TORONTO — Welcome to a special daily edition of the Envelope at TIFF, a newsletter collecting the latest developments out of Canada’s annual film showcase. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.
Have you seen the images from our photo gallery? Staff photographer Christina House and her crew are truly capturing the best of the fest.
There are wonderful shots up now, including Elle Fanning, Ethan Hawke, Channing Tatum and more, but this link will be updated periodically with others.
Expect Cillian Murphy, the cast of Rian Johnson’s ‘Wake Up Dead Man,’ Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Cillian Murphy and more surprises!
The day’s buzziest premieres
‘Good Fortune’
Aziz Ansari, left, and Keanu Reeves in the movie “Good Fortune.”
(Eddy Chen/Lionsgate/Eddy Chen / Lionsgate)
A low-level guardian angel righting a wrong feels like the set-up to a classic comedy. But amid a premise motivated by income inequality, there’s a distinctly current edge to “Good Fortune,” the debut feature of writer-director-star Aziz Ansari.
A struggling film editor who makes ends meet as a food delivery driver, Arj (Ansari) is at the end of his rope when said angel Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) switches his life with Jeff (Seth Rogen), a wealthy, self-important tech investor.
Except, instead of realizing things are tough all over, Arj decides he likes Jeff’s life better and doesn’t want to switch back. Which is only the beginning of the complications for these three lost souls.
Looking for hope in an out-of-balance world while laced with a righteously indignant anger (and set against distinctly L.A. locations), “Good Fortune” is social satire with a big heart. — Mark Olsen
‘Canceled: The Paula Deen Story’
Paula Deen in the documentary “Canceled: The Paula Deen Story.”
(TIFF)
Hungry for a brisk, witty documentary that’s as easy to enjoy as a plate of hot biscuits? Filmmaker Billy Corben analyzes the tabloid feeding frenzy that chewed up celebrity TV chef Paula Deen when she admitted to using a racial slur.
Going in, I only knew two things about Deen: the 2013 scandal and her staunch devotion to butter. Her full story is fascinating, especially buttressed by contemporary interviews with Deen and her two sons, Bobby and Jamie, who all specialize in Southern-fried zingers: “It came on like a snowball full of chainsaws,” says Jamie of the media blitz.
A complex schematic of the cancelation machine, “Canceled” argues that Deen was punished double that summer because Trayvon Martin’s killer wasn’t punished at all. The great archival footage makes you get why audiences once loved Deen — and it’s evident how much her family and friends still do, even if Corben greases her mea culpa to the point that you feel a little queasy. — Amy Nicholson
‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’
Josh O’Connor, left, and Daniel Craig in Rian Johnson’s movie “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” having its world premiere as part of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
(Netflix)
One of the real pleasures of the witty, surprising films made by writer-director Rian Johnson starring Daniel Craig as Southern gentleman detective Benoit Blanc is that, within the confines of the murder mystery, they could take place just about anywhere: a patriarch’s creaky mansion, a billionaire’s private island and now a small town’s historic church.
Or at least that’s the best we know from the scant details made public about the new “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” ahead of its TIFF world premiere tonight. Craig returns as Blanc but joining the cast this time are Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Daryl McCormack, Cailee Spaeny, Thomas Haden Church, Andrew Scott and Glenn Close.
The festival has been a good luck charm so far, with the previous two “Knives Out” movies premiering at TIFF in the same theater, day and time slot and both going on to Oscar nominations for their screenplays. — Mark Olsen
They couldn’t stop talking, even before the cameras for ‘Poetic License’ were rolling
Andrew Barth Feldman, left, Cooper Hoffman and Leslie Mann in “Poetic License,” having its world premiere as part of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
(TIFF)
Mark Olsen has a fun interview with the banter-ific Andrew Barth Feldman and Cooper Hoffman, costars of Maude Apatow’s new movie “Poetic Licence.” They were friends before they shot the film and their verbal mutual affection — honed to a crazy degree of anticipation — is something to behold. They’ve raised bromance to an art form.
His apocalyptic art film ‘Sirât’ dances in the face of oblivion. That’s why people love it
Director Oliver Laxe, photographed in the Los Angeles Times Studios at RBC House during the Toronto International Film Festival.
(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
Director Oliver Laxe has made a truly unique art film about a restless group of ravers who drive out in the the desert on the eve of what could be the end of the world. Since its debut at Cannes, “Sirât” is acquiring superfans — critics and audiences alike — wherever it plays. On the occasion of his first TIFF screening, Laxe spoke to me about his commitment to risk.
A JAMES Bond favourite has taken himself out of the running after believing he’s “not the right person” for the role.
Ever since Daniel Craig said goodbye to the role in 2021 release No Time To Die, the role of super spy 007 has been up for grabs, with speculation rife over who should take over.
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The game is on to see who will take over James Bond from Daniel CraigCredit: Alamy
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Glen Powell has ruled himself out, saying the role should be played by a BritCredit: Getty
With Amazon acquiring the 007 franchise from the Broccoli family, this was then extended to American stars including Patrick Schwarzenegger, Timothée Chalamet and Jacob Elordi.
But one emerging favourite – Top Gun 2 and Anyone But You star Glen Powell – has shut down speculation he could take his martini shaken, not stirred.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Glenn said simply: “I’m a Texan. My family and I joke around, I can play Jimmy Bond, but I should not be playing James Bond.
“Get an authentic Brit for that job. That’s who belongs in that tuxedo.”
In the 63 years James Bond has been on screen, seven actors have played the character – all of whom white men from the UK and Ireland.
Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig have portrayed the spy in the film series, with David Niven taking on the role in a non-official adaptation in 1967.
Debate has since spread over whether the franchise should deviate from tradition when it comes to the character, with James Bond and 007 code names that can be taken on by anyone.
At one stage, Gillian Anderson was being considered as the first female Bond, while Idris Elba has held firm as a favourite to become the first Black star to portray the spy.
However, some actors have noted they don’t want to play such an iconic character, as doing so would mean that they could be defined as “Bond” for the rest of their career.
Entire Bond collection of 25 films coming to hit TV app
The White Lotus star Theo James previously ruled himself out for that reason, telling The Guardian in 2024: “I do think there are better people for that job.
“And, honestly, it would be terrifying: if you do that, there’s no going back. You’re opening Pandora’s box there.”
It follows Bond as he chases an assassin through the streets of Istanbul in a bid to recover a stolen list exposing the identities of MI6 secret agents.
When the mission goes terribly wrong, Chief M (Dame Judi Dench) is forced to take extreme measures to preserve the agency.
Skyfall is streaming now on ITVX(Image: Publicity Picture)
Craig shares the screen with Naomie Harris, who Bond enthusiasts will recognise from other films in the franchise.
Other notable cast members include Oscar winner Javier Bardem, 28 Years Later star Ralph Fiennes and French actress Bérénice Marlohe.
As you’d expect from this stellar ensemble, Skyfall was an instant hit.
It bagged a rare 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, where critics raved: “Sam Mendes brings Bond surging back with a smart, sexy, riveting action thriller that qualifies as one of the best 007 films to date.”
What’s more, the spy drama earned five Oscar nominations, including nods in the Best Cinematography, Best Original Score and Best Sound Mixing categories.
Ultimately, the thriller won the Oscars for Best Sound Editing and Best Original Song. The latter was awarded to Adele for her hit song, Skyfall.
Viewers claim Skyfall is the best Bond film (Image: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios)
Moviegoers were captivated by the film, with one Google reviewer gushing: “By far the best Bond Movie I’ve ever seen especially given the amazing performances of Javier Braden.”
A second agreed: “Skyfall in my view is the best Bond film ever made. No Time To Die is good but this Bond film will always have the edge above others.”
