Montreal Comiccon could see boost from U.S. trade war: spokesperson
A large crowd of people, some dressed as superheroes and TV and movie characters, were already filtering into Montreal's convention centre shortly after doors opened Saturday.
The crowd was thickest in the autograph zone, where Star Wars fans lined up for a chance to meet Scottish actor Ian McDiarmid, who plays Emperor Palpatine in the films.
Comiccon spokesperson Jason Rockman believes the three-day fan convention will surpass its estimate of 65,000 attendees.
He says the presence of Lord of the Rings stars Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Andy Serkis are a big part of the draw, but he also believes many people are avoiding going to the United States due to the trade war.
Story continues below advertisement
'I think people don't really want to travel (to the United States) now, so there are a lot of people staying here and it helps us,' he explained.
5:26
15th Edition of Montreal Comiccon
He also feels like a weaker Canadian dollar means the event is more attractive for American tourists.
Get daily National news
Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
'We just opened our doors for regular tickets and it's busy (everywhere),' Rockman said. He suggested that Friday's attendance may have broken a participation record.
One guest, dressed as the wizard Gandalf from the Lord of Rings, said he was there to see the headliners. Elsewhere, a group of friends who came dressed as characters in the Canadian animated TV series 'ReBoot' said they were there for the ambience and to meet like-minded fans.
In addition to McDiarmid and the Lord of the Rings actors, the headliners include 94-year-old William Shatner of Star Trek fame as well as Famke Janssen of the X-Men franchise.
Story continues below advertisement
Rockman said it can be a challenge to attract headliners, because there are other events happening the same weekend. 'But the fact that it's in Montreal, during the summer, there are a lot of people who want to be here,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Global News
2 hours ago
- Global News
Denise Richards' husband files for divorce after 6 years of marriage
Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers have split up after six years of marriage. Phypers, 52, filed for divorce in Los Angeles on Monday, citing 'irreconcilable differences' and listing their date of separation as July 4, according to court documents obtained by E! News. He is also requesting spousal support from Richards, 54, and asking to keep their assets and debts as separate property, including his 2018 Indian Dark Horse motorcycle, his Shelby GT500 sports car and power tools. In the court documents, Phypers claims that Richards is making over US$250,000 per month from her OnlyFans account, TV appearances and other brand deals. He says he has had no income in the last 12 months after closing his business, Quantum 360 Club, in 2024. He claims that they spend about $105,000 per month and estimates that $20,000 is spent on clothes, $18,000 on rent, $25,000 on food, $15,000 on entertainment, $8,000 on utilities, $5,000 on maintenance and repairs and an additional $5,000 on laundry and cleaning. He also said their phone bills cost $500 and expenses associated with their cars and transportation are around $1,500. Phypers also claimed that Richards spends over $7,000 per month on child care. Story continues below advertisement The former couple do not share any children together, but the Wild Things actor had previously said that Phypers was in the process of adopting her daughter Eloise, 14. Richards is also mom to daughters Sami Sheen, 21, and Lola Sheen, 20, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Charlie Sheen. Richards filed for divorce from Sheen in March 2005 after nearly three years of marriage. The divorce was finalized in November 2006. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Denise Richards & Her Wild Things star met Phypers at his workplace in Malibu, Calif., where he worked as a wellness practitioner. They began dating in June 2017 and kept their engagement private. Richards and Phypers got married in September 2018 in an intimate ceremony in Malibu. Richards wore a short dress with a long train. Her three daughters were bridesmaids at the small ceremony, and guests included Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell, as well as Richards' former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-stars, including Lisa Vanderpump and her husband Ken Todd, and Camille Grammer and her husband David Meyer. 'I am so happy to officially be married to the love of my life!' Richards shared in a statement at the time. Story continues below advertisement The former couple showcased their relationship on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, giving viewers a glimpse into their personal lives and marriage. More recently, they both starred in their own reality series, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, which debuted in March. During a confessional scene, Richards admitted, 'It's not easy being married to me.' 'It is not, and she said it! But this is it. I'm done,' Phypers responded. 'Yeah, I'm never getting divorced again. Even if we hate each other, I'm not gonna f—king get divorced,' Richards added. 'We'll just have different homes or something,' Phypers suggested. 'But we're not gonna hate each other.' Story continues below advertisement In April, Richard's daughter Sami opened up about her relationship with Phypers. 'We're not even that close,' she said on the Casual Chaos with Gia Giudice podcast. 'We don't ever hang out, we never talk.' Sami said she still supported her mom's relationship with Phypers because 'he makes her happy.' Phypers was previously married to Desperate Housewives star Nicollette Sheridan from 2015 to 2018. They finalized their divorce in August 2018 before his wedding to Richards. — with files from The Associated Press
Vancouver Sun
2 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Shania Twain leaves lasting impression at this year's Calgary Stampede
Country music icon Shania Twain didn't just lead the parade at this year's Calgary Stampede — she made a lasting impression across the grounds, including a meaningful visit to Elbow River Camp. Twain was a natural choice to lead the parade, according to Stuart O'Connor, Stampede president and board chair. 'She truly embodied the grit, determination and passion that's really so fundamental to the spirit of the Stampede,' O'Connor said. Twain rode on horseback at the front of the parade, with O'Connor and others following closely behind. 'She was very gracious, and I would say very authentic,' O'Connor said. 'She loves the western heritage, thoroughly loves her horses, and it showed throughout the day with her.' The crowd lining the route, which comprised nearly 340,000 people, was ecstatic to see her, O'Connor said. 'As a literal Canadian music icon, you could tell how much she meant to so many folks,' he said. When I say 'let's go girls' I could ride a horse through the streets of Calgary! 😂🐴 What a weekend!! I don't even know... One of Twain's first stops after the parade was a peaceful visit to Elbow River Camp, which O'Connor said she specifically requested. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Organizers were surprised and honoured by her interest, and were happy to tour her around the camp. What was initially supposed to be a 15-minute tour stretched to nearly 45 minutes, when Twain arrived almost an hour early. 'To know that she came here and wanted to know more, it was just an honour to talk with her and kind of share my story of growing up in my Blackfoot culture,' said Elbow River Camp co-ordinator Vanessa Stiffarm. Twain strolled around the camp, meeting tipi-holders and learning more about the history of the Treaty 7 nations. 'She was just so friendly and really willing to learn,' said Stiffarm. Elbow River Camp features a variety of cultural programming and demonstrations, including the return of the tipi competition for the first time since 2018. 'Even though we're in Stampede Park, it kind of feels like you're off on your own. It's a place where you can just lie, relax in the grass or find a shady place to come watch any of our programs,' Stiffarm said. 'It's just a little bit of history that you won't find anywhere else.' Twain's parade appearance also featured a custom piece of Stampede gear — the official parade marshal hat, made locally by Smithbilt Hats. Located in Inglewood and operating since 1919, each year Smithbilt crafts a hat made from 100 per cent beaver felt for the parade marshal. 'It's basically no different than any of the hats we make for people walking through our door,' said Holly Allen, general manager at Smithbilt Hats. But this year, there were a few extra considerations. Twain's stylist requested black and red in the design, so a custom hat band was created for the occasion. Multiple hats were made to ensure a proper fit, and Allen said at least one of them may end up on display in one of the Stampede's exhibition spaces, though she didn't have exact details. Business at the iconic hat shop has been booming this year's Stampede season. Since May 1, Smithbilt has hosted more than 175 corporate events, with foot traffic beginning to surge as far ahead of the Stampede as March. 'It's our Christmas,' Allen said. 'But this year, Christmas started early.' bnicholls@ READY FOR MORE STAMPEDE CONTENT? CHECK OUT THESE 2025 CALGARY STAMPEDE FEATURES:
Global News
2 hours ago
- Global News
Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron leaving band after nearly 30 years
Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron said Monday that he's leaving the band after nearly 30 years. The 62-year-old Cameron announced his departure in a social media post. 'After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,' Cameron said. 'Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.' Cameron didn't give a reason for his departure. 'Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer. He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always,' Pearl Jam members said in a statement posted to the band's social media accounts. Story continues below advertisement They made no mention of a replacement. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Cameron, who played drums for Soundgarden for more than a decade before joining Pearl Jam, was not a founding member of the band and didn't play drums for the early albums that made them rock superstars. Story continues below advertisement But he provided some much-needed stability at the drum kit after the band had gone through four others since its inception. He first joined in 1998 as a temporary replacement for Jack Irons, playing on a long tour before making his studio debut with the group on 2000's Binaural. He just finished a yearlong tour with the band in support of its 12th studio album, Dark Matter. Cameron was born and raised in San Diego before moving to Seattle shortly before its music scene became a global phenomenon. He played in proto-grunge band Skin Yard before joining Soundgarden. He did double duty with Pearl Jam and a reunited Soundgarden from 2010 to 2017.
