Productions are back in full swing in Toronto and we couldn’t be happier!

One of the latest projects to film in Toronto is The CW Pilot GOTHAM KNIGHTS, which begins production next week. The Series imagines a Batman-less Gotham and the heroes who step-in to save it from danger.

Synopsis:

In the wake of Bruce Wayne’s murder, his rebellious adopted son forges an unlikely alliance with the children of Batman’s enemies when they are all framed for killing the Caped Crusader. And as the city’s most wanted criminals, this renegade band of misfits must fight to clear their names. But in a Gotham with no Dark Knight to protect it, the city descends into the most dangerous it’s ever been. However, hope comes from the most unexpected of places as this team of mismatched fugitives will become its next generation of saviors known as the Gotham Knights.

Olivia Rose Keegan has landed the role of Duela Dent in the Pilot, and is already in town to being work. You might recognize her for her work as Lily in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+. She also won a Daytime Emmy in 2020 for Outstanding Younger Performer, recognizing her work as Claire Brady on Days of our Lives. Big things are ahead as Keegan stars alongside Riley Keough in DAISY JONES & THE SIX, and also popular HBO Max series MINX.

Above this, we also spotted her Co-Star, the amazing MISHA COLLINS whom you loved in SUPERNATURAL. Just last year he was seen in TIFF ’21 selection ENCOUNTER starring alongside eventual Oscar winner Riz Ahmed. Collins is such a kind soul, taking a moment to stop for pictures with fans despite being held back for a while after landing. He stars in GOTHAM KNIGHTS as villain Harvey Dent.

Mckenna Grace ‘s star continues to rise fast. Yes, that was her starring in Box Office-topping GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE, and yes, that was her as young Tonya Harding in Oscar-nominated I, TONYA. And yup, just checked, that was also her in TV hits FULLER HOUSE and YOUNG SHELDON. The sweet Grace was spotted back in the City to do work on acclaimed THE HANDMAID’S TALE as Esther Keyes, but of course not without her adorable Yorkie named Gizmo!

Also in-town is REBECCA ROMIJN, whom also was a victim of delays upon arriving, but still managing to look super-chic, sporting a Gucci x The North Face collabo bag. She’s back in-town filming STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS which premieres on Paramount+ this May. She reprises her role as Una Chin-Riley from STAR TREK: DISCOVERY.

You know how much we love Netflix‘s OZARK. How amazing is it that we got to meet JASON BUTLER HARNER, who stars as FBI Agent Roy Petty in the first two seasons, hot on Marty Byrde‘s (Jason Bateman) trail? He wouldn’t quite disclose what he’s in-town filming but nonetheless was so amazingly-nice!

Overjoyed to see these smiling faces in our City and we can’t wait to see what’s next and coming!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It was a gruelling weekend temperature-wise in Toronto but these lucky stars escaped the humidity, appearing at San Diego Comic-Con! Like all good things, the fun must come to an end and they returned back to the City to continue work on their respective projects.

Amazon Prime‘s THE BOYS comes out of Comic-Con with a lot of buzz and while the first season still hasn’t premiered on the streaming service, it already has been green-lit for a second season in Toronto. Production already began in June and wraps this November. We spotted several of its stars including Chace Crawford, Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Tomer Capon and Nathan Mitchell. The Series premieres July 26, 2019.

Chace Crawford

Antony Starr

Karl Urban

Erin Moriarty

Nate Mitchell

Tomer Capon

Wynonna Earp‘s Kat Barrell also was spotted returning back to Toronto, along with Star Trek: Discovery’s lead actress, Sonequa Martin-Green. The Series wraps production February 2020.

Kat Barrell

Sonequa Green-Martin

Rachael Harris, who has had turns on New Girl and The Good Wife, returns to Toronto to work on the ninth and  final season of SUITS. Filming wraps late August.

Rachael Harris

Also seen was Mad Men‘s John Slattery, who is in-town filming F/X Mini-Series Mrs. America, directed by and starring Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett. It wraps in November.

