Return of Fan Expo Chicago with 'Star Wars,' comic book, genre entertainment appearances.

By Matt Sheehan

The convention formerly known as Wizard World makes it's return to Chicago at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. for it's third episode with a plethora of appearances, events, and panels. The show opens Friday, August 16, 2024 thru Sunday, August 18, 2024.

Headlining the event is Luke Skywalker himself--Mark Hamill will be in attendance for the full event for professional photo ops, autographs and special panels. Other "Star Wars" attendees include Luke's father (well, in canon) Hayden Christiansen, who played Anakin Skywalker in the prequels. "Star Wars" films aren't the only options for fun from those in a galaxy far, far away. The latest TV incarnations of the galaxy far, far away will also be represented with "The Mandalorian" stars Giancarlo Esposito and Gina Carano in attendance, along Temura Morrison from "Book of Boba Fett." Even Ahsoka herself Rosario Dawson will be there, know for other genre properties such as "Sin City" and "Clerks II." 

If comic book entertainment is your cup of tea, fret not. Academy Award-winner Marisa Tomei will be on-hand representing her work in the MCU as Peter Parker's Aunt May of Spider-Man fame. Tomei also notably appeared on "Seinfeld," and there is a reunion from the show about nothing with Patrick Warburton, Wayne Knight, Phil Morris, and Larry Thomas for Fan Expo.

Those of a certain generation grew up with a select batch of 90's high schoolers--stars from "Saved by the Bell" Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley will be in the halls to greet fans of the seminal show.

Don't "Scream" too hard, but it's scary cool that Jamie Kennedy, Matthew Lillard, and Chicago's own Laurie Metcalf will be here for fans of Wes Craven's beloved slasher franchise. 

This list of celebs are only the tip of the convention iceberg, with celebrity Q&As, discussion panels, cosplay, and family friendly events.

As someone who has covered Wizard World of the past, our first experience with Fan Expo will be this year 2024.

​Keep an eye on our website here and social media feeds (facebook.com/hollywoodsnitch and x.com/hollywoodsnitch) for instant photos and coverage!

For a full list of celebrity appearances, events, panels and more, visit: ​https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpochicago/