We need to talk about this lineup because Fan Expo Anaheim is officially trying to break the internet, and our wallets. It is happening June 26 through 28th, which is less than a month away, and it is taking over the Anaheim Convention Center. If you have been looking for the ultimate geek paradise to celebrate all things pop culture, this is it. But honestly, looking at who is coming to town, attendees will have a really hard time deciding which autographs and photo ops to do.
Fan Expo Anaheim to Host the Ultimate Jedi Master and a Fellowship Reunion
First, they announced Mark Hamill, and already, we were completely sold. He is rarely at events these days, and he is doing the absolute maximum: photos, autographs, and a massive panel. You would think a literal Jedi Master would be enough to headline the weekend, but then they were like, “You know what? We should bring some hobbits.”
Suddenly, two giant fandoms are colliding in the same building. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd are all heading to Anaheim, and they are also doing a panel together. Then, as if four hobbits weren’t enough, they decided the Shire needed a companion and added John Rhys-Davies.
A Massive Journey to a Galaxy Far, Far Away
But then they said, “Let’s just bring everybody.” The Star Wars guest list for this weekend is absolutely staggering. We are getting a massive celebration of the live-action and animated universes. On the live-action side, we have Giancarlo Esposito, Ahmed Best, and the men behind the armor, Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder, who just brought The Mandalorian & Grogu to life.
Then things get incredibly exciting for animation fans. They are bringing in the cast of Maul – Shadow Lord, starting with Sam Witwer, alongside Dawn Olivier, David W. Collins, and Vanessa Marshall. On top of that, we have a massive The Clone Wars reunion. Including the voices of Obi-Wan and Anakin (Matt Lanter), plus Padmé and Ventress. To round out the galaxy, Taylor Gray from Rebels and legendary voice actor Jim Cummings are on the roster. It is a dream come true for anyone who loves the franchise’s deeper lore.
Nostalgia Trips and Deep Cuts from Our Childhood
If somehow your fandom bases aren’t covered by the galaxy or Middle-earth, Fan Expo started adding a bunch of deep-cut shows from our childhood. The nostalgia factor is off the charts with guests like Jared Padalecki, Timothy Omundson, and Maggie Lawson. They even have incredible throwback pairings like Richard Karn and Patricia Richardson from Home Improvement, and the iconic William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett.
From Hocus Pocus favorites to iconic voice actors like Carlos Alazraqui and the legendary Paul Williams, I haven’t even been able to list half the people coming to this show.
Clear Your Schedule for the Ultimate Geek Weekend
Between the massive show floor for shopping, the workshops, the spectacular cosplay on the runway, and a celebrity guest list this stacked, it is going to be an action-packed three days. Be prepared to dive behind the scenes with these movies and TV shows. Even figuring out your schedule is going to be a challange. So much to do in so little time.
Get your plans together, treat yourself to some limited-edition swag, and prepare for an unforgettable weekend. FAN EXPO Anaheim: Special Edition at the Anaheim Convention Center June 26-28.
