FIRST LOOK: "CARRIE (2013)"

Stills from Carrie (2013)

Scarrie! Entertainment Weekly got the exclusive First Look of Kimberly Peirce's Carrie, which wraps production in Toronto shortly. Although I'm sure several of you are nay-saying that they've touched a Classic, this sure is looking v. promising. On a Frozen Yogurt run this weekend, I ran into one of the Cast Members who showed me candid snaps on their iPhone from the iconic Prom Scene. Frightful!  Bloody!

Julianne Moore tells Entertainment Weekly: "This Woman has clearly had a psychotic break, perhaps several. But what’s sad about it for me is that she’s clearly sick and here’s this poor Child in the thrall of this person who is seriously ill. And on top of that, they have this Mother-Daughter relationship. So we want to make that relationship as meaningful as possible, even though it is horrible and destructive.”.

Click here to read more.

Is it March 2013 yet? #WHATHAPPENEDTOCARRIE

I caught-up with a few of the Cast Members during their Toronto stay. Click here for more on that.

(Photo credit: Michael Gibson/Sony Screen Gems)

TORONTO FILMING UPDATES: AUGUST 2012

Still from Kick-Ass

Great news Toronto!  Additional Productions have been confirmed for the City this Fall! In addition to the likes of Lily Collins (The Mortal Instruments), Hugh Dancy (Hannibal), Daniel Radcliffe (The F-Word) and Joel Kinnaman (RoboCop) gracing our City in the coming months we also can expect most of the Cast of Kick-Ass to return for the Sequel to the 2010 Action/Comedy/Thriller, which went on to earn over $90 million Worldwide.

Set to film at Pinewood Studios, one of its Stars Chloë Moretz - already here all Summer and now also into late September - will be filming a second Movie in the City back-to-back following the Wrap of Sony Screen Gems' Carrie Remake early September.  In addition, the likes of Aaron Johnson (who also is set to make an appearance during TIFF for Anna Karenina), Nicolas Cage, John Leguizamo and Christopher Mintz-Plasse are all set to make their way north for the Film for Director Jeff Wadlow (Never Back Down).

Also set to film at Pinewood Studios is Wolves, from Actor/Director/Writer David Hayter.  The Horror set to film mid-September through early November, stars Lucas Till (X-Men: First Class, Battle: Los Angeles) and is about a young Man who wanders alone after his Parents are murdered.  Both Hayter and Till worked together previously on X-Men: First Class.

JULIANNE MOORE IN TORONTO FOR "CARRIE" REMAKE

Julianne Moore & Mr. Will-W.

Although she was in a bit of a rush yesterday when running into her, Julianne Moore was all grace and generosity today on her way to prep for work on Kimberly Peirce’s Remake of Carrie. She is set to play the role of obsessively controlling Mother, Margaret White. While out walking Billy yesterday afternoon, I ran into the Academy Award-nominated Actress looking v. fit in a pair of shorts, sunglasses and a tee. She placed her hands on my arms, telling me genuinely, "I'm sorry Hun, but I've gotta go", after I approached her for a Photo to be taken on my Android.

Dressed in a Fedora and Sunglasses, some trusty eyes (not mine) pointed-out that she was actually right before us this quiet morning, with her window rolled down in the Passenger's Seat of her Vehicle. Could it be that my luck would have me crossing paths with Moore twice in two days? In the blink of an eye and switch of a green light, Moore was sweet enough to sign a few Autographs from her window and snap a Photo with me.  Actually two Photos, considering the first one didn't turn out.

Although I have met and chatted with Moore a few times prior - including a memorable one at TIFF a few years back following a Screening of Husband Bart Freundlich's 2005 Comedy Trust the Man - I never bothered asking for a Photo and that always was of my biggest regrets. I'm pretty certain that she had forgotten that Conversation where she told me all about her first getting started as an Actress and her Studies.  She will never know how much it meant to me that she took the time to acknowledge a Fan who she has inspired so much with her Fearlessness, Work Ethic and just simply by being a Good Person.

