Taika Waititi
#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “NIGHT RAIDERS”
Premiering at TIFF ’21 and from Executive Producer Taika Waititi, we present to you the new Trailer for NIGHT RAIDERS by Danis Goulet.
Synopsis:
The year is 2043. A military occupation controls disenfranchised cities in post-war North America. Children are property of the State. A desperate Cree woman joins an underground band of vigilantes to infiltrate a State children’s academy and get her daughter back. Night Raiders is a female-driven dystopian drama about resilience, courage and love.
Elevation Pictures release NIGHT RAIDERS October 8, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
#INTERVIEW: “FREE GUY”
By Mr. Will Wong
At long last, FREE GUY is set to arrive in theatres after multiple delays, but if you’ve heard the chatter, you’ll soon understand why this epic Comedy has been saved for our return to the theatres! Full of heart and surprises, the Film from Director Shawn Levy centers on a Bank Teller named Guy (Ryan Reynolds) who discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game, ultimately becoming the hero of his own story…out to save the world!
We had the joy of sitting-in on the global Press Junket for this hilarious Blockbuster and in-attendance were a star-studded group:
Shawn Levy – Director
Ryan Reynolds – Guy
Jodie Comer – Millie/Molotov Girl
Joe Keery – Keys
Lil Rel Howery – Buddy
Taika Waititi – Antoine
Utkarsh Ambudkar – Mouser
Shawn Levy talks about the excitement of the world finally getting to see FREE GUY.
Levy: Well, it has been a ride and a longer wait than we expected but this Movie was such a delight to make. The making of it was pretty joyous and fun, we’re just really excited to get to share a movie that has that same fun and delight and warmth that was on-set. Hopefully it translated to the screen. In some of these early reactions it’s been really affirming and all coming through to audiences the way we hoped.
Ryan Reynolds talks about stepping into the world of a wholesome hero.
Reynolds: My default is just pure trash on the inside so this is slightly new for me. There’s a movie I like called ‘Being There‘ starring Peter Sellers and it was like the first foothold I hand into this world. There’s something really wonderful about playing a character who’s kinda naive and innocent. In a sense, he’s like a four-year-old adult. So there’s something kinda fun about exploring everything with new eyes, which is what this character gets to do, and filtering that through the prism of Comedy. I love playing a character who’s stepping out of the background and into this new person.
Jodie Comer does double duty as Molotov Girl and Millie and tells us about balancing this.
Comer: One thing which draw me to the role was the Team – working with the Creators of the Film and also the sheer imagination the Script has. I remember reading it and thinking ‘Omigosh, how is this gonna translate onto the screen?’. You have the real world mixed-in with the Video Game and I think it was just the scope of it and how much heart it had. You see that it’s written about as an Action-Comedy, but you see there’s so much more to that. It provokes so much emotion in you. I think it was the imagination the Script had for me.
Mariah Carey’s ‘Fantasy‘ plays a pivotal role in Free Guy and the question is asked about why this song in particular.
Levy: Ryan is a maestro of the odd, random but inspired song idea. He was obsessive about it early on as we were working on the Script. He said, ‘You know what I think should be the entire anthem of the Movie and marketing campaign?’. He suggested this song by Mariah and we know that by the Third Act of the Movie we have a cover of that song by our very own Jodie Comer!
Reynolds: In the earliest drafts we’d written The Outfield‘s ‘Your Love‘ and it ended-up not fitting right. It’s a great song but Mariah Carey‘s ‘Fantasy‘ just came in like a lightening bolt. It was like an engine through so much of the Movie. It’s really fantastic!
Reynolds and Howery talk about the central theme of friendship in the Film.
Howery: I like when I get to the end of it and that’s where the audience sees the last speech Buddy gives before this big thing happens. It is always weird when you do big speeches like this, you get emotionally tied to it. I remember shooting with Shawn and I had to go take a walk. I wasn’t gonna tear-up in front of him. Buddy has a couple of those moments which is what I love about the character, it’s that his innocence that came with how comfortable he was with his friendship. It is something really beautiful that happens towards the end that Buddy discovers with his best friend. It’s another conversation in the beginning Guy trying to convince him what the sunglasses was showing him. Buddy just stuck to his ways and we just saw the heart of him open and open which is why I live this character so much. People are really surprised how much heart it has. Yeah, you’re gonna tear-up!
