Our George Kozera had the pleasure of attending Walt Disney Studios Canada’s 2022 Holiday Preview, highlighting some of the Studio’s exciting upcoming theatrical and theatrical releases. Here’s a little sneak peek what we can expect after some first looks were offered at the event.

Highlights:

After a two-year absence due to COVID restrictions, it was pure joy to attend the Walt Disney Studios Canada press event for a light breakfast, previews of 2023 releases and a screening of STRANGE WORLD. Disney will be celebrating its 100^th Anniversary in 2023 and from what we saw, it will be a banner year for the studio and its audience, either theatrically or streaming on Disney+. Some of the preview highlights had us salivating in anticipation.

The Cinematography in the upcoming live action version of THE LITTLE MERMAID is astonishing and it will be spectacular viewing on the big screen. The same can be said for the Animated Feature ELEMENTAL, its vibrancy and colour palette is hypnotic. ANT MAN & THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA appears darker in tone and execution from the previous two movies, but any film with Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jonathan Majors, Evangeline Lilly and Bill Murray will have me first in line! Snippets of season three of THE MANDALORIAN has inspired me to binge-watch the first two seasons and WILLOW looks very interesting. But what really yanked my crank was SECRET INVASION, the Marvel mini-series starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn and award-winning magnet, Olivia Colman.

STRANGE WORLD is Disney’s first foray into the Animated Science-Fiction genre and it is a rollicking success. Jaeger Clade and his young son Searcher go on an expedition to cross the mountains to see what’s on the other side. Searcher comes across a mysterious plant, stays behind to extradite and harvest it back home and Jaeger continues on the journey solo. Fast-forward 25 years…Searcher is now the town’s most successful farmer as this plant has miraculous components and alongside his wife Meridian, his 16-year-old son Ethan and their three-legged dog, their life is blissful. Until they are told by Callisto that the roots source of this plant is being ambushed and they all need to explore the treacherous landscapes of Avalonia inhabited by surreal lifeforms to save it.

There is a myriad of reasons why I fell in love with STRANGE WORLD. The voice work from Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Gabrielle Union, Lucy Liu and, especially, Jaboukie Young-White as Ethan is exceptional. The animated world of Avalonia is visually intoxicating and I genuinely appreciated that innumerable creatures there were not given annoyingly cute human characteristics. They don’t periodically break into song; they enhance the story and illicit smiles or dreaded anticipation. However, first and foremost, with a standing ovation and bouquets of flowers thrown onto the stage, Disney tackles diversity with gusto, class and bravado. From a “blink and you might miss it” scene of a background character in a wheelchair, to the fact that Searcher and Meridian are a biracial married couple, impressed me to the hilt. Most importantly, taking into account the controversy Disney experienced when it was alleged that one of the characters in its monster hit FROZEN may have been gay, Ethan has a schoolboy crush and it is a another boy. Kudos to Disney for not sensationalizing this and giving space to tell a story that can only be a learning opportunity to some young audience members struggling internally.

Excluding Animated Features from Pixar, STRANGE WORLD is my favourite Disney movie since BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Whereas I tend to abhor cinematic sequels, I would relish another opportunity to spend more time with the Clade family.

Walt Disney Studios Canada release STRANGE WORLD November 23, 2022.

Upcoming STAR WARS Series THE ACOLYTE is next to come in the fantastical Lucasfilm universe and some casting announcements were made today. The Series already is under production in the UK.

Joining the previously announced Amandla Stenberg (“The Hate U Give”) are Emmy Award-winner Lee Jung-jae (“Squid Game”), Manny Jacinto (“Nine Perfect Strangers”), Dafne Keen (“His Dark Materials”), Jodie Turner-Smith (“Queen & Slim”), Rebecca Henderson (“Inventing Anna”), Charlie Barnett (“Russian Doll”), Dean-Charles Chapman (“1917”) and Carrie-Anne Moss (“The Matrix”).

“The Acolyte” is a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated. 

From creator, showrunner and executive producer Leslye Headland (“Russian Doll”), “The Acolyte”has begun production in the U.K. The executive producers are Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King and Jason Micallef. Rayne Roberts and Damian Anderson are producing. Headland will also direct the series pilot.

(Photo credit: Disney)

Star Wars fans, here’s a first look at the new Trailer for upcoming Limited Series, ANDOR starring Diego Luna!

