"TOTAL RECALL" IN THEATRES TOMORROW!

The Faces of Total Recall & Mr. Will-W. - Clockwise: Kate Beckinsale, John Cho, Bill Nighy, Bryan Cranston, Len Wiseman, Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel

The Moment has come for the most expensive Film ever made in Toronto. A Box Office success not only solidifies Toronto as a viable locale to film, but also proves that we have the Facilities and Talent to support an ambitious Venture as such.

Will you be seeing Len Wiseman's Total Recall this weekend?  I know I will. 

Watch the Trailer:

"TOTAL RECALL" TEASER TRAILER

Official Artwork for Total Recall

"You don't have the most reliable of memories, do you?".

After having filmed here in Toronto last Summer, we finally see a Teaser Trailer for the Remake of Total Recall surfacing, giving us a taste of all the exciting Action-Fantasy thrills to come. Although the scene with Colin Farrell taking-down a team of Police was shown first to attendees of San Diego Comic Con last July we get additional insights into Kate Beckinsale's Character Lori who first appears as Colin Farrell's Wife, then turning the tables telling him, "You haven't even begun to see me trying to kill you!". By the end of it all, we still don't really know what's going on with Farrell's Doug/Hauser, but are left with enough to be intrigued. Well-played, Sony Pictures.  Looks superb.

Watch the Trailer below for the most expensive Film ever made in Toronto at $250 million:

Len Wiseman's Total Recall is in theatres August 17, 2012.

We've been following the progress of this one closely including meeting some of the Cast and Director here last Summer! Click here for more.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures)

KATE BECKINSALE: QUEEN OF THE BOX OFFICE

Still from Underworld: Awakening 3-D

Call it a Kateback.  Kate Beckinsale officially is the Queen of the Box Office, poised to make it two consecutive weekends on-top with two different Movies, Contraband last weekend and Underworld: Awakening 3-D this weekend. Based on last night's receipts tally, Underworld: Awakening 3-D brought in an impressive $9.4 million making it a clear Winner.  Note though that it is screening in 3-D which somewhat inflates its total.

Although originally thought to take the lead, Red Tails, starring Beckinsale's Pearl Harbor Co-star Cuba Gooding Jr., settles for second with an estimated $6.02 million.

The reign isn't set to fizzle any time soon as another Sony Pictures Monster in Total Recall, is set to hit the theatres August 3, 2012. She also plays the lead in two upcoming releases set to begin production, The Trials of Cate McCullough and Happy Holidays, Katherine Sloane.

Get it, Kate!

(Photo credit: Sony Pictures)

KATE BECKINSALE ADMITS DAUGHTER HAS CRUSH ON MARK WAHLBERG

Still from Contraband

The gorgeous Kate Beckinsale appeared on Live! with Kelly earlier today to promote Universal Pictures' Contraband. The Film which has her co-starring with Mark Wahlberg, is about a former Drug Smuggler named Chris who heads to Panama to protect his Brother-in-Law from a Drug Lord. Upon arriving at his destination, he scores millions of dollars in counterfeit money.

Beckinsale revealed to Kelly Ripa earlier today that her Daughter with Actor Michael Sheen, Lily, has a major crush on Wahlberg.   The Actress jokes "It was a horrible Love Triangle really", as she was playing Wahlberg's Wife while her Daughter was longing for her Co-star at the same time. Beckinsale did reveal that Lily concocted a secret plan to touch his abs, which fortunately didn't happen.  Phew!

The brunette Actress dyed her hair blonde for her role and admits to having lost a bit of hair in the shower, during filming.

One thing Beckinsale and Daughter might not have realized was that Wahlberg actually was staying at the same Toronto Hotel as they last May when he was in-town sealing the deal on a new Yorkville Condo.  Beckinsale then was filming Husband Len Wiseman's Total Recall, in theatres August 3, 2012.

Contraband hits theatres Friday, January 13, 2012.

Watch the Trailer in full:

"TOTAL RECALL" HITS COMIC-CON 2011

Colin Farrell in Toronto - June 2011

Although production is only half-completed on Len Wiseman's Total Recall Reboot, Cast and Director took a break from filming in Toronto to promote the $2 million Blockbuster for Sony Pictures at Comic-Con in San Diego earlier today. Early reports are v. promising, with much of the focus being directed at Colin Farrell, after one Clip (pre-effects) was shown of his Quaid beating down a room of soldiers.

Kate Beckinsale, Wife of Wiseman, will be re-interpreting the role of Lori played originally by Sharon Stone and appeared to have charmed the audience. She admitted that she struggled with having to throw a punch at Co-star Jessica Biel (Melina), whom she calls "one of the most beautiful faces in the world" with her "$3 billion nose".

Bryan Cranston seemed to have received a fair number of questions from the audience but revealed that he has added a more humanistic approach to his Villain, Vilos Cohaagen.  He says, "If you can't invest in the characters then you can have all the explosions in the world and I won't be interested.".

I've been following Total Recall here for a bit since its Cast have arrived.  Click here to get yourself up-to-speed. 

FIRST LOOK: "TOTAL RECALL" STARRING COLIN FARRELL

Still from Total Recall

Check out this first Still released from Len Wiseman's Total Recall, currently in production here in Toronto.  Colin Farrell is at the mercy of two Captors in a scene which appears to have been filmed at the University of Toronto's Knox College.

The Film will be presented at next week's Comic-Con in San Diego and hits theatres via Sony Pictures on August 3, 2012.  Thanks Kevin!

(Photo credit: Sony Pictures)

MICHAEL SHEEN AT "HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2" PREMIERE IN TORONTO

Michael Sheen in Toronto - July 2011

The talented Michael Sheen definitely needs to introduction to Toronto, having spent last Summer  here filming Julia Roberts production Jesus Henry Christ. Although we're still waiting to hear whether or not the Film will premiere at TIFF this September, Sheen has been in the City for the past few weeks visiting Girlfriend Rachel McAdams.

It was Family first tonight as those attending the Toronto Premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 were surprised to see him arrive together with Ex-Partner of nine years Kate Beckinsale and their daughter Lily, who was dressed festively for the occasion.  Beckinsale as we all know, is here filming Husband Len Wiseman's Total Recall Reboot and the stars aligned perfectly in their schedules tonight. Despite no longer being together, the former Couple are said to remain close Friends.  McAdams it is confirmed, was not present this evening.

LEN WISEMAN & COLIN IN FARRELL IN ST. THOMAS FOR "TOTAL RECALL"

Len Wiseman in St. Thomas - July 2011

Fans in St. Thomas, Ontario got a huge treat yesterday as Director Len Wiseman brought production of his latest effort Total Recall two and a half hours southwest of the City to a Magna International Inc. plant. Filming factory scenes yesterday, most of the principal Cast were absent from the shoot, although its biggest star Colin Farrell was present. And get this - 200 Workers there won the opportunity to meet the Irish Hunk via a Lottery!

Wiseman even took time to run out to the gate to greet some Fans and sign Autographs before getting ushered back to the Set, although Farrell - who it has been noted rarely does the Fan thing while at work - did throw over a wave.

Watch the Clip below:

HUGH JACKMAN IN TORONTO FOR "HUGH JACKMAN IN CONCERT"

Hugh Jackman & Mr. Will-W.

Everybody loves Hugh Jackman! Everybody. The Tony Award winner gifted Canada his presence arriving via Porter Airlines on Canada Day, flying in from New Jersey to begin preparations for his upcoming one-man Show, Hugh Jackman in Concert. Debuting this Tuesday night at the Princess of Wales Theatre for Mirvish Productions, the Show ties together some of Jackman's favourite Showtunes with reflections upon his celebrated career and life.  Having had a successful run in San Francisco, the Hunk looks the duplicate that success with Toronto theatre-goers.  He will be backed by an 18-piece Orchestra.

I caught-up with Jackman walking about the Entertainment District with a small entourage wearing Jeans, a Polo Shirt and a pair of Sunglasses.  In hurry to head off with his Children Oscar and Ava, he still took the time to greet a couple Fans and me, taking Photos and signing an Autograph or two.  Yes, he's pretty much flawless.  Confirmed.

Tickets are still available for the two-week engagement Hugh Jackman  in Concert here.  

Jackman can be seen in three Films this year, including: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan in which he sings in Mandarin, Butter and $80-million dollar Blockbuster Real Steel, which also stars Kevin Durand who has been in Toronto of late filming David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis.  Perhaps Jackman be reuniting with his Van Helsing Co-star Kate Beckinsale, who also happens to be in-town filming Total Recall?

See more Photos below:

KATE BECKINSALE IN TORONTO FOR "TOTAL RECALL"

Kate Beckinsale & Mr. Will-W.