Meanwhile, an IMDb user shared: “This is one of the best Bond movies I have ever seen.
“The story is superbly put together and has some interesting twists, the action is well done and contains none of the shaky cam which plagued the last film. The actors all do a great job.”
A huge British actor, who starred in Masters of the Air, is a fan-favourite option to take on the role of James Bond in the upcoming instalment
Huge star with pop icon girlfriend in the lead to take on James Bond role(Image: Getty Images)
A huge British star with a pop singer girlfriend is in the lead to take on the role of James Bond for the next instalment of the 007 franchise. There have been many rumours on who could be taking on the coveted role, including Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man’s Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson.
It is now being said Hammersmith-born star Callum Turner could also be in running for the role. In new odds from Heart Bingo, the Masters of the Air star, who is engaged with Dua Lipa, is being lined up as the next 007. Sarah Caskie, Head of Brand for online website Heart Bingo, said: “The masses have spoken on X and we’ve collated the data to find that Callum Turner is the people’s choice to replace Daniel Craig, with 63% of posts concerning his potential role in the next film being positive, while 0% were negative.”
Callum Turner is a fan-favourite option(Image: Penske Media via Getty Images)
She added: “Henry Cavill’s 34% positivity put him second in the eyes of the public, but 3% didn’t seem too keen on him being the next Bond.”
Callum is best known for his role as Theseus Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Frank Churchill in Emma.
He also starred in The Boys in the Boat, and TV shows Masters of the Air and The Capture.
Amazon completed its massive $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios just over three years ago, which included the James Bond franchise. Fans of the movie haven’t seen a new James Bond film since 2021, when No Time to Die was released as the final movie with Daniel Craig playing the lead role.
The star is engaged to Dua Lipa(Image: Instagram)
Amazon recently announced that Denis Villeneuve has signed up to direct the movie. He is best known for directing the Dune movies.
Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer, and Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers.
Upon taking the role, Denis emphasised that he is a huge fan of the franchise and that it is a ‘huge honour’ to take on the role of director.
He said: “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery.
“I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.”
He continued: “This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”
Eight years after its release, the film is gaining a second life on Netflix.
Defiance is on Netflix(Image: (Image: Paramount Pictures))
Netflix UK has added a real gem to its collection with the wartime drama Defiance, featuring the star power of James Bond’s Daniel Craig and Ray Donovan’s Liev Schreiber in an incredible true story from WWII.
Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber team up in the enthralling historical drama Defiance, the 2008 offering that’s been garnering a cult following and is now thrilling Netflix UK audiences who hail it as “one of the best films ever.”
Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Belarus, Defiance follows the extraordinary tale of the Bielski brothers – Tuvia, Zus, Asael, and Aron – four Jewish rebels who defiantly took on the Nazis by forming a vigilante group in the wilderness.
Based on Nechama Tec’s factual book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans, the film recounts their heroic saga of providing sanctuary to over 1,200 Jews in forest hideouts, building a veritable secret village threatened with constant jeopardy.
Defiance is on Netflix(Image: (Image: Karen Ballard))
The cast features Daniel Craig as Tuvia Bielski, the group’s appointed head, whilst Liev Schreiber portrays his combative sibling Zus. Jamie Bell appears as their younger brother Asael, and a pre-1917 George MacKay plays the junior member of the clan, Aron, reports the Express.
Helmed by Edward Zwick of The Last Samurai fame, Defiance had its US debut just shy of the 2009 awards season and was tipped for an Oscar for Best Original Score by composer extraordinaire James Newton Howard, with a Golden Globe nod to match.
Filmed right in the heart of Lithuania, merely 200 kilometres from the original saga’s setting, ‘Defiance’ took storytelling to the next level, utilising authentic forest backdrops and even enlisting extras with personal ties to Jewish kin saved by the Bielskis.
The movie started off with a low key in selected theatres, but once it spread its wings for a wider showing, it managed to rake in an impressive $52 million across the globe. Reviewers sent out mixed signals, however, as time passed, it has only received more adulation from movie-goers.
