Simu Liu and Kyle Lowry Surprise Fans at Toronto Movie Screening

Simu Liu and Kyle Lowry Surprise Fans at Toronto Movie Screening

Toronto fans were in for an unexpected treat on Tuesday night when NBA legend Kyle Lowry and Hollywood actor Simu Liu made a surprise appearance at a special screening of We the North: From Prehistoric to Historic. The event took place at the TIFF Lightbox and celebrated the rich 30-year history of the Toronto Raptors.

Kyle Lowry’s Emotional Return to Toronto

Although Lowry now plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, the six-time NBA All-Star and former Raptors star remains deeply connected to Toronto and its fans. As the team’s all-time assist leader, Lowry played a pivotal role in securing the Raptors’ first-ever NBA championship in 2019.

“It still feels like yesterday, winning the championship and being around the fans,” Lowry shared with the enthusiastic audience. His return to the city was met with overwhelming applause, a testament to the lasting impact he has had on the franchise and its supporters.

Turning 39 later this month, Lowry is among the NBA’s oldest active players, alongside veterans like LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Taj Gibson. Despite his departure from the Raptors in 2021 to join the Miami Heat, his bond with the city remains unshaken.

Simu Liu Joins the Celebration

Also making a surprise appearance was Simu Liu, the Canadian actor best known for his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. A devoted Raptors fan and Toronto native, Liu was actively involved in the documentary as one of its executive producers.

Liu’s deep ties to the Raptors extend beyond the film. He is close friends with former Raptors player Jeremy Lin, and the duo organizes an annual celebrity charity basketball game in Toronto. Liu even had the rare experience of riding on the team bus during the unforgettable 2019 championship parade.

A Night to Remember

Joining Lowry and Liu on stage were Raptors play-by-play announcer Matt Devlin, director Sami Khan, and producer Vinay Virmani. Their presence made the night even more special, as fans had the opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections on the team’s legacy.

Following a limited theatrical release in Cineplex theatres, We the North: From Prehistoric to Historic is now available for streaming in Canada on Crave as of March 13. The documentary captures the Raptors’ remarkable journey, from their humble beginnings to becoming NBA champions, ensuring that their inspiring story continues to be celebrated for years to come.