One of my favourite Actresses undoubtedly is Kate Beckinsale and although she's been in the City for the Toronto International Film Festival in the past promoting titles like Underworld and Nothing but the Truth, unfortunately I'd never had a chance to meet her.  Arriving last month for her Husband Len Wiseman's Total Recall Reboot in which she plays the role of Lori (married to Colin Farrell's Doug), the beautiful Beckinsale has been spotted out and about by Fans and Paparazzi alike. Because I still hadn't seen her, I was beginning to think she was somewhat of a Mirage.

I had spotted Beckinsale on a stroll with her Daughter Lily, Husband Len, another young Lady and their two Dogs Ingrid and Pocket.  The latter even has been spotted on-Set with her.  Careful not to be intrusive, I had asked if on her way back she could take a minute to chat and take a Photo with me and absolutely she fulfilled her promise! 

Upon finally meeting her, I confessed  what a great Fan I am of 2008's Nothing but the Truth.  Despite few people seeing that Film, her portrayal of a Journalist who had taken her integrity to the extreme affected me deeply.  "Yes, it's a shame that it never really made it to the theatres as I was proud of that one", she admits.  I commented also how overall I thought Doug Liman's 2010 Film Fair Game (inspired also by the story of shamed Spy Valerie Plame) paled in comparison and she was touched genuinely, saying "Yes, we thought the same!".

She, Lily (daughter of Michael Sheen) and one Young Lady visiting also noticed that I had brought my Dog Billy out for a walk and the three of them were rather smitten by him.  Beckinsale asked, "Is he a Shih Tzu? and she absolutely was correct!  Their Dogs Pocket and Ingrid - both Female - were so adorably sweet, jumping on my leg.  And the two young Ladies present were so sweet wishing me a good night before they head off after our Chat.

BRYAN CRANSTON IN TORONTO FOR "TOTAL RECALL"

Bryan Cranston & Mr. Will-W.

Although it took a bit of time to happen, Bryan Cranston is now hotter than ever after years of Television work since first making his Television debut on CHiPs back in 1982. Whether you know him from Malcolm in the Middle in which he starred as Hal, or more recently his three-time Emmy Award-winning work on Breaking Bad as terminally ill, drug-dealing Teacher Walter White, Cranston is officially an A-list Actor now with a string of highly-buzzed films due in the next year.

Drive, Contagion, Red Tails, John Carter of Mars, Rock of Ages and Larry Crowne are all major titles he will be seen in soon and above this, Cranston is now in Toronto working on Len Wiseman's Total Recall reboot. He stars as Vilos Cohaagen, the central Villain opposite Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel.

The barely-recognizable Actor/Director came out in a Hairpiece, Dress Shirt,  Plaid Tie (as seen on David Letterman) and Vest during a Coffee Break to greet Fans during filming, revealing that he wrapped up work on the forthcoming season of Breaking Bad just three weeks ago. He now is slated to continue production until September in Toronto. He tells me he starred in a Disney production here years ago. When asked "Was it Ice Princess?", he joked back, "Yes, I starred in the leading role as Ice Princess...", drawing a few laughs.  He was actually referring to 2001's 'Twas the Night.

JESSICA BIEL IN TORONTO FOR "TOTAL RECALL"

Jessica Biel & Mr. Will-W.

Now who said Jessica Biel wasn't a nice Girl? She's totally nice! The Model/Actress after having taken a bit of a break is back and ready to roll in Sony Pictures' $200 million Total Recall reboot. Although most of her Co-stars including Colin Farrell and Kate Beckinsale came to the City in May in preparation for the Film, Biel only arrived less than two weeks ago.  The Blockbuster Beauty will be playing the role of Melina, one of two love interests to Farrell's Doug/Hauser.

Reports from Paparazzi and Fans alike who have met her here in Toronto have all been glowing on this visit. Some Fans recall having been snubbed in previous years at the Toronto International Film Festival. Seeing her today after wrapping for the day all blood-covered, she still took the time to come over in damp conditions to say "hi", despite an Insider telling me that the Set currently is on Lockdown, meaning  it is inaccessible completely to Outsiders.  "Okay Guys, it's gotta be quick", she told a couple Fans who waited all Afternoon.

INTERVIEW: MARK STRONG ON "GREEN LANTERN"

Mark Strong in Toronto - June 2011

"Ah, Parking Validation.  What a fascinating thing!", he tells a small group of Journalists today as he entered the Interview Suite of his Hotel. Mark Strong had just arrived in Toronto earlier to promote his latest Film Green Lantern, Warner Bros.' eagerly-awaited Blockbuster from Director Martin Campbell. Dressed in a fitted navy blue Blazer, a crisp blue Shirt and Jeans, the 47 year-old British Thespian - and Father of two - admits, "I only first learned of Parking Validation in Los Angeles".

