DISNEY CONFIRMS ANGELINA JOLIE FOR "MALEFICENT" AND IN TALKS FOR "POPPINS" FILM

Emma Thompson at TIFF 2006

A couple bits of exciting news from Disney! Angelina Jolie as many of us know, is set to star in upcoming Live-Action Fantasy Maleficent, which touches upon the Evil Fairy's origins prior to her cursing Sleeping Beauty. They always say Actors make Films for their Kids. Would it be safe to say that her inspiration for this is the Jolie-Pitt Clan? The Film which is set for release March 14, 2014, will be helmed by Robert Stromberg, Production Designer for Avatar and Alice in Wonderland 3-D. He also will be directing another upcoming Disney Feature, Oz the Great and Powerful (Michelle Williams, James Franco, Mila Kunis).

 Although it still has yet to be confirmed, Variety is reporting that Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson are nearing negotiations to star in Saving Mr. Banks, which centers on Walt Disney's 14-year courting of Author P.L. Travers to write the Script for eventual 1964 Classic, Mary Poppins starring Julie Andrews.  Hanks is said to be playing Walt Disney himself, while Thompson is being eyed for Travers. If this isn't Oscar Bait, I don't know what is!  Sounds brilliant.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

DEMI LOVATO CALLS-OUT DISNEY ON EATING DISORDERS

Demi Lovato in Toronto - October 2011

Demi Lovato is not pleased. The Singer/Actress who formerly starred on Disney's Sonny with a Chance, Tweeted her displeasure with her former Employer after catching an episode of their popular Series, Shake it Up starring next-generation Teen Queens, Bella Thorne and Zendaya.

The Episode in question features a Supermodel Character who tells Cece (Thorne) and Rocky (Zendaya), "I could just eat you up, well if I ate", a line intended to be a joke.  After seeing this, Lovato took to Twitter, stating "I find it really funny how a company can lose one of their actress' from the pressures of an EATING DISORDER and yet still make joke about.".  

As we may recall, Lovato had prior undergone treatment for among other issues, Bulimia at Timberline Knolls Residential Center in Illinois, completing her treatment in January 2011.

Disney's Public Relations Team however took action quickly, replying to Lovato, "We hear you & are pulling both episodes as quickly as possible & reevaluating them... It’s NEVER our intention to make light of eating disorders!".   Now that's more like it - it's good to see that Lovato really is using the power of her Celebrity to make a difference, even if it means taking a stand against the hand that feeds.

Is this however, simply just a statement about Eating Disorders or is this on a deeper level, her sticking-it to her former Employer?

Read the series of Tweets below:

ASHLEY TISDALE IN TORONTO FOR "HOLLYWOOD ERA"

Ashley Tisdale in Toronto - August 2011

Running into Ashley Tisdale again at the Toronto Pearson International Airport this evening pretty much confirms what I already know and have seen from the Actress/Singer, who is best known for her work on Disney's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, High School Musical and TV Series Hellcats.

Arriving from Los Angeles earlier this evening, she denied a couple Fans Autographs as she made her way towards her Vehicle, saying "Sorry, I've gotta go.".  Finally realizing her Vehicle wasn't quite ready, begrudgingly she signed two Autographs before being approached by another young Fan  outside who was with her Mother.  After hesitating, she finally took a Photo with the young Girl.  One Paparazzi waiting outside politely asked Tisdale if she could pose for a Photo, to which she replied "No!  I don't do this back home and I'm not doing it here for you!".  Ouch.  

What she doesn't understand perhaps is that Photos taken of her normally surface back on her Fan Blogs like Just Jared Jr., Tisdale-Fans.org and TheMissTisdale.net.  Her Fans often enjoy seeing these Photos of her as it makes them feel connected to her.  The Fans don't want to see their Idol frowning or ducking her head, now do they? And besides this, Toronto has been good to her - the least she could do is throw back a smile, wouldn't you agree?  Such is the Price Tag attached to Fame.  It was one Paparazzi only and he was even nice enough to ask!

Tisdale is in Toronto to promote the Hollywood Era fashion line, available at Wal-Mart Canada and she is slated for a day of Press tomorrow.  Unfortunately, last time she was in the City this past April promoting her DVD, Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure, Charlie Sheen also was in-town which detracted some focus from her visit.

