logo
Ian McDiarmid, Elijah Wood and William Shatner among headliners at Montreal Comiccon in July

Ian McDiarmid, Elijah Wood and William Shatner among headliners at Montreal Comiccon in July

Entertainment And Life
By
Star Wars actor Ian McDiarmid has been added to Montreal Comiccon's star-studded guest list, which also includes Elijah Wood, William Shatner and Peter Weller.
McDiarmid is best known for playing Emperor Sheev Palpatine in the Star Wars franchise — a character who has appeared under various titles across the films and TV series, including Chancellor Palpatine, Darth Sidious and The Emperor.
Montreal Comiccon will take place from July 4 to 6 at the Palais des congrès. Since its launch in 2009, the convention has attracted tens of thousands of comic-book and video-game fans, many of them in costume, each year. This year's Comiccon will feature an exhibit hall, artists' alley, guest panels, film screenings, celebrity autographs and photo sessions, a costume contest and a masquerade.
Other guests of honour include Andy Serkis, Billy Boyd and Sean Astin from The Lord of the Rings. Featured guests also include Brent Spiner of Star Trek fame and Elizabeth Maxwell, known for her work in the Dragon Ball series.
The.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘Star Wars' creator George Lucas to hit Comic-Con for first time
‘Star Wars' creator George Lucas to hit Comic-Con for first time

CTV News

time3 hours ago

  • CTV News

‘Star Wars' creator George Lucas to hit Comic-Con for first time

An attendee dressed as a Darth Atroxa from Star Wars poses during New York Comic Con at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) San Diego, United States -- Comic-Con kicked off Thursday in California, with expectations running high among devoted fans keen to catch a glimpse of George Lucas at his first-ever appearance at the convention. Warriors, princesses, pirates, wizards, and all manner of costumed characters flooded the streets of San Diego on the first day of an annual event that has become one of the world's biggest celebrations of pop culture. 'I waited for this the entire year,' said 17-year-old Samantha, who came dressed as the pink Dino Ranger. 'It's like Christmas for me!' added the young woman, who had traveled from Florida specifically to see panels for the shows 'Miraculous' and 'Hazbin Hotel.' Other fans couldn't wait to enter the exhibition hall to hunt for memorabilia. 'I just come here for shopping because I like looking at whatever people like to sell,' fan Jack Schmidt -- dressed as Bonolenov Ndongo from the anime 'Hunter x Hunter' -- told AFP. 'I'm mainly looking for Pop! Funkos this year, because I'm starting to build my collection,' he said, referring to Japanese-style figurines. Comic-Con began holding events in San Diego in 1970, as a low-key and rather niche huddle, but has now grown to an annual get-together that attracts 130,000 people eager to hear behind-the-scenes tidbits from Hollywood stars and from directors unveiling their latest projects. This year's edition will be marked by the presence of legendary filmmaker Lucas, who has never visited the convention before despite Comic-Con culture being deeply rooted in his 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' franchises. In a session on Sunday set to be moderated by Queen Latifah, Lucas will discuss the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro and Oscar-winning artist Doug Chiang, who has shaped the iconic 'Star Wars' universe for decades. The museum, scheduled to open in Los Angeles next year, will be dedicated to illustrated narratives and will house the Lucas archive. 'Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention, along with a booth featuring (comic book artist) Howard Chaykin's now legendary Star Wars poster as a promotional item,' said David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer. 'Now, to have Mr. Lucas... is a true full-circle moment. His lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and world-building resonates deeply with us and our community.' Alien, Predator, and the End of the World Marvel Studios will have a smaller presence at the convention this year, skipping its eagerly awaited annual presentation in Hall H. According to Variety, changes to the premiere of the new 'Avengers' installment complicated logistics for the studio, whose cast is currently filming in Britain. But the absence didn't discourage fans who filled the coveted Hall H for its first panel with the cast of Disney's 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians.' With a sneak peek at the second season, which arrives in December, and news about cast additions for the confirmed third season, the panel moderated by comedian Timothy Simons delighted the massive audience. 'Season two is epic,' said executive producer Dan Shotz. 'We are fighting incredible monsters. It is so massive and we cannot wait for you guys to see it.' Author Rick Riordan announced via video that the third season, based on the third book in his series, will feature Levi Chrisopulos and Olive Abercrombie playing siblings Nico and Bianca di Angelo, children of Hades. Hall H on Friday will host the world premiere of the pilot episode of the prequel 'Alien: Earth,' directed by Noah Hawley and slated to hit streaming platforms in August. The series takes place a couple of years before the events depicted in Ridley Scott's 1979 film 'Alien,' offering an expansion of the venerated franchise. Another fan favorite that will have its moment in the spotlight is 'Predator: Badlands,' with a panel Friday set to include director Dan Trachtenberg, who revitalized the brand with 'Prey' (2022). On Saturday, award-winning actor Ryan Gosling and directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (behind the new 'Spider-Verse' trilogy) will present their 'Project Hail Mary,' which is due in theaters next year. The film, based on the book by Andy Weir ('The Martian'), follows Ryland Grace (Gosling), a former science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship to discover he's on a mission to save the Earth. Comic-Con runs until Sunday, July 27. By Paula Ramon, AFP

Atlantic Entertainment Expo draws large crowds in first event for Saint John, N.B.
Atlantic Entertainment Expo draws large crowds in first event for Saint John, N.B.

CTV News

time5 days ago

  • CTV News

Atlantic Entertainment Expo draws large crowds in first event for Saint John, N.B.

Sculptor Brian Muir, who created the mask Darth Vader wears in the Star Wars franchise, is pictured talking to a fan during Atlantic Entertainment Expo in Saint John, N.B., on July 20, 2025. (Avery MacRae, CTV Atlantic) Thousands of maritime pop-culture fans made there way to Saint John, N.B., this weekend for the 2025 Atlantic Entertainment Expo (AEX). The family focused experience was held at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre, marking the first time the event has made its way to the port city. Over the two-day event visitors, many of whom cosplayed as their favourite characters from various games and shows, were treated to gaming displays, panels, and hundreds of unique vendor tables. This year's AEX was highlighted by special guest Brian Muir, who is best known for creating the original Darth Vader helmet. His sculpting work has been featured in Indiana Jones, James Bond, the Harry Potter series and dozens of other films. Lead organizer Alex Maine said a pop-culture event of this size and style hasn't been tried in Saint John since 2017. 'Saint John's a great city, and there's a great community vibe here,' he said. 'Pop culture is something everyone can appreciate so it's great to see all of the fans.' Proto Monkey Creations A selection of Proto Monkey Creations handcrafted leather goods are pictured at a vendor's table during the Atlantic Entertainment Expo in Saint John, N.B., July 20, 2025. (Avery MacRae, CTV Atlantic) Jennifer Carignan was one of the vendors at the event during the weekend with her Proto Monkey Creations table. She handcrafts leather goods in Nova Scotia, including masks, wallets and suits of armour for a variety of series. 'This has been awesome,' Carignan said. 'It's been impressive the people coming out and supporting the event, the cosplayers, it's been amazing.' The sentiment is shared by Chris Craig, who was joined by his 501st Atlantic Garrison Star Wars Legion. He and his team spent much of the weekend in iconic Star Wars costumes much to the delight of fans. He said the success of the event doesn't surprise him. 'Everybody comes together, and they have a sense of camaraderie,' Craig said. 'They can get together, and they can see some of the other vendors – see all the different products that are selling or making or whatever. They can do something that they love and hang out with like-minded people.' Atlantic Entertainment Expo Vendors and guests are pictured at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre during the Atlantic Entertainment Expo on July 20, 2025. (Avery MacRae, CTV Atlantic) That sense of belonging inspired Allie Coburn to try cosplay for the first time. She dressed up as the character Dante from the video game Limbus Company for the event. 'It's really cool to see just how many people with these similar and wide range of interests are here in the area,' Coburn said. 'When there's events like this where it's celebrated, it feels like people can kind of really show off what they love and their niche hobbies and niche interests and be themselves in a way around other people who are similar to them.' 'I find it great to look at all the creative outlooks,' said cosplayer Amadna Reinhart. She came dressed as Barbie with Joe Hatfield who came as Ken. 'To just to see other people's face light up when you're cosplaying their favorite character, and they want to run up to you and greet you and have a picture, it's just amazing.' Maine said what makes the event a success is the passionate fans that attend each year. He said everyone enjoys the celebration for a different reason. 'It's very easy to be anxious or intimidated by an event like this,' said Maine. 'But you'll actually very quickly find out that this event is for all ages and for everyone.' Star Wars helmets A storm trooper's naks is displayed next to Darth Vader's helmet. (Avery MacRae, CTV Atlantic) For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.

Rockin' Thunder, Europa Super Circus and more weekend fun in Edmonton
Rockin' Thunder, Europa Super Circus and more weekend fun in Edmonton

Edmonton Journal

time10-07-2025

  • Edmonton Journal

Rockin' Thunder, Europa Super Circus and more weekend fun in Edmonton

Article content Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content Rockin' Thunder: Was time when it was inconceivable you wouldn't hear Def Leppard at least three times a day out in the wilds of Edmonton, which is certainly still true if you have AM radio cranked in the shop. Article content Article content The New Wave of British Heavy Metal pioneers, going since the year Star Wars came out, hit the stratosphere as Mutt Lange's earlier, pre-Shania Twain melodic project with hits like the poppy Animal and Armageddon It, and earlier classics including Photograph and the mighty Rock of Ages. With Joan Jett and the Blackhearts also on the Friday bill — plus Bret Michaels, Toque and day-openers Queensrÿche — there's bound to be sore arms holding devil's horns up all day and night. Article content Saturday switches from AM hair rock to '90s alt, Weezer atop Stone Temple Pilots, Sam Roberts Band, The Trews and Default in — here we go — the first huge music fest of the summer. Article content Feel free to bring a folding chair or blanket, and look for a review of Day 1 here Saturday. Article content Article content Article content Article content Making its Edmonton debut in a cross-Canada tour, clowns, high wire and aerial acrobats are joined by roller skaters and freestyle motocross bike riders leaping across open space in this multi-show extravaganza of skill and daring. Article content The show runs 90 minutes, and there's food for sale in the tent. Article content

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store