An aerial image shows construction of the set for Beast Games, an upcoming television reality show created by YouTuber MrBeast and Amazon MGM Studios. The set is located near the former Downsview airport. (Patrick Morrell/CBC News)
This month, Toronto's northern end witnessed a peculiar sight: a sprawling set resembling a miniature walled town with identical houses. Despite its dystopian appearance, this is the filming location for "Beast Games," an upcoming reality TV show created by YouTuber MrBeast in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios. The production has drawn controversy as it begins filming in Toronto.
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has gained fame on YouTube, where his channel boasts over 300 million subscribers, making it the most popular on the platform. Known for his extravagant charitable giveaways and elaborate stunts—like recreating Netflix’s Squid Game—Donaldson is now venturing into television. However, this new endeavor has been met with challenges, including recent concerns about the work environment within his company and issues that arose during earlier filming sessions.
The set for Beast Games is massive, with drone footage taken near the abandoned Downsview airport showing a cement tower and a line of 12 single-storey houses, arranged along a road with circular gardens. The entire set is enclosed by a red wall. Toronto City Hall’s film and entertainment department confirmed the production at Downsview Park but could not provide further details due to confidentiality reasons.
Beast Games will feature approximately 1,000 contestants competing for a $5 million cash prize, which is being touted as the largest single prize in the history of television and streaming. According to a March press release from Amazon Prime, the show is modeled after MrBeast's YouTube videos and is described as the "biggest reality competition series ever."
While MrBeast is widely recognized for his charitable efforts, such as giving $10,000 to a homeless person or funding cataract surgeries for 1,000 people, his transition to television comes at a time when his image is under scrutiny. Criticism has surfaced from those who view his charitable acts as self-serving, and the creator has recently been embroiled in several scandals.
Earlier this month, the Associated Press reported that Donaldson ordered a full review of his company's internal culture after he admitted to using inappropriate language in old videos that resurfaced, showing past racist and homophobic remarks. In addition, more than a dozen contestants from the first phase of Beast Games, reportedly filmed in Nevada for Donaldson's YouTube channel, claimed to have faced challenging conditions on set, including delayed meals and difficulty accessing medication.
The controversies surrounding Beast Games are part of what marketing expert Katya Varbanova describes as MrBeast’s ongoing "cycle of PR crisis." According to Varbanova, Donaldson’s self-branding as a beacon of kindness has allowed him to maintain a positive image despite the criticism. However, recent events may be starting to tarnish that image.
As the production in Toronto continues, local paramedics, fire services, and police are all aware of the activities. Toronto Fire Services confirmed that permitting and inspections have been conducted, while police mentioned that their explosive disposal unit had been consulted. Transport Canada has also issued a no-fly zone over the area from August 21 to September 6, requested by the production company.
The show is a non-union production, as noted in a "do not work" statement from ACTRA Toronto, the union representing performers in the area. John Oates, a developmental psychology professor and media ethics advisor, pointed out that non-unionized sets make it harder for crew members to raise concerns without risking their jobs. He emphasized the importance of respecting participants’ dignity and autonomy, even in a format that thrives on shock value.
What happens during the filming in Toronto could have a significant impact on MrBeast’s reputation. Varbanova suggests that if reports emerge showing improved working conditions, it could be a key PR win for Donaldson.
