only, and will be available in several formats, including, for the first time, 4DX. Tickets are on sale everywhere tickets are sold.

#FIRSTLOOK: STAR WARS CELEBRATION 2025 HIGHLIGHTS IN JAPAN | “STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER” ANNOUNCEMENT

Star Wars Celebration 2025 kicked off in Japan earlier today, with an impressive slate of upcoming Lucasfilm productions, including both theatrical titles and Disney+ series. The weekend-long convention, which takes place at Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Tokyo from April 18-20, 2025 is an opportunity for fans from all over the world to come together to celebrate the cultural phenomenon that is Star Wars. 2025 marks the 16th occurrence of the bi-annual global event. The opening day presentation included several major announcements, first looks at new and returning series, and a non-stop parade of talented actors and filmmakers.

The festivities started with a video highlighting the company’s landmark titles and beloved characters, which have captivated audiences around the globe for the past four decades, followed by an official welcome to the 9,000 fans in attendance from everyone’s favorite droids, C3PO and R2D2. They were joined by Lucasfilm’s president Kathleen Kennedy and chief creative officer Dave Filoni, who thanked the fans for their continued support, and brought the entire auditorium to their feet with the announcement of an all-new theatrical release, “Star Wars: Starfighter,” which will be directed by Shawn Levy and star Ryan Gosling.

Kennedy chatted with the actor and director, offering some exclusive insight as to what fans can expect from the standalone adventure taking place approximately five years after the events of 2019’s “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.” The film, which will begin production this Fall, is an entirely new adventure featuring all-new characters set in a period of time that has not been explored on screen yet. “Star Wars: Starfighter” will be released theatrically May 28, 2027.

The excitement continued when director/co-writer Jon Favreau took to the stage to talk about Lucasfilm’s highly anticipated theatrical release “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” set to hit theatres May 22, 2026. Joining him were the film’s stars, Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, and Grogu himself, for a brief discussion of what fans can look forward to when the characters from the Emmy Award®-winning Disney+ series bring their biggest adventure yet to the big screen. In the film, the Mandalorian and his young apprentice, Grogu, embark on a thrilling adventure as they travel the galaxy. Behind-the-scenes images and an exclusive first look at the film were shared with the audience.

As 2025 marks Industrial Light & Magic’s 50th anniversary, a special panel was up next to celebrate the groundbreaking visual effects company’s contributions to the entertainment industry. The filmmakers from “Light & Magic” came to the stage to talk about the second season of the acclaimed documentary series, which first premiered in 2022 and is now streaming on Disney+. Lucasfilm’s “Light & Magic” Season 2 is a three-part series produced by Imagine Documentaries that follows Lucasfilm’s visual effects company, Industrial Light & Magic, as it enters its most challenging and revolutionary period: the dawn of digital. From creating the first fully realized CG character to solving the challenge of digital water, it is an era that finds ILM scaling new heights of innovation despite dramatic setbacks. The director is Joe Johnston, and the executive producers are Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Justin Wilkes, Sara Bernstein, Joe Johnston, Lawrence Kasdan, Kathleen Kennedy, and Carrie Beck. Jacqui Lopez, Ted Schillinger, and Michael Garcia serve as co-executive producers. The series producers are Meredith Kaulfers and Christopher St. John, and Nicole Pusateri is the supervising producer.

Attendees heard from director Joe Johnston and producer Ron Howard via videotaped greetings, and Sam Witwer (voice of Maul) moderated a panel discussion comprised of Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Lynwen Brennan (president and general manager Lucasfilm Business), Doug Chiang (senior vice president and executive design director, Lucasfilm), Janet Lewin (senior vice president, general manager and head of ILM), John Knoll (ILM executive creative director, senior visual effects supervisor), and Rob Coleman (ILM creative director and senior animation supervisor).

Filmmakers then unveiled the trailer and key art.

Up next was a special Lucasfilm Animation Panel, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the division that created fan-favourite and critically acclaimed shows like “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars: Rebels,” and more. The panel was moderated by David Collins and included panelists Dave Filoni (chief creative officer, Lucasfilm) and Athena Yvette Portillo (vice president, animation production, Lucasfilm), and surprise guest Sam Witwer (voice of Maul).

