THE FACES OF FAN EXPO 2012: GILLIAN ANDERSON, CHRISTOPHER LLOYD, LOU FERRIGNO, JAMES MARSTERS, ROSE MCGOWAN & MORE

The Faces of Fan Expo 2012

As many as 80k Fans filled Metro Toronto Convention Centre this weekend for Fan Expo 2012 and with Line-ups queued reportedly running into the Building's Underground Parking Lot, inevitably several were left disappointed when word caught-on that Tickets were sold-out completely.

The likes of Gillian Anderson (The X-Files), Rose McGowan (Charmed), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk), James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Marvel Comics President/Chairman Stan Lee drew huge crowds.  Meanwhile, high-profile Guests to cancel late included the likes of Sam Trammel (True Blood), Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Jason Priestly and Luke Perry (both of Beverly Hills, 90210).

A special thanks to my dear Friend Catherine for the awesome Photos (above). She tells me with excitement, "Gillian Anderson looks great.  I think she's one of those few People who actually gets better looking with age!".

Film Distributors also got an opportunity to give a Sneak Preview of their upcoming Films including Walt Disney Studios Canada's Frankenweenie - the latest from Tim Burton in theatres October 5, 2012. An elaborate Exhibit featuring The Art of Frankenweenie was said to wow several Onlookers. Alliance Films also highlighted three of their Fall releases with highly-touted Horror, Resident Evil: Retribution (out September 15, 2012), Sinister (out October 5, 2012) and also Antiviral (out October 12, 2012), which is set to premiere at TIFF.

(Photo credit: Catherine Dennis)

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.

KEVIN DURAND IN TORONTO FOR "EDWIN BOYD: CITIZEN GANGSTER"

Kevin Durand in Toronto - May 2012

Such a thrill to see one of my favourite People, Kevin Durand return back to the City, this time to promote eOne Films' Edwin Boyd: Citizen Gangster, which premiered last Fall at TIFF. In addition to a day of Press, Durand made an appearance at an Innis Town Hall Screening of the Film.

Durand flew-in from Los Angeles to familiar territory Wednesday night after having spent last Summer filming Cosmopolis in Toronto and also Resident Evil: Retribution here last Fall also. With a patient Publicist awaiting, he greeted Fans upon arrival and even spotted me right away, extending his hand for a shake and wishing me well.  Gentleman!

Citizen Gangster, written and directed by Nathan Morlando, is based on the True Story of a WWII Veteran, Eddie Boyd (Scott Speedman), who struggles to provide for his Family, while realizing a lifelong dream to become a Hollywood Star. Thus, he turns to robbing banks to fulfill his dreams. Edwin Boyd: Citizen Gangster hits theatres Friday, May 11, 2012.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

KEVIN DURAND BACK IN TORONTO

Kevin Durand in Toronto - January 2012

It's always a pleasure to see the smiling face of our v. own Kevin Durand! The strapping Actor just arrived back in Toronto tonight from his current home in Los Angeles, although a quick perusal of his Résumé doesn't quite say what he's up to just yet.

One of busiest working Actors in Hollywood, Thunder Bay-born Durand filmed David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis here last Summer, before coming back in the Fall for both TIFF and the Canadian Premiere of Real Steel. And then shortly after that, Durand proceeded to work on Resident Evil: Retribution here. He's pretty much a Torontonian by default, yes?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ DJS AT "RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION" WRAP PARTY

Michelle Rodriguez in Toronto - December 2011

That's a wrap! Celebrating both her "21st Birthday" and the completion of her latest work Resident Evil: Retribution in Toronto, Milla Jovovich partied in style last night with her Husband and Director Paul W.S. Anderson and fellow Co-stars Sienna Guillory, Norman Yeung, Michelle Rodriguez and more.  Who would've guessed that Rodriguez was so good a DJ, taking over in the Booth for a bit of Reggae and whining-it-up for Jovoich's Cell Phone Camera?  And who says Moms can't be fun?  Watch it all go down here. Amaze.

Apparently last week Rodriguez also did a Guest DJ spot at Easy and the Fifth in Entertainment District too, giving Idris Elba who is in-town filming Pacific Rim, a run for his hottest Celebrity DJ title!

MILLA JOVOVICH & BILLY

Milla Jovovich & Billy

While taking Billy for a walk today, I stumbled upon the beautiful Milla Jovovich taking a quick Cigarette Break during filming from Resident Evil: Retribution in her SUV. At first I wasn't convinced and had to go back and do a double-take.  It was her.  Yup.

