WonderCon 2026: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

2:00pm PDT

Helping Dragons Fly: Real Science in Animation

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Dragons may not be real, but they can still look realistic with help from scientific advisors. The filmmakers of How to Train Your Dragon consulted paleontologist Stuart Sumida, who will share how his knowledge of fossil and living animals helped DreamWorks animators, including Dane Stogner, design different species of dragon and their behavior. Human anatomy professor Elizabeth Rega, who has consulted on other animated projects, including The Lion King and World of Warcraft, will also share her insights about human diversity and motion in animation. Moderated by science writer Melissa T. Miller and presented as part of the Science on Screen movie series, this event includes a screening of the 2010 animated film, followed by this panel discussion starting around 4:00.

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 207

1: Programs, Animation, Education, Kids, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Technology - Science - STEM

5:00pm PDT

Ray Harryhausen: An Animated Life

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Room 207

When it comes to motion picture special effects, there is one name that personifies movie magic: Ray Harryhausen (1920–2013). Film historian Dr. Mark Glassy examines the work of the master animator and special effects creator, who produced stop-motion animation effects known as "dynamation," in which animated stop-motion characters interact with the live-action world. Some of Harryhausen's films include Earth vs. the Flying Saucers, The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, and Jason and the Argonauts. The stop-motion battle between Jason and seven skeletal figures in Jason and the Argonauts is considered one of the greatest frame-by-frame sequences ever filmed.

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 207

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Art and Illustration, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Tributes

6:00pm PDT

Fallout: The Okey Dokey Law of the Wasteland

Friday March 27, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Room 207

What is the state of the law after a nuclear war? How could the Enclave be held accountable for starting the Great War 200 years later? What is the liability for Vault-Tec, RobCo Industries, West Tek, REPCONN Aerospace, and Big MT for their part in ending the world? What is the legal status of the New California Republic and the Legion? Can the Brotherhood of Steel go around killing ghouls? A panel of lawyers and judges' journeys into the Wasteland to discuss the medical ethics of human experimentation, ghoul rights, child labor, and more. Featuring U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Wright (U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota), Judge Carol Najera (Los Angeles County Superior Court), Katrina Wraight, Esq. (Best Best & Krieger LLP), Vanessa Palacio, Esq. (Greenberg Traurig, LLP), and Kate Bridal (Now It's Ruined podcast). Moderated by Joshua Gilliland, Esq. (The Legal Geeks). Panel organized by The Legal Geeks.

Friday March 27, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 207

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Cosplay, Education, Fandom, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Video Games

7:00pm PDT

How to Win the War on Truth: The Panel

Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

Room 207

For centuries, people shared stories to explain the world and our place in it. But in a public sphere that's increasingly online, storytellers are no longer tribal elders or Hollywood screenwriters. They're marketers, political strategists, and troll farms weaving stories designed to misinform, mislead, and manipulate. So what can be done about it? Using humorous comic art from his graphic novel, author Samuel C. Spitale (How to Win the War on Truth) will provide a crash course in media literacy to help concerned citizens become more savvy media consumers.

Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 207

1: Programs, Books, Education, Historical, Humor & Satire, Seminars & Workshops

8:00pm PDT

Dune: Psychology of the Hero's Journey and Losing Innocence

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Room 207

In so many fantasy and sci-fi stories, the moment where the protagonist comes into their power is an event of excitement and unfettered joy. So why does it feel differently in Dune? This panel of psychology nerds and experts—Dr. James Poole (The Relational Nerd), Dr. Kile Ortigo (existential psychologist; author Beyond the Narrow Life), Dr. Isaac Taitz (president of All Mind Health) and David Carzell (actor, content creator)—explore various perspectives on what it means to grow up. While it can sometimes be a beautiful moment where we develop our independence and show the world our voice, it can also be a time of loss. Panelists will explore the loss of innocence in Paul Atreides as he becomes Lisan al-Gaib, the dream and humor he gives up, and what it means to fulfill a sense of duty and obligation to the world writ large. And be sure to be there at the start to be welcomed in by a psychologist who will lead attendees on a Bene Gesserit-themed mindfulness breathing exercise.

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 207

U: Updated, Books, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy | 1: Programs, Books, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

9:00pm PDT

Dune: Where Do We Go From Here?

Friday March 27, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT

Room 207

Gareth Von Kallenbach and members of Skewed and Reviewed look at what the future of the Dune franchise may hold. From the upcoming movie and television series to possible new films, shows, games, books, and more, this lively panel includes an audience participation segment.

Friday March 27, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 207

1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Books, Comics, Fandom, Movies, Television, Video Games

WonderCon 2026

2:00pm PDT

5:00pm PDT

6:00pm PDT

7:00pm PDT

8:00pm PDT

9:00pm PDT

Get help with the event