Fan Expo Canada is back and bigger than ever! The Pandemic may have held us back for a bit, this edition of Fan Expo is here to remind us all exactly what we’ve missed. Running through August 28, 2022 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this celebration of Fandom unites fans of all genres together under one roof by the hundreds of thousands. And for good reason. The celebrity guest list this year is unreal!

Cast members of The Lord of The Rings, Clerks, Stranger Things, The Boys, Sons of Anarchy all are slated to appear, reniting for panels, photo ops and autograph sessions in the North Building. All for the fans! Photo Ops for Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn who plays Eddie Munson on the popular Series, sold-out rather quickly and he certainly was the hot ticket this year. You cannot miss the Hall of Horrors where you can sit and listen to panels from your favourite name in Horror, and also and Tattoo Alley where you can get tatted!

Above this, there are so many cool activations to be seen including set-ups in the South Building by the likes of Bandai Namco, Studio Ghibli, Genshin Impact, Bell Esports Challenge, Nintendo Switch, TikTok, WhatNot and more! There are photos to be taken, prizes to be won and things to take home! And don’t forget to visit Artist Alley for a chance to meet and get commissioned pieces by some of your favourites. So many cool vendors and hard-to-find items throughout!

Check out my Highlight Reel. You cannot miss this and here’s why!

Tina Chan is a special contributor for us this year and here’s some highlights from the most buzzed Panels of Fan Expo Canada 2022!

GRACE VAN DIEN

The Stranger Things star revealed at her Panel that she officially came-out as Queer when she was 20 after being asked on a date and realizing that she had the power to say “yes”, and learned to accept her sexuality. When asked about whether or not she sees herself as an extrovert, she told the audience that she actually thinks she’s anti-social.

On what won her the coveted role of Chrissy Cunningham on the Series, the daughter of Actor Casper Van Dien says, “The Duffer Brothers said I was the only one who played Chrissy sweet. Everyone else played her mean in their auditions”.

Fun Fact: Van Dien revealed that she idolizes Paul Newman. Her favourite Movie is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. 

MATTHEW LEWIS

The Harry Potter star who unfortunately had to cancel last year, was able to make it to the City for Fan Expo Canada 2022. Lewis tells fans at his Panel that getting into the role of Neville Longbottom wasn’t too tough as he truly related to him saying, “I got it cause I went through it”.

Reflecting on his childhood as an Actor, he spoke of it as being relatively normal. “When we were off set, we were in school together. We got to have a relatively normal childhood and knew we were all in same boat together. We had each other to lean on.”.

ANTHONY DANIELS

The Star Wars Actor known best for playing C-3PO has the unique distinction of having starred in all nine Star Wars films. Daniels tells fans at his Panel that during the first ever Star Wars Film, “I’d been rehearsing in the studio for six months while they made the costume. I felt special and I felt like a star the first time I put the costume on.”.

Fun Facts: C-3PO’s microphone is actually wired towards his butt. And his favourite of all Star Wars films would be Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

MICHAEL ROOKER

The Guardians of the Galaxy star who plays Yondu has an obsession with Wunderbars and was “wundering” if these were a Canadian thing. He also vows to try everything Canadian this weekend and at his Panel tried Canadian Smarties, Wunderbar, Aero and Kit Kat. Rooker definitely wasn’t impressed by Coffee Crisp, describing them as “Kind of hard and dry, and it doesn’t taste like coffee at all!”.

JAMIE CAMPBELL BOWER

This Stranger Things star certainly is no “stranger” to Toronto having filmed The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones here. Campbell Bower who plays Vecna on the Series, professed “I love my job and I’m a fucking nerd!”. On how lucky he is to have landed this role, he says humbly “It could’ve been anyone and the writing is exactly the thing that made the Show”. He also describes the several hours a day in costume/make-up as being “very intense”. He adds, “I would find myself crying in the middle of the night saying ‘Papa please, Papa please….”.

Fun Fact: If Vecna were to order something at Starbucks, it would be, per Campbell Bower, “A venti Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew with extra foam”!

Sharing some of our own Snaps! One of our favourite events of the year, every year!

Also, some amazing Cosplay for you to enjoy!

Fan Expo Toronto Cosplayers always show-up!

It’s not too late to get tickets still for Fan Expo Canada 2022! More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Tina Chan)

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment + Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers across North America a chance to win THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF FIVE ARMIES on Blu-Ray!

Official Synopsis:
From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, the third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world.

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook!

While we’re at it! Check out this Fun App and learn more about Middle Earth! Are you brave like Bilbo?

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment release THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES, now in stores!

Our Review of THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES here.