Synopsis:

The “Andor” series explores a new perspective from the Star Wars galaxy, focusing on Cassian Andor’s journey to discover the difference he can make. The series brings forward the tale of the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire and how people and planets became involved. It’s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue where Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero. 

Diego Luna returns as Cassian Andor and is joined by cast members Genevieve O’Reilly, Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller and Fiona Shaw. The executive producers are Kathleen Kennedy, Tony Gilroy, Sanne Wohlenberg, Diego Luna and Michelle Rejwan. Tony Gilroy is also the creator and showrunner.

The first three episodes of ANDOR arrive September 21, 2022 only on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

A new Trailer for LEGO® STAR WARS SUMEMR VACATION!

Synopsis:

Summer just got hotter with the arrival of a new clip and the poster for “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation,” the all-new animated special from Lucasfilm and the LEGO Group premiering August 5, 2022, exclusively on Disney+. The clip, which debuted yesterday at LEGO’s San Diego Comic-Con panel, and the all-new poster, highlight the newest entry in the popular signature branded cross-saga storytelling series which is set shortly after the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and features the voices of “Weird Al” Yankovic, Yvette Nicole Brown, Kelly Marie Tran, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and returning cast members from previous “LEGO Star Wars” specials. 

Looking for a much-needed break from stormtroopers and TIE fighters, Finn arranges a surprise vacation for his friends Rey, Poe, Rose, Chewie, BB-8, R2-D2, and C-3PO, aboard the ultra-luxurious Galactic Starcruiser, the Halcyon. But Finn’s plan to have one last hurrah together quickly goes awry when he’s separated from the group. While searching for his friends, he encounters three Force ghosts: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Leia Organa, who each share their own unexpected stories of vacations gone wrong, helping him to understand that holidays are about more than just having fun. “LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation” features the voices of: “Weird Al” Yankovic as Vic Vankoh; Yvette Nicole Brown as Colvett Valeria; Thomas Lennon as Wick Cooper; Paul F. Tompkins as Rad; Dee Bradley Baker as Boba Fett; Ashly Burch as the Tour Droid; Kyliegh Curran as Sidero; Anthony Daniels as C-3PO; Trevor Devall as Emperor Palpatine; Allie Feder as Sy Snootles; Jake Green as Poe Dameron; Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker; Ross Marquand as Han Solo; Omar Miller as Finn; Kevin Michael Richardson as Jabba the Hutt; Matt Sloan as Darth Vader; James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan Kenobi; Kelly Marie Tran as Rose; Helen Sadler as Rey Skywalker; Billy Dee Williams as Lando (Holovid); Matthew Wood as Ben Solo; and Shelby Young as Leia Organa. 

David Shayne is writer and executive producer, and the director is Ken Cunningham. James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert, Jason Cosler, Keith Malone, and Jennifer Twiner Mccarron are executive producers. Produced in collaboration with Atomic Cartoons.

LEGO® STAR WARS SUMMER VACATION arrives AUGUST 5, 2022 on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Hayden Christensen and Director Deborah Chow (The Mandalorian, Mr. Robot) got a hero’s welcome back to Toronto tonight at a special six-hour Marathon Screening of the Series STAR WARS: OBI-WAN KENOBI at Scotiabank Theatre with an Intro and Q&A!

Fans queued for a chance to see the Series star, who reprises his role of Anakin Skywalker in the Series, along with Chow, who directs the Limited Series! Both are proudly Torontonian. And Fans surely weren’t disappointed, getting lots of facetime with them.

Christensen and Chow wrapped-up a two-day Press Tour in Toronto which concluded with a post-marathon Q&A where they answered fan questions, moderated by Toronto Film Critic and TV Personality, Richard Crouse.

Chow, who had directed two episodes of The Mandalorian, reveals that her favourite moment of this new Star Wars Series, is Episode Six and all the build-up that brought her to the Finale. Christensen, reveals that Ewan McGregor‘s performance as the Titular Character and what he brought to his character, is his favourite thing about the Series.

ABOUT STAR WARS: OBI-WAN KENOBI:

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.

Carousel:

Some more Snaps of the festivities:

STAR WARS: OBI-WAN KENOBI streams now, only on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Disney)

By Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

In a galaxy far, far away we have the first two episodes of The Book of Boba Fett and while there is a lot of back story and information thrown at the audience, there is definitely a lot to have for die-hard fans and casual fans alike. Not going to spoil anything, including the end of The Mandalorian either, but there more back story of how Boba Fett became Boba Fett versus where he currently resides and the responsibilities he has now. But strap yourself in for the adventure worth a bounty!