NEW MUSIC: DEMI LOVATO - SKYSCRAPER

Official Single Artwork for Demi Lovato - Skyscraper

Damn! Nobody told me that Demi Lovato had it goin' on like that! The Internet is all abuzz with praise for the Disney star's heartbreaking new Single Skyscraper which she herself has called "a plea for help", recorded before she underwent treatment for her Eating Disorder and Self-Mutilation.  "Go on and try to tear me down/I will be rising from the ground/Like a Skyscraper", the 18 year-old sings.  A bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts, yes?

I'd put this one right up there with Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway or Katy Perry's Firework.  Yes, it's that good. Composed by a Team of: Toby Gad, Lindy Robbins and Kerli, this Track actually makes me really excited to hear more off her third album.  Maybe I need to re-examine some of her older Catalogue now?

Here's what others are saying about the Track:

JOE JONAS IN TORONTO FOR "FASTLIFE" | WIN A SIGNED PHOTO!

Joe Jonas in Toronto - July 2011

21 year-old Singer/Songwriter/Actor Joe Jonas is best known for his work with Grammy-nominated Group Jonas Brothers formed together with his two Brothers, Kevin and Nick.  The Stars of Television, Film and Stage are now each focusing on their own individual artist endeavours after having reached mega-stardom since their debut in 2005.

Joe, often considered most likely to succeed as a Solo Artist, is now beginning promotions for his first Solo Disc, Fastlife which hits stores September 6, 2011 through Universal Music Canada.  The Album is said to be a mix of Urban-Pop songs maybe in the vein of Justin Timberlake? First Single See No More already has cracked the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart and Jonas arrived in Toronto to do a Press Tour which sees him visiting Top 40 Radio Stations and MuchMusic.  Prior to the visit, he wowed audiences in New York City with a private Showcase for Paper Magazine.

OFFICIAL CANADIAN TRAILER FOR "THE MUPPETS"

Still from The Muppets 3-D

Too ridiculously cute. The official Canadian Trailer for Disney's The Muppets has just surfaced and after seeing it in the Previews for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, I have been thinking about it repeatedly since.

Although it doesn't hit theatres until US Thanksgiving on November 23, 2011, you can enjoy these 90 seconds of pure delight below:

DISNEY'S "THE MUPPETS" PREVIEW

Muppets One-Sheet

... and here's your official Synopsis for the new upcoming The Muppets Movie due on U.S. Thanksgiving Day:

"On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theatre and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theatre, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called The Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.".

How completely absurd and ridiculous!  Just the way I like it.  Although the official Trailer hasn't surfaced online yet, I did see it during Previews for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and it looks absolutely adorable.  Amy Adams!  Jason Segel!

Visit the official website for Disney's Muppets here. 

COLIN FARRELL SPOTTED IN TORONTO | "FRIGHT NIGHT" TRAILER

Official Poster for Fright Night

He might be creeping out his neighbours in upcoming Horror/Comedy Fright Night from Walt Disney Motion Pictures, but Irish Hunk Colin Farrell is certainly a welcome addition to our neighbourhood! Farrell was spotted out in Yorkville earlier today, enjoying some last-minute leisure time before preparations begin for Sony Pictures’ upcoming Total Recall reboot, filming in Toronto over the Summer. Just this past weekend, he was spotted in New York City.

Keep your eyes peeled. Surely those good looks of his will make it hard to keep your eyes off of him?

In the meantime, watch the Trailer for Fright Night in full below:

ENTER TO WIN A PASS FOR TWO TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING IN TORONTO OF "PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES"

Still from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Join Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) as he encounters a mysterious Woman from his past named Angelica (Penélope Cruz). We wonder though, if it's love or if she simply is using him to get to the illusive Fountain of Youth after forcing him aboard the ruthless pirate Blackbeard's (Ian McShane) ship, Queen Anne's Revenge.

Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Walt Disney Motion Pictures proudly present Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and together with Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven, we want to give two lucky Readers in Toronto each a pass for two to see an Advance Screening of the Film on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 7:00 PM at Scotiabank Theatre.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is directed by Academy Award-winning Director Rob Marshall with a Screen Story and Screenplay written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. It opens in theatres on Friday, May 20, 2011.  Visit the official website here.

To qualify for the win, please leave a comment telling me who produces Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides no later than Monday, May 16, 2011 at 12:00 PM EST. Good luck, Mavenati!

