TIFF’s Speaker Series Set To Include Hollywood Stars Such As Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Park Chan-wook, Tessa Thompson & More
Image Credit: Courtesy of TIFF
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) turns 50 this year, and it’s set to mark the milestone year with a lineup of Hollywood icons, global auteurs, and rising stars with its celebrated In Conversation With… series.
TIFF50, which runs from September 4 to 14, 2025, will bring nearly 300 films and special events to Toronto, plus rare opportunities for audiences to hear directly from the artists shaping today’s entertainment industry.
This year’s In Conversation With… guests include Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Park Chan-wook, Tessa Thompson, and Nia DaCosta, along with breakout talents Han So-hee and Jun Jong-seo in TIFF’s first-ever Close-Up event.
Dwayne Johnson
From the Ring to the Big Screen
Global superstar Dwayne Johnson will join TIFF for an exclusive conversation tracing his rise from wrestling champion to one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors. Known for Fast & Furious, Moana, and Jumanji, Johnson will discuss his work as co-owner of Seven Bucks Productions and his latest collaboration with A24 and Benny Safdie on The Smashing Machine, the true story of MMA legend Mark Kerr. The film has its North American premiere at the festival.
Ryan Reynolds
Canadian Pride on Opening Night
Vancouver-born Ryan Reynolds returns home for TIFF’s opening night, where John Candy: I Like Me will premiere. Reynolds, known for Deadpool, The Proposal, and Free Guy, produced the film and will share how John Candy influenced his own career. Expect insights from his production company Maximum Effort, which has been behind some of the most innovative campaigns in film and television.
Park Chan-wook
Master of Modern Cinema
South Korean director Park Chan-wook, acclaimed for Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave, will appear in conversation with Canadian filmmaker Don McKellar. The two co-wrote No Other Choice, set to premiere at TIFF, and will discuss their creative process, Park’s signature visual style, and how his films continue to challenge cinematic norms.
Tessa Thompson & Nia DaCosta
Creative Partners
Actor-producer Tessa Thompson (Creed, Thor: Ragnarok) and director-screenwriter Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels) will speak about their bold reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler in the upcoming film Hedda. The pair will explore the art of collaboration, the risks of adapting a classic, and their shared passion for storytelling that pushes boundaries.
Han So-hee & Jun Jong-seo
Rising Stars in TIFF: Close-Up
TIFF Next Wave introduces Close-Up, aimed at audiences under 25, with Han So-hee (My Name, BTS’s Seven music video) and Jun Jong-seo (Burning, The Call). The co-stars of Lee Hwan’s Project Y, premiering at TIFF, will discuss their careers, friendship, and creative experiences working together.
Beyond the Screen
TIFF’s 50th Anniversary Events
TIFF 2025 will also host the third annual Black Excellence Brunch, celebrating the Black creative community and marking the 30th anniversary of Planet Africa, the groundbreaking program founded by Cameron Bailey in 1995.
The Criterion Mobile Closet will make its Canadian debut during Festival Street (Sept. 4–7), offering visitors access to over 1,700 films and exclusive merchandise.
A Milestone Year for Film Lovers
“As we mark TIFF’s 50th edition, our programming continues to reflect our belief that film and creative expression can spark dialogue, challenge perspectives, and build connection,” said Anita Lee, TIFF’s Chief Programming Officer.
With its mix of international icons, visionary filmmakers, and fresh talent, TIFF 2025 promises to be a celebration not only of cinema’s past 50 years but also of the creative voices shaping its future.
TIFF 2025 will run from September 4–14 in Toronto.
For tickets, schedules, and the full lineup, visit tiff.net.