Latest news with #Reptilia
CTV News
11 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Scales of Justice: Lawsuits between Reptilia and Westmount Shopping Centre concern animal welfare group
The embattled reptile zoo in Westmount Mall has landed in court over a rent dispute with its landlord. CTV London's Daryl Newcombe explains. The claws are out in a legal dispute over Reptilia's 20-year lease at Westmount Shopping Centre and allegations that the reptile zoo owes the mall unpaid rent. In February, a Statement of Claim was filed by 785 Wonderland Road Inc. (Westmount Shopping Centre) against Reptilia that alleges, 'The tenant failed to pay the full rent to the landlord for the months of October, November and December 2024, as well as January and February 2025.' The mall is seeking rent arrears of $153,348 plus interest, and a $100,000 payment based on a Minutes of Settlement reached in August 2024. On June 20, Reptilia responded in a Statement of Defence that denies the allegations. The indoor reptile zoo also launched a Counterclaim against the mall for more than a million dollars. Reptilia's filing refers to its lengthy legal dispute with the City of London about whether the provincially licensed reptile zoo must comply with London's Animal Control By-Law that forbids displaying exotic species. Specifically, Reptilia refers to a clause in its lease agreement, 'In the event that the City of London or any other authority having jurisdiction requires any amendments to the zoning by-laws or regulations to permit the Tenant's use set out in this Section 9.01 (a) of this Lease, the Landlord shall be responsible, at its sole cost and expense' Reptilia's Counterclaim against Westmount Shopping Centre alleges it has suffered 'significant operational losses' directly resulting from the property not being zoned for its use. The reptile zoo is seeking $1 million for negligent misrepresentation and $275,000 for breach of contract. 'The decision from the City of London and the application commenced by the City of London garnered significant media attention, which negatively impacted Reptilia London's operations including the number of visitors to its facilities,' the Counterclaim states. 'Additionally, as the result of the decision by the City of London, many educational facilities, including School Boards, refused to work with Reptilia London based on concerns of Reptilia London's operations being in contravention of the Animal Control By-Law. Reptilia's educational programs usually make up a significant portion of its revenues.' Zoocheck Canada says the legal documents are another cause for concern among animal welfare advocates. 'Our biggest concern is the animals that are located at that facility,' said Julie Woodyer of Zoocheck Canada. 'Obviously that's a great concern to us whenever we start hearing that there's these ongoing battles in court and assertions that the finances just aren't there.' Reptilia continues to operate its zoo inside the mall. John Winston, who has been engaged with Reptilia since the business arrived in London tells CTV News in a statement, 'This is a landlord/tenant dispute. Rest assured that care of the animals is not, and would never be, compromised.' Winston emphasizes, 'Ontario Animal Welfare Services has inspected the facility three times since opening and determined it was operating to provincial standards.' Zoocheck Canada obtained emails between the Thames Valley District School Board and representatives of Reptilia through a Freedom of Information Request. The correspondence focusses on the school board's resistance to bringing students to Reptilia based on concerns about accreditation and the dispute with city hall regarding the Animal Control By-Law. 'The school boards, rightly so, do not consider it a proper way to educate children,' added Woodyer. CTV News has yet to receive a response from the operator of Westmount Shopping Centre about the court documents filed by Reptilia. Allegations made in the Statement of Claim, Statement of Defence, and Counterclaim have not been tested in court.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mikey Madison to lead 'Masque of the Red Death'; reports
After winning an Oscar for her performance in 'Anora', actress is in talks to lead A24 and Picturestart's 'The Masque of the Red Death'. Madison replaces , who sources say dropped from the project due to scheduling conflicts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Polinger and Lucy McKendrick will executive produce. A24 has acquired worldwide distribution rights for the film, reported Variety. Madison will next be seen in 'Reptilia' alongside Kirsten Dunst. The thriller tells the story of a dental hygienist who is seduced by a mysterious mermaid into the dark and wet underworld of Florida's exotic animal trade. Filmmaker Alejandro Landes Echavarria, who is known for directing the series 'Monos' will helm the movie.'Reptilia' movie is based on a script by Landes Echavarria and Duke Merriman. The film will be introduced to international buyers at the Cannes market by Charades. Principal photography will commence this fall, reported Variety. Before her award-winning role in 'Anora' the actress Madison appeared in 'Scream 5' and had a supporting turn in Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.' On Television, Madison was part of the ensemble of FX's 'Better Things.' Madison will be joined by Kirsten Durnst who won the best actress prize at Cannes for 'Melancholia' and was nominated for an Oscar for 'The Power of the Dog.' Her other roles include 'The Virgin Suicides,' "Marie Antoinette,' and 'Spider-Man.' Dunst will next appear in Derek Cianfrance's "Roofman" opposite Channing Tatum and in Ruben Ostlund's "The Entertainment System Is Down." Landes Echavarria's previous film, 'Monos,' was premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award, reported Variety. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It went on to win the award for Best Film at the 2019 BFI London Film Festival and was selected as the official Colombian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. The director Echavarria's narrative debut "Porfirio" premiered at Cannes Directors' Fortnight in 2011, while his first feature, the documentary "Cocalero" - debuted at Sundance in 2007.