Episodes one and two feature our titular character, Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) and his right hand advocate Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) as they’re continuing their saga as it ended at the end of The Mandalorian Season Two. While balancing what is happening in the current time, they explore the past and how Boba Fett came to be the world’s greatest Bounty Hunter. There is a lot for fans to indulge in within these first two episodes, while sometimes the time shifting is a little hard to follow, there are always great fight sequences and a Batman Begins-esque training montage explaining how he became who he is.

There is so much to indulge in and enjoy with these first two episodes of The Book of Boba Fett, however it will always leave the audiences wanting more as each episode ends. There is so much to unpack, without spoiling anything, and brings forth some truly deep cut characters like Black Krrsantan showing up in episode two. There is a lot to love about The Book of Boba Fett and we cannot wait to see what else comes forward in this season in the Star Wars universe.

Episodes one and two of THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT is now streaming on Disney+.

Two new character posters have been unveiled for upcoming Disney+ Series STAR WARS spinoff, THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT: Boba Fett and Fennec Shand.

Synopsis:

“The Book of Boba Fett,” a thrilling Star Wars adventure teased in a surprise end-credit sequence following the Season 2 finale of “The Mandalorian,” finds legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand navigating the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.

“The Book of Boba Fett” stars Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen. Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Robert Rodriguez, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson are the executive producers. Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck serve as co-executive producers, with John Bartnicki producing and John Hampian as co-producer.

THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT arrives December 29, 2021 on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Star Wars fans, something exciting is coming this Holiday! Check-out the new Trailer for THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT.

Synopsis:

“The Book of Boba Fett,” is a thrilling Star Wars adventure teased in a surprise end-credit sequence following the Season 2 finale of “The Mandalorian,” finds legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand navigating the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.

“The Book of Boba Fett” stars Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen. Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Robert Rodriguez, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson are the executive producers. Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck serve as co-executive producers, with John Bartnicki producing and John Hampian as co-producer.

THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT arrives December 29, 2021 on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Disney+)

By Mr. Will Wong

Lots of wonderful streaming options to share with you as we enter my favourite season! Put on that cardigan, grab a blanket and cozy on up with your Pumpkin Spice Latte and enjoy some of our recommendations!

SQUID GAME (NETFLIX)

This South Korean Series is bloody violent and a sleeper hit for Netflix, just now garnering all the buzz! The nine-episode Drama pits 456 contestants who are deeply in debt, against one another in a game of survival where they are to compete in children’s activities with deadly consequences. But who exactly will go on to win the 456 billion (Korean dollars) prize with the stakes being upped as each contestant gets killed? At the center of it is Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), divorced and a single father with a gambling addiction who gets in way over his head, literally gambling his life away – but this might be his only shot left at reclaiming back his life. Will he succeed and at what cost does this come? The Series is overdubbed in English for those of us who are just too tired to read and the Voice Actors do a very capable job translating the emotions and fears of these Actors. We’ve never quite seen anything like this deadly game of survival, which is one-part The Hunger Games, one-part Tarantino and all sorts of crazy! SQUID GAME streams now on Netflix.

MAID (NETFLIX)

This ten-episode Mini-Series is based on Stephanie Land’s New York Times best-selling Memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive. It centers on a young single mother Alex (Margaret Qualley) who decides to leave her manipulative partner Sean (Nick Robinson), following her struggles in poverty and finding shelter, while also battling for custody of their daughter Maddy (Rylea Nevaeh Whittet). Alex aspires to be a Writer but to survive, she takes on the job of maid, with costs adding-up while she makes very little money. Qualley delivers a sympathetic performance which really gets into the soul of Alex, who wants the best for her daughter knowing this can’t come if Sean gets full custody. But also, she must carve out her own path in life, which has taken a backseat in an unhappy relationship. We explore all aspects of Alex’s life including her troubled relationship with her Artist mother Paula (a commanding performance by Qualley‘s real-life mother Andie MacDowell), and what it might look like for her to begin pursuing romance again and the gray areas that come with it. A phenomenal layered performance also from the well-to-do and frenetic Regina (Anika Noni Rose), who is one of Alex‘s clients, and with production taking place in Vancouver, we see many familiar Canadian faces like Raymond Ablack and Théodore Pellerin who also turn-in great work in supporting roles. We are a huge fan of Qualley, so it is a treat getting to see her really show her range. So excited for you to discover this when it streams October 1, 2021 on Netflix.