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures)

KATHRYN STOCKETT PROMOTES "THE HELP" AT TORONTO'S INDIGO MANULIFE CENTRE

Kathryn Stockett at Indigo Manulife Centre

Although I've been going on about it for a bit, Toronto was graced with the presence of Kathryn Stockett, Author of both The Los Angeles and New York Times Best Seller, The Help. Although Disney won't be releasing the Film Adaption of her 2009 semi-Autobiographical Novel until August 12, 2011, Stockett surely is enjoying the added boost in profile of late.

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Stockett was raised by an African-American Nanny while her Birth Mother generally was absent from her life. Her Novel explores Racial and Socio-economic tensions in Mississippi during the '60s. The Story's Heroine Skeeter (to be played by Emma Stone) is a College Graduate who returns Home to find that one of the Maids who had helped raise her, has disappeared mysteriously.

Drawing upon her own upbringing, Stockett was interviewed by Heather Reisman before an intimate audience at Indigo Manulife Centre tonight.  She recalls telling herself "This is Bullshit", after coming to the realization just how prevalent racial discrimination had been in Jackson.   Stockett also indicated that she had been careful to distance herself from the Story just enough, revealing "I didn't want to make it a Story just about me", explaining why she chose to explore a different era then the one in which she had grown-up.

Order Stockett's The Help here.

Watch the Trailer in full for The Help here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

INTERVIEW: THE CAST OF DISNEY'S "PROM" - AIMEE TEEGARDEN, JONATHAN KELTZ & NICHOLAS BRAUN

Nicholas Braun, Aimee Teegarden & Jonathan Keltz for Disney's PROM

Canadians, meet your next big Teen obsession because if you don't know them yet, then soon you will. And there shall be no escape from the Hysteria.  Nope.  I had the pleasure yesterday of sitting down with talented Actors Aimee Teegarden, Jonathan Keltz and Nicholas Braun of Disney's PROM on the Toronto stop-off of their Press Tour.

After flying into the City late into the evening, Teegarden and her Publicist despite being rushed still made time to peruse the threads of Holt Renfrew. Not yet having a chance to eat, Teegarden dressed in a smart looking navy blue Dress cinched with a Belt and sporting Curls, moved up alongside me eying some Gluten-free Banana Bread at the Refreshment Table; she opted for a Snack Bar. "I love your Wellies", she commented after glancing at my green Boots.  I was caught off-guard completely after obsessing at length over the Cookie Platter. "I wish that I brought my own pair", she mumbled watching the five-day Weather Forecast promising nothing but rain all week. I nudged her over and confessed secretly that my Boots in fact have small tears in the seem to which she gasped, "You need to get them to take them back. That's just not right!".

NICHOLAS BRAUN, AIMEE TEEGARDEN & JONATHAN KELTZ IN TORONTO FOR DISNEY'S "PROM"

 Nicholas Braun (L), Aimee Teegarden (R)

Canada, are you ready for PROM Fever?  With Disney's PROM hitting theatres this Friday, April 28, 2011, three of its biggest stars have officially descended upon Toronto.  Aimee Teegarden and Nicholas Braun flew in from Los Angeles today for their Media Blitz in the City, eager and excited.  Braun exclaimed, "Welcome to Toronto!" upon exiting his SUV. Greeted by Fans, he smiled and said "Well, that's a warm welcome. Thanks for waiting for me!".

Among the Cast's appearances tomorrow are a visit to MuchMusic's New.Music.Live and an exciting appearance at the Toronto Premiere for PROM in the evening.  Joining Teegarden and Braun is Toronto's v. own Jonathan Keltz. Although Thomas McDonnell was scheduled originally to arrive for Press today, unfortunately he fell ill and was unable to make it.  Regardless, many will be thrilled to hear that Braun has made it in.

An exclusive Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Interview will be posted shortly including juicy stories from the Set of the Film, so stay tuned.  Are you ready?

In the meantime, visit the official website for Disney's PROM right here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"RIO" MAKES IT TWO-FOR-TWO

Still from RIO 3-D

20th Century Fox's RIO 3-D makes it two-for-two at the Box Office this Easter weekend, with $26.8 million from 3,842 theatres. Showing no signs of stopping, perhaps we can expect it on-top for a third?

