We’re closing in on the 24th annual Philly Fan Expo (formerly known as Wizard World Philadelphia, which seasoned attendees would recall) as the three-day event returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center from May 16 to May 18. Celebrities and creators have traveled far and wide to be a part of the popular expo since its debut in 2001, and thousands of fans have gathered for the festivities, which include panels, Sketch Duals, “How To” workshops, games for the kids, and many other attractions.
The event brings pop culture lovers together for an unforgettable weekend, which many attendees attest to as we’ve spoken to multiple expo-goers who offered insight as they patiently wait for this year’s convention (keep reading for their insider takes). There’s a reason fans return to the expo each year, and it’s not just for the exclusive comic books and autographed posters, which you can also purchase on the Philly Fan Expo’s website.
There’s something about people with a shared interest in anime, gaming, cosplay, Star Wars, or the many other featured entertainers coming together under one roof for a somewhat magical experience. Fans yearn for it each year, marking their calendars for the next event as soon as the dates are announced, which typically happens six months before.
Celebrity Guests and Attractions
Yes, fans have waited months to learn the full guest lineup, which was shared on March 28 (more on that below), and there are still many surprises in store, according to the Philly Fan Expo show manager Lexie Doyle, whom we connected with via social media.
“We have something for everyone, and all are welcome to nerd out with us!” Doyle teased.
She also shared other unique attractions fans can look forward to, like the Philly Fan Expo’s partnership with the Philadelphia School District to showcase the creative talents of students through the Young Artists Exhibition and awards. Doyle revealed that they will be awarding six young artists a pair of Ultimate Tickets to the show (which cost $139 as per the website) and featuring art from the exhibition at the expo.
Additionally, Doyle teased that there will be a brand-new event this year called Comics Xplosion that will feature interactive, live art painted by some of their featured guests, with an auction for people to buy the art made that evening. There will also be a special musical performance by Philly’s own MegaRan — a nerdcore rapper, DJ, and author.
This barely scratches the surface of what fans can expect, with many of the attractions listed on the website, including celebrity Q&As and photo-ops with the A-list guests.
In the past, notable names like comic book legend Stan Lee, Thor star Chris Hemsworth, and Daredevil actress Rosario Dawson participated in the expo (via ScreenRant). This year, that list is a doozy, as it includes a slew of iconic on-screen actors, voice animators, and the like.
To ensure that they didn’t spoil the surprise, the Philly Fan Expo’s PR team revealed the full guest list around the time they shared it with the world, and we were stunned upon opening the email. All can be found on their website, but we’ll tease some big-name guests here.
Guests will include Walton Goggins of The White Lotus and Fallout fame, Mel Gibson, known for many roles including his incredible portrayal in Braveheart, Jodie Whittaker from Doctor Who, Lethal Weapon‘s own Danny Glover, the hysterical Christopher Mintz-Plasse from Superbad, Twilight‘s Peter Facinelli, and Gotham and The OC heartthrob Ben McKenzie, to name a few.
As we said, the complete list is on the website, as well as resources to plan your visit and things to do in the area. But we got more insight into what to expect for the festivities from some frequent Philly Fan Expo attendees, who shared tips that we highly encourage first-timers to check out.