Mississauga super hero key attraction in multi-genre Fan Expo pop culture extravaganza

From the irreverent humour of Canada’s own Letterkenny to the gravitas of the Star Wars universe and from anime and dungeons and dragons to super heroes and the stars of the summer of Barbie, Fan Expo in downtown Toronto has a little something for everyone to enjoy this year.

“We want to deliver the best in class of the pop culture experience to all our fans,” said Fan Expo HQ Vice-President Andrew Moyes. “That’s always the goal. We are multi-genre show.”

The star-studded guest list bears that out, with fan favourites that will get your Spidey sense tingling and your funny bone tickling, with a line-up that includes an impressive lineup of celebrity guests guaranteed to excite fans of all stripes. Leading the star-studded roster are Academy Award winners Marisa Tomei and Helen Hunt, legendary comedians like John Cleese, Mississauga’s own super hero in Simu Liu and dozens of other stars from every corner of the pop culture world.

“When you start building in the layers of all those different genres there are so many different heroes for everyone to meet,” Moyes said, adding that the size and scope of the event (it’s the fourth-largest fan convention in North America) allows them to attract the “Juggernauts” of pop culture guests as well as to get a “really good sense” of what fans are looking for.

The lineup of guests also includes Rosario Dawson (Star Wars, Daredevil), Jurassic World’s Bryce Dallas Howard, McLovin’ himself Christopher Mintz-Plasse, acclaimed actors John Rhys-Davies and Danny Trejo, Firefly (and Deadpool) icon Morena Baccarin, Rocky IV antagonist Dolph Lundgren, some of the cast of Seinfeld (including Wayne Knight and Patrick Warburton), the stars of Canadian sit-coms Trailer Park Boys and Letterkenny and other Star Wars heroes such as Emily Swallow and Giancarlo Esposito.

Plus a few dozen more celebrities, as well as comic creators, stars from the anime, gaming and horror genres, voice actors and many more.

The world of comics will also take centre stage, with legendary artists and writers such as Burlington’s Ken Lashley, Dave McCaig, Steve McNiven, Dave Ross, Oshawa’s Ramon Perez, Scarborough’s Mike Del Mundo, Nicola Scott and Leonard Kirk and many others gracing the always popular Artist Alley.

In addition to the Sketch Duels – one of Moyes’ favourite events – this year’s Fan Expo will also feature a Comics Explosion. “It’s a comics take on an art battle,” he explained.

“There is so much happening in the comic space, which is really cool.”

Simu Liu

Moyes said he was thrilled when Liu agreed to be a guest this year, giving the event a real life hometown super hero who turned a key role on the Kim’s Convenience television show into a star turn in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Shang Chi – Legends of the Ten Rings, before showing off his dancing chops in last summer’s smash hit Barbie.

“He’s done extraordinary well,” Moyes said the Mississauga actor. “It’s great to be bringing the biggest Canadian stars here and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about Canadian movie heroes.”

“We’re glad to have him and I think the fans are delighted to have him here.”

His fans can learn more about Liu, who will be inducted into the Mississauga Walk of Fame August 25, at a panel discussion on his career the day prior at Constitution Hall’s Main Stage.

Speaking of Canadiana, the appearance of the stars from Letterkenny and Trailer Park Boys are also sure to bring in their legions of fans, Moyes said, adding that the experience at convention shows like Fan Expo are good for the stars as well.

“It’s win-win. The fans get to see the stars up close and the stars get a good look at the impact their work has had on different fandoms.”

It’s a chance for fans of all genres to connect with a passionate and dedicated pop-culture community and a chance to celebrate fandom with “incredible experiences and unforgettable moments,” he added.

FAN EXPO Canada, the country’s largest pop culture convention takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from August 22 – 24.

The show will also include plenty of family-friendly attractions, more than 1,000 exhibitors, celebrity panels and events for every taste.

Tickets are available at: https://fanexpohq.com