After being spotted in-and-around Yorkville with her Family on Sunday watching the Santa Claus Parade together, she returned back to the area for Work as filming took place at Bay Station's abandoned Platform. As per her Twitter, today they were filming a Russian Metro scene.

Bundled-up in her winter coat, wearing some crazy cool boots, Jovovich rocked her iconic Alice hair with a cute clip in-place.  She was sweet enough to invite Billy into her SUV, posing for a  couple quick Photos.  "He's so adorable and clean!", she noted.  I'm so jealous - I don't think I've even been in a Suburban yet and Billy has!

Have you seen Jovovich's 2012 Campari Calendar yet?  Stun-gun.

Jovovich will be here for exactly another month today. Keep those eyes peeled...

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

KEVIN DURAND & BILLY

Kevin Durand & Billy

As if his day wasn't awesome enough already meeting Milla Jovovich, Billy not only got to meet one of Canada's most recognizable Actors Kevin Durand, he got a big smooch from him! 

Durand dressed in a red leather vest - biceps unhidden - was chatting on his Cell Phone during a break from filming Resident Evil: Retribution and noticed me on the other side of the baffle. All smiles, he came over and said, "Hey, I know you!".  Looking down on the floor he noticed Billy, asking me "And who's this?".  Durand who although is from Thunder Bay originally, now lives in Los Angeles with his Wife Sandra.  "I miss my Dog so much" he admits, telling me about his eight month-old German Sheppard.  "He takes care of my Wife for me while I'm gone".

The handsome Durand who was sporting a bit of unintentional Movember, started getting a lot of attention from Rush Hour Commuters who stood and asked, "Hey, are you a Movie Star?". Durand of course is no stranger to Toronto, spending most of last Summer here filming David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis starring Robert Pattinson.  He also was here for TIFF in September for Edwin Boyd and afterward for the Canadian Premiere of Real Steel.

Before heading off to take some Photos with his new Fans, he picked Billy up, leaned-in and gave him a big kiss, telling him "It's nice to meet you Buddy.  Nice jacket!".  How can you not love him?   

Upon inquiring a couple weeks ago, Cosmopolis unfortunately still does not have a confirmed release date as per eOne Films. TIFF 2012, perhaps?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MILLA JOVOVICH & FAMILY AT SANTA CLAUS PARADE

Milla Jovovich, Paul W. S. Anderson and Family in Toronto - November 2011

There is nothing "evil" about these current residents of Toronto at all!  Look how sweet Milla Jovovich looks together with her Daughter Ever and Husband Paul W.S. Anderson as they strolled through Yorkville yesterday to catch the Santa Claus Parade, an annual fixture in our City since 1905.

Jovovich who has been in Toronto since September to work on her latest collaboration with her Director/Husband Anderson - Resident Evil: Retribution - was seen out getting a tall-sized Coffee for herself at Starbucks.  The Model/Singer/Actress utilized the handy pockets of her over-sized Parka craftily to hold one of Ever's favourite Dolls.  The four year-old who recently celebrated her Birthday, had her hands full holding a Balloon she received at the Parade.  Mom & Dad also weren't shy about their affections as Onlookers around Avenue x Bloor got to witness the Couple leaning-in for a kiss.

Anderson and Jovovich's most recent collaboration The Three Musketeers (currently in theatres) might not have made a splash here domestically, but it fared v. well overseas and internationally it has pulled-in over $121 milllion. The possibility of a Sequel is still in discussions.

Resident Evil: Retribution wraps right before Christmas and so far we've had the pleasure of meeting Jovovich, Kevin Durand,  Bingbing Li, and Michelle Rodriguez from the good-looking Cast!

Special thanks to Photographer Tyrone Kerr for submitting the above Photo.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. via Tyrone Kerr)

MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ IN TORONTO FOR "RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION"

Michelle Rodriguez & Mr. Will-W.

After her breakout role in 2000's acclaimed Girlfight, Michelle Rodriguez has become the go-to in Hollywood for playing "The Tough Chick". Although she only has twelve Film Credits under her Résumé with a 13th now in-production here in Toronto, Resident Evil: Retribution, the Puerto Rican-raised Texan more often hits than misses at the Box Office.  