Read about the Canadian Premiere attended by Lee Pace + Peter Jackson here.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

Ignore those nasty Reviews, Audiences still v. much are in-love with TAKEN.  In an opening as explosive as the Action the Franchise is known for, the Trilogy Finale starring once again Liam Neeson, takes-in $40.4 million for 20th Century Fox from 3.594 theatres.  In comparison to its Predecessors, this latest Installment doesn’t quite eclipse the opening weekend success of 2012’s TAKEN 2, which brought-in $49 million in its debut. It does however surpass 2009’s first Installment, which opened with $24 million. Critics were unanimous in their snubbing with an 11% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences gave it a solid B+ CinemaScore.  Made for $48 million, it looks well on its way to turning a profit.

Paramount Pictures‘ big Oscar Vehicle SELMA opens with $11 million from 2,179 theatres,  Both Audiences and Critics alike agree that the Ava DuVernay Film is phenomenal, with an A+ CinemaScore and a matching 98% CinemaScore.

UNBROKEN continues to show amazing consistency, landing in third in its third week out with $8.2 million for Universal Pictures, just surpassing the $100 million-mark domestically.

Disney‘s INTO THE WOODS places fifth this weekend with $8.68 million, also surpassing the $100 million-mark in three weeks.  The Film is up for Best Comedy/Musical at the Golden Globe Awards, although it is seen widely as an Outsider in the Oscar race.

THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES finds itself in fifth spot in its fourth week out with $8.61 million for Warner Bros. It thus far has made $235 million in its North American run.

In sixth with $7 million is The Weinstein Co./Elevation Pictures’ THE IMITATION GAME which continues its Oscar Trail with a major piece of the puzzle in its fate being unveiled at Sunday night’s Golden Globe Awards.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 1 rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.6 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films, now in its eighth week out and a dazzling $329 million grossed domestically to-date.

For a third straight week, THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES continues its Box Office dominance in North America with $22.1 million grossed this weekend for Warner Bros. from 3,875 theatres. The Studio just announced its record 2014 numbers internationally earning $3.17 billion.  To date, the Finale in its Trilogy has earned $221 million.

UNBROKEN for a second consecutive week places second, earning $21 million for Universal Pictures from 3,190 theatres.  The Angelina Jolie-directed War Drama is on its way to the $100-million mark.

INTO THE WOODS finds itself in third place again this weekend with $18.6 million for Disney, edging closer also to that $100 million mark domestically.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2: ANGEL OF DEATH earns $15 million for Relativity Media/eOne Films in its debut from 2,602 theatres, placing fourth. Its 2012 Predecessor starring Daniel Radcliffe bests this Sequel slightly with its $20 million opening, placing second.  Audiences gave the Film a C CinemaScore, while Critics gave it a 24% on the Tomatometer.

Meanwhile, Oscar Contender THE IMITATION GAME continues to perform strongly in limited release with $8.3 million earned this weekend from 754 theatres, good enough for eighth spot.

THE GAMBLER in its second week earns $6.8 million, putting it in ninth spot, a two-week tally of $28.1 million for Paramount Pictures.

BIG HERO 6 rounds-out the Top Ten with $5.3 million for Disney in its ninth week out.  The Blockbuster in its run has earned $211 million domestically.

For the second week in-a-row, THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES reigns supreme at the Box Office, prevailing even over an onslaught of strong Christmas releases with $40 million from 3,875 theatres for Warner Bros.  In two weeks the Finale to The Hobbit Trilogy, has grossed $167.5 million.

Despite a strong opening, topping Christmas Day ticket sales at the Box Office, Angelina Jolie‘s UNBROKEN alas places second this weekend with $33.3 million from 3,131 theatres for Universal Pictures.  Audiences were wowed with an A- CinemaScore, although Critics were left with mixed feelings for the once-Oscar Contender, tallying-in with a 51% score on the Tomatometer.

INTO THE WOODS debuts a strong third with $32.6 million from 2,440 theatres for Disney, which is all the more impressive considering it is playing in 800 less theatres than the top two finishers this weekend.  Audiences gave it a B CinemaScore, although Critics gave the star-studded affair a better 71% on the Tomatometer.

NIGHT AT THE MUSUEM: SECRET OF THE TOMB actually betters its first week performance this weekend with $21.6 million grossed from 3,914 theatres for 20th Century Fox.  In two weeks it has made $56.3 million.

ANNIE meanwhile isn’t disgraced with $17.3  million in its second week out for Sony Pictures, edging closer to that $50 million-mark domestically.

THE GAMBLER debuts in seventh with $8.3 million for Paramount Pictures from 2,478 theatres across North America.  Critics and Audiences alike agreed the Remake was less than stellar with a C+ CinemaScore and a 47% on the Tomatometer.

Oscar Contender THE IMITATION GAME expands to 747 theatres for Elevation Pictures/The Weinstein Co., earning a healthy $7.9 million in its fifth week out.

