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Friday, March 27
 

2:00pm PDT

Comic-Con Lost Videos of the 1980s Part ll: The Trilogy
Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
This panel explores how digitizing media can help preserve the histories and legacies of creators and loved ones who are no longer with us and considers the question: Will A.I. help? This important issue for collectors, videographers, and archivists is highlighted through new, previously unseen videos that aim to educate and entertain, with additional surprises in store. Greg Koudoulian (Shel Dorf Archives) and Ron McFee (archivist for Comic-Con) can help answer your questions on preservation for the future.
Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Historical, Humor & Satire, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Technology - Science - STEM, Television

2:00pm PDT

Spiritual Themes in Comics
Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 211
Casey Robin (illustrator), Travis Hanson (Beanleaf Press), Spiritual themes continue to be an essential component in comics, television, and movies, with series like Avatar: Fire and Ash, Ironheart, and Win or Lose all having spiritual themes as an important element of their stories. Leo Partible (comic book creator), Buzz Dixon (G.I. Joe), Matt Agosto (pastor), Ralph Miley (New Creation Comics), and Kyle Keene (moderator) will discuss the importance of spiritual themes in storytelling and the future of these themes as they are interwoven in the culture and in creative expressions.
Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

2:00pm PDT

Helping Dragons Fly: Real Science in Animation
Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 207
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

2:00pm PDT

Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival
Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 303CD
The annual Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival begins with three full days of short films from around the world for all ages, featuring animation, live action, and documentaries. Animators and filmmakers will talk to the audience following their films, including giving advice for kids on how to become a professional animator or filmmaker. For the full LAICFF schedule, click here.
Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 303CD
  1: Programs, Animation, Movies |   3: Children's Films, Animation, Movies

2:30pm PDT

Charles M. Schulz and Peanuts
Friday March 27, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and their friends have been part of the American family for 75 years. Peanuts experts Mark Evanier and Nat Gertler attempt to explain why this is, and if they cannot, they will at least try to answer audience questions about the most widely read newspaper strip in the history of mankind.
Special Guests
avatar for Mark Evanier

Mark Evanier

WonderCon Special Guest
Mark Evanier attended his first San Diego Comic-Con in 1970 and has been to every one of these annual events ever since. He was then an assistant to the great Jack Kirby, whom he wrote about in his book Kirby, King of Comics. Mark has also written for live-action TV shows, animat... Read More →
Friday March 27, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Humor & Satire, Movies, Television, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:30pm PDT

Star Wars: Inside the Creatures, Droids, and Puppetry
Friday March 27, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208
This panel explores the Star Wars galaxy as the actors and puppeteers behind some of its most iconic aliens, droids, and creatures reveal how the magic is created. Christine Galey, Chris Bartlett, TaMara Carlson Woodard, Jasper J. Anderson, Dawn Dininger, and Jacob Roanhaus provide an inside look at puppeteering, practical effects, and performance and how these elements bring Star Wars to life on screen. Hosted by Crystal Rose Schaefer and Sean Shaw.
Friday March 27, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

3:00pm PDT

TMNT 1990 Movie Screenwriter Turtle Gabfest
Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 211
Screenwriter Bobby Herbeck leads a discussion on the making of the first 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, highlights from the last 36 years, its recent 35th-anniversary nationwide re-release, and what lies ahead for this iconic film.
Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Animation, Humor & Satire, Movies, Writers & Writing

3:45pm PDT

Aliens 40: The 40th Anniversary of One of the Best Sequels Ever Made
Friday March 27, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
North 100B
This panel marks the 40th anniversary of Aliens (1986), honoring James Cameron's sequel and its lasting impact on science fiction action and pop culture. Members of the cast, including Michael Biehn, Jennette Goldstein, and Mark Rolston, share behind-the-scenes stories, discuss groundbreaking effects, and reflect on the evolution of Ripley into an action icon. Moderated by Mark Atkinson (actor, filmmaker), the panel features anecdotes, audience Q&A, and retrospective insights designed to engage longtime fans and introduce new audiences to this influential film.
Friday March 27, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Anniversaries, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Tributes

4:00pm PDT

Hello Maggie Film Premiere
Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 209
WonderCon special guest animator Willie Ito is joined by Tony Tarantini (faculty member in Sheridan College's animation program with production work on Beetlejuice and The Care Bears), James Lopez (a Disney animator whose projects include Hercules and The Lion King), Logan Christie (director of operations for the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, which produced the film and Anthony Keith (an entrepreneur, event sponsor, and former Comic-Con department head) to discuss their roles in the creation of the film Hello Maggie , as well as the involvement of Nemo Art Academy and Italian composer Carlo Chiarotti in the film's creation.
Special Guests
avatar for Willie Ito

Willie Ito

A-01, WonderCon Special Guest
Willie Ito began his 50-year career in animation working on Disney’s iconic spaghetti-kissing scene in 1953's Lady & The Tramp. He continued to work at Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera, Bob Clampett Productions, and other studios before returning to Disney in the early 1970s. After... Read More →
Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Animation, Education, Historical, Movies, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:30pm PDT

Cartoon History
Friday March 27, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Is there anything about cartoons or animation that audiences have always wondered about? Animation experts Jerry Beck and Mark Evanier do their best to explain things, whether the questions involve how Wile E. Coyote pays all those bills from the Acme Company or how the kids who drive around with Scooby-Doo can be so bright but not recognize that one of the suspects in their current case is wearing a rubber mask. Jerry and Mark will do their best to enlighten the audience.
Special Guests
avatar for Mark Evanier

Mark Evanier

WonderCon Special Guest
Mark Evanier attended his first San Diego Comic-Con in 1970 and has been to every one of these annual events ever since. He was then an assistant to the great Jack Kirby, whom he wrote about in his book Kirby, King of Comics. Mark has also written for live-action TV shows, animat... Read More →
Friday March 27, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Humor & Satire, Movies, Television, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

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

5:30pm PDT

JAKKS Pacific and Disguise Costumes: Exclusive First Look at Upcoming Releases
Friday March 27, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
This panel offers a preview of new figures and collectibles based on Nintendo, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Simpsons, and more. Disguise Costumes also unveils a lineup of costumes scheduled to hit stores this year. After the reveals, the session features a Q&A and a trivia challenge that gives attendees a chance to win special prizes. Panelists include Danielle McLachlan, Kevin Feely, Jeremy Sueper, Amritz Lay, Alex Tello, Jennifer Gracia, Maddie Gerety, and Chelsea Tenney.
Friday March 27, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Kids, Movies, Superheroes, Video Games

6:00pm PDT

A World Without Film Remakes
Friday March 27, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Film audiences have heard the critique before, that too many sequels, remakes, and similar projects are released each year, with little-to-no push toward more original ideas and stories. But how much truth do these positions hold, and what would a world without film remakes look like? The hosts of Nothing New: A Remake Podcast, Andrew Linde and Justin Quizon, are joined by Alix Catherine (podcast and livestream host, The Welcome Party), Becky D'Anna (podcast host and marketing executive, Sony Pictures), and Ashley Maria (writer and director, Super Human Anxiety) to discuss the impact of remakes on the film industry, how to foster original storytelling in film, and how the best, most original stories still contain an homage to what has come before.
Friday March 27, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:00pm PDT

The Vertical Drama Format Powers Up with Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror, and Adventure
Friday March 27, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Verticals are everywhere! Filmed in the upright format for cell phone viewing, saucy CEO and billionaire movies with a hook-you cliffhanger at the end of each 1- to 3-minute episode have been surging, grabbing millions of views and millions of dollars. Now creators are stepping forward into this space, bringing compelling stories—tales of sci-fi, fantasy, superheroes, horror, and more. This panel goes behind the scenes of the format. It wouldn't be a vertical experience without a cliffhanger and a surprise or two, and actors and creators exploring this new universe share how they approach it: Gabe Armentano (Hear My Love Again), Evan Camacho (Game of Choice), Andre Philip Coleman (writer/director/producer, Milestone), Molly Flanagan (Tangled up in Christmas, OMG I'm Surrounded by Three Princes), Jake Hobbs (When I Was Gone, He Went Mad), Emily Lisa Jones (Callsign: Legacy), Jaki Lauper (Their Brother Lost in Space, Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.), Riley Nottingham (Hive, Love Me Like You Hate Me), and Rosa Singerman (Blood and Bones of the Disowned Daughter, Dracula's Daughter 2). Moderated by Michael Day (Talented Universe).
Friday March 27, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  U: Updated, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

6:15pm PDT

Toonstock 17: We're Singing Again . . . with the Dynamic Music Partners!
Friday March 27, 2026 6:15pm - 7:15pm PDT
North 100B
Toonstock returns for a 17th entertaining panel, featuring the celebrated creative composers of copious cartoon music, the Emmy Award–winning Dynamic Music Partners. Perk up your ears for an hour of animated musical fun discussing the likes of Justice League, Teen Titans, Batman Beyond, The Zeta Project, The New Batman Superman Adventures, Marvel's Avengers Assemble, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, and more with DMP's terrific trio—Kristopher Carter, Lolita Ritmanis, and Michael McCuistion—alongside The Archive Guys Podcast hosts Matthew Patterson and DW Ferranti, and moderator Gary Miereanu. Prepare to raise your own voice during the beloved Batman: The Brave and the Bold sing-along to the landmark "Mayhem of the Music Meister" episode.
Friday March 27, 2026 6:15pm - 7:15pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Comics, Historical, Kids, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

6:30pm PDT

Comic Book Law School®: The ABCs of Copyright and Trademark Law
Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 210
Creative passion and keen business sense don't always go hand in hand, and that's one of the reasons why many creators put off taking steps to protect their rights. But with an ever-growing appetite for new content and artificial means for laypersons to generate creative works with simple prompts, it has never been more important for creators to "get their ducks in a row" as soon as they can to protect themselves and their creations. But comics creators have their own Defenders they can turn to—and not just Jennifer Walters and Matt Murdock—as noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz (author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book) returns to WonderCon along with IP attorney Alana Friedman to bring attendees the information needed to protect their creative works. This Comic Book Law School session tackles the basics of protection and ownership of ideas, works of authorship, characters, names, and branding, giving creators information to help them protect their creative works from conception through publication and beyond. Attendees will participate in an interactive discussion about rights available to authors and creators under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, as well as some of the problems and pitfalls they may face, some important contract “dos and don'ts,” and (time permitting) a brief discussion on why written agreements can be unsung heroes and why not all generative A.I. programs are villains. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. [This program is approved for one credit of California MCLE.]
Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 210
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Games, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Television, Web, Writers & Writing

6:30pm PDT

Nacelle's Star Trek Action Figures
Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Brian Volk-Weiss (The Toys That Made Us, Disney's Behind the Attraction) and the Nacelle Toys team offer an intergalactic deep dive into their officially licensed Star Trek action figure line, featuring a look at their most ambitious project yet, the Build-A-Bridge play set. Brace for impact, because Nacelle's materializing something stellar for your Star Trek collection.
Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Fandom, Movies, Television

7:30pm PDT

Making Film Magic: From Script to Screen in 2026
Friday March 27, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
You'd like to break through to have a successful film career, but where do you begin, and what should you know up front? It's time for a frank, honest discussion about the dos and don'ts from those industry pros who have done it before. Award-winning writer/filmmaker Tim Chizmar (First Comics News, director of Naked Alien Massacre, WWE ghostwriter) moderates this panel of industry professionals who will tell you the truth about adapting your ideas from a piece of literature or comic series into a successful visual medium. Panelists include Alan Ng (editor-in-chief, Film Threat), Grant Offenberger (Naked & Not Afraid, Grant Me Peace), Mark Savage (director, Jeffrey Dollmer, Naked As Created: The Pastor Jim Moore Story), Mo Kelly (radio and television commentator), Derek Sulek (Fade to Black Films, director, Dead of Night, Chaos on the Farm), and Chris Jericho (AEW, Fozzy, WWE).
Friday March 27, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Television, Movies

7:30pm PDT

The Greatest Cartoons Ever!
Friday March 27, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
North 100B
ASIFA-Hollywood teams with renowned animation historian Jerry Beck (CartoonResearch.com, MeTV Toons) for a big-screen celebration of classic theatrical shorts featuring Popeye, Bugs Bunny, and legendary work by Chuck Jones and Tex Avery. Presented with historical context and live commentary, this screening invites audiences to rediscover why these cartoons became foundational to animation fandom and why they still resonate today.
Friday March 27, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Animation, Movies

8:00pm PDT

Golden Healing: K-Pop Demon Hunters
Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Irene Yu (credentialed counselor) appears as Rumi for an uplifting discussion. She unpacks self-worth, identity, and belonging through K-Pop Demon Hunters' storytelling and fandom. Attendees gain simple, powerful ways to talk about self-worth while celebrating fandom's joy and creativity. The session closes with a Golden Singalong, sealing The Honmoon in song, unity, and joy.
Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs, Animation, Cosplay, Education, Fandom, Movies, Music, Superheroes

8:00pm PDT

Quests & Queries!
Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 209
The Welcome Party—Alix Catherine, Cole Garrison, and Jason Patrick Galit (JPG)—host this afterparty game of wordplay and clever query crafting where participants answer questions and question answers. Kimberley Wong (actress and voice actress, Queen of Tears) and Movie Mija (Emily Baeza) (producer, filmmaker, and content creator) will test their pop culture knowledge and put that knowledge into practice by crafting new questions, generating different answers to the same questions, and breaking down questions to find the answers they seek. With guest host Law Sharma (actor and entertainment journalist), this education- and comedy-focused battle of wits emphasizes that the thought process behind crafting an answer is just as important as the answer itself.
Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Education, Fandom, Games, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Web

8:00pm PDT

She's Alive! The Bride of Frankenstein at 90!
Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 211
Julian David Stone (author of the novel It's Alive!) and Antonia Carlotta (host of the Universally Me web series) celebrate The Bride of Frankenstein's 90th anniversary with a special presentation and discussion on the making and influence of the greatest of all Universal Monster films.
Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Books, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Podcasts, Web

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

8:30pm PDT

Neighborhood Nightmares
Friday March 27, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Vampires and werewolves, the most popular monsters in movies and literature, exist because of folklore—local legends passed on from generation to generation to explain the weird and unknown. Small towns and regions around the globe are rich with these legends, and they can be ground zero for storytellers looking to create the next great thriller. The panelists of Neighborhood Nightmares share their knowledge and experience with small-town horror and talk about ways to use these legends to create compelling stories that keep readers and viewers up at night. From a haunted house in Amityville to the Jersey Devil to Rougarous, there are plenty of legends to explore, terrify, and inspire your creativity. New York Times bestseller Peter Clines (Gods Junk Drawer, The Broken Room), Nebula and BSFA Award finalist Jendia Gammon (Atacama, Doomflower), award-winning producer and comic book writer Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia, Blacula), and horror/paranormal author Denise Tapscott (Gypsy Kisses and Voodoo Wishes) will join moderator and award-winning horror and urban fantasy author Dennis K. Crosby (Death's Legacy, Death's Debt) for a deep dive into the thrilling tales that added to their love of horror and helped guide some of their storytelling.
Friday March 27, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Television, Writers & Writing

8:30pm PDT

On the Mic Podcast with Tim Drake Live from WonderCon
Friday March 27, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
The popular entertainment and comedy podcast, hosted by Tim Drake (Demonetize, Bundy Manor, Funny or Die), heads back to WonderCon. He is joined by Lucasfilm award-winning guest co-host Alex Watson (Demonetize, Bundy Manor, Star Wars Fan Film). A special celebrity guest will also be on hand to talk film, TV, and comedy.
Friday March 27, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Television, Movies

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

9:00pm PDT

Star Wars After Dark Trivia Party
Friday March 27, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 209
Teams compete in spirited rounds of Star Wars trivia hosted by Richard Woloski and Sarah Woloski (Skywalking Through Neverland podcast/YouTube). Each side of the room works as a team to answer quirky trivia questions ranging from movies and TV series, behind-the-scenes nuggets, and parody songs to sliced appendages. You don't have to be a trivia expert, and you might walk away with new Star Wars fun fact knowledge. Contestants will receive a raffle ticket to win prizes.
Friday March 27, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Television, Movies

9:00pm PDT

The Great Geek Debate
Friday March 27, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 300E
From holiday movie controversies (Die Hard?) to fandom-defining rivalries (Star Wars versus Star Trek). GG4G superfan panelists Brian Slape, Peyton Slape, Jason Wilkerson, Robert Lanuza, Stephen Fromm, and Joe Queen take part in a fast-paced, lighthearted, and interactive debate as they tackle some of pop culture's hotly contested questions of all time. No topic is off limits as the panelists and audience weigh in to challenge each other's logic. This debate is not just about winning, but about what makes fandom fun.
Friday March 27, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy
 
Saturday, March 28
 

11:00am PDT

4th Annual Scene Breakdown: Behind the Camera of Film and TV Shows
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Directors, editors, producers, composers, writers, and other industry experts share insights into their craft and break down memorable scenes from iconic film and television projects, exploring how they bring stories to life. Panelists include producer/actor Edgar Damatian, director Gedaly Guberek, creator/showrunner James McNamara (The Artful Dodger), film director/producer/CEO Kelley Kali, cinematographer Wesley Cardino, and composer Kenny Wood (Nobody Wants This, Locker Diaries: Zombies, A Winter's Song, Ricky, Shadow of the Mages). Moderated by writer/director Chris Rodriguez (Puffing Iron, They'll Find Him in the River). Part 1 of Impact24 PR's Panel Superblock.
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, BIPOC, Fandom, Humor & Satire, Movies, Music, Television

11:00am PDT

Alien Influence: Set Decoration for Extraterrestrials
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 207
Ever since philosophers first asked existential questions, aliens have been an integral part of the cultural zeitgeist. Set decorators create the visuals that bring these sci-fi stories to life. Ashley Michelle Marsh (SDSA, Pluribus) and Lauri Gaffin (Captain Marvel) discuss the challenges and joys of decorating extraterrestrial environments and their interaction with our world. Moderated by Rae Deslich (SDSA) and Michelle Hall (SDSA).
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

11:00am PDT

Pop Culture in Museums: Comics, Film, Animation, and More
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
In recent years, pop culture exhibitions have exploded, with blockbuster productions reaching audiences around the world. This panel brings together curators, creators, designers, and other professionals to discuss displaying and celebrating popular arts in museum settings and will also feature an exclusive sneak peek at the Skirball Cultural Center's next comics-focused show.
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Superheroes

11:00am PDT

Secrets of Writing Science Fiction
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 211
What inspires the stories that shape the stars? In the quiet spaces where imagination stirs, science fiction takes root—born of longing, courage, and the lure of the unknown. Legendary authors and visionary screenwriters David Brin (The Uplift War, Existence), Jimmy Diggs (Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Doug Drexler (Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica), and Andre Bormanis (Star Trek, The Orville) reveal the magic behind writing futures both beautiful and strange. Moderated by Mark O'Bannon (Imperium, Whiskers).
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Books, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 9:00pm PDT
Room 303CD
The annual Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival continues with its three days of short films from around the world for all ages, featuring animation, live-action, and documentaries. Animators and filmmakers will talk to the audience following their films, including offering advice for kids on how to become a professional animator or filmmaker. For the full LAICFF schedule, click here.
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 9:00pm PDT
Room 303CD
  1: Programs, Animation, Movies |   3: Children's Films, Animation, Movies

11:30am PDT

Focus on Jim Cummings
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
North 200A
This intimate conversation with Jim Cummings explores his 40-plus-year career giving voice to a diverse array of landmark animated characters, including Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Darkwing Duck, and Star Wars' Hondo Ohnaka, as well as providing the singing voice of Scar in The Lion King. A two-time Annie Award winner and recipient of the prestigious Winsor McCay Award, Cummings is joined by moderator Chris Judge, producer of the incredibly popular Toon'd In! with Jim Cummings podcast.
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
North 200A
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Anniversaries, Fandom, Historical, Kids, Movies, Superheroes, Television

11:30am PDT

The Mighty Crusaders
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
In 1939, MLJ Comics, the company later rebranded as Archie Comics, published Blue Ribbon Comics and entered the world of superheroes with Bob Phantom. The company went on to create a pantheon of superheroes, including the first patriotic superhero, The Shield, and fan favorites such as The Comet, Hangman, The Fly, Lancelot Strong, and many more. These heroes have appeared in both Archie Comics and DC Comics. Their stories have been reprinted in England, France, Germany, and Brazil, and the characters have crossed over into radio, film, and the pulps. This panel presents the 80-year history of some of the greatest superheroes of the Archie universe with Rik Offenberger (Archie Comics), Chris Squires (Archie Comics), and Mighty Crusaders experts Ray MacKay (Big Bang Comics) and Tim Chizmar (Spooky Ninja Kitty Comics).
Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Superheroes, Movies

12:00pm PDT

6th Annual "It's Alive!": Designing Sci-Fi, Horror, and Comic Book Genre Film and TV
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300A
"It's Alive!" returns to WonderCon with an exploration of the creative work behind horror, anime, thriller, and comic book–inspired films and TV shows. Industry professionals reveal how they bring worlds and characters to life through the artistry of music, editing, and more in this deep dive into the creative process. Panelists include composer Daniel Rojas (Marvel's Hit-Monkey), editor Eric Litman, ACE (One Piece), composer Ian Arber (Drops of God season 2), editor Kristi Shimek (Wardriver), composer Sam Boase-Miller (Good Boy), and composer Sam Jones (Didn’t Die). Moderated by editor Maura Corey, ACE (Gen V). Part 2 of Impact24 PR's Panel Superblock.
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

Merri Hour Live
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 207
The Merri Hour is a show designed to feel like you're hanging out with friends talking about the movies and shows you love most. Now you can have that experience in person at the first-ever live-recorded Merri Hour panel with Perri Nemiroff (Collider) and Matt Donato (Fangoria). Attendees can pick their brains in person about highly anticipated releases, the latest movie and TV news