"REAL STEEL" OUT ON DVD: JANUARY 24, 2012

Real Steel DVD Artwork

After earning $292 million at the Box Office worldwide, the DVD release of DreamWorks' Real Steel is now before us. Canadian Fans however, get an added bonus with additional features highlighting some of the Canadian talent featured in Real Steel! Director Shawn Levy and Stars Kevin Durand, Dakota Goyo and Evangeline Lilly all are proudly Canadian!

Real Steel is available in: Standard DVD, DVD + Blu-ray and 3-Disc DVD + Blu-ray + Digital Copy editions.

The specially-packaged Canadian DVD + Blu-ray Combo Pack contains:

• SUGAR RAY LEONARD: CORNERMAN’S CHAMP 

• Deleted and Extended Scenes with introductions by Shawn Levy

• Making of Metal Valley

• Building the Bots

• A Second Screen Feature
• Bloopers

Real Steel is in stores on January 24, 2012. Order it here. 

 We were at the Canadian Premiere of Real Steel and awesome After-party with Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Shawn Levy and Kevin Durand.  Let's re-live it all again here!

(Photo credit: Buena Vista Home Entertainment)

AMANDA SEYFRIED & TAYLOR SWIFT OFFERED ROLES IN TOM HOOPER'S "LES MISÉRABLES"

Taylor Swift in Toronto - July 2011

As if its Cast couldn't get any better, two more marquee names have been added to the Cast of Tom Hooper's (The King's Speech) Les Misérables, as reported by Twitch.

Amanda Seyfried who currently is in Los Angeles filming Lovelace - Pornstar Linda Lovelace's Biopic - has just been offered yet another Plum Role as Cosette in this Film Adaptation of the Victor Hugo Novel and internationally-acclaimed Stage Musical. Seyfried in addition to being a burgeoning star of Film, is a classically-trained Vocalist. It's hard to believe this is the same Girl who filmed Mean Girls in Toronto eight years ago. Her Agent truly deserves a raise.

If Seyfried's casting isn't enough to excite you, Les Misérables' Box Office fate has just been sealed by its offer to cast Country Pop Megastar Taylor Swift as a riches-to-rags Éponine, raised together with Cosette; both Girls long for Marius (Eddie Redmayne). Others up for the coveted Role of Éponine included: Lea Michele, Evan Rachel Wood and Scarlett Johansson. Although not quite the Actress as some of those others, it is understandable why Swift was chosen based on her arena-filling Fan Base.

To re-cap, these are the stellar Principal Cast members so far in Les Misérables:

HUGH JACKMAN SETS NEW BROADWAY BOX OFFICE RECORD

Hugh Jackman in Toronto - June 2011

Congratulations to Hugh Jackman, who set a new Broadway Box Office Record with his Hugh Jackman: Live in Concert in its final week after a successful ten-week run in New York City.  In July 2011, Torontonians were treated to a brief run at the Princess of Wales Theatre, presented by Mirvish Productions.  On Broadway, Jackman's Show brought in $2.057 million in its final week and a cumulative total of $14.6 million.  The previous one-week Broadway Record of $1.175 million was set by The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino.

Let's not forget also Jackman's Real Steel which also brought in a whopping $277 million worldwide in 2011 for DreamWorks too.  Clearly, both Theatre and Moviegoers alike can't get enough, which is a rare feat for an Actor.

Jackman soon will begin production on Tom Hooper's (The King's Speech) Film Adaptation of Les Miserables alongside Anne Hathaway, Sacha Baron Cohen, Russell Crowe and Helena Bonham Carter.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ANNE HATHAWAY JOINS HUGH JACKMAN IN "LES MISÉRABLES"

Hugh Jackman in Toronto - July 2011

In what's shaping up to be a stellar Cast for the upcoming Musical Film Adaptation ofLes Misérables, Anne Hathaway has just been confirmed to play the coveted role of Fantine, as reported by Variety.  Hathaway's career just seems to be getting sweeter being set also to appear in upcoming The Dark Knight Rises as Catwoman next July.  Other Actresses in the running for the role of Fantine include Rebecca Hall and Amy Adams.

Set in 19th-Century France, Hugh Jackman will be taking on the Lead Role of Jean Valjean, a Prisoner on Parole for stealing bread, seeking redemption, while also evading the attentions of Inspector Javert. 

Although Russell Crowe (as Javert), Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter also are linked to the Project, there still is no word yet on who will be playing the important roles of  Cosette and Marius (taken-on recently Nick Jonas in London). Director Tom Hooper, known best for The King's Speech will be helming the Musical.

Universal Pictures will be releasing Les Misérables in the U.S., December 2012.


(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

HUGH JACKMAN & MR. WILL-W.

Hugh Jackman & Mr. Will-W.

Somebody sent over this Photo from the Real Steel Afterparty the other night, although I will clarify it was Mr. Will-W. getting his Photo taken with Hugh Jackman and not the other way around!! 

Amaze. 

(Photo credit: DreamWorks)

HUGH JACKMAN, DAKOTA GOYO, KEVIN DURAND & SHAWN LEVY AT CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "REAL STEEL" | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Hugh Jackman at Canadian Premiere of Real Steel - September 2011

The Cast of Real Steel showed their true mettle, coming out to support their new Action/Fantasy Film from Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada at Scotiabank Theatre. Stars Hugh Jackman, Kevin Durand, Dakota Goyo and Director Shawn Levy flew into the City to do a day of Press, followed by a Red Carpet appearance, where Media and Fans had lined the Theatre wall-to-wall.

As a true testament to their faith in the $80 million Blockbuster, the Cast and Director all sat through the Screening after having seen the Film already multiple times its Toronto-born Star, a 12 year-old Goyo tells me at the bustling After-party held in the Distillery.  He also tells me that he can be heard in next year's Animated Feature, Rise of the Guardians again alongside Jackman.

The thrilling Adaptation of the Short Story Steel takes place in 2020, when Robots have taken over Humans in the sport of Boxing.  Charlie (Jackman) is a former Boxer down on his luck, is reunited with his estranged Son, Max (Goyo).  The two are brought together by their love for Boxing and together they take an Underdog Robot named Atom and get him into fighting form in a match against the invincible Champion, Zeus.

Jackman tells me he is currently busy prepping for the Broadway debut of his wildly successful Hugh Jackman in Concert, which played this Summer at Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, making it a priority to visit the City to promote Real Steel.  Asking him how he finds time to balance being a Dad, a Husband and an Actor of Stage and Screen, he tells me looking  rather dapper in a form-fitting Suit, "I love the Movies, Man!  That's how I find the time!".

See this Video Clip below including some questions I asked on the Red Carpet:

ENTER TO WIN A PASS FOR 2 TO THE CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "REAL STEEL" WITH HUGH JACKMAN!

Still from Real Steel

MR. WILL-W. wants me and a friend to attend the Canadian Premiere of REAL STEEL w/Hugh Jackman 9/20/11. RT to win! #mrwillwrealsteel

It's that simple.  Good luck, Mavenati!

HUGH JACKMAN, KEVIN DURAND & DAKOTA GOYO IN TORONTO FOR "REAL STEEL" PREMIERE

Still from Real Steel

As if September weren't already crazy enough for Toronto in terms of Star Power, something huge is coming for those of us suffering from post-TIFF Celeb Withdrawal! Disney's Real Steel set in 2020, is a battle of Humankind vs. Technology with Charlie (Hugh Jackman) losing his chance to become a Champion Boxer when Robots are decidedly designed for the Sport. Charlie then teams with his Son Max (Dakota Goyo) to design a Robot which gives them a real fighting chance at Victory.

Not only will Director Shawn Levy be in Toronto for the Canadian Premiere of Real Steel on September 20, 2011 - two days after TIFF ends - but Stars Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo and Kevin Durand all will be in-town!

Jackman and Durand as you know were both recently in Toronto, with the former here for Mirvish Productions' Hugh Jackman in Concert at Princess of Wales Theatre in July, while the latter around that time wrapped Production on David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis. Durand also will be here for the Premere of Canadian Crime Drama Edwin Boyd at TIFF.

Real Steel opens in Wide Release nationally on October 7, 2011.

Watch a Featurette in full below:

HUGH JACKMAN BIDS FAREWELL TO TORONTO

Hugh Jackman in Toronto - July 2011

One more for the road! Hugh Jackman wraps up his engagement of Hugh Jackman in Concert for Mirvish Productions on Sunday after a successful two-week run at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The Show has received positive reviews from the respected critics at Toronto Star, NOW Magazine, Globe and Mail and Canoe. And most important of all, the Fans are loving it! 

On a daily basis before and after his performances, Fans have lined-up by the Stage Door - reportedly in the hundreds on some days - just to get close to the endlessly charming Aussie and Fan reports have been glowing about how wonderful he's been to Toronto.  On a regular basis Jackman has gone above and beyond, generously putting aside to sign Autographs and take Photos with Fans when he can.  And he does it with a smile on his face.  This is why we adore him.

So this Post is for all you Hugh Jackman admirers - and I know there are many of you out there. Enjoy!

See more below:

CARRIE FISHER IN TORONTO FOR "WISHFUL DRINKING"

Carrie Fisher & Mr. Will-W.

Actress/Writer Carrie Fisher just arrived in Toronto to begin preparations for her self-penned Play, Wishful Drinking. Presented by Mirvish Productions, the Show is a comical look back at the highs and lows of her career.  Her rise to the top saw her starring the iconic Star Wars franchise as Pop Culture Icon Princess Leia and acclaimed titles like Hannah and Her Sisters and When Harry Met Sally. Fisher's lows however have been more publicized, including her weight struggle in addition to a bout with alcohol and substance abuse. Currently, she is the face of the Jenny Craig Weight Loss Program.

While in-town, the Actress had time to enjoy another production from Mirvish next door at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Hugh Jackman in Concert. It is said that Jackman and Fisher actually are good friends.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE SPOTTED IN TORONTO

Justin Timberlake at TIFF 2005

Despite his new Comedy Friends with Benefits being out in a couple weeks, Justin Timberlake's reason for stay in Toronto doesn't appear so much to be business-related.  The Singer/Songwriter/Actor/Multimedia Mogul arrived in the City over the weekend without the flash of a Camera, and was spotted in and around Yorkville earlier today doing a bit of shopping at Whole Foods.  Little did he know though that he had crossed paths with Hugh Jackman (spotted yesterday) who reportedly was working out at The Yorkville Club, also situated in Hazelton Lanes.

Perhaps his being spotted on Sunday with on again/off again/on again(?) partner Jessica Biel via her Kensington Market Food Shop The Good Egg, is an indication just why he might be here?  And while we're on the topic of eggs, perhaps they're re-Kinder Surprising their romance?  

Apparently they refused to divulge information to US Weekly,  but they had no qualms sharing juicy details for free with their Twitter Followers.  "Privacy is important", says GoodEggChick:

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:

"THE BOOK OF MORMON" DOMINATES TONY AWARDS

Trey Parker and Matt Stone not only are giants of the Big and Small Screens, but now also the Great White Way! The Writer/Director Duo responsible for hits like South Park and Team America: World Police cleaned-up at the TONY Awards last night, winning in nine categories including Best Musical with The Book of Mormon.

Their Musical is about two Mormon Missionaries who visit Uganda, while struggling to connect with Locals who are more concerned with greater concerns.  

The Ceremony was hosted for a second time by Neil Patrick Harris (he last hosted in 2009) who brought the house down with a collaboration on stage with Hugh Jackman, who was just in Toronto earlier this week promoting his new stage show, Hugh Jackman in Concert.

For a complete list of Winners, click here.

HUGH JACKMAN & CARRIE FISHER TO BRING PLAYS TO TORONTO

Still from Real Steel

In a City certainly not lacking star power this Summer, Hugh Jackman is the latest confirmed to be in Toronto and from July 5 through 17, as he presents his original Concert-in-a-Play, Hugh Jackman in Concert at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

The incredibly handsome TONY Award-winning Thespian will be performing selections from various Broadway Musicals and also reflecting upon his vast Catalogue, in addition to his younger years growing up in Sydney, Australia. There is talk possibly of the Show heading to Broadway eventually for the 42 year-old Actor, who can be seen later this year in DreamWorks' futuristic Boxing Film Real Steel.

Hugh Jackman in Concert is presented by Mirvish Productions and you can learn more at their website as official details will be announced shortly.  Jackman Tweeted that Fans who are currently following him on Twitter will receive a special discount. 

Playing simultaneously is Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking at Royal Alexandra Theatre from July 12 through August 21. The Play also from Mirvish is said to be a hilarious full-frontal Confession on the excesses of Celebrity from the Actress/Author/Screenwriter.

(Photo credit: Dreamworks)

NEW DETAILS ON "SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN"

Still from Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Fox Searchlight has just released this beautiful still from the new Wayne Wang (The Joy Luck Club, Last Holiday) project, Snow Flower and The Secret Fan.  The Film has the Director adapting the Novel of the same title which it is based upon by Lisa See and giving it a bit of a modern spin, criss-crossing the lives of two women who inseparably are BFFs in 19th Century China and two women in modern day Shanghai.

The Film features a Cameo by hunky Thespian Hugh Jackman who had the daunting task of singing a song in Mandarin.  Wang tells IndieWire, "He did great. He is good with languages. I thought it would take him weeks at least to learn the song but he learned it pretty quickly”.

Snow Flower and The Secret Fan hits theatres July 15, 2011, before expanding in the following weeks.

(Photo credit: Fox Searchlight)

HUGH JACKMAN SINGING IN CHINESE

Yet further proof that Hugh Jackman is the kind of guy you want to bring home to Mom. Check him out singing a country western song in the Mandarin dialect on The Jay Leno Show, late March.  Apparently it took him two months to learn the tune.

Jackman appeared on Leno to speak about one of his many upcoming projects, Wayne Wang's (The Joy Luck Club) Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. The story, based on the novel by Lisa See, is about two girls in 19th century China who develop a secret code as a means of dealing with ever-present oppression against women. Jackman who plays a Night Club Singer in the film, had nothing but great things to say about filming in Shanghai, including encountering a bit of culture shock in how spontaneous the Chinese are when shooting. At one point in the shoot, he thought he was speaking to a tourist in a crowd, unaware the cameras were  actually rolling until Wang yelled "CUT!", much to his surprise.