Taika Waititi steals the show as villainous Antoine and talks about his character.
Waititi: I didn’t really know what to expect or what I was doing. We had one phone call (with Shawn) and I hadn’t really met you. Shawn described the character and that appealed to me. I just play visions of my mom in all my characters and so this was my little vision of my mom. I’ve actually met a lot of people like this in America and it’s what I think of Americans… at CAA parties.
Utkarsh Ambudkar and Joe Keery tell us about their characters’ catch phrases.
Keery: I think the best catch phrase is ‘catch-phrase’. I think that’s genius. I don’t feel my character really has a catch phrase.
Ambudkar: I don’t remember. Was it ‘Go Time? Yeah it’s Go Time, baby!’. That’s all me. I desperately tried getting Taika’s character on-board in this mentor/mentee-type relationship. Antoine is not having it at all. I think it makes for a funny chemistry between us. All of us got really lucky this whole Cast works really well together. Everyone makes each other look good. It’s rare you get this many people who get this energy going with each other so that’s awesome.
The Gaming industry is not unlike the Film industry in that they are male-dominated. Jodie Comer comments on the parallels in her character(s) and real life.
Comer: It was incredible and a huge part of what attracted me to the piece, especially having this girl Millie and Molotov being a creation of her. It was so important that it was always an essence of Millie but that Molotov was also very different so I really focused on the physicality. There is a lot of nuance within her world and even looking into how male-dominated that industry is, which is kinda similar to my own and those kind of fights we’re definitely up against, and the resilience in which that created in her. There was so much for me to play with. That was always really present and thought about from the moment I got the Script, the first draft to the moments we were on-set playing around, changing things. It was such a great experience bringing my own ideas to play.
Ryan Reynolds and Lil Rel Howery talk about the friendship they formed on and off-screen in FREE GUY.
Reynolds: Rel’s character and I live on this intersection a little bit on the page, a little bit on the moment. But I feel that’s the case of every single person on this webinar. Everybody here’s very good at creating and building and three-dimensionalizing their work. Rel and I immediately clicked. I was a huge fan of his. And we can all say he was a huge fan of Taika. It’s great to get out there, mess around and play and form that bond, and put it up on the big screen.
Howery: I mean for me it’s weird because Ryan Reynolds has been my friend in my head for a really long time. And to this day I don’t think he believes that I’m a legit fan. When he was winning everything with Deadpool I was calling people “I toldja! I toldja Ryan was a superstar!’. I don’t get nervous about meeting anyone but I was really nervous that first day. One of the fun things about this business is you get to work with people you really look up to, not just as an Actor but as a fan. I don’t know he’s gonna be my friend after this movie but we’re gonna enjoy the moment.
Levy and Reynolds tease the possibility of a Franchise for FREE GUY.
Reynolds: I hope we get to this again whether it’s in the form of a Sequel or something else. We’re lucky a couple people in here I’ve gotten to work with multiple times. If it’s not another FREE GUY movie or another movie in another form.
Levy: The short answer is ‘yes’. But I’ve made things that launched franchises and have made enough things to realize you just
I don’t know the outcome. We have flirted with some ideas but my favourite thing in Free Guy is that Taika‘s character in an original movie mocking the idea of releasing something new. It’s so rare a studio lets you make a big budget new movie. So to have Antoine played by Taika talking about sequels and having this cynical attitude towards them. I will say for anyone who’s seen the movie, if we do make Free Guy 2 it will be titled ‘Albuquerque, Boiled Turkey’! If you’ve seen the Movie you’ll get that joke! Based on one of 700 million improvised lines by Taika Waititi!