Defiance tells the true story of four Jewish brothers who fought against the Nazi regime(Image: (Image: Paramount Pictures ))
A gleaming review on Letterboxd enthused: “Must watch 10/10. Whenever you have Daniel Craig (Bond) and Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan) play two Nazi-hunting Jews navigating a group of a thousand displaced Belorussian Jews through the Yarden forest, facing the ultimate adversity – you have me sold”. Another chimed in with high praise: “Action-packed, great quotes, accurate, and a thrill ride from start to finish. You’ll be rethinking how powerful a sense of community is. (People forget! )”
Scores of cinema enthusiasts have lauded the film’s potent narrative, a blend of vast survival themes and deeply personal character journeys. Defiance further delves into the intense pressure of steering a multitude amidst dire straits, especially as the numbers swell from a mere band to a throng surpassing one thousand souls.
One viewer mused: “For me, one of the best films ever. So inspiring and tragic at the same time. Worth watching.”
Another queried its lack of wider acclaim, stating: “I still find it crazy that this film is not considered a modern classic, with its stunning cinematography, fantastic performances, and gripping story.”
EXCLUSIVE: Casualty star Olly Rix has revealed that conversations surrounding him taking on the role of James Bond are ‘exciting’ after an unexpected encounter with Al Pacino
Casualty star Olly Rix has opened up about his character Flynn Byron – as well as an exciting James Bond conversation(Image: bbc)
A Casualty star has revealed there are “exciting” conversations surrounding the upcoming casting of the next James Bond. Olly Rix, who stars in the BBC One medical drama as Flynn Byron, has certainly made a name for himself since he burst into the medical drama earlier this year.
But the no-nonsense clinical lead of Wyvern’s emergency department has caught the eye of Hollywood icon, Al Pacino and his daughter Julie. Currently, speculation is rife as to who will take over the role of James Bond following Daniel Craig’s decision to step down in 2021 after the movie No Time To Die.
Currently, Godfather legend Al and his daughter Julie are working together on a project, commissioning portraits of who they think the next British actor could be to take on the 007 role. One of the stars is Olly, 40. “Al Pacino and Julie Pacino are set to come to the UK,” Olly exclusively told the Mirror.
He went on to add: “She’s asked me to be part of a portrait portfolio of British actors that she feels could assume the role, assume the mantle. I mean, it’s amazing. It’s such an extraordinary thing to be thought of and to think they are discussing you. Al Pacino is one of the reasons I wanted to be an actor.
Al Pacino and his daughter Julie are working with Olly on their portrait of who she believes could be the next Bond(Image: Julie Pacino)
“She’s an amazing photographer and a director as well. What an amazing thing to be asked to be part of. Daniel Craig was the definitive Bond for me, he was my favourite.” Olly revealed that when the film came out, he watched No Time To Die three times at the cinema in the space of around 36 hours.
“I love the role and to see what Amy Pascal and David Heyman might be planning next is so exciting,” he said. He added: “I’m here with held breath like everybody else. It’s a really exciting moment and such a great conversation – let’s see what happens.” But while Olly acts for a living, he was almost a real-life James Bond.
While studying at Oxford University, the actor was approached by the secret intelligence services and encouraged to apply for a job. “I began the vetting process and at the same time I’d applied to drama school,” he said, before revealing he’d won a scholarship to study acting.
Olly’s character, Flynn, has certainly ruffled feathers since he first appeared on Casualty earlier this year(Image: BBC STUDIOS)
Ultimately, Olly withdrew from the vetting process but, to his amazement, received a letter from the secret services wishing him well in his career. He added: “They were hoping one day I’d assume that role and would be watching and waiting. I thought that was the best. In the grand scheme of the business, it’s meaningless, but on a personal level, it’s lovely, and it’s something that I’ve always carried with me.