John Slattery

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

By David Baldwin, Siobhán Rich x Mr. Will Wong

Now in its 24th year, FAN EXPO CANADA has stamped itself as the premier celebration of fandom in Toronto year after year uniting connoisseurs of Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime and Gaming together for a four-day extravaganza. Once again taking over Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the event was highlighted by a reunion of BACK TO THE FUTURE stars Canadian Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd and Tom Wilson. For the first time ever also, FAN EXPO CANADA hosted WWE® Night with stars of the sport: Triple H®, A.J. Styles™, The Miz® and Charlotte Flair®. Others appearing at the affair were favourites William Shatner, Steven Ogg, Evangline Lilly, Lucy Lawless, Robin Lord Taylor, Jason Momoa, Rob Schneider, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Karen Gillan, Cary Elwes, Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Anthony Rapp, Billy Zane, Emma Dumont and many more!

Purveyor of Pop Culture vinyl collectibles, FUNKO caused quite a stir this year with a pop-up at the Festival giving some lucky fans timed session tickets and a chance to purchase some exclusive goods. Harry Potter and Doctor Who-themed Escape Rooms, the Dragonball North America Tour 2018,  a Degrassi Reunion, plus a Photo Op with the Jurassic Park Jeep were big draws also this weekend.

Funko Pop-Up

Dragonball North American Tour 2018

Our Team had the pleasure of attending FAN EXPO CANADA and sitting-in on some of the hottest ticket panels! More on that below:

AN EVENING WITH THE CAST OF “BACK TO THE FUTURE”

The weekend is just starting, but Fan Expo staged one of the biggest highlights of this year’s convention tonight — An Evening with the Cast of Back to the Future. On hand were Tom Wilson, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd and Canada’s own Michael J. Fox. The ticketed event had fans lining up for over two hours to attend the packed panel. While there was no audience Q&A portion of the 40-minute event, the audience was not left disappointed.

RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE)
Disney fans at Fan Expo Toronto were treated to some behind the scenes and early clips of the upcoming Ralph Breaks the Internet. Hosted by Richard Crouse and the Film’s producer, Clark Spencer, the crowd was shown behind the scenes animated LOLCats and also told about new character Yesss, voiced by Taraji P. Henson. We were then walked through clips that introduced the basic plot including the important role Gal Gadot will be playing as race car driver, Shank.

Perhaps the most anticipated and well received scene was an extended look of the all the Disney Princesses meeting our favourite glitch, Vanelope (Sarah Silverman).

The Movie centers around the friendship between Vanelope and Ralph (John C. Reilly). As the Movie opens, Vanelope‘s future is in jeopardy after her video game is damaged and the owner of Litwak’s Arcade isn’t sure he can afford to fix it. The best friends decide to take maters into their own hands and head into the Internet in search of eBay.

The much anticipated sequel looks fantastic. Ralph Breaks the Internet hits theatre on Friday, November 21, 2018 via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada.

EVANGELINE LILLY & RODRIGO BASTOS DIDIER ON “THE SQUICKERWONKERS“
Evangeline Lilly (Ant-Man and the Wasp, Lost) took the stage at Fan Expo Canada today to discuss her Book Series, The Squickerwonkers. She started writing the planned eight-part Series as a way to create new content to read to her son, as she felt reading the same books over and over again “sucks”. The self-proclaimed “intense perfectionist” has written two of the Books so far, telling the audience that she “did a panic edit before bringing the new book to the cons.” She was also proud to note about the series that “If we start with a female protagonist, that’s a great place to start today.”

We also learned about The Squickerwonkers‘ Illustrator, Rodrigo Bastos Didier. Lilly first noticed the artist after he posted artwork on her Facebook page, and the two got into contact after meeting at a Brazilian comic convention. Didier‘s connections helped Lilly get her first publishing deal, after she struggled with self-publishing. “He had such a soft and loving energy. I just wanted to work with him,” she says.