Known best for her work in The Fast and the Furious Franchise, Avatar and also her role as Ana Lucia Cortez on NBC's Lost, Rodriguez arrived about a month ago to begin work on the latest installment of Resident Evil.  She will star alongside Milla Jovovich, Bingbing Li, Oded Fehr and Sienna Guillory.  Wentworth Miller and Ali Larter unfortunately won't be returning in this latest Film.

With sightings reported in-and-around Yorkville, a couple Fans and I made it a mission to meet our favourite Bad Girl.  With Daylight Savings Time giving us an extra hour to work with today, Rodriguez and a Friend headed out to Dinner rather early today and we spotted them on their way back as she gears-up for another intense work-week tomorrow.  "Well, I don't see why not!", she replied to us after asking her nicely for a Photo.  Even with little Makeup, she exudes confidence and sexiness which Men and Women alike find irresistible.

MILLA JOVOVICH IN 2012 CAMPARI CALENDAR

Milla Jovovich by Dimitri Daniloff

The People behind the famous dark red Italian Apéritif, Campari, just unveiled their 2012 Calendar titled It's the End of the World, Baby!  Many believe that on December 21, 2012 we will be entering a new period of Transformation - a change for the better.

Campari hired famed French Photographer Dimitri Daniloff to create a series of stunning Portraits of Superstar Milla Jovovich for the Calendar, of which 9,999 copies will be available around the World.  The Photos celebrate the positivity of the impending Change.

Jovovich as we know, currently is in Toronto filming Resident Evil: Retribution after having attended the Tokyo International Film Festival last weekend for The Three Musketeers, now in theatres.

See more Portraits below:

BINGBING LI IN TORONTO FOR "RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION"

Bingbing Li in Toronto - October 2011

Although she might not yet be a familiar face domestically, Bingbing Li in Asia is widely recognized as a treasured talent. The Actress who won a Golden Horse Award (Chinese Cinema's equivalent of the Oscars) in 2010 for her work in The Message, just landed in Toronto to begin work on Resident Evil: Retribution straight from Beijing.

With filming having been marred already with news of 16 Background Actors being rushed to the Hospital yesterday, Franchise star Milla Jovovich (whom we met last week!) also announced that Li will be playing the role of Ada Wong via Twitter. Filming will be taking place in and around the City until December 23, 2011 tentatively.

MILLA JOVOVICH IN TORONTO FOR "RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION"

Milla Jovovich & Mr. Will-W.

Fresh-faced after a flight across the Atlantic, Milla Jovovich is now back in Toronto and ready to begin filming the fifth installment of the popular Resident Evil series next week, reprising her role as Alice.  

The versatile Actress spent the past few days in London promoting her Husband Paul W.S. Anderson's latest film, The Three Musketeers which boasts an All-star Cast including herself, Oscar Winner Christoph Waltz, Orlando Bloom, Mads Mikkelsen, Juno Temple and Percy Jackson star Logan Lerman.

Holding a Carry-on from Harrods, Jovovich was kind enough to pose for a Photo after a long flight, arriving without her Husband today.  Prior to her London visit, she had been training aggressively in Toronto for the upcoming project for the past few weeks.   Her Cast mates for Resident Evil: Retribution are said to include Michelle Rodriguez, Wentworth Miller, Ali Larter and Kevin Durand.

In addition to The Three Musketeers, which hits theatres on October 21, 2011,  Jovovich also can be seen in the well-reviewed Dirty Girl - in which she stars alongside Temple again - in theatres October 7, 2011.  Both will be released by Alliance Films in Canada.  "Like" Alliance Films on Facebook to see Trailers for both Films.

"RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION" RUMOURED FOR PRODUCTION IN TORONTO

Ali Larter & Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil

They're back! Resident Evil stars Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter and Sienna Guillory are rumoured to be coming back to Toronto for the upcoming fifth installment of largely successful franchise Resident Evil, which has grossed $674 million worldwide to-date. Production is said to begin sometime this month on Resident Evil: Retribution, although this is still to be confirmed. As some of you may recall, filming on three of the four prior films had at some point taken place in the City.

Sony Pictures already has slotted a September 14, 2012 release date for the Film, so Production and Post-Production likely will be fast and furious!  More details to come on this...  (Thanks Jason!)

Jovovich also can be seen in The Three Musketeers alongside Mads Mikkelsen, Juno Temple, Orlando Bloom, Til Schweiger and Christoph Waltz.  Alliance Films will be releasing in Canada on October 14, 2011.

(Photo credit: Sony Pictures)