“It’s always felt like the role has been there somewhere; it felt like it’s crossed paths a few times.” Earlier this year, it was announced by Amazon MGM Studios that Amy Pascal and David Heyman would be producing the next Bond film after Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson handed over the creative rights, but they will remain co-directors.
Although speculation over who will take over as Bond is rife, Olly certainly has a busy few months in the emergency department. After joining Casualty, he admitted it was a “collaborative process” between himself, series producer Liza Mellody for Olly to step into the role of Flynn.
“The character himself, we had such an exciting conversation about him,” he revealed, admitting he “threw suggestions in” for his character. Olly’s research for the character saw him take inspiration from the special forces, given Flynn’s background in the forces. His first episode saw the camera focus from Flynn’s point of view, after being admitted as a patient following a car incident.
Speaking of his role, Olly said: “Flynn doesn’t come in like any good character, he doesn’t come in static or fully formed, unevolving entity. If the audience sticks with him and goes with him, they’re going to go on a journey. That’s why we did the research and the character we began to wrench him out of that context and put him in an NHSworld and people that he has to treat very differently, and watching him discover himself in a new environment. It becomes a bit of a redemption arc for Flynn.”
Flynn’s character will be tested in coming weeks following his father-in-law, Russell’s behaviour towards Rida(Image: BBC STUDIOS)
In the weeks to come, Flynn’s character will be tested more than ever when Rida Amaan exposes wrongdoing by his father-in-law, consultant Russell Whitelaw. Viewers have seen Russell’s behaviour continue to worsen at the workplace, with allegations of misconduct against female members of staff.
“That becomes really the sort of centrepiece of the box set, and that and that moral dilemma,” said Olly. He added: “I think what you’re seeing being set up and something that we really explore is ‘Who is this man? When the chips are down, what does he do? Is he brave? Despite personal consequences, does he tugtail and run?’
“We’ve introduced this high-functioning, very competent alpha-male personality who’s come from that world, and we’re saying no,w ‘Can you do it when it counts?'” Russell will later give Flynn an ultimatum – if he exposes his wrongdoing, he’ll make sure Flynn won’t see his wife Claire and their children.
“That’s really the kicker – Russell can potentially leverage Flynn’s silence,” he revealed, before adding: “They’re not actively at war, they’re not fighting. He’s saying, providing you don’t do anything, I won’t do anything. Flynn has to choose to step into that fire and say ‘I’m going to risk it all, or he won’t.”
One thing that is important to Rix is the reality and sensitivity surrounding certain topics of the show – including death in the emergency department. “I don’t think any of us are exempt from these issues,” he said. Last weekend, fans saw the death of Cara, who was being treated for cancer. Cara had initially been planning to go home before suffering a seizure and later dying.
Olly revealed that Casaulty is one of the rare shows which speaks to every viewer on certain levels(Image: BBC STUDIOS)
Olly said: “To use that story as an example, most of us know somebody who has been affected by cancer and their lives have been touched by that, and they’ve had to deal with that. The cast and the actors are no different, the same with the crew and writers.
“I think it’s one of the things that makes Casualty such an enduring piece, it speaks to everybody on some level. When you’re in an ED, you can run the entire spectrum of human emotion because you’re going to be faced with it all, from birth to death, from cradle to grave.”
One of Olly’s favourite dynamics is that of Flynn and Dr Rash Masum – who he has recently butted heads with. “I enjoyed it from the off,” Olly grinned. He added: “I liked that I sort of put his nose out of joint initially, as an actor, it was an interesting thing to do. I was hoping that we would get the payoff that I think we’re going to get. Ultimately, there’s no lack of professional respect or courtesy, yes, he quite brutally fired somebody and that upset Rash.
“But I think all Flynn is ever asking of Rash is that he steps up and gives his best because he’s such an outstanding doctor. I think Flynn, from the off, sees something worth nurturing in Rash and tries to bring out some self-belief and self-confidence as the ranking elder.” One thing Olly is sure about – Flynn can hold his own. “He can own his failings, he can own his blind spots and face them,” he said, adding: “He does have a sort of energy that means he can attack things pretty aggressively and pretty quickly, often pretty effectively.