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY PANEL

And if that was not exciting enough, Space Channel brought the crew of the USS Discovery to discuss the much anticipated Second Season of Star Trek: Discovery. On hand for the panel were Sonequa Martin-Green (Michael Burnham), Doug Jones (Saru), Mary Wiseman (Sylvia Tilly), Anthony Rapp (Paul Stamets), Shazad Latif (Voq/Ash Tyler) and Anson Mount (Christopher Pike). The group spoke at length about their excitement with the thrilling first season and the fan reactions they have experienced since.

Martin-Green says that she was delighted and in awe of the fans of the show, saying they had “so much love and respect in welcoming us” into the Star Trek family. “There’s nothing to prepare you in life for someone who dresses up as you,” Wiseman says with a laugh. “I don’t know why she resonates with people. Tilly is me, and her enthusiasm is unrivaled,” she says. Jones tells the audience that he initially had difficulty deciding how to play his alien character Saru, noting that after 32 years of playing costumed creatures, “How do you make this one different? The makeup you wear helps you to inform the character.” But what Jones is really thrilled about is how the fans he has spoken to have told him how important that character is to them, saying Saru is “Inspiring people to get over their own fears” as his characters works through his.

LUCY LAWLESS x RENÉE O’CONNOR PANEL
Amid jokes of a new comedic show which would unite all the key members of the Cast of XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS (including Bruce Campbell and Ted Raimi) and trips down memory lane regarding late cast member Kevin Smith (Ares), the famously-friendly pair discussed craft services, the #MeToo movement, and the dangers of being Renée O’Connor‘s stunt double.

The two Actress were asked, whether a remake would turn the Xena/Gabrielle relationship from subtext into text?
Lucy: “Absolutely”.
Renée: “People say they loved the relationship – the friendship – that it was so deep.”.

Lucy also was asked about her first impression of Renée:
Lucy: “She was exactly like Gabrielle that first episode.”
Renée: “I was fascinated by her.”

The duo were asked about Gabrielle‘s evolution on the Series.
Lucy: “They saw what Renée could do and said, ‘Let’s write to that!'”.

See some Snaps from the weekend. Hover cursor or click left and right to navigate slideshow on each album:

Team Mr. Will and our Photo Ops:

By Mr. Will Wong, Siobhán Rich and Justin Waldman

Now in its 23rd year, FAN EXPO returned once again to Toronto this weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre celebrating fandom and bringing fans close to their idols of past and future. The extravaganza continues to pull-in upwards of 129,000 people from around the world with panels, exhibits, signings and photo ops galore. There’s even Speed-Dating for the geek-minded.

Cosplayers were out in full festive force with several paying tribute to the likes of The Joker, Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman and Doctor Who.

A major highlight this year was the reunion of the original ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Cast including a seldom-seen Tim Curry, who was available for photo ops and also pre-signed memorabilia. His Castmates Meat Loaf, Nell Campbell, Barry Bostwick and Patricia Quinn also made their way to Fan Expo.

A hot ticket item this weekend, selling-out, was photo ops for the Cast of STRANGER THINGS including Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo. The former also appeared with his fellow Castmates from another production in which he stars, hotly-anticipated Stephen King Remake IT, out next week.

This year, Fan Expo‘s Guest List was heavy on talent filming in the City including Cast members from STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, which sees a premiere on CBS this September including Sonequa Martin-Green, Anthony Rapp and Doug Jones.

Meanwhile, returning favourites Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), John Barrowman (Arrow), Nathan Fillion (Castle), Stephen Amell (Arrow), Anthony Daniels (Star Wars) and Matt Smith (Doctor Who) also proved popular.

THOR: RAGNAROK EXHIBIT

Among the several dazzling displays and exhibits at Fan Expo Canada this year was an exhibit for eagerly-awaited THOR: RAGNAROK from Marvel, giving fans get an exclusive first look at the costumes and pieces seen in the Movie.

In this third Thor Movie, our hero faces his toughest villain yet, Hela played by Cate Blanchett, and her costume makes the villain even more daunting. A black and green costume with a 3D printed headpiece that resembles something similar to a creature from nightmares it truly is a sight to behold. As well the headpiece was never actually worn in the film but rather carried afterwards in very careful placement to fit the Film.

