Pearson’s Starring Roles

With over 50 million passengers travelling through Pearson every year, it’s easy to imagine all the human drama that takes place on any given day — from races against the clock to emotional departures and dramatic reunions. Just in time for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), we’re looking back at some of the movies and TV shows with scenes filmed right here in our midst, starring celebrities like William Shatner and a young Ryan Reynolds. 

1. Due South (1997) 
   Genre: TV series (Action/Comedy/Crime)  
   Starring: Paul Gross, Calum Keith Rennie 
   Description: This long-running CTV series, which followed the crime-solving adventures of a Chicago-based Royal Canadian Military Police constable and his American colleagues, filmed an airline-themed episode at Pearson called “Perfect Strangers.”   

2. Ordinary Magic (1999)  
   Genre: Drama 
   Starring: Ryan Reynolds 
   Description: Long before Reynolds was the global celebrity and entrepreneur he is today, he starred in this little movie about a boy who travels to Canada to live with his aunt and, along with some new friends, takes a stand against greedy property developers looking to demolish his new home in order to build a ski resort.     

3. Flashpoint (2009) 
   Genre: TV series (Action/Crime/Drama) 
   Starring: Kari Matchett, Peter Outerbridge  
   Description: In “Clean Hands,” a 2009 episode of this series, which chronicles the cases of a Toronto police tactical unit, Pearson was the setting for a key plot point.  

4. The Captains (2011) 
   Genre: Documentary 
   Starring: William Shatner, Patrick Stewart  
   Description: This feature-length documentary directed by Shatner explores the careers and experiences of fellow actors who have portrayed Starship captains and know what it’s like to be an integral part of the renowned Star Trek franchise.  

5. The Amazing Race (2013) 
   Genre: Reality-TV 
   Starring: Jon Montgomery (host) 
   Description: In this reality TV game show series, 10 teams of two contestants race to fascinating locations around the world (including Pearson Airport!) for a chance to win $250,000. 

6. Love, Rosie (2014) 
   Genre: Comedy/Romance 
   Starring: Lily Collins and Sam Claflin 
   Description: Based on the bestselling novel P.S. I Love You, Rosie (Collins) and Alex (Claflin) have been best friends since childhood. After years of bumbling through ill-fated romances, they wonder if they might be right for each other after all.