Time and time again, Moore has touched me with her fully-committed deliveries in Classics like The Hours, Far From Heaven, End of the Affair, A Single Man, Boogie Nights and even as Alec Baldwin’s abrasive love interest from Boston, Nancy Donovan, on 30 Rock. She continues to gain feverish buzz for the forthcoming Awards Season for her dead-on portrayal of Sarah Palin in HBO’s TV Movie Game Change.  This could well be her year in a Career which has seen some v. fantastic years.

Julianne Moore might not have that illusive Oscar she deserves so much beside her name, but she is and always will be my Heroine. Moore than she'll ever know.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ANSEL ELGORT IN TORONTO FOR "CARRIE" REMAKE

Mr. Will-W. & Ansel Elgort

Even though he might not look so familiar now, Theatre Actor Ansel Elgort is well on his way to something big.  The Off-Broadway Star who not long ago graduated High School, now is in Toronto filming Kimberly Peirce's Carrie Remake opposite Chloë Moretz. Not bad for his Film Debut, right?

Just returning back to Toronto after a quick trip to Norway, Elgort was spotted out and about getting Breakfast earlier today and when approached by Fans, he appeared shocked.  "Me? I'm a nobody!", he says humbly.  We all know however, that soon he'll be a "somebody".  Word is quite a few female Background Actors in the Film were mesmerized by his "flawless looks" and "towering height".

Elgort plays the role of Tommy Ross (originated by William Katt in Brian De Palma's 1976 version), taking Carrie to the same Prom where she winds-up being humiliated, ending with her Classmates suffering a horrific Fate.

The Actor reveals an interesting bit of Trivia to me today, telling me that Lady Gaga appeared alongside him at the 2011 Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards. He tells me he was asked to Tap Dance at the Event with none other than Vogue Magazine's Grace Coddington! The Actor happens to be the Son of famed Photographer Arthur Elgort.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ALEX RUSSELL IN TORONTO FOR "CARRIE" REMAKE

Alex Russell & Mr. Will-W.

Those of you who saw Box Office Smash Chronicle earlier this year will remember its Star Alex Russell.  The Actor's Profile continues to rise significantly... especially with news of him being an addition to the Cast of the promising Toronto-filmed Carrie Remake.

The handsome 24-year-old Australian was spotted out-and-about in the City after a Jog.  Looking barely recognizable with his Goatee, some Fans had to verify, "Are you Alex Russell from Chronicle?", which he confirmed.

Despite being in a bit of a sweat, Russell was still gracious enough to stop for Photos and sign some Autographs for Fans and Collectors before heading-out for a bit of Sushi at a place he already has deemed his Favourite in his time here.   

Russell plays Billy Nolan in the Horror, whom after tormenting Carrie (Chloë Moretz), suffers the Wrath of her Telekinetic Powers at their Prom.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"CARRIE" STAR GABRIELLA WILDE SPOTTED IN TORONTO

Gabriella Wilde in Toronto - July 2012

Although there have been sightings of Carrie Cast Members around the City these past couple weeks - including Carrie herself Chloë Moretz at a Subway, Julianne Moore at Fresh and Judy Greer at Scotiabank Theatre watching People Like Us - I finally had my own first sighting today at last!  And here I was, doubting my own Telepathic Powers! 

Those of you who saw 2011's The Three Musketeers will remember Breakout Star Gabriella Wilde, the beautiful 23-year-old Actress/Model who lit-up the Screen as Constance Bonacieux. While walking my Dog Billy, appearing right before me was Ms. Wilde of Winchester and if she only looks vaguely familiar now, know that she stars in the Stephen King Novel Adaptation/1976 Horror Remake as Sue Snell.  

Those of you who have either read the Book or seen the Original Movie will remember that Snell plays an integral part of the Story. After bullying Carrie, she makes amends by convincing Tommy Ross (to be played by Ansel Elgort) to take Carrie to the Prom.  By the end of it all, she is the lone Survivor out of all the Atrocities that en"sue".

