Fan Expo Dallas kicked off in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on Friday. According to North Texas E-News, this event lets fans meet stars of popular shows, like Cobra Kai and Star Wars, and dozens of other special guests. The weekend-long expo will feature opportunities to get autographs, take photos, and attend panels.
One of the biggest events of the expo this year is a reunion of the Hobbits from Lord of the Rings, NTXE reported. Fan Expo Dallas 2020 would have featured the reunion, but it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel will take place on June 18, with Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Elijah Wood, and Sean Astin speaking.
Andrew Moyes, the vice president of Fan Expo HQ, told NTXE he has seen the group speak together at recent events.
“I’ve seen them on stage together in a couple of cities leading up to the event happening this weekend. And I’ve got to say, it’s so electric. And every time it happens, it still feels like a feat that these incredible actors are actually sitting there on stage sharing incredible stories,” Moyes said.
There will also be comic book creators at the expo, such as Tom King, a former Batman writer, and Jim Lee, the Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics.
Moyes said, “Truly, there’s something for everyone at Fan Expo Dallas.”
“With so many incredible movies out there, everyone’s more connected to the characters, both on the small and the large screen,” he told NTXE. “And I think our access to these characters too has broadened. So, I feel like everyone’s a fan of something, and we deliver for all fandoms.”
There will also be current and former WWE stars at the event, including AJ Styles, Ric Flair, and Seth Rollins. According to NTXE, it will be the biggest WWE gathering since WrestleMania 38.
Moyes told NTXE that bringing in top talent is vital in keeping people excited about the annual expo.
“What we find often is that you come in as a fan of one thing, and you walk out with exposure and excitement about other fandoms as well, which is just so wonderful,” he said. “It all feeds into that sense of community, that sense of discovery and that sense of belonging.”
In addition to meeting celebrity guests, there will also be cosplay events and contests, opportunities to shop, and multiple panels throughout the weekend-long convention.
He told The Illuminerdi on June 16 that Fan Expo Dallas is committed to creating an unforgettable event every year.
“At FAN EXPO Dallas, we are committed to providing the fans and one-of-a-kind experiences from start to finish,” Moyes said. “Whether it’s arriving in your favorite costume to show off to the crowds, getting the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows, or learning more about the voices behind your favorite anime voice actors, this event celebrates all things fandom.”
The convention will end on June 19 at 5 p.m.