BRITNEY vs SPEARS (NETFLIX)

Erin Lee Carr directs this new Documentary shedding light on Britney Spears‘ struggles with her conservatorship. Carr teams with Rolling Stones Writer Jenny Eliscu, who prior has profiled Spears, to give us a clearer focus on the events leading to the much-talked-about conservatorship and more so the strained relationship between Spears and her father, as well as her deep unhappiness. Unlike other Documentaries we have a clearer motive on the deliberateness of Jamie Spears’ intentions in controlling his daughter and it becomes more apparent the fear instilled in others involved or engaged along the way. Once again we meet among others, Felicia Culotta, a friend and Assistant to Spears, shedding light how she was separated from the Artist. Interestingly, we get firsthand interviews with often-vilified ex-boyfriend Paparazzo Adnan Ghalib and former manager Sam Lutfi and the narrative is that perhaps maybe they weren’t as evil as we were led to believe. Carr uses dramatic music to build a bit of tension and overall, this was an informative watch. BRITNEY VS SPEARS streams now on Netflix.

CONTROLLING BRITNEY SPEARS (CRAVE)

This follow-up to The New York Times’ FRAMING BRITNEY SPEARS gives us additional insight into Britney Spears’ conservatorship. We get interviews with former members of her touring/management and security team with some shocking revelations about some of the perhaps illegal surveilling, that had been put in place over the Popstar. The Documentary sets-out to paint a portrait of the motions that occurred as a result of the #FreeBritney movement and the concern and love of fans and it is even clearer that Spears is a woman imprisoned against her will by red tape and legal deadbolts. Not that we didn’t know this before, but one can’t blame the Filmmakers for catering to public interest seeing how well this Film’s predecessor did. In the end the Film rides its hopes on first-hand eyewitnesses and footage. What we really want is Spears to tell us her truth on-screen and we feel this is coming with the latest movements in this story. CONTROLLLING BRITNEY SPEARS streams now on Crave.

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK SERIES 3 (CRAVE)

You know how much I love RuPaul’s Drag Race, so while we wait for a new season of the U.S. flagship Series, our thirst is quenched by this latest season of the UK sister Series. We get 12 new Queens and we were wowed by some of the fashion and style here, definitely a step-up from the prior season. While I find it interesting that legalities in the UK prohibit these Queens for competing for cash like the other versions of the Series, these “girls” are ready to bring it to win a badge! Victoria Scone makes things super-interesting being a contestant assigned a female at birth and competing as a Drag Queen, and we love the Show is embracing a wider inclusion in its contestants. There also are a couple Queens who are as young as 19-years-old but show an amazing level of professionalism against some of these seasoned performers. New episodes arrive Thursdays on Crave.

NAILED IT! SEASON 6 (NETFLIX)

I adore this Series so much and it never fails to make me laugh. I somehow missed this Series amidst all the TIFF ’21 bustle but finally put aside some time to catch up with my favourites, Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres! My jaw dropped even seeing surprise contestant Jack McBrayer (30 Rock) surface! Challenges include a Veggie Patch Cake, Alien Candy Apples, Cakes celebrating Black Women in history (!!!) and more. My only complaint ever is that six episodes a season simply isn’t enough. I love celebrating these culinary flops and need more already! NAILED IT! Season 6 streams now on Netflix.

LEGO STAR WARS TERRIFYING TALES (DISNEY+)

By Justin Waldman

Just in time for October, we have an all new LEGO Star Wars Feature, Terrifying Tales which is a series of Shorts re-telling classic Star Wars stories with a dark side twist to them! All of your favourite characters return in this all new Feature, including Kylo Ren, Luke Skywalker, Darth Maul, BB-8, Poe, Darth Maul, Darth Vader and more.

Directed by Ken Cunningham and written by David Shayne, who wrote and directed the last Lego Star Wars Holiday Special, the Duo team together to bring forward this new terrifying Tale. What would have happened if these dark stories that the Siths are trying to pass as fact were actually true, what would have happened to the Galaxy? Our hero Poe Dameron (Jake Green) must see through these evil rehashing’s to escape the Siths and make way back to his friends.

 The Voice Casting is the most distracting part of this new Short, as its clear that none of the characters are the original Actors that voiced them, and the Voice Actors are doing their own voices. While there is no issue with moving forward and having Voice Actors do voice work, hearing someone other than Mark Hamill deliver Luke Skywalker lines just feels off. However, the younger audience that this feature is targeted to, will be delighted by the Feature, delivering the entertainment the feature provides. Disney+ Canada release LEGO STAR WARS TERRIFYING TALES October 1, 2021.

MUPPETS HAUNTED MANSION (DISNEY+)

The Muppets never disappoint and this latest Halloween Special is pure laughs! The Story centers on Gonzo, who while being known as a bit of a daredevil, must step-up to face the scariest challenge of his life – staying one night at the Haunted Mansion. Pepe the King Prawn joins along for the adventure and all the while, they are tasked with finding the MacGuffin – a device necessary to the Plot, explaining the motivation of the characters. Along the way, we meet the charismatic Host (Will Arnett), The Caretaker (Darren Criss) and Constance Hatchaway (Taraji P. Henson) who tries to seduce Pepe into marriage – although it is clear she has other motives! Will Gonzo be able to make it out alive and save his buddy from doom? This Special while cute and filled with silly musical numbers, with jokes that connect to an audience of today (the Pumpkin Spice jokes don’t quit!) certainly speaks a bit more to its older audience. Nonetheless, these 50 minutes are whimsical and full of joy, a nod to those classic Muppets Specials we loved in the ’80s! MUPPETS HAUNTED MANSION arrives October 8, 2021 only on Disney+.

We love our Movies too! Don’t forget to check-out some of our Reviews for the latest theatrical releases like VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE, THE GUILTY, NO TIME TO DIE, THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2 and more right here.

Several other new releases like THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE, DEAR EVAN HANSEN and more can be found in our TIFF ’21 coverage here.

(Photo/video credit: Disney+/WOW/Netflix/Crave)

Disney+ has you covered this Halloween with their HALLOWSTREAM Program launching September 24, 2021 on the streaming services featuring all new original programming!

LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales

Premiering October 1, “LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales” is a seasonal celebration of the villainous dark side of the Star Wars galaxy— just in time for Halloween. After the events of “The Rise of Skywalker,” Poe and BB-8 must make an emergency landing on the volcanic planet Mustafar where they meet the greedy and conniving Graballa the Hutt who has purchased Darth Vader’s castle and is renovating it into the galaxy’s first all-inclusive Sith-inspired luxury hotel. While waiting for his X-Wing to be repaired, Poe, BB-8, Graballa, and Dean (a plucky and courageous young boy who works as Graballa’s mechanic) venture deep into the mysterious castle with Vader’s loyal servant, Vaneé.  Along the way, Vaneé shares three creepy stories linked to ancient artifacts and iconic villains from across all eras of Star Wars. As Vaneé spins his tales and lures our heroes deeper into the shadowy underbelly of the castle, a sinister plan emerges. With the help of Dean, Poe and BB-8 will have to face their fears, stop an ancient evil from rising, and escape to make it back to their friends. A new image from “LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales” is now available.

Muppets Haunted Mansion

The Muppets’ first-ever Halloween special “Muppets Haunted Mansion” will  premiere on Friday, October 8 on Disney+. The brand-new special will feature a star-studded Muppets cast, celebrity cameos, all-new music and spooky fun for families to enjoy together. “Muppets Haunted Mansion” takes place on Halloween night, when Gonzo is challenged to spend one very daring night in the most grim grinning place on Earth …The Haunted Mansion.

Just Beyond

All eight episodes of the supernatural anthology series “Just Beyond” will premiere on Wednesday, October 13 as a part of the Disney+ Hallowstream celebration. Inspired by the writings of R.L. Stine, the series tells astonishing and thought-provoking stories of a reality just beyond the one we know. Each episode introduces viewers to a new cast of characters who must go on a surprising journey of self-discovery in a supernatural world of witches, aliens, ghosts and parallel universes.

What If… Zombies?!

To kick off the celebration early, fans can watch “What If… Zombies?!”—the latest episode in Marvel Studios’ first-ever animated series—premiering today on Disney+. In this eerie episode, The Avengers are infected by a zombie plague, and surviving heroes must search for a cure.

Above this though, Disney+ also will have several of your favourites up. Here’s a graphic with all the details:

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Canada)