Mint
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Mikey Madison in talks to lead Masque of the Red Death
Washington DC [US], June 5 (ANI): After winning an Oscar for her performance in 'Anora', actress Mikey Madison is in talks to lead A24 and Picturestart's 'The Masque of the Red Death'. Madison replaces Sydney Sweeney, who sources say dropped from the project due to scheduling conflicts. Polinger and Lucy McKendrick will executive produce. A24 has acquired worldwide distribution rights for the film, reported Variety. Madison will next be seen in 'Reptilia' alongside Kirsten Dunst. The thriller tells the story of a dental hygienist who is seduced by a mysterious mermaid into the dark and wet underworld of Florida's exotic animal trade. Filmmaker Alejandro Landes Echavarria, who is known for directing the series 'Monos' will helm the movie.'Reptilia' movie is based on a script by Landes Echavarria and Duke Merriman. The film will be introduced to international buyers at the Cannes market by Charades. Principal photography will commence this fall, reported Variety. Before her award-winning role in 'Anora' the actress Madison appeared in 'Scream 5' and had a supporting turn in Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.' On Television, Madison was part of the ensemble of FX's 'Better Things.' Madison will be joined by Kirsten Durnst who won the best actress prize at Cannes for 'Melancholia' and was nominated for an Oscar for 'The Power of the Dog.' Her other roles include 'The Virgin Suicides,' "Marie Antoinette,' and 'Spider-Man.' Dunst will next appear in Derek Cianfrance's "Roofman" opposite Channing Tatum and in Ruben Ostlund's "The Entertainment System Is Down." Landes Echavarria's previous film, 'Monos,' was premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award, reported Variety. It went on to win the award for Best Film at the 2019 BFI London Film Festival and was selected as the official Colombian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. The director Echavarria's narrative debut "Porfirio" premiered at Cannes Directors' Fortnight in 2011, while his first feature, the documentary "Cocalero" - debuted at Sundance in 2007. (ANI)
Geek Tyrant
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Mikey Madison and Kirsten Dunst Dive Into the Dark Waters of REPTILLIA About a "Seductive Mermaid" — GeekTyrant
Mikey Madison has found her next film project after her Oscar-winning turn in Anora , and she's plunging headfirst into some wild territory. Madison is set to star alongside Kirsten Dunst in Reptilia , the next feature from filmmaker Alejandro Landes Echavarría ( Monos ). Reptilia follows a dental hygienist who becomes entangled with a seductive mermaid and spirals into the 'dark and wet underworld' of Florida's shadowy, swampy exotic animal trade. Mermaids, molars, and morally murky waters. This sounds like it'll be a wild and unhinged movie, and production kicks off this fall with a lineup Reptilia marks another major move for Madison. She swept awards season with Anora , winning five Oscars including Best Actress, along with a BAFTA and Independent Spirit Award. She also snagged nominations from the Golden Globes, SAG, and Critics Choice. Fans will also recognize her from Scream 5 , FX's Better Things , and her scene-stealing performance in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood . Then there's Dunst, another acting heavyweight with a history of haunting, offbeat performances. With Madison's momentum and Dunst's gravitas, Reptilia could be a dark fantasy worth checking out. Source: Deadline
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Oscar winner Mikey Madison lines up first post-award project alongside Kirsten Dunst
Fresh off her Oscar win for Anora, Mikey Madison has lined up her first major project and it's already turning heads. While Demi Moore was heavily favored to win Best Actress at this year's Academy Awards, Madison shocked the industry by taking home the trophy instead. Following Anora's impressive haul of five Academy Awards and Madison's unexpected win, fans and insiders alike have been speculating about her next move. Many assumed she would follow the traditional path of joining a major franchise. In fact, Madison was reportedly offered a role in Shawn Levy's upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling. The project, with its franchise pedigree and blockbuster potential, seemed like a natural next step for a rising star. However, Madison has instead chosen something more offbeat and personal: she will star in Reptilia, a psychological thriller co-starring Kirsten Dunst. As reported by Variety, Reptilia centers on a mysterious mermaid who lures a dental hygienist into the dangerous underworld of Florida's exotic animal trade. The film will be directed by Alejandro Landes Echavarría, whose 2019 feature Monos earned acclaim and won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award at Sundance. The script for Reptilia is co-written by Landes Echavarría and Duke Merriman, promising a unique and atmospheric entry into the thriller genre. This choice reflects Madison's inclination toward bold, character-driven films over formulaic blockbusters. While she has experience in franchise fare, appearing in 2022's Scream and the 2019 animated Addams Family, her standout work has come in more singular stories like Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood and Anora. By turning down a role in one of Hollywood's biggest franchises in favor of a smaller, visionary thriller, Madison is clearly signaling that she's choosing artistic direction over conventional star-making.