Next is Karl Urban’s Skurge and without giving away too much information about the character he seems to be a forced to be reckoned with as well. A double-sided axe that is truly remarkable accompanies his costume. As well his costume is made of actual steel and fabric, making it one of the more impressive costumes.

Loki’s (Tom Hiddleston) costume takes its final form in this third Film. There are little tidbits of goodies in the costume as well, if we remember the first Avengers Film, the necklace Loki wears has a small piece in his costume this time around as an ode to that other appearance.

Next we have hotly-anticipated Jeff Goldblum’s The Grandmaster whose fabric costume is so much more impressive in person that anyone could have ever imagined. The layers of fabric and costume it self really stands out and boasts the character.

Two really cool props from Ragnarok are from the Hulk Vs Thor scenes where we get a first up close look at Hulk’s sword and hammer that he uses in the fight. These props are massive and certainly a dream come true for fans to be able to see these props up close and personal.

One of the most impressive pieces at Fan Expo’s exhibit this year was Thor’s costume itself, as it is a mish-mash of different pieces. While he is away from Asgard and fighting, he acquires different pieces of his costume and writing on his costume that shows his journey. However the most interesting piece for fans would be Thor’s helmet, which many fans have dreamed of seeing since the first Movie came out.

Photos from the THOR: RAGNAROK Exhibit. Hover cursor left and right below to navigate.

(Swipe left!) Some amazing pieces from the #ThorRagnarok Exhibit this weekend at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo #FanExpo2017 #Thor #Marvel 1. Hulk Hammer 2. Hulk Sword 3. Thor’s Costume (Chris Hemsworth) 4. Thor’s Helmet 5. Loki’s Costume (Tom Hiddleston) 6. Hela’s Costume (Cate Blanchett) 7. Hela’s Headpiece 8. Grandmaster’s Costume (Jeff Goldblum) 9. Skurge’s Costume (Karl Urban) In theatres 11.3.17. (Photo credit: @DubsReviews)

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 2, 2017 at 8:30pm PDT

This gorgeous star of X-Men, Taken, The Wolverine, The Blacklist, How to Get Away with Murder, The Blacklist and Hemlock Grove, the latter filmed right in our City, returns to Toronto again once again. She tells her fans at her panel about her experience working with Hugh Jackman who would go on to be in the widely-acclaimed LOGAN. “It’s impossible to envision anyone else playing that role”, she says about her Co-Star. “I’m grateful to have worked with him.”. 

On Game of Thrones’ Sophie Turner playing a role she helped shape in upcoming X-Men: Dark Phoenix, she says “I think she’s amazing. She reached out to me when she got cast as Jean Grey and asked what pointers I had for her and I told her she’s amazing and to just follow your gut and that’s what she did.”.

TIM CURRY

You know you’re iconic when your Films are remade and your roles are reprised. This iconic star of Rocky Horror Picture Show and the original Pennywise in Stephen King’s IT, which is projected to make a huge splash next weekend at the Box Office, made a rare appearance at this year’s Fan Expo treating fans to an intimate panel.

On which of his projects he considers his favourites, Curry says “Well, I guess one of them is Clue where my part was as big as the Bible. I also love Muppet Treasure Island.“.

On his phenomenal voicework in Animation, he says “I love it. I’ve never been a contortionist. The day is young and one day I hope to be.”. 

While he is the idol of many who attended his panel, he cites Alec Guinness as being someone he looks up to.

JOHN BARROWMAN

This star of Doctor Who, Desperate Housewives, Torchwood, Legends of Tomorrow and of course Arrow is loved by many a fan.  He reflects on the fun he has had on the latter. “A lot of things happened and part of what I like to do is making people crack-up by doing something from across of them. Stephen (Amell) is really easy to crack-up”.

In what will be the most talked-about moment of Fan Expo Canada 2017, Barrowman was asked by a fan at his panel whom his best on-screen kiss was with.  A fan who went by the name Montana then rushed the stage to the shock of the crowd and Barrowman, and the two embraced in a kiss which had the fan going shirtless. The crowd went ecstatic.  David Tennant, his Doctor Who Co-Star was his favourite kiss, by the way!