Fans were then treated to the world-premiere of the first episode of Lucasfilm Animation’s “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld,” an all-new anthology series of animated shorts from creator Dave Filoni, which will premiere May 4, 2025, exclusively on Disney+. The popular series, which began in 2022 with “Tales of the Jedi” and continued in 2024 with “Tales of the Empire,” this time focuses on the criminal underbelly of the Star Wars galaxy through the experiences of two iconic villains. Former assassin and bounty hunter Asajj Ventress is given a new chance at life and must go on the run with an unexpected new ally, while outlaw Cad Bane faces his past when he confronts an old friend, now a Marshal on the opposite side of the law.

The panel ended with an announcement many fans have been waiting for: a brand-new series from Lucasfilm Animation, this one focusing on Maul: “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord,” premiering on Disney+ in 2026, starring Witwer. Guests were then treated to an exclusive first look at the series, and gifted an exclusive Lucasfilm Animation special 20th anniversary poster.

Later that day, everyone’s favourite Pooba, Nubs, then came to the Star Wars LIVE! stage, where it was announced that the third season of “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will debut this Fall on Disney+ and Disney Jr.

Set 200 years before “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” during the High Republic era, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” follows Jedi Younglings Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and Nubs, as they study the ways of the Force, learn from Jedi Master Yoda, explore the galaxy, and help citizens and creatures in need. The upcoming episodes will see the Jedi kids embark on a journey into the delightful world of droid care, where they will befriend the lovable and quirky droid owner of a local shop, Dotti, and three adorable new droid friends: Beepers, Dozer, and Gigi.

The day ended with a photo call at Tokyo’s Zojoji Temple featuring Lucasfilm talent and filmmakers, including Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, Jon Favreau, Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Tony Gilroy, Diego Luna, Rosario Dawson, Hayden Christensen, Shawn Levy, and Ryan Gosling, as well as Grogu and the iconic Stormtroopers.

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PASSES TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF “FALL GUY”

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of FALL GUY.

Advance screenings will be held Monday, April 29, 2024 at 7 pm in:

Toronto:
Cineplex Yonge & Dundas

Vancouver:
Scotiabank Theatre

And Monday, April 29 at 7:30 pm in:

Montreal (EN): Cinema Banque Scotia

Synopsis:

He’s a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment.

And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?

From real life stunt man and director David Leitch, the blockbuster director of Bullet Train, Deadpool 2, Atomic Blonde and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw and the producer of John Wick, Nobody and Violent Night, comes his most personal film yet. A new hilarious, hard-driving, all-star apex-action thriller and love letter to action movies and the hard-working and under-appreciated crew of people who make them: The Fall Guy.

Oscar® nominee Ryan Gosling (Barbie, La La Land, Drive) stars as Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who, having left the business a year earlier to focus on both his physical and mental health, is drafted back into service when the star of a mega-budget studio movie—being directed by his ex, Jody Moreno, played by Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer, A Quiet Place films, Sicario)—goes missing.

While the film’s ruthless producer (Emmy winner Hannah Waddingham; Ted Lasso), maneuvers to keep the disappearance of star Tom Ryder (Golden Globe winner Aaron Taylor-Johnson; Bullet Train) a secret from the studio and the media, Colt performs the film’s most outrageous stunts while trying (with limited success) to charm his way back into Jody’s good graces. But as the mystery around themissing star deepens, Colt will find himself ensnared in a sinister, criminal plot that will push him to the edge of a fall more dangerous than any stunt.

Inspired by the hit 1980s TV series, The Fall Guy also stars Winston Duke (Black Panther franchise) and Academy Award® nominee Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once).

From a screenplay by Hobbs & Shaw screenwriter Drew Pearce, The Fall Guy is produced by Kelly McCormick (Bullet Train, Nobody, Atomic Blonde) and David Leitch for their company 87North, and by Ryan Gosling and by Guymon Casady (Game of Thrones, Steve Jobs and executive producer of the upcoming series Ripley) for Entertainment 360. The film is executive produced by Drew Pearce, Entertainment 360’s Geoff Shaevitz and the creator of the original FallGuy television series, Glen A. Larson.

Genre: Action Thriller

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Winston Duke, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Stephanie Hsu

Directed by: David Leitch

Screenplay by: Drew Pearce

Produced by: Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Ryan Gosling, Guymon Casady

Executive Producers: Drew Pearce, Geoff Shaevitz, Glen A. Larson

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Universal Pictures Canada releaae FALL GUY in theatres May 3, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)