In just a few short years, Salt Lake Comic-Con has become one of the fastest-growing fan gatherings the entire country! It’s far less chaotic than the likes of that other huge Con whose name we won’t mention here, but in it’s own endearing way, it’s just as fun.
Salt Lake Comic-Con doesn’t offer up big studio presentations (although I suspect that will change as it continues to grow), but there is certainly no shortage of A-list talent, entertaining panels, and stunning artwork on display. With the convention running from Sept. 1 to Sept. 3, I thought I’d give a run down of a few of the panels I’m most excited to attend. And rest assured, I’ll definitely bring you a recap after the convention comes to a close. In the meantime, this is what I’m most looking forward to at Salt Lake Comic-Con.
Mark Hamill: Thursday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. at Vivint Arena
That’s right, folks! Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker himself, is attending, and word on the street is that this will be his only convention appearance for the remainder of 2016. Given that this iconic performer (who also does expert vocal work as The Joker) is so beloved by all of geekdom, convention organizers have opted to hold his panel at the Vivint Center. That particular venue holds over 20,000 people, meaning that this panel won’t be as intimate as a “Star Wars” fan would hope, but this will still be an incredible opportunity to listen to Hamill dish on all things “the Force.” It’s doubtful that he’ll share anything Earth-shattering in regard to “Episode VIII,” but perhaps if fans are a little lucky, the fan-friendly Hamill will give us a little tease of what’s to come in a galaxy far, far away.
Michael Rooker: Saturday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom
Michael Rooker is perhaps best known as Merle, Daryl’s tough-as-nails white-trash brother on AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” But to many a fan, he’s also known for his work in “Tombstone,” “Sea of Love,” “Mississippi Burning,” “Eight Men Out,” “Cliffhanger,” and “Mallrats” and for his unforgettably terrifying performance in “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” (which is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary.) More recently, moviegoers have fallen in love with Rooker for his portrayal of the colorful and shifty Yondu in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” With “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” opening next May, fans are going to have plenty of compelling questions for the lively actor. I have no doubt that this will be one of the most entertaining panels at the convention.
Robert Englund: Friday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.n. in the Grand Ballroom
Freddy Krueger at Salt Lake Comic-Con? Yes, please! I adore Robert Englund in a way that’s hard to put into words. He was a vital part of my movie-going youth, having created a movie maniac for the ages in Wes Craven’s highly influential “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series. He was also the beloved alien Willie on the TV series “V.” Beyond that, this genre favorite has also dabbled in directing, most famously with 1988’s cult hit “976-EVIL” starring Stephen Geoffreys (“Fright Night”). Robert Englund has been on the convention circuit for years, and he always puts on a show for the fans. This is a must-see panel!
Millie Bobby Brown: Friday, Sept. 2 in the Grand Ballroom
From the moment Eleven popped up on screen in the breakout Netflix smash “Stranger Things,” it was perfectly clear that the young girl playing her was destined for greatness. Millie Bobby Brown is fairly new to the scene, but she made the kind of impression that all but ensures we’re going to be seeing a lot more of her in the future. Salt Lake Comic-Con attendees will hopefully be clued into what she has in the pipeline.
Henry Winkler: Friday, Sept. 2 at 1 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom
Very few Cons can brag that they brought Luke Skywalker, Captain Kirk, The Incredible Hulk, Freddy Krueger, and The Fonz to the same gathering, but Salt Lake Comic-Con is doing just that. During the ’70s and early ’80s, Arthur Fonzarelli was the very personification of cool. Henry Winkler was responsible for that coolness, and with any luck, he’ll hit that jukebox live with his fist. As a kid, I couldn’t get enough of “Happy Days.” That wonderful television series was captured the spirit of family in a way that few shows have since. there was such great cast chemistry on that show, and the crux of it rested in the hands of the great Ron Howard and the legendary Henry Winkler. Heyyyyyy!
Other noteworthy Salt Lake Comic-Con panels to get excited about
William Shatner, John Cena, Danny Trejo, Billy Boyd, Lou Ferrigno, Famke Janssen, Lennie James, Jim Beaver, “Dukes of Hazzard” cast reunion, “Raiders!” documentary screening, “Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation” screening, 30 years of “The Three Amigos,” good movies bad descriptions, the greatest movie franchises that never were, and “Back to the Future: The Cultural Impact.”
For detailed information on 2016 Salt Lake Comic-Con, including how to get tickets, click here.
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