Fandom Fest is just around the corner. Over the course of the next two weeks before the convention, which runs from August 1st-3rd, I will be posting a series of articles. This series will cover everything you don’t want to miss at Fandom Fest. Today’s topic: celebrities. Without further adieu, here’s a list of 5 celebrities (or sets of celebrities) you don’t want to miss!
5. Star Trek: The Next Generation Cast – Brent Spiner, Marina Sirtis, Levar Burton, Gates McFadden, Jonathan Frakes, Michael Dorn, Denise Crosby
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not much of a Trekkie, but even I can see that this line-up is amazing. There are multiple variations of the cast available for photo ops, including one with the entire cast on Sunday. On Saturday night, the Star Trek Special Event Q&A will be held in the huge Cascade Ballroom of the Kentucky International Convention Center. Autographs will be available throughout the convention depending on cast member.
4. Firefly Cast – Sean Maher and Morena Baccarin
With only one season and a movie, fans of Firefly were forever left wanting more. Why not ask your burning questions to the cast? On Friday night, Sean Maher (Simon) and Morena Baccarin (Inara) will hold a Q&A panel. On Saturday or Sunday, you can get your picture taken with both of the cast members, or, if you prefer, singles will be available on Saturday. Both actors will also sign autographs throughout the convention.
3. Sylvester McCoy
Do you love the Doctor? Do you love Tolkien wizards? If you answered yes to both of those questions, you’ll be happy to know that Sylvester McCoy will be at Fandom Fest. He will be available for autographs throughout the con and photo ops on Saturday and Sunday. His Q&A panel will be held on Sunday afternoon.
2. Anthony Mackie
Marvel fans will be happy to know that The Falcon himself will be in attendance. Anthony Mackie’s Q&A is set for Saturday afternoon. On Saturday and Sunday, he will be available for photo ops. No information has been posted on Fandom Fest’s website concerning autographs for Anthony Mackie, but I certainly hope he has time to sign a few!
1. Karl Urban
Karl Urban is quickly becoming one of the kings of the sci-fi/fantasy world. His titles include The Lord of the Rings, Dredd, Star Trek, Riddick, and Almost Human. Karl Urban will be available for autographs throughout the convention and photo ops on Saturday and Sunday. Unfortunately, no information has been posted about a Q&A session for Karl Urban. I have a lot of questions about Almost Human's premature cancelation that I'd love to ask though!
UPDATE: As of July 27, the schedule on Fandom Fest's website notes that Karl Urban's Q&A will be held on Saturday afternoon. He will also moderate the Star Trek Q&A on Saturday night.
Other celebrities include…
Ray Park and Dave Prowse from Star Wars.
Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, and Tony Curran from Defiance.
Eliza Dushku
Ksenia Solo
George Wendt
Meaghan Rath, Sam Huntingon, and Sam Witwer from Being Human
Bruce Boxleitner
Cerina Vincent
Kevin Sorbo
Cas Anvar
Brian O’Halloran
James Horan, Mark Ryan, Steve Blum, Neil Kaplan of Transformers
Visit Fandom Fest’s website [4] to purchase tickets and photo ops in advance. Hurry now before they sell out! You can also check out the full schedule of events on the website, including specific photo op and Q&A times.
Of course, my list of “don’t miss” celebrities may differ from yours. Who are you excited to see at this year’s Fandom Fest? Comment below, and don't forget to check back with Louisville.com for more “Don’t Miss Lists!”