By Siobhán Rich, Justin Waldman + Mr. Will Wong
Although the end of Summer often triggers a chorus of sighs, it also means that FAN EXPO CANADA‘s back in Toronto. The annual convention now in its 22nd year, bringing together the greatest figures in Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime and Gaming with their Fans in a true celebration of “geeking-out”, takes place at Metro Toronto Convention Centre between Thursday, September 1 through Sunday, September 4, 2016.
127k Fans were expected to attend this year with star-power unparalleled. Appearing this year are the likes of Jack Gleeson, John Cusack, Joan Cusack, Frank Miller, Gillian Anderson, George Takei, William Shatner, Nichelle Nichols, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Adam West, Burt Ward, Christopher Lloyd, Anne Heche, Linda Blair, Hayley Atwell, Ben McKenzie, Morena Baccarin, Charlie Cox and the headliner, Mark Hamill. This also marks the final time that Marvel icon Stan Lee will be appearing in Canada.
Riding the high of international sensation POKÉMON GO, Fan Expo Canada introduced for the first time a Pokémon Go Lure Party giving attendees a chance to advance levels on the game and collect rare Pokémon.
Several series premiered episodes at Fan Expo Canada including the likes of Travelers, The Killjoys, Son of Zorn and YouTube series Carmilla.
Netflix Canada getting into the spirit also presented a retro 90s-theme Dance Party for attendees to mingle. The Canadian League of Gamers eSports Tournament debuts at Fan Expo Canada also this year. More info on that here.
We had the chance to sit-on some panels and even chat with some of talent appearing this year. Here are some highlights and memorable quotes:
JACK GLEESON, GAME OF THRONES
“People just love to hate me”, says Gleeson on his role as King Joffrey Baratheon on the record-breaking HBO series. The 24-year-old Irish actor adds “I just give ’em a hug and we are alright”, when people transfer their dislike of him on the show to him in real life. On whom he’d like to see take the throne on Game of Thrones, he chooses Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). “We need a woman to knock some sense into people.”.
JOE QUESADA, Chief Creative Officer, MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
The Comic Book Writer, Artist and Editor from New York grew-up loving the likes of Black Panther, Daredevil, Punisher and The Inhumans. When he was brought-on to Marvel in the late ’90s, he admits he wanted most to work on these books. He tells us, “They were paying artists $14 per hour back in 1990!”. After being appointed CCO in 2010, he has helped transform Marvel Entertainment into the powerhouse it has become once again. He admits, “I am the luckiest son of a bitch in Comics right now.”.
STAN LEE, FORMER PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN OF MARVEL COMICS
The Marvel legendary is making his final Canadian appearance at Fan Expo 2016 and was a great sport appearing from start to finish. He spoke at his hotly-buzzed panel, reflecting back on his career. On the many iconic characters he has developed, he says “I really don’t have a favourite character. I love them all. I love Silver Surfer, I love Doctor Strange, I love Spiderman. I love them all. But every time I get asked the question I always say Spider-Man and the audience goes ‘yay’.”.
Of all the talented actors to bring his character to life on-screen, he reveals “My favourite actor is Robert Downey Jr. I asked him if anyone ever has called him Bob? He said sure you can call me Bob, Bobo. So now I call him Bobo.”.
ADAM WEST & BURT WARD, BATMAN
We all grew-up at some point watching the Batman live-action series of the ’60s. How amazing is it that Batman and Robin both were at Fan Expo Canada together this year in spirited fashion?
Ward, known best for his role as Robin gives his Co-Star West the highest praise. “There were a lot of fine actors who played Batman, but there’s only one Batman and that’s Adam West!“. West jokingly replied, “I deserve that!”. On some of the highly-physical work he did on the series, he kids “They took out a $3 million life-insurance policy on me and I’m convinced by the end of the show they were trying to claim it!”.
West, reflecting on Catwoman remembers, “She gave me a curious stirrings in my utility belt!”.
GILLIAN ANDERSON, THE X-FILES
Work has brought the The X-Files star back to the City to film, including upcoming series AMERICAN GODS. At her panel, she shed some light on her Agent Scully character saying, “She is quite square and I’m not, but I like her.”.
