Update: Feb. 2, 2025
In recent weeks Fan Expo has added to its guest list for the 2025 edition.
A few big names have joined, including Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who's known for playing McLovin in Superbad (which was written by Vancouverites Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg), among other things (including a voice in How to Train Your Dragon and the main villain in the Kick-Ass franchise).
Also joining Fan Expo is Doc Brown himself, Christopher Lloyd, and John Rhys-Davies (known for his roles as Gimli in the Lord of the Rings franchise and Sallah in the Indiana Jones films). And from the Harry Potter films, Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) is also on the list.
Avatar: The Last Airbender will also be well represented, as two Aangs are showing up. Both voice actor Zach Tyler Eisen and Netflix series star Gordon Cormier are participating, along with Avatar voice actors Michaela Jill Murphy (Toph) and Greg Baldwin (Iroh).
The Fan Expo website has the full list of guests coming for the Feb. 21–23 event at the Vancouver Convention Centre including animation and anime voice actors, video game stars, comic creators and artists, and cosplayers.
Original: Dec. 16, 2024
The 2025 Vancouver Fan Expo has begun to announce guests, including stars from some of the biggest sci-fi and fantasy franchises out there.
The legendary William Shatner is arguably the biggest name so far revealed to be in attendance. Shatner will be participating in a Q&A along with holding photo-op sessions fans can sign up for.
Other big names include Hayden Christensen, (who played Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequels and the recent Obi-Wan Kenobi show), Catherine Tate and Jenna Coleman (who both played companions on Doctor Who), and Andy Serkis (who played Gollum in the Lord of the Rings franchise and Caesar in the recent Planet of the Apes reboots).
For fans of the Transformers universe, a special experience has been organized. Frank Welker and/or Peter Cullen (the iconic voices of Megatron and Optimus Prime in many versions of Transformers) will record a customized message for fans.
Alan Tudyk will also be on hand; the American actor has spent plenty of time in Vancouver (currently he stars in Resident Alien, which is shot here) and has starred in a long list of projects that fit with Fan Expo's purview, including Firefly, Doom Patrol, Dodgeball, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, along with voices in Moana, Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, Encanto, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and I, Robot.
Several actors from the Vancouver-shot Supernatural will be attending as well, including Jared Padalecki (Sam Winchester), Mark Sheppard (Crowley), Jim Beaver (Bobby Singer), Alexander Calvert (Jack), Samantha Smith (Mary), and Mark Pellegrino (Lucifer).
More celebrities, events, and names from the gaming world will be announced.
"In addition to its star-studded guest list, Fan Expo Vancouver offers a wide range of immersive experiences, including the thrilling Cosplay Craftsmanship Cup, themed attractions, and an expansive vendor hall filled with unique art, rare collectibles, and exclusive merchandise," reads a press release from organizers.
"Fans can also participate in workshops, gaming zones, and a variety of panels celebrating the best of pop culture."
Fan Expo takes place Feb. 21 to 23, 2025, at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Early bird tickets are on sale until Feb. 6, 2025.