WILD also continues to perform well in just 1,285 theatres with $5.1 million for Fox Searclight, rounding-out the Top Ten.

Fans of The Hobbit Franchise might be sad that the end of the road is near for the epic Trilogy, but Toronto Fans certainly would not be let-down! Director Peter Jackson, Screenwriter Philippa Boyens and Actor Lee Pace (who plays Thranduil), made a surprise visit to the City today to promote the final Film in the Series, The Battle of the Five Armies. This Installment sees Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), the Wizard Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellan) and the 13 Dwarves try to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the Dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch).

Among their hectic Press Tour stops today included several interviews, including a visit to eTalk Studios for a Live Audience taping of eTALK & THE HOBBIT: ONE LAST TIME, which airs Monday, December 22, 2014 at 7:30 PM EST on CTV. The Trio then head over to Scotiabank Theatre to watch their Film with Fans, before partying at the Windsor Arms Hotel. Some lucky Fans in festive “middle-earth” Cosplay at Eaton Centre this afternoon also were awarded a chance not only to win Tickets to the Premiere, but also the Afterparty!

Be sure to check-out the limited-time-only The Hobbit Lego Display at Eaton Centre before Wednesday, December 10, 2014!

We lined the chilly Red Carpet tonight where Jackson, Boyens and Pace arrived shortly after 9:30 PM, stopping to chat with several Media Outlets. Some Fans even were lucky enough to score a rare Autograph from Academy Award-winning Jackson, although he made clear a no Selfie Policy though his Handler. Pace however was amazingly-giving, taking his time to accommodate Fans, some who had been waiting for at least ten hours for a chance to see him.

See the Trailer below:

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES on Wednesday, December 17, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Bell Media/Warner Bros.)

It certainly was Celebrity Central this weekend as the 20th annual FAN EXPO CANADA took place at Metro Toronto Convention Centre this weekend. Known as the “Comic-Con of the North”, the four-day Gathering brings together Genre Fans and their favourite Artists under one roof for a Celebration of Fandemonium.

Names new and returning graced the Conference Halls, Photo Booths and Autograph Stations, being met with thunderous applause and starry-eyed admiration.  The likes of Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries), Stephen Amell (Arrow), Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings), William Shatner (Star Trek), Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The New Generation), Matt Smith (Dr. Who), Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws), Nathan Fillion (Castle), Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), David Morrissey (The Walking Dead), Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead), Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) proved most popular among Fans,  many of them quickly selling-out Photo Ops with Fans at prices of up to $125 per Snap.  Reedus turned quite a few heads walking through the Convention on Saturday with a Rob Ford mask, having fun with it!

Cosplay Artists more than ever were the rage of the Fan Expo Canada this year, the elaborately-costumed Performance Artists drawing long lines among their Admirers, including the likes of Jessica Nigiri (who unfortunately had to curtail her visit short one day) and Nadya Sonika.

Toronto’s Amell drew a large crowd today in one of a few Fan Q&A Sessions hosted by SPACE‘s Morgan Hoffman.  On his Cousin, Actor Robbie Amell recently being cast in new Series The Flash as Firestorm, he tells his Fans he had knowledge of this well in advance. “He (Robbie) sent me a text in all-caps and I was like… I know!”, admits Amell.  ” The only time we ever teamed up was playing Beer Pong, so Firestorm and Oliver Queen may soon cross paths.”.

Somerhalder as expected, always draws a large female Audience speaking candidly  about his Character Damon being killed on People’s Choice Award-winning TV Series The Vampire Diaries, stating he only found-out about the news filming the fifth Season’s second episode. In response to the many marriage proposals he received from his Fans, he says “You don’t wanna marry me. I have five companies, a TV Show and an Organization which operates in 180 countries… I didn’t even know there were 180 countries!”.  The Actor was spotted by Fans arriving a couple days back with current Girlfriend, Actress  Nikki Reed of The Twilight Saga.

Toronto also got a rare opportunity to see The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Star Elijah Wood, known best for the role of Frodo Baggins.  The Austin Native tells Fans at his Q&A that he finds it odd when Fans dress-up as Frodo, but also enjoys Fan Conventions.  “It is the one time you get that concentrated experience meeting a lot of people at once and I like it!”.

Missed Fan Expo Canada this year?  Learn more about it here and start planning for 2015!

 It wouldn’t truly be Fan Expo without a couple Photo Ops with some of my Faves:

Mr. Will + Elijah Wood:

Mr. Will + Matt Smith:

 (Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Lone Survivor finds itself alone at the top of the Box Office this weekend, besting the competition with an impressive $38.5 million from 2,876 theatres for Universal Pictures/eOne Films. The Film, based on the Story of Hero Marcus Luttrell and made for $50 million, is well on its way to recouping its production costs quickly. Produced by and starring Mark Wahlberg, who also stars in it, the War-Drama earn an outstanding A+ CinemaScore from Audiences, while Critics gave it 73% on the Tomatometer.