JOHN CUSACK, HIGH FIDELITY
The well-known Actor appeared in a package offer with his equally-brilliant sister Joan. While he is quite political on Social Media, he made an interesting analogy at his panel, “I see Twitter as curation and graffiti.”.
JOHN BARROWMAN, DOCTOR WHO/ARROW
The spirited Scottish-American Actor appeared at a hot ticket panel to thunderous applause. He tells his Fans, “If you don’t follow me you’re missing out on my fabulous life!”.
On his theatrical pursuits, he does say that his dream role on-stage would be Mac in Mac and Mabel.
MARK HAMILL, STAR WARS
The iconic Star Wars Actor made a rare appearance at Fan Expo this year and offered a VIP Experience to Fans and spoke at multiple panels. He tells his Fans, “This isn’t a show it’s an intimate conversation between thousands of my new best friends and me”.
On the upcoming continuation of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, he says “Gareth Edwards said five words to me that’s the biggest spoiler.”.
CHARLIE COX + ELDEN HENSON, DAREDEVIL
The two stars originally were to be joined by Marvel‘s Daredevil Co-star Jon Bernthal, although he was unable to make Fan Expo 2016 in the end. The duo spoke at a panel today and when asked which Marvel character they’d like to appear as a cameo on their series, Cox chose Black Widow. Henson however is a fan of Chris Pratt and would like to see his Star-Lord appear on the series.
A fun fact revealed is that the portrait on the wall at the 15th Precinct in the series is actual one of Stan Lee!
MAT FRASER + NAOMI GROSSMAN, AMERICAN HORROR STORY: FREAKSHOW
Speaking to our Justin Waldman and Siobhán Rich, the two stars of the popular FX Series reveal some personal details about their experience.
Fraser tells us about filming a bed scene with Jessica Lange, “Of course, she’s hugely attractive but when you’re acting you’re acting. […] She pulled me in close. She made it really intimate. She nailed the scene: she nailed the intimacy between two actors to make the scene believable. Because she is a star in every sense of the word.”.
Grossman talks to the series’ shorter seasons, stating “As an actor it’s amazing. Because with the exception of me everyone’s gotten a chance to play another role. So I hope to have that opportunity.”.
CHARLES MARTINET, MARIO
We enjoyed most our chat with charismatic Charles Martinet, who voices Video Game icon Mario.
Listen below:
Some of the BEST cosplay I saw today at @FANEXPOCANADA #Hawkman #Hawkgirl #JLA pic.twitter.com/YxAJ3A1IqT
— Justin (@DubsReviews) September 3, 2016
.@FANEXPOCANADA is the place to find epic #cosplay today. #FanExpoCan pic.twitter.com/SB2AptkzA6
— MsTypo (@Typo_eh) September 2, 2016
.@FANEXPOCANADA is proof that Toronto loves #cosplay. pic.twitter.com/iRd7U7HQbU
— MsTypo (@Typo_eh) September 2, 2016
That amazing moment @JoeQuesada crashes @TheRealStanLee @FANEXPOCANADA panel. 😮😳 #FanExpoCan pic.twitter.com/4snbnvDLbK
— MsTypo (@Typo_eh) September 4, 2016
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A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
#TheCusacks. #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo #JohnCusack #JoanCusack
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#MarkHamill, b*tches. #StarWars #LukeSkywalker #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada
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A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
#CharlieCox at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo #Daredevil
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#WilliamShatner at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo #StarTrek
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#JurassicWorld Cosplay at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo
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#TheWalkingDead’s #ScottWilson at #FanExpoCanada. #FanExpo #TWD
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Missed out on FAN EXPO CANADA? Learn more here and plan for next year!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Justin Waldman/Siobhán Rich/Catherine Dennis)
Fan Expo Canada 2015 took place in Toronto this weekend at Metro Convention Centre, drawing at least 127k to the venue as fans were given a rare opportunity to connect with their Pop Culture favourites! Now in its 21st year, the bonanza gives fans a chance at meeting their favourite Artists, Cosplayers, Actors, in addition to screenings, purchasing rare merchandise and playing new games first. Photo Ops, Autograph Signings and Panels were held throughout the weekend, allowing a generous window of opportunity to connect. Installations were on display for upcoming Films like The Little Prince, The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2, The Hateful Eight and more. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Drawing a large crowd this year were Harry Potter stars Rupert Grint, Tom Felton and The Phelps Twins. Fans also got a chance to see new faces at the Expo like Boxing legend Mike Tyson, Jenna Coleman (Dr. Who), Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf), Christian Slater (Mr. Robot), Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), Neve Campbell (Scream), Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Robin Lord-Taylor (Gotham), Danny Trejo (Machete), Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter), plus returning fan favourite Norm Reedus (The Walking Dead).