 
KATHLEEN TURNER

Those of us who grew-up in the ’80s have fond memories of Turner‘s work in classics like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Peggy Sue Got Married, Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Turner reflected on her beginnings as an actress with her fans. She claims “I didn’t see many films. I always felt like Film happened to me.”. “Most of my imagination was satisfied by reading. This is how I always thought I wanted to be an actor”, she says. “This is my 40th year in my profession and it is still absolutely thrilling to be doing it. I am now entering my fourth profession and I will be doing Cabaret. I can sing.”.

MATT SMITH

In addition to its presence being felt largely this year with several fans dressed as Dr. Who, Matt Smith returned to Fan Expo once again this year. On his eventual exit from the beloved Series, Smith says “Yeah, I always knew I was going to stay for another year. Maybe I would’ve stayed on for another year. But then I thought I couldn’t get too comfortable. It’s a difficult show to leave because it’s such a brilliant character but as an actor you have to continue to do things that frighten you and make you uncomfortable.”.  

Smith currently can be seen in Netflix‘s acclaimed The Crown as Philip.

See some Snaps from Fan Expo Canada 2017. Navigate by hovering cursor over left and right of gallery.

(Swipe left!) #FanExpoCanada fun 9.1.17: #StrangerThings #GatenMatarazzo #FinnWolfhard #CalebMcLaughlin #Delorean #StayPuft #Ghostbusters #TimCurry #IT #HarleyQuinn #Joker #SuicideSuad #DoctorWho #BacktotheFuture #WonderWoman #FanExpo

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 1, 2017 at 5:14pm PDT

(Swipe left!) Lots of starpower and amazing Cosplay at #FanExpo this weekend! 1. Tim Curry 2. Matt Smith 3. Famke Janssen 4. John Barrowman 5. Zachary Levi 6. Kathleen Turner 7-10. Cosplayers + Fandemonium! #FanExpo2017 #FanExpoCanada #Cosplay #IT #DoctorWho #StarWars #MattSmith #ZacharyLevi (Photo credit: @Typo_Eh)

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 2, 2017 at 8:57pm PDT

(Swipe left!) Some #FanExpo fun with the kids from #StrangerThings! #FanExpoCanada #FinnWolfhard #GatenMatarazzo #CalebMcLaughlin #Netflix

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 1, 2017 at 1:45pm PDT

Missed it this year? Learn more about FAN EXPO CANADA right here and come next year!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Siobhán Rich/Justin Waldman)

Starring in the eagerly-awaited upcoming adaptation of Kevin Kwan‘s bestselling Crazy Rich Asians, fellow Malaysians Michelle Yeoh and Henry Golding, plus Glee alumni Harry Shum Jr. coincidentally all are in Toronto right now working on their own respective projects. We spotted them having a mini crazy-rich reunion over sushi at hotspot Ja Bistro!

Yeoh, known best for her work in Academy Award-winning Films Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Memoirs of a Geisha, in addition to a litany of blockbusters in Chinese-speaking Asia, continues filming STAR TREK: DISCOVERY in the City in which she stars as Captain Georgiou. The Series premieres on CBS September 24, 2017! In Jon M. Chu‘s much-hyped Crazy Rich Asians, she plays controlling matriarch Eleanor Young. Yes!

Golding, a fresh face in these parts, is set to make a big splash stateside starring as Nicholas Young in Crazy Rich Asians. He is filming currently Paul Feig‘s (The Heat, Bridesmaids) debut Thriller, A Simple Favor starring alongside Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively.  The Film is based on the Darcey Bell Novel of the same name and about a mommy blogger who tries to figure out the disappearance of her friend Emily.

Shum, returns to Toronto where he films the third season of popular Series Shadowhunters (The Mortal Instruments) through next spring, reprising his role as Magnus Bane.

We were lucky enough to stop Yeoh and Golding for a quick chat after their dinner and they were amazing to stop for Selfies en route to their next stop on their Friday night in Entertainment District.