20th Century Studios Canada release FREE GUY August 13, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “FREE GUY”
20th Century Studios Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see FREE GUY! Screenings take place as follows:
Toronto – Wednesday, August 11 @ 7:30pm – Scotiabank Theatre
Vancouver – Wednesday, August 11 @ 7:00pm – Scotiabank Theatre
Calgary – Wednesday, August 11 @ 7:00pm – Scotiabank Theatre
Edmonton – Wednesday, August 11 @ 7:00pm – Scotiabank Theatre
Synopsis:
In Twentieth Century Studios’ epic adventure-comedy “Free Guy,” a bank teller who discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game, decides to become the hero of his own story…one he rewrites himself. Now in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way…before it is too late. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, Joe Keery, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Taika Waititi, “Free Guy” is directed by Shawn Levy from a screenplay by Matt Lieberman and Zak Penn and a story by Lieberman. The film is produced by Ryan Reynolds, p.g.a., Shawn Levy, p.g.a., Sarah Schechter, Greg Berlanti and Adam Kolbrenner with Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, George Dewey, Dan Levine and Michael Riley McGrath serving as executive producers. FREE GUY is in theatres August 13, 2021.
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and in the comments there, indicate your City! For an extra chance, RT this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw.
Enter for a chance to #win Advance Screening Passes to see #FreeGuy in select cities!
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) August 4, 2021
How: https://t.co/mcWK2PDowr pic.twitter.com/U4LsePBfLH
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(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)
#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “FREE GUY”
Ryan Reynolds is back in FREE GUY! Check-out a brand-new version of the Trailer!
Synopsis:
In “Free Guy,” a bank teller who discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game, decides to become the hero of his own story…one he rewrites himself. Now in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way…before it is too late. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, Joe Keery, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Taika Waititi, “Free Guy” is directed by Shawn Levy from a screenplay by Matt Lieberman and Zak Penn and a story by Lieberman.
20th Century Studios release FREE GUY is in theatres August 13, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios)
#FIRSTLOOK: TAIKA WAITITI DIRECTS COCA-COLA CHRISTMAS TV SPOT
This hits all the right feels! Not sure if you’ve seen this yet, but Taika Waititi collaborates with Coca-Cola for this outstanding TV Spot for the soft drink maker in time for the Holidays! A father at working at sea is tasked with delivering a letter to Santa for Christmas and he goes to great lengths to get it to him. Tissue, please. A two-minute emotional triumph!
See the Ad:
(Photo/video credit: Coca-Cola)
#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “FREE GUY”
Check-out this new Trailer for FREE GUY starring Ryan Reynolds!
Synopsis:
In “Free Guy,” a bank teller who discovers he is actually a background player in an open-world video game, decides to become the hero of his own story…one he rewrites himself. Now in a world where there are no limits, he is determined to be the guy who saves his world his way…before it is too late. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Joe Keery, Lil Rel Howery, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Taika Waititi, “Free Guy” is directed by Shawn Levy from a story by Matt Lieberman and a screenplay by Lieberman and Zak Penn.
See the Trailer:
20th Century Fox Canada release FREE GUY Friday, July 2, 2020.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox Canada)
#TIFF19: “JOJO RABBIT”
Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong
Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) is an impressionable young boy who is part of the Hitler Youth. He is a bit shy, and tends to talk most to his imaginary best friend, Adolf (Taika Waititi). He supports all of the Führer’s ideas and despises the Jews. But his beliefs are put to the test when he discovers that a young Jewish girl named Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) is hiding in the attic of his home.
Wow. That was my immediate reaction after watching Jojo Rabbit. Waititi’s anti-war satire is an incredible, unforgettable experience and easily one of the best things I have watched so far at #TIFF19. Full stop.
It is outrageously-hilarious and deeply-tragic, often in the exact same scene. Waititi walks a fine line here, effectively balancing the light hearted, satirical elements with the horrors of war, never once shying away from the human cost of this horrible period in history. And no, he is not sympathetic towards any of the Nazis. The period detail is exquisite, and his reinterpretation of recognizable pop songs is unique to say the least. The stacked cast of talent is amazing in their roles, each carving out their own memorable moments. And while Waititi is terrific portraying Hitler in the most asinine and ridiculous way possible, it is first-time actor Davis who steals the show and your heart.
JOJO RABBIT screens during TIFF at the following times:
Sunday September 8, 9:30pm @ Princess of Wales [World Premiere]
Monday September 9, 10:00am @ Elgin Theatre
Friday September 13, 9:30pm @ Winter Garden Theatre
Sunday September 15, 12:00pm @ Ryerson Theatre
#TIFF19: DAY THREE – JENNIFER LOPEZ, KRISTEN STEWART, DAKOTA JOHNSON, JAMIE DORNAN, CONSTANCE WU, CHRIS EVANS, JAMIE LEE CURTIS, TAIKA WAITITI + MORE
TIFF ’19 officially has kicked into high gear and you won’t believe the star power we witnessed!