As a friendly reminder this year, signs were displayed stating “Cosplay is not consent” promoting a vibe of respect among attendees, many whom utilize Fan Expo as an opportunity to fulfill their wildest fantasies of role playing as a more extraordinary version of themselves.
Our Team, including Justin Waldman, Christine Miguel and myself sat-in on a few of the Panels! Some of the more memorable quotes to come out of Fan Expo Canada 2015:
MING-NA WEN
She later jokingly publicly asked George Lucas about potentially casting her in one of the upcoming new Star Wars spinoffs or as she kidded, “whoring herself out”.
TOM FELTON
THE PHELPS TWINS
MADS MIKKELSEN
JASON MOMOA
And some Photo Ops, because like you, we’re fans too!
Jason Momoa
Via @jdubs5121: #MadsMikkelsen at @fanexpocanada, “I’ve never seen a #Bond film in my life. I had no idea what I was getting into (for #CasinoRoyale)”. #Hannibal star recently cast in #RogueOne. #StarWars #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada Thanks Marc Levy for the pic! A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Brandi Cyrus (yes, Miley‘s big sis)
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Rupert Grint
With gorgeous #AgentsofShield star #MingNaWen at @FanExpoCanada. #MULAN #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
The Phelps Twins
Tom Felton
With #ChristianSlater, in #Toronto for #FanExpoCanada and new Showcase series, #MrRobot. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Danny Trejo
Christine had a chance to sit-in on a screening and panel of ADVENTURE TIME (review here) with voice talents Jeremy Shada and Tom Kenny, which can be seen on The Cartoon Network in Canada. Learn more here.
Learn all about FAN EXPO CANADA here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Christine Miguel/Marc Levy/Justin Waldman)
Fan Expo fully is in gear this weekend in Toronto, drawing a star-studded cluster of celebrities to Metro Toronto Convention Centre as they gear-up to meet their fans! In Toronto for the occasion and also to promote his hit new series, is ’90s hearththrob Christian Slater. Known best for his roles in classics like Heathers, Pump Up the Volume, True Romance, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, the Actor is experiencing a resurgence of late. Showcase has picked-up rights to the popular Mr. Robot in Canada on which he stars alongside Rami Malek, and we were lucky to have him in town to promote the Series.
Slater made a visit to The Morning Show (National Edition) today on Global Television, before meeting Fans later today at Fan Expo.
See the Trailer for Mr. Robot below:
Mr. Robot premieres on Showcase tonight, Friday, September 4, 2015. Learn more about it here.
See our Snap:
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Showcase)
We’re super-thrilled for FAN EXPO this weekend in Toronto and it looks like they’ve saved the best for last! Do you believe that Harry Potter star RUPERT GRINT (Ron Weasley) will be headlining the Expo this weekend? And you finally can get your chance to buy an Autograph or Photo Op with the star!
FAN EXPO runs Thursday, September 3, 2015 through Sunday, September 6, 2015! Online tickets have been extended a bit longer to accommodate overwhelming demand! Click here for more.
Robin Lord-Taylor, Ming-Na Wen, Danny Trejo, Hayley Atwell, Jenna Coleman, Norman Reedus, Jason Momoa. These are just some of the major stars taking part this weekend!
See you there!