Wilde who looked absolutely stunning - her blonde locks blowing in the humid breeze - graciously agreed to take a Snap before heading off to get some Lunch, after what appeared to be an early Wrap.  Carrie is said to be filming right now between two separate High Schools in the City.

Kimberley Peirce's (Boys Don't Cry) Take on Carrie promises to be truer to King's Novel, reveals Moretz to Vanity Fair in last month's Issue.  She says, "It's a more Black Swan version - it messes with your mind. You'll see things, and you don't know if you've seen them.".  She had me at Black Swan.  And to think months ago I rolled my eyes upon hearing news of Carrie being re-made...

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TORONTO FILMING UPDATES: JULY 2012

Kristen Kreuk & Jay Ryan in Beauty and the Beast

Filming is kicking into High Gear in Toronto after being in the doldrums earlier this year and the Ontario Media Development Corporation have just announced some updates as to what's to come...

Everyone's curious about upcoming Teen-Fiction Series The Mortal Instruments' move to the Big Screen and in has been confirmed that Production begins August 2012 with Jamie Campbell Bower (The Twilight Saga, Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 1) and Jemima West (The Borgias) being confirmed additions to the Cast headed by the beautiful Lily Collins (Mirror Mirror, Abducted) as Clary Fray.  Sony Screen Gems releases the Title and loves making Movies in Toronto with their Carrie Remake currently is filming in the City and also their Resident Evil: Retribution pegged for a September 2012 release.

Horror Helmer Eli Roth (Hostel, The Last Exorcism) is set to begin Production on his Netflix Series Hemlock Grove, starring Famke Janssen (X-Men Franchise), Landon Liboiron (Degrassi: The Next Generation) and Dougray Scott (My Week with Marilyn).  One trusty Source spotted Roth out and about last week wearing the shortest of Shorts ... and we're not talking about those of the Film variety!

Although its Pilot was filmed here earlier this year, The CW's Beauty and the Beast was green-lit in May and its first Season begins filming in the City late July. This means Kristin Kreuk (Smallville), Jay Ryan (Legend of the Seeker) and Nicole Anderson (Make It or Break It) will be back shortly.

PRODUCTION UPDATES TORONTO: "CARRIE", "THE F-WORD", "REMEMORY", "ROBOCOP", "LIZ & DICK" & "CYBERGEDDON"

Julianne Moore at TIFF 2009

Just a few updates on Production Timelines for some notable Projects set to film in Toronto this Summer to share as per the Ontario Media Development Corporation:

RoboCop from Director Jose Padilha is penciled-in to film between August 7-December 14, 2012. In addition to Joel Kinnaman being cast for the Remake, Gael García Bernal also has been added to the Film from Sony Pictures. Some rumours are circulating that Sean Penn and Edward Norton also are being eyed for the Project.

Director Michael Dowse (whom we chatted with back in February) recently achieved great success domestically with his Goon being the number one Film in its debut at the Canadian Box Office.  He  now has his sights set on a Rom-Com which he says will be completely different from anything he's done. The F-Word is set to film in Toronto between May 28-July 16, 2012.

Director Mark Palansky who brought Penelope starring Reese Witherspoon and Christina Ricci to TIFF 2006 will be filming Rememory in Toronto for a quick Shoot between May 10-June 8, 2012 and attached so far are Emmy and Golden Globe Winner Peter Dinklage and also our own Catherine O'Hara, who like him also is a fellow Emmy Winner.

Mad Men Producer Matthew Weiner is lending his name to Cybergeddon, which although is listed as a TV Movie, is set to premiere on Yahoo this Fall.  CSI:Crime Scene Investigation Creator Anthony Zuiker will be helming the Project, which will be formatted for to be viewed on Mobile Devices and Computer Screens. Cybergeddon films between May 7-31, 2012, also a quick Shoot.

The much-awaited Carrie Remake from Sony Screen Gems starring Chloë Grace Moretz and Jamie King is  closer to having Oscar-nominated Actress Julianne Moore sign-on, and also now is listed officially as a Toronto Production.  It would appear dates are still being finalized for the Kimberly Peirce Horror Film.

