Stephen King’s ‘Carrie’ Premieres at TIFF as Toronto’s Culture Scene Heats Up

Toronto is heating up with the final weekend of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and the spookiness of Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie is making its red carpet debut on Friday, September 18. This marks the festival’s ninth day, packed with premieres, stars, and events that won’t disappoint.

The day kicks off with the international premiere of Spirit Guardians: The Last Secret of the First Emperor, directed by Nguyễn Phan Quang Binh. The film features Johnny Trí Nguyễn, known for his work in Hustle and Baby Driver, and is set against the backdrop of 10th-century Vietnam. Expect a historical epic packed with action and period details.

Later in the day, The Road Not Taken hits the Princess of Wales Theatre, starring Zhou Xun and Wang Xiao. This film follows a TV host grappling with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, exploring themes of family and memory.

Matthew Lillard and other members of the cast are expected to attend the premiere of Carrie, while Fan Bingbing is set to step out for the world premiere of Diary of a Mad Old Man. The red carpet for The Road Not Taken begins at around 4:45 p.m., with director Peter Ho-Sun Chan and stars Zhou Xun and Wang Xiao scheduled to attend.

The festival continues to offer a mix of international and local talent, with a lineup that includes both horror and drama. As TIFF wraps up, the city remains a hub of cultural activity, with events and screenings that cater to a wide range of interests.