See our Snaps:

With the timelessly beautiful #MichelleYeoh, who is filming #StarTrekDiscovery in Toronto, playing #CaptainGeorgiou. She reunited tonight with her #CrazyRichAsians Co-Stars Henry Golding and Harry Shum Jr. over sushi. In that eagerly-awaited Movie she plays controlling Matriarch #EleanorYoung. You know her Oscar-winning Films #CrouchingTigerHiddenDragon and #MemoirsofaGeisha.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Aug 26, 2017 at 5:36am PDT

Craysians! Loved meeting #HenryGolding, star of the upcoming #CrazyRichAsians Movie. He was so cool, having a reunion with Co-Stars Michelle Yeoh and Harry Shum Jr. He stars alongside Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in Paul Feig Thriller #ASimpleFavor, filming right now in Toronto.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Aug 26, 2017 at 5:36am PDT

While it’a not a new Snap, here is us running into Shum at the movies a couple summers ago:

With #HarryShum at the Movies. The #Glee star is filming #Shadowhunters in Toronto, starring as #MagnusBane. #TheMortalInstruments #TMI

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 30, 2015 at 4:13pm PDT

Warner Bros. release CRAZY RICH ASIANS, release date to be announced…and we’re crazy excited!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Now in its 20th successful year, Toronto ComiCon took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building this weekend. The three day affair brought together over 25,000 Sci-Fi enthusiasts, Cosplayers and Artists together to celebrate their love of entertainment and comic book culture.  Among the names to appear at Toronto ComiCon this year were the likes of Star Trek‘s Robert Picardo, Bones’ Michaela Conlin and T.J. Thyne, The Walking Dead‘s Laurie Holden, The Big Bang Theory‘s Kevin Sussman, Gotham‘s David Mazouz and Sean Pertwee, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Brett Dalton and wrestling icons Bret Hart and Mick Foley.  Fans were delighted also to hear that some of the original cast of Degrassi including Pat Mastroianni, Stefan Brogen, Dan Woods, Stacie Mistysyn and Kirsten  Bourne would reunite for their 30th anniversary too, giving fans a chance to partake in the super-rare opportunity!

As is the case every spring, we love that Toronto ComiCon brings out some of the most innovative Cosplayers to our City and more than ever this year, we saw almighty Disney front and center among many with costumes ranging from Moana to Beauty and the Beast‘s Belle to a BB-8-inspired dress!

Upcoming Films The Ghost in the Shell (Paramount Pictures Canada), Valerian and Power Rangers (the latter two eOne Films) also had interactive installations set-up allowing fans a chance to be a integrated into the set or witness up-close Film props.

See some highlights and click the right arrow the navigate the slideshows!

DAY 1 SLIDESHOW

 

(Swipe left!) Siobhán Rich (@mstypo) does an amazing job capturing some highlights at #TOCC17 today! See you tomorrow? #TorontoComicon #StarTrek #PowerRangers #StarWars #RobertPicardo #Moana #Rey #PinkRanger #Tinkerbell #PeterPan #DrWho #Dalek #Cosplay #CosplayIsNotConsent

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Mar 17, 2017 at 8:54pm PDT

DAY 2 SLIDESHOW

(Swipe left!) Lots more cool stuff to see Day 2 at #TOCC17 including that long-awaited #Degrassi Reunion! #TorontoComicon #Valerian #BeautyandtheBeast #Belle #BeOurGuest #StarWars #BB8 #BATB #GhostintheShell #Cosplay #CosplayIsNotConsent

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Mar 18, 2017 at 8:35am PDT

DAY 3 SLIDESHOW

(Swipe left!) More awesome Snaps from Siobhán Rich from Day 3 of #TOCC17! #TorontoComicon #MickFoley #NoelleFoley #TJThyne #MichaelaConlin #Pokemon #WonderWoman #BeautyandtheBeast #Belle #StarWars #Alf

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Mar 19, 2017 at 6:58pm PDT

Siobhán Rich and Justin Waldman from our Team had the pleasure of sitting on on some of Toronto ComiCon 2017′s hottest panels and they give us some of that insider’s scoop:

ROBERT PICARDO

Robert Picardo revealed at his panel that he was at Yale pre-med when he went to Vienna at 19-years-old to perform in a Leonard Bernstein production. Bernstein himself told Picardo‘s mother than her son should be an actor rather than a doctor.

Many years later, he got the call to audition for the role of a “computer generated hologram who was colourless and humourless” on the that would be Star Trek: Voyager. He breathed life into that character even during the casting process where he channeled the original Star Trek doctor, Bones McCoy, ending his audition with the ad-libbed line, “I’m a doctor, not a nightlight.”

He famously knew nothing about Star Trek before joining the Trek family, but now embraces the global fandom thanks to devout Trekkies.

BRET HART

Still known as one of the most iconic wrestlers of our time, Bret Hart spoke to fans at his panel.  He told fans that it was his father Stu Hart, who inspired him to be a wrestler and originally he thought to himself “There’s gotta be a better way to make money”, after going through the daily grind in his 20s as a construction worker. “I took wrestling very serious”. He reveals also that he is quite the avid Table Hockey player!

Commenting on his famous match against Shawn Michaels (The Heartbreak Kid) as part of the 1997 Survivor Series, known widely as one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history, Hart calls out his opponent by saying “You were a real asshole throughout the whole thing!”. If you might recall, Hart was placed in a submission hold and the bell rang immediately, pronouncing his defeat.

MICK + NOELLE FOLEY

The father daughter duo took questions from an enthusiastic and raucous crowd of fans. Mick is a two-time New York Times bestselling author who has been known as Dude Love, Cactus Jack and Mankind in the wrestling ring. The hardcore legend’s 23-year-old daughter, Noelle, looks to follow dad’s footsteps.

When asked about his daughter’s chosen profession Mick commented, “Noelle has a beautiful swan neck and it’s not meant to go to Suplex city.” Saying the pain he experienced was worth it “some days,” Mick proceeded to share stories about the unusual origins of his famous “Mandible Claw” move, who he would come back to fight if his health wasn’t a concern, and the long difficulties his youngest son has believing in his championship career.

BONES (TJ THYNE & MICHAELA CONLIN)

In their first ever Toronto ComiCon appearance Michaela Conlin and TJ Thyne thrilled fans of the hit Fox show Bones from they moment they arrived on stage. Angela Montenegro and Dr. Jack Hodgins, as they are better known on TV, spent an hour fielding questions ranging from favourite memories to the series finale which will air later this month.

Thyne, who plays “bug guy,” admitted with a laugh that he is not a fan of creatures that creep, crawl, or slither. In testament to the great chemistry the pair have on the show, they shared quick banter and affectionate barbs back and forth. When asked about his favourite moment on the show, Thyne laughed, “Kissing Michaela Conlin! That’s easy” “I paid him to say that,” she replied. “I was paid to kiss you!” came the quick rejoinder.

DEGRASSI

You know it’s a Canadian con when one of the most anticipated panels of the convention is for the five stars of the iconic series Degrassi Jr. High. Long before anyone had ever heard of Drake, Pat Mastroianni, Stefan Brogren, Stacie Mistysyn, Kirsten Bourne and Dan Woods helped define what it means to be a teenager during their tenures on Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Jr. High, and Degrassi High. Toronto fans turned out in droves to cheer on five people who are still referred to more often by their characters’ names than their own. During the discussion, the stars discussed costars, plotlines, and what they’ve been doing in the years since graduation. And naturally, the gang all broke out into song to sing the Zit Remedy’s greatest hit!​

Missed Toronto ComiCon 2017? Learn more about it for next year here.

And don’t stress, Fan Expo Canada will be here in the blink of an eye. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Justin Waldman/Siobhán Rich)

JASON BOURNE takes the top of the Box Office in its debut, continuing its Franchise’s legacy of success with $59 million from 4,026 theatres for Universal Pictures. In relation to its Predecessors, it still cannot surpass the $69 million opening of 2007’s THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM but is second best, firmly ahead of 2005’s THE BOURNE SUPREMACY. Critics gave it a 56% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences loved it with an A- CinemaScore.

