As the Rio Theatre nears its deadline to save itself, an upcoming double-bill screening of the Vancouver-shot Deadpool and its sequel at the Rio Theatre will have some special guests.

Deadpool cast members are slated to attend the event on Monday (June 25), presented with Motion Picture Production Industry Associaton of B.C., Creative B.C., and the City of Vancouver.

The Rio Theatre has invited Vancouver star Ryan Reynolds as well, though he hasn't confirmed his attendance.

Reynolds had previously donated to the campaign to help the East Van venue raise $3.9 million for a downpayment to buy the theatre. The property was put up for sale in January.

https://twitter.com/RioTheatre/status/973084156908449793

Mayor Gregor Robertson will also be in attendance to make an official proclamation of Save the Rio Theatre Week, which will begin on June 25.

For those interested in attending, a third and final batch of complimentary tickets to the event (limited to two per person) will be released at 5 p.m. today (June 22) at the website for Rio Theatre tickets. 

Thereafter, only rush seating will be available on June 25. Full details about the event are available at the Rio Theatre website. 

As the Rio is now in the final leg of its campaign and focussing on investors to raise the final 25 percent needed for the deposit, theatre operator Corinne Lea will be holding an investor information session at 1 p.m. on Sunday (June 24) along with her business partner Jonathan Kerridge and lawyer Brent Lokash to answer any questions about investment. The deadline to close the deal is July 7.