Strong's new-found Fame in North America having starred in recent mega-hits like Sherlock Holmes and Kick-Ass has been long overdue perhaps, after spending many years on-stage and in lesser-known  (in these parts at least) Television Series in the U.K.  He considers himself lucky to be cast in big-budget productions now, often as the Villain, posing the question "What's the point of making something that will never be seen?". He reveals that his eldest Son recently witnessed Fans approaching him for Autographs, confused at the sight of it all.  He had explained to his six year-old, "This is just a feature of my job, but it does not mean in any way that I am better than they are.".

Growing-up in London, Strong admits knowing little about American Superheroes - other than Superman whom he considers most iconic - as they were more obscure overseas. "I honestly knew nothing about Green Lantern.... Martin sent me a load of Comics to read. I became hooked on the look of Sinestro", whom he plays in this DC Comics adaptation.  The Character is the Leader of a race of Peace Protectors  (Lanterns) who shun the one chosen Human Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds).  Hal is faced with the daunting task of overcoming his fears and limitations as a Human in order to save the Universe from destructive Parallax (voiced by Clancy Brown). 

DIRECTOR LEN WISEMAN SPOTTED AT STARBUCKS

Len Wiseman & Mr. Will-W.

Director/Writer Len Wiseman is responsible for the internationally-successful Underworld Franchise and he has been in Toronto for the past month working on a remake of Total Recall starring Colin Farrell, who we spotted last week.   A fourth installment titled Underworld: New Dawn shot recently in Vancouver, is due in theatres next year and to-date its predecessors combined have earned nearly $300 million worldwide.

I spotted Wiseman at Starbucks today while grabbing an Americano, which he also happened to be ordering from the Bar, with a Snack.  The handsome California native donning a Knit Cap and multiple layers on this chilly Afternoon, was nice enough to pose for a quick Photo together before getting ready for a Dinner Date with one of my favourites, the beautiful Kate Beckinsale.  The Actress also stars in the new Wiseman project filming in the City.

In a random act of kindness last Sunday, onlookers tell me that Wiseman and Beckinsale had treated a Homeless Man to some icy Starbucks beverages.  Amazing!  And almost as nice as once incident back during TIFF 2009 when Farrell had taken a Homeless Man out, buying him some new clothing!

The $200 million-budget Total Recall continues to film at Pinewood Studios through early September and we should soon be expecting Stars Bryan Cranston and Jessica Biel here too.  In a bit of casting news, Will Yun-Lee is the most recent addition to the Ensemble.  He also is here filming Cobu 3-D with BoA and Derek Hough (both spotted at the Glee Live! In Concert! show last night).

COLIN FARRELL IN TORONTO FOR "TOTAL RECALL"

Colin Farrell & Mr. Will-W.

As many of you already know, Colin Farrell has been in-town the past few weeks preparing for Len Wiseman's reboot of Total Recall.  With sightings reported of him around Yorkville training aggressively for his physically-demanding role as Hauser, the Irishman who just turned 35 this past Tuesday was spotted coming out of Whole Foods earlier today at Hazelton Lanes, grabbing a bit of Takeaway with a Friend. 

Meeting him for a second time (the first time back at TIFF 2009), he was kind and Fan-friendly as always to stop and pose for a couple Photos, but not before covering up with a long-sleeve French Sailor Tee when noticing Paparazzi in his wake. Coming out of the Gym, he had  worn a Tank Top, revealing  his newly-chiseled Body.  "Sorry Guys, I've got to run.  The Paps are here", he apologized as he curtailed the interaction with Fans.  He then ducked his head and headed back towards his Residence, masking his face under his Green Cap.

Just last night, Farrell enjoyed his evening at Rexall Centre in the City's west-end watching Italian Tenor Placido Domingo, in a Kick-off Concert for the Black Creek Summer Music Festival.  Audience members Tweeted quickly after noticing him arrive at the venue, sitting left of the stage.

Total Recall will be filming in-and-around Toronto, with a majority of Production taking place at newly-upgraded Pinewood Studios, up until early September.  Sightings of Co-stars Kate Beckinsale, John Cho and Ethan Hawke have been reported so stay tuned for more...

See a couple more Photos of Farrell below: