#FIRSTLOOK: HIGHLIGHTS FROM FAN EXPO CANADA TORONTO 2025

FAN EXPO CANADA is back and better than ever this weekend at Metro Toronto Convention Centre! The four-day celebration of Fandom has come to be synonymous with the end of summer in the City, running August 21 to August 24, 2025. Over 100,000 people are expected to attend this year, with guests utilizing the opportunity to connect with like-minded lovers of Sci-Fi, Gaming, Horror, Cosplay, Animation, Comics and so much more. Fan Expo gives fans a chance to meet their beloved idols also, across multiple disciplines.

This year’s edition boasts several highlights across the Centre’s north and south buildings. This year marks Back to the Future‘s 40th anniversary and its stars have come to town to participate in panels, signings and photo ops, including Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. The Cast of Netflix‘s WEDNESDAY also made a huge splash bringing the Series’ THE DOOM TOUR here to the City in promotion of its second season, part 2 arriving September 3, 2025 on the streaming service. In attendance were Joy Sunday, Georgie Farmer, and Isaac Ordonez, filling-up their hot ticket panel completely.

Other big names to grace the convention this year include acclaimed Actor Ewan McGregor who spoke at a ticketed panel, Hailee Steinfeld (Hawkeye, Sinners), William Shatner (Star Trek), Mary Steenburgen (Back to the Future Part III, Stepbrothers, Elf), Tom Welling (Smallville), Mike Tyson (Boxing Legend, The Hangover), Dafne Keen (Deadpool & Wolverine), John Boyega (Star Wars), Mason Thames (How to Train Your Dragon, The Black Phone 1 & 2), Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, Legends of Tomorrow), Tyler Hoechlin (Superman & Lois, Teen Wolf),Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville), Catherine Tate (Doctor Who), Heather Locklear (Spin City, Melrose Place), Sting (Wrestling Superstar), Peggy The Dog (Deadpool & Wolverine), Dante Basco (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Hudson Thames (Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, What If…?), Richard Horvitz (Helluva Boss), Jack De Sena (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Alex Brightman (Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss), and many more!

Another highlight were some branded activations in the South Building, including:

Paramount+’s Adventure to the Peak – guests were encouraged to complete a series of challenges, including sitting-in on a thrilling, immersive gondola ride, guided by their mascot, GOAT, reminding us of all the great titles available on the streaming service. Photo ops also were available with GOAT.

The Conjuring: Last Rites – Reflections of Evil – perhaps the most horrifying activation at the convention, fans walked through a scary mirror maze, and got a commemorative keepsake to celebrate the release of the eagerly-awaited new Horror film, out September 5, 2025.

Disney+ Throwback Experience – with a locker and closet backdrop, stars of Disney past were honoured at this activation, including Zendaya, Hillary Duff, Miley Cyrus, and so many more. Their earlier work can be streamed on service. A component also highlighted titles ALIEN: EARTH and PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, with actors fully in-character to welcome guests.

TRON Lightcycle – a photo op on the famous vehicle for the upcoming October 10, 2025 release

Netflix Canada‘s WEDNESDAY Experience – inspired by the dark themes of this beloved Series, a moody photo op which saw its trio of Cast members drop in.

Cineplex Pictures – Now You See Me: Now You Don’t photo op gave guests a chance to celebrate the upcoming installment of the popular franchise, in theatres November 14, 2025.

Team Mr. Will had the chance to sit-in on some panels as well, and some key moments:

WEDNESDAY

Isaac Ordonez, Joy Sunday, and Georgie Farmer brought the energy up on Fan Expo Saturday, speaking to fans at a Panel, before popping-by Netflix Canada‘s Wednesday activation for photos. Ordonez continues to see his role as Pugsley expand on the Series and is thrilled to see the second season of the Series do as well as the first, taking the world by storm! Joy told fans that her Bianca is seeing the world close in on her and her character is in need of help in season two, part 2. Farmer explained that his Ajax is exploring his new-found confidence in part 2 and is eager to step-it-up.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

In celebration of the original film’s 40th anniversary, Mary Steenburgen and Bob Gale spoke at a Panel on Fan Expo Saturday. Steenburgen recalled Back to the Future Part III being very challenging and physical, working with horses and dust as part of its Western theme. Having loved the first film in the Franchise so much, she agreed right away to the third installment.

Gale comments how technology has advanced so much, and recalls even having to cut a car in half to film inside it, whereas today a GoPro would solve the problem simply!

SMALLVILLE

The Cast including Tom Welling, Kristen Kreuk, Laura Vandervoor, Erica Durance, and Michael Rosenbaum, reunited on-stage for a Panel. Welling told the audience he recalled a favourite fan interaction in Denver where a fan brought his wife and kids along to meet him. The fan handed Welling a picture of him on-set from years prior after a Make-a-Wish had granted him the opportunity, telling the Actor how much that meant to him in getting strong enough to battle his illness.

Rosenbaum never ceases to be surprised the response SMALLVILLE still gets to this day, where soldiers even will tell him how the Series inspired them to get through a war.

HEATHER LOCKLEAR

The Screen legend, known for her work on Melrose Place, Dynasty, and Spin City, admitted her favourite gig of all time was on Melrose Place, and says she prefers working in Television versus Film. She felt the latter was a lot of waiting around, whereas the former gave her the gratification of more naps on-set, and also the ability to see the finished work sooner. She indicated she has a new Podcast coming out this Fall.

HAILEE STEINFELD

The Academy Award-nominated Actress appears poised for another with her performance in Ryan Coogler‘s SINNERS, a critical and Box Office smash. She spoke about her process crafting that character and also Kate Bishop in the MCU, and the importance of not giving us fragments of a character, but a complete whole, relatable character.

Highlights:

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@mrwillwong Hailee Steinfeld highlighted FAN EXPO CANADA TORONTO 2025 Sunday, reflecting on her character in SINNERS, amd her process crafting Kate Bishop in the.MCU. Video credit: A Gilmore #haileesteinfeld #fanexpocanada #fanexpotoronto #katebishop #sinnersmovie ♬ Starving – Hailee Steinfeld & Grey

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/D. Baldwin/R. Heaslip/D. Neves)

#FIRSTLOOK: DC FANDOME 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

Taking place virtually today was DC FANDOME, giving fans a glimpse of all the exciting things ti come within the world of DC Comics! Here are some of today’s highlights.

THE SANDMAN – new posters from the hour-long Netflix series starring Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer. Based on Neil Gaiman’s Comic Series.

THE FLASH – fans of this Series will be thrilled by a new wardrobe addition for its titular superhero – gold boots! The boots can be seen in the five-episode Armageddon event kicking-off Season 8 premiering on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

SMALLVILLE – The beloved Series’ 20th Anniversary was announced today at DC Fandome, right in time for Smallville: The Complete Series 20^th Anniversary Edition coming to Blu-ray for the first-time ever on October 19^th, 2021. Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum appeared at the event today. Catch-up here:

https://youtu.be/W6IyPPkoRLY

BATMAN: CAPED CRUSADER – Executive Producers Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves along with Co-Executive Producer James Tucker share their inspirations and early insights for this next animated chapter of the Dark Knight.

In case you missed it, here is the just-unveiled Trailer for Matt Reeves‘ THE BATMAN.

(Photo/video credit: DC Comics)