And lastly, for those of us excited to see Lindsay Lohan in Toronto filming Lifetime Television Movie Liz and Dick this Summer, The Wrap has just announced that filming will begin in June with Los Angeles mentioned as the locale for the Shoot.  Not sure what this means for Toronto which originally was eyed for Production, but this isn't boding well for Fans and Paparazzi hoping to get a glimpse of Lohan...

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TORONTO WELCOMES 4 "QUEENS" & A KING THIS SPRING/SUMMER

L to R: Lindsay Lohan, Abigail Breslin, Jake Gyllenhaal, Lily Collins & Chloë Grace Moretz

Four "Teen Queens" and a King of Cinema will be in Toronto this Spring/Summer as we play host to several major Stars confirmed to film in our City! Which are you most excited about?

Lily Collins as confirmed by Deadline in March, will be taking on the Lead Role of Clary Fray in The Mortal Instruments.  The Film centers on her mission to find her kidnapped Mother, while discovering she is from a long line of Shadowhunters who protect the World from Demons. Harold Zwart, Helmer of Box Office hit The Karate Kid (2010) has taken over from Scott Stewart who right now is busy in the City prepping the SyFy Network's Defiance.  This is the first Adaptation in Series of six Novels by Cassandra Clare and is set to begin production this August.

The brilliant Abigail Breslin (whom we interviewed back in December) will be teaming-up with Splice Director Vincenzo Natali playing a Girl who along with her Family was murdered in their home in 1986, surfacing to warn her modern day counterpart.  She took to Twitter first expressing her excitement about the Venture, Tweeting on April 3, 2012: "SOO excited to start filming #Haunter and work with the director Vincenzo Natali!". Haunter begins filming mid-April.

As announced previously also Chloë Grace Moretz and former Teen Queen Lindsay Lohan are Toronto-bound too, with the former beginning work on a Carrie Remake and the latter beginning work on a Lifetime Television Movie about Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, known tentatively as Liz & Dick.  As a bit of Trivia, Mirvish Productions presented Private Lives last Fall starring Kim Cattrall in role once played famously by Taylor and Paul Gross also in a role filled prior by Burton.  Burton also proposed to Taylor at the King Edward Hotel in the City back in January 1964 - wonder if they will be authentic and film that scene at the same Venue?

And as if that weren't exciting enough, the Ontario Media Development Corporation confirmed Friday that Denis Villeneuve (Incendies) will be filming An Enemy here in Toronto late May. Heartthrob Jake Gyllenhaal whom we met back in May 2010, will be playing a Dual Role in the Thriller based on the Novel, The Double by José Saramago.  Gyllenhaal's Character rents a DVD to find his exact Double in the Film, going out on a search to find him which turns both of their lives upside-down.  IndieWire was among the first broke the Story back in March that Gyllenhaal was being considered for the Lead Role.   

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W., Relativity Media & Universal Pictures)

CHLOË GRACE MORETZ TO STAR IN TORONTO-FILMED "CARRIE" REMAKE

Chloë Grace Moretz at TIFF 2011

Although I'm unsure that it needed to be re-told again, it's pretty much in-the-books that Teen Actress Chloë Grace Moretz will be starring in an upcoming Remake of Stephen King's Carrie. The superb 1976 Horror starring Sissy Spacek saw her garner an Oscar nomination for her work. The Film is about an abused Girl with Telekinetic powers who is pushed over-the-edge on her Prom night when her Classmates decide to pull a horrible prank on her.

Directed originally by Brian De Palma, this Version is said to star also Jaime King, while Julianne Moore and Jodie Foster currently are being sought to play the role of Carrie's Mother. Oh, and yes, Toronto is said to be the location of choice for Production, with another Remake in Robocop also set to film here later this year.  This is going to be good.

King took to Twitter to congratulate Moretz on the Role below, pretty much confirming the above:

Moretz was just in Toronto last Fall promoting Hick at TIFF 2011.  She gained popularity for her work in 2010's Kick-Ass which partly was filmed in the City also.  An incredibly sweet Girl!  Click here to read about her last visit here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)