The actor recently visited Battersea Cats and Dogs Home after David Gandy and his team arranged a visit to look at a potential ambassador position(Image: Akash Maru Photography)
“But he’s not afraid to confront his failings. Of course, it’s gathering pace in the background but that becomes a central question of the entire box set. Is his biggest failing and biggest issue – is he going to face those? We’re seeing good signs so far, but we’ll see.” He also teased an “interesting story” about Flynn and councillor Anna Mills, whom he has been seen getting close to in recent weeks.
Away from his work on Casualty, Olly recently headed to Battersea Cats and Dogs Home – a visit that was supported by the charity’s very first ambassador, David Gandy. Olly is keen to work with the charity. “It’s phenomenal, I can’t speak highly enough of that organisation,” he smiled before saying: “Like anybody else who’s ever sat and watched Paul O’Grady, and for good reason.
“They’ve got this incredible list of ambassadors, David Gandy, Tom Hardy and the late Paul O’Grady. I’ve always admired what they’ve done and how they’ve used their position to campaign for the organisation. So the most wonderful surprise, David’s team organised a visit for me to the institution and I went and spent three or four hours with all the dogs and the staff.”
Olly met with the staff who showed him around the centre and explained how Battersea is run and how they function. He said: “Doing anything with them is just the easiest proposition. I love animals, and more than that, I adore dogs. I really do. I have a dog who came into my life at a time when I needed it. I’m another of those people who’s had a dog save them. Couldn’t think of anything more fulfilling and beautiful to be involved with. I really hope that continues, so it was wonderful to have the support of David Gandy on my visit.”
Casualty airs tonight at 9.20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The entire James Bond Collection comprising 25 Eon-produced films will be available to stream for a limited time.
James Bond enthusiasts will be excited to hear that MGM+ is set to release the entire James Bond Collection, featuring all 25 Eon films, for streaming soon. The film series will be accessible for a limited period on MGM+ in 32 countries.
UK viewers can access the MGM+ streaming service as an add-on via Amazon Prime Video. The service is already a hit among Outlander fans who watch the show through this platform.
While there are actually 27 James Bond films in total, including 1967’s Casino Royale and 1983’s Never Say Never Again produced by other companies, the official collection from Eon, the James Bond production company, consists of 25 films.
This announcement follows Amazon MGM Studios’ complete takeover of the Bond franchise, with long-standing producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stepping down, reports Surrey Live.
Daniel Craig is the latest Bond
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James Bond is one of the biggest franchises in the world
The Living Daylights – Timothy Dalton
Licence to Kill – Timothy Dalton
GoldenEye – Pierce Brosnan
Tomorrow Never Dies – Pierce Brosnan
The World Is Not Enough – Pierce Brosnan
Die Another Day – Pierce Brosnan
Casino Royale – Daniel Craig
Quantum of Solace – Daniel Craig
Skyfall – Daniel Craig
Spectre – Daniel Craig
No Time to Die – Daniel Craig
When is The James Bond Collection coming to MGM+?
The James Bond Collection will be available for streaming from June 1, 2025.
Viewers can indulge in all 25 iconic James Bond films, spanning from Sean Connery’s Dr No. to Daniel Craig’s No Time to Die.
The collection joins MGM+’s growing roster of exclusive series and blockbuster movie franchises, including eagerly awaited upcoming series like Outlander: Blood of My Blood and The Institute, as well as MGM catalogue classics such as Rocky, Legally Blonde, Teen Wolf and Stargate.
How can UK viewers access MGM+?
In the UK, MGM+ can be accessed as an additional subscription via Prime Video at a cost of £5.99 per month.
MGM+ boasts a lineup of exclusive original series, blockbuster movies, classic film franchises and legacy hit series, all available on demand.