Disney‘s Frozen meanwhile in its eighth week finally gets dethroned after a multi-week reign, earning $15 million this weekend. The Animated Feature just recently surpassed the $300-million mark in North America.

The Wolf of Wall Street, seems to have struck-up quite a bit of controversy surrounding its depiction of greed, corruption and chauvinism, but this isn’t stopping Moviegoers from seeing it. In its third week out, it brings-in $9 million for Paramount Pictures, placing it in third spot.

A debuting The Legend of Hercules lands in fourth iwith $8.6 million for Lionsgate Films. The Action-Fantasy which has yet to be released in Canada, garnered a paltry 2% from Critics on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it a B- CinemaScore. 

Former Champ The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug slips to fifth spot with $7.9 million this weekend for Warner Bros.

August: Osage County debuts in sixth spot for The Weinstein Co./eOne Films with $7.3 million, expanding well to 900 theatres across North America this weekend. The Film which is in-contention for Awards in acting categories especially for Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep, received a 65% rating on the Tomatometer.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, rounds-out the Top Ten with $5.8 million for Paramount Pictures in its fourth week.

Incredible!  For the third week in-a-row, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug tops the North American Box Office, albeit narrowly with $29.9 million for Warner Bros., placing it just ahead of the stalwart Frozen in second with $28.8 million for Disney.  The former has earned over $190 million now in its domestic run, while the latter in five weeks has grossed $247 million.

Anchorman 2 in its second week finds itself in third spot with $20.2 million for Paramount Pictures, already earning $85.3 million.

American Hustle in its second week of wide expansion to 2,507 theatres, earns $19.6 million for Sony Pictures/eOne Films for a two-week total of $60.4 million.

Martin Scorcese‘s The Wolf of Wall Street after opening on Christmas Day, earns $18.5 million this weekend for Paramount Pictures from 2,537 theatres. Since its opening, it has grossed $35 million – not at all bad considering its R-rating. Critics gave the Film based on the Memoir by Jordan Belfort, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, a 76% rating on the Tomatometer. Audiences surprisingly gave it only a C CinemaScore.

Saving Mr. Banks plays in 2,110 theatres for Disney and earns $14 million this weekend, a two-week total of $37.8 million domestically.

Also opening on Christmas Day, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty opens in sixth with $13 million from 2,110 theatres this weekend for 20th Century Fox.  The Film received some mixed reviews with 57% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it a much more promising B+ CinemaScore.

47 Ronin opened in 2,689 theatres across North America on Christmas Day for Universal Pictures, garnering $9.8 million.  Audiences gave it a B+ CinemaScore, while Critics were far less forgiving  on the Action-Adventure starring Keanu Reeves, only 17% on the Tomatometer.

Grudge Match rounds-out the Top Ten with $7.3 million from 2,838 theatres for Warner Bros., also opening on Christmas Day. The Boxing-Comedy starring Sylvester Stallone and Robert DeNiro didn’t receive critical love with 21% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences enjoyed it much more with a B+ CinemaScore.

In its second week out, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug continues to perform phenomenally at the Box Office with $31.4 million from 3,928 theatres for Warner Bros. In just two weeks, the second in the Peter Jackson-helmed Trilogy has grossed over $128 million.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues in its debut certainly is no slouch only getting bested narrowly with $26.8 million from 3,507 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Critics loved the Sequel to the 2004 Box Office Hit, which also opened with a similar $28 million in its debut. Critics gave it positive Reviews, coming-in at 75% on the Tomatometer and an on-par B CinemaScore.

Oscar Contender American Hustle expands in its second week to third spot with $19.1 million  from 2,507 theatres. .  The ’70s-set Dramedy from David O. Russell (The Fighter) comes with astoundingly good Reviews (94% on the Tomatometer), although Audiences were a little less enthused with a B+ Cinemascore.  This ties with former Champ Frozen in third spot, now in its sixth week as it has its eyes set on that $200-mark domestically.

Saving Mr. Banks expands in fifth spot with $10 million, coming also with very strong Reviews, sitting at 81% on the Tomatometer. Audiences gave it a fair A CinemaScore.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire finds itself in sixth with $9.5 million, now in its fifth week of release,  just surpassing the $370-million mark in North America for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films.

Walking With Dinosaurs opens in eighth spot with $7.3 million from 3,231 theatres for eOne Films/20th Century Fox.  Critics panned the Family Flick voiced by Justin Long and John Leguizamo, getting 21% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences enjoyed it much more with a B+ CinemaScore.

Thor: The Dark World pulls-in $1.2 million for Disney/Marvel in its sixth week of release, just surpassing the $200-million mark in North America.