(Photo credit: Empire Online)
Fans of Comics, Anime, Gaming, Sci-Fi and Horror all united together for a three-day Extravaganza this weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre! In a rare opportunity for Fans to get dressed-up and connect with some of their greatest Idols intimately, the spirit of Toronto COMICON still is v. much alive, drawing over 30,000 people to the Venue’s South Building.
Highlighting Toronto COMICON this year were recognizable names including SHANNEN DOHERTY (90210 and Charmed), CHAD COLEMAN (The Walking Dead), KAREN GILLAN (Dr. Who), TERRY FARRELL (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), GRANT BOWLER (Defiance), AARON ASHMORE (Killjoys), JAMIE MURRAY (Defiance), AMBER BENSON (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), TOMMIE-AMBER PIRIE (Pretend We’re Kissing, Bitten), KRISTIAN BRUUN (Orphan Black), The Cast of SAILOR MOON and more.
Fans had the opportunity to attend Q&A Sessions, getting a chance to ask their Idols their long-burning questions and among the hotly-attended were Sessions with Cast Members of ORPHAN BLACK and DEFIANCE, both Series which shoot here in the City.
Coleman proved to be rather popular at this year’s Event, drawing long lines for Photo Ops and Autographs, while also taking the time to work the Morning Show circuit in the City, including visits to Global Television‘s The Morning Show and KISS 92.5‘s The Roz & Mocha Show.
Being an avid Supporter of Toronto COMICON, we were delighted to hear that our Idol Doherty would be coming this year and would not miss the chance for a rare Photo Opportunity with the Actress known best for her star-making Roles as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Prue Halliwell on Charmed. We’ve been waiting since the ’90s for this moment, and here it came!
It made our day seeing LEGENDOHERTY herself, full of smiles and visibly in a good place. We’re glad she got a chance finally to see how much we love her here in Toronto – her legacy still going strong this many years later!
In case you missed out on the fun, you’ll be pleased to know that Toronto COMICON goes on one more day and for ticketing information, please visit their official Website here!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR AND LOCK IT! Toronto ComiCon has announced their upcoming Celebrity Guest Line-up, taking place between March 20-22, 2015! And what we want to know is, ARE OUR EYES FOOLING US??? ’90s Teen Icon and overall Queen, Shannen Doherty, will be making an appearance!! This is a dream come true. We basically are dying of excitement!!
Here’s a complete list of Guests:
CHAD COLEMAN (The Walking Dead, The Wire)
KAREN GILLAN (Doctor Who)
SHANNEN DOHERTY (Beverly Hills 90210)
MORENA BACCARIN (Firefly, Homeland, Gotham)
J.AUGUST RICHARDS (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D)
AMBER BENSON (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
DICKEY BEER (Star Wars: Episode VI)
TERRY FARREL (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
CHRISTOPHER JUDGE (Stargate SG-1)
We are a bit saddened that Anthony Michael Hall no longer is appearing though!
For more details and ticketing info, click here.
It certainly was Celebrity Central this weekend as the 20th annual FAN EXPO CANADA took place at Metro Toronto Convention Centre this weekend. Known as the “Comic-Con of the North”, the four-day Gathering brings together Genre Fans and their favourite Artists under one roof for a Celebration of Fandemonium.
Names new and returning graced the Conference Halls, Photo Booths and Autograph Stations, being met with thunderous applause and starry-eyed admiration. The likes of Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries), Stephen Amell (Arrow), Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings), William Shatner (Star Trek), Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The New Generation), Matt Smith (Dr. Who), Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws), Nathan Fillion (Castle), Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), David Morrissey (The Walking Dead), Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead), Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) proved most popular among Fans, many of them quickly selling-out Photo Ops with Fans at prices of up to $125 per Snap. Reedus turned quite a few heads walking through the Convention on Saturday with a Rob Ford mask, having fun with it!
Cosplay Artists more than ever were the rage of the Fan Expo Canada this year, the elaborately-costumed Performance Artists drawing long lines among their Admirers, including the likes of Jessica Nigiri (who unfortunately had to curtail her visit short one day) and Nadya Sonika.
Toronto’s Amell drew a large crowd today in one of a few Fan Q&A Sessions hosted by SPACE‘s Morgan Hoffman. On his Cousin, Actor Robbie Amell recently being cast in new Series The Flash as Firestorm, he tells his Fans he had knowledge of this well in advance. “He (Robbie) sent me a text in all-caps and I was like… I know!”, admits Amell. ” The only time we ever teamed up was playing Beer Pong, so Firestorm and Oliver Queen may soon cross paths.”.
Somerhalder as expected, always draws a large female Audience speaking candidly about his Character Damon being killed on People’s Choice Award-winning TV Series The Vampire Diaries, stating he only found-out about the news filming the fifth Season’s second episode. In response to the many marriage proposals he received from his Fans, he says “You don’t wanna marry me. I have five companies, a TV Show and an Organization which operates in 180 countries… I didn’t even know there were 180 countries!”. The Actor was spotted by Fans arriving a couple days back with current Girlfriend, Actress Nikki Reed of The Twilight Saga.
Toronto also got a rare opportunity to see The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Star Elijah Wood, known best for the role of Frodo Baggins. The Austin Native tells Fans at his Q&A that he finds it odd when Fans dress-up as Frodo, but also enjoys Fan Conventions. “It is the one time you get that concentrated experience meeting a lot of people at once and I like it!”.
Missed Fan Expo Canada this year? Learn more about it here and start planning for 2015!
It wouldn’t truly be Fan Expo without a couple Photo Ops with some of my Faves:
Mr. Will + Elijah Wood:
Mr. Will + Matt Smith:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
In addition to visiting Toronto this weekend for Fan Expo Canada, Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan set a date with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford earlier today – an Arm Wrestling date, that is. Although the choice is clear whom would win on paper, see for yourself who won the Match:
Hogan arrived in Toronto yesterday where Fans spotted him at Toronto Pearson International Airport, signing Autographs for Fans and Autograph Collectors. He was absolute business today traveling with his Entourage and despite several Hulkamaniacs and Shaw Media Employees crowding for a glimpse of him upon existing his The Morning Show (National Edition) appearance, his Handler did the talking for the 6’7, 14-time Champion. “If you want to see him, go to the Expo“, said his Assistant following closely behind. See Hogan‘s Interview right here. He also just recently celebrated his 60th Birthday!
More on how you can meet Hogan this weekend right here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
90210h yeah! Jason Priestley may best be recognized as Brandon Walsh from ’90s Hit Series Beverly Hills, 90210, but it is the 416 where he’s been much of late.
After a successful run at St. Lawrence Theatre with David Mamet‘s Play Race, the Actor has kept plenty busy signing-on to direct an episode of CTV Hit Series, Saving Hope. The Medical Drama, now filming its second season mostly in the West End, continues into late September.
All decked-out in a Blazer in this scorching heat, Priestley instantly was recognized by Fans outside his Hotel in good spirits today, posing for Snaps.
See our Snap:
In addition to Priestley, we spotted Beverly Hills, 90210 Alumni Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling in the City earlier this year. Fams of the Series will be thrilled that he is reuniting with Co-Star Luke Perry this August in Toronto for Fan Expo Canada! Details here.
(Photo credit: Entertainment One/Mr. Will Wong)
Hot on the heels of its announcement earlier this week of adding its Ultimate Sports Celebrity Experience, Fan Expo Canada has just announced some new additions to their annual Convention in Toronto this August including the likes of Lena Headey (Game of Thrones), Richard Dean Anderson (MacGyver), Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead) and also the legendary George Takei (Star Trek).
Fans who attended Fan Expo‘s Toronto Comicon this weekend were treated to the news first. Timing will be perfect particularly for Headey who stars in one of this Summer’s most eagerly-awaited Blockbusters, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, which she filmed here last year.
In case you didn’t catching wind, it was announced that Sports Icons like Hulk Hogan, Ron Turcotte, Joe Montana and Bobby Orr also will be meeting Fans for a fee this August, with more names to come shortly.
Perhaps this will be the year True Blood‘s Sam Trammell doesn’t bail on us Toronto Fans?
For more information, visit Fan Expo Canada‘s website here. Fan Expo Canada (Toronto) takes place between August 22-25, 2013 at Metro Convention Centre.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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