After dominating last weekend, STAR TREK BEYOND takes second position with $24 million for Paramount Pictures. In two weeks, it has grossed $105 million in North America.

Opening in third for STX Entertainment and eOne Films is BAD MOMS with $23.7 million from 3,215 theatres. The Comedy starring Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn and Kristen Bell gets a strong A CinemaScore, while Critics gave it a passing 63% on the Tomatometer. This definitely will help give it legs to go on in coming weeks.

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS still is going strong in fourth with $17 million for Universal Pictures. Over four weeks it is almost at the $300 million-mark.

ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE is in fifth with $10.9 million for 20th Century Fox, a total of $42 million in two weeks.

LIGHTS OUT continues to be the “little engine who could”, powering along in sixth with $10 million for Warner Bros. Made for less than $5 million, the Horror is now en route to $42 million in earnings.

NERVE opens in ninth with $9 million for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films. Since its opening Wednesday it has made $15 million. Critics gave it a 56% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it an A- CinemaScore.

CAFÉ SOCIETY rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.4 million from only 565 theatres for Lionsgate Films/Amazon (a rare partnership) and Mongrel Media. The Woody Allen Film get a 71% on the Tomatometer.

Despite posting its lowest numbers yet since its resurrection, STAR TREK BEYOND still has plenty to go on to take the top of the Box Office across North American this weekend with $56 million from 3,928 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Critics gave this latest installment from Director Justin Lin a 75% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore. 2009’s Star Trek still holds the Franchise’s highest debut with $75 million.

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS in its third week still is going strong with $29 million from 4,048 theatres for Universal Pictures. Thus far it has grossed $260 million already in its domestic run.

ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE opens in third with $21 million for 20th Century Fox, from 3,992 theatres. Critics gave this latest installment 13% only on the Tomatometer and a B- CinemaScore.

LIGHTS OUT opens in fourth with $21 million from 2,818 theatres for Warner Bros. Critics gave the Horror starring Teresa Palmer a 77% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore.

GHOSTBUSTERS gets shuffled back to fifth with $20 million for Sony Pictures. In two weeks it has earned $85 million.

THE INFILTRATOR in its second week rounds-out the Top Ten for Lionsgate Films with $3.1 million. In its two weeks, it has made $11.9 million.

Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to take Readers to a special IMAX Event screening of STAR TREK BEYOND, as part of a special STAR TREK Marathon Fan Event! We are offering double passes in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.

Screenings take place Wednesday, July 20, 2016 in:

Calgary: Scotiabank Theatre Chinook
Edmonton: Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton
Montreal: Scotiabank Theatre Montreal
Toronto: Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Vancouver: Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver
Ottawa: Landmark Cinemas Kanata

Synopsis:

“Star Trek Beyond,” the highly anticipated next installment in the globally popular Star Trek franchise, created by Gene Roddenberry and reintroduced by J.J. Abrams in 2009, returns with director Justin Lin (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise) at the helm of this epic voyage of the U.S.S. Enterprise and her intrepid crew. In “Beyond,” the Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Indicate for us your City. Click “share” from there for an extra chance.

G’luck, Willionaire$!

Can’t take a chance? You can buy tickets to the event! Details here.

Paramount Pictures Canada release STAR TREK BEYOND Friday, July 22, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

You know you’ve been waiting for this! Right in time for the long weekend comes this brand new Trailer for STAR TREK BEYOND!

Synopsis:
“Star Trek Beyond,” the highly anticipated next installment in the globally popular Star Trek franchise, created by Gene Roddenberry and reintroduced by J.J. Abrams in 2009, returns with director Justin Lin (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise) at the helm of this epic voyage of the U.S.S. Enterprise and her intrepid crew. In “Beyond,” the Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.

See the Teaser:

Paramount Pictures release STAR TREK BEYOND Friday, July 22, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)