Check it out. Hover right on each album to navigate.
HUSTLERS – #SheInspiresMe Panel
SEBERG – Press Stop
View this post on Instagram
#TIFF19: #KristenStewart winning raves for her work in #Seberg. #TIFF #KStew #HuaweiP30Pro
SYNCHRONIC – Press Stop
THE FRIEND – Press Stop
COLOR OUT OF SPACE – Press Stop
SOUND OF METAL – Press Stop
KNIVES OUT – Press Stop
JOJO RABBIT – Press Stop
THE LIGHTHOUSE – Press Stop
The HFPA-Hollywood Reporter Party
Informative and fun segment Will!! We’re on Festival Street tonight and off to a film tomorrow. Hope to see you around town Handsome! You’re always in the heart of all the media excitement. pic.twitter.com/SIZEnlLlxL
— YYZ Bliss (@yyz_bliss) September 7, 2019
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SXSW: 2019 SXSW FESTIVAL DAY ONE RECAP
By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Today was the official start of the 2019 SXSW Festival and it didn’t disappoint.
The day began with a bunch of conferences from those in the Tech world, like Pricilla Chan, to those in the Film industry, such as Busy Phillips. Earlier in the day Chan spoke about the work and impact the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is doing. Later on in the afternoon, Phillips sat down and had a talk with her close friend Hillary Kerr. The two spoke about the career Phillips has had and her new late-night talk show Busy Tonight which airs on E! Network.
But the main event for the day was the World Premiere and Opening Night Film Us directed and written by Jordan Peele. For films at SXSW, people typically begin lining-up about two hours in advance, at most. However, for Us, the line began a whopping six hours in advance. By the time that two-hour mark hit, it was a guessing game of if you were going to get in or not. Thankfully, we made it in and it was worth the wait. We were also treated to many Cast and Crew being there, such as Jordan Peele, Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss and more. All stayed after the show for a Q&A. To know more about this anticipated Film, make sure to check out our Review here.
Film isn’t the only thing of focus at SXSW, they also have a wide selection of Television events. Tonight was the What We Do In The Shadows Premiere and Executive Producers Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement were on hand to introduce the upcoming FX Series based on their cult classic Mockumentary. They were quick to put on quite the two-man show for the audience. Each made jokes about turning their Film into a TV show. Waititi also spoke of Toronto during his hilarious banter with Clement. Waititi said the show takes place in Staten Island, even if it looks like Toronto. This was in reference to the Vampires on the show living on Staten Island, but production taking place in Toronto.
At the end of the night, 6th Street was bright with the glow of lights coming from the restaurants and bars. There was a smell of street food wherever you walked with the sounds of after parties and students heading out for the weekend in the background.
Day Two has more marquee premieres with The Beach Bum and Long Shot. We received word that Matthew McConaughey and Isla Fisher will be on hand for the former and that Seth Rogen and Charlie Theron will be here for Long Shot Premiere. There are also some pop-up events and conferences featuring Amber Heard and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. So keep checking back here for more updates as we go!
(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore)
#SPOTTED: TAIKA WAITITI IN TORONTO FOR “THOR: RAGNAROK”
Taika Waititi might not yet ring a bell in these parts but he is on the brink of major recognition. The Actor/Comedian/Writer/Director is in Toronto today for Thor: Ragnarok which he helms! The New Zealand native is known for his acclaimed work in acclaimed Oscar-nominated short Two Cars, One Night and Feature Films Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, which broke Box Office records in his homeland. There are several “rumours” as he claims still, he will be directing an upcoming Back to the Future reboot.
Thor: Ragnarok marks Waititi‘s Hollywood debut and he just may be returning for a second Thor: Ragnarok Film! We’ll soon see!
He loved Billy‘s Thor costume (available at Petsmart)! Pleasure meeting him at CITY‘s Breakfast Television as he kindly made time for Fans.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release THOR: RAGNAROK Friday, November 3, 2017. 🔨
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Marvel)