It always amazes me how loyal Tyler Perry's following is and their support along got him to second spot this weekend with the tenth installment of his Madea Franchise, Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family bringing in $25.7 million from 2,288 theatres. The Film ranks as the Director/Screenwriter's fourth-highest grossing opening ever.

Water for Elephants makes it two Films in the Top Three for 20th Century Fox with the Romantic Drama earning $17.5 million. The Film starring Reese Witherspoon and Twilight Hunk Robert Pattinson, was made for $38 million, looking to be a profitable venture for the Studio.

Former Champion Hop from Universal Pictures fares well still in its fourth week of release, landing in fourth with $12.4 million, doubtedly aided by the fact that it is Easter weekend and it is an Easter-themed Film. To-date it has made $147.7 million worldwide.

The Weinstein Co.'s Scream 4 places fourth this weekend with $7.1 million. Thus far in its two-week run, its tally is $31.2 million in North America and it was made for $40 million.

Disney's African Cats fares well in its debut, showing in only 1,220 theatres, but still landing in sixth spot. The Documentary narrated by Samuel L. Jackson has fared well with Critics, earning a 69% rating on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

Summit Entertainment's well-reviewed Source Code rounds out the Top Ten this week with $5 million this weekend in its fourth week of release.

NEW TRAILER FOR "THE HELP" STARRING EMMA STONE

Just days after releasing those new Stills from Disney's The Help, this two and a half-minute Trailer surfaces today for the Movie. Ooh - just watch Bryce Dallas Howard get all up in the Drama with Emma Stone  - pure Ginger Fire.

Viola Davis then lays the Smackdown on troublesome Howard, telling her with Southern conviction, "You are a Godless Woman".  Somebody please fan me down because it sure gets hot down in Mississippi.

The Help hits theatres this August.

ASHLEY TISDALE IN TORONTO TO PROMOTE "SHARPAY'S FABULOUS ADVENTURE"

Ashley Tisdale in Toronto - April 2011

For those of you who e-mailed and Tweeted me requesting photos of Ashley Tisdale, this is all for you! The Disney Actress who now is finding success on the Vancouver-filmed Series Hellcatz, arrived in Toronto yesterday afternoon Tweeting, "Just landed in Toronto.... Exhausted! Anyone up for Starbucks?!!".

In-town to promote her new DVD Movie Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure, the Actress/Singer made an appearance on New.Music.Live at MuchMusic yesterday in addition to having a Premiere with Fans in attendance. She also visited CityTV's Breakfast Television this morning as part of her Tour.

Arriving with a Two-SUV Entourage, Tisdale sat down with Host Dina Pugliese in a busy morning for the Program which also included an appearance by Television Legend Bob Barker. Tisdale looked somewhat surprised nobody was hassling her for Autographs and Photos, throwing a wave with one hand, while holding Starbucks in the other.

Coming back to Toronto is somewhat of a full circle moment for Tisdale as Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure was filmed in and around the City last Summer. Welcome back, Tiz!

Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure is now on DVD.  Follow her on Twitter here.

Enjoy some more Photos below:

ASHLEY TISDALE IN TORONTO TO PROMOTE "SHARPAY'S FABULOUS ADVENTURE"

Ashley Tisdale & Mr. Will-W.

One of the reasons I've held-off on posting this Photo for so long is that I never really felt quite good about  posting it. I normally post Photos I have taken with Celebrities on the condition they agree to having taken it and that they actually wanted to do it.  One hot Summer Day last June, I ran into Ashley Tisdale and Co-star Austin Butler in Yorkville while she was in-town filming her new Disney DVD Movie Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure.  

Along with a couple Fans, I asked kindly for a Photo as they headed across-the-road to Dinner at Hazelton Hotel's ONE Restaurant.  Tisdale gave off an absolutely annoyed expression, but magically when the Camera snapped, the Photo has her looking absolutely pleased - a unique and rare ability.   Butler was exemplary, I must clarify. What's odd is that a number of other Fans who met her in the City last Summer have repeated similar sentiments.  Miley Cyrus' older Brother Trace certainly feels the same in the v. least, famously Tweeting last June, "I’ve met and know a bunch of Celebrities. By for the worst person I’ve met in my life is Ashley Tisdale". I only tell it as I see it,  so please don't shoot me.

If all this doesn't deter you still, Tisdale will be back in-town this Thursday, April 14, 2011 to do Press for the Movie and among her stop-offs is a visit to the MuchMusic Headquarters on Queen St. for an appearance on New.Music.Live.  For details on how you might be able to see her in-person, click here.

BELLA THORNE & ZENDAYA SPOTTED IN TORONTO | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Bella Thorne, Mr. Will-W. & Zendaya

All work and no play makes for no fun. Disney Divas Bella Thorne and Zendaya, known best for their work on the hit Series Shake it Up, arrived in Toronto earlier in the week.   Since then, they have been in and out of Production Meetings all week long. That hasn't stopped them from having a good time though, Tweeting about how much they love our Eaton Centre and restaurants like Gretzky's and Fionn McCool's!

Bella and Zendaya had a fun Girls' Day Out which included Manicure/Pedicures. Earlier in the day they were seen out by the TIFF Bell Lightbox with their Parents - Bella with her Mom (to whom she bears a striking resemblance!) and Zendaya with her Dad.

The Girls weren't shy at all about their love for Toronto Fans, posing for Photos and signing Autographs generously.  Myself and a few Fans caught the Girls playfully egging each other on after their Nails were done, with a light Takeaway Dinner from Subway in-hand. They even had matching Louis Vuitton Bags!  Talk about BFFs!  Zendaya told us that she has been in Toronto a few times before but hasn't had much time to go out and enjoy the City yet.

Bella opted for amazing Glitter 'n' Gold matching her fun spirit while Zendaya opted for Fire Engine Red, proudly flaunting the fruits of their patience at the Nail Salon. And they were unbelievably friendly and down-to-earth, taking turns posing for Group Shots with Fans while Zendaya's accommodating Father helped take Photos. He also took Photos of Fans on his iPhone too!

DISNEY'S BELLA THORNE SPOTTED IN TORONTO

Monika and Bella Thorne

Well, what do you know? Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Reader Monika has already spotted Disney Diva Bella Thorne! Congrats, Girl!  As reported prior both she and BFF Zendaya are in-town working on a new TV movie called Frenemies from the same people who brought us the successful Camp Rock Franchise.

Monika wrote-in gushing, "She is super sweet :)" after spotting the Actress downtown yesterday afternoon.  Keep the sightings coming in, Mavenati.  Proud of you!

DANIEL CRAIG, OWEN WILSON, BELLA THORNE & MORE SPOTTED IN TORONTO

Yes, that's legit.

Gush.  He's back!  Daniel Craig was spotted yesterday in Yorkville doing a bit of shopping in Hazelton Lanes.  One Onlooker (@sabcav) saw James Bond himself perusing the Fashions at upscale Retailer TNT Blu.  Craig rolled into town quietly to do re-shoots for Jim Sheridan's Dream House for Universal Pictures.  There is talk of the Horror possibly getting a premiere at TIFF 2011, so don't fret quite yet if you miss your chance to spot him this time as he's known to be a difficult one.  No Rachel Weisz or Naomi Watts sightings yet though. *frown*

Woody Harrelson picked-up his BFF Owen Wilson at Hazelton Hotel's ONE Restaurant around 11:00 PM last night. Wilson was seen earlier dining in-the-open at Whole Foods after a taxing Bike Ride around the City which had Torontonians-a-Tweeting. The two headed to Drake Hotel for some late night libations and a smoke, giving Onlookers a taste of one of the hottest Celebrity Bromances this City has seen… ever!

One trustworthy source might have seen veteran Actor Malcolm McDowell at Starbucks in Yorkville earlier today. Although there are no Toronto Productions listed on his Docket, McDowell does have a Guest Spot on Vancouver-filmed Series Psych for the USA Network. Could it have been him?

SEND OVER YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE CAST OF "PROM"

Still from Disney's PROM

Great news!  I am excited to announce that Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven has scored an exclusive interview with the Cast of upcoming Disney Feature, Prom (not to be confused with Tron).

Prom centers around a group of High School Couples as they transition from their lives as Teenagers to Independence.  The Film criss-crosses these Couples' stories, each with their own unique twists, culminating in that one big night we all anticipate most in our Youth.

I will be interviewing Cast members Aimee Teegarden (Friday Night Lights), Thomas McDonell (The Forbidden Kingdom) and Jonathan Keltz (Entourage). I'd love to include my Readers in on the fun, so don't be shy and send over those questions.

Watch the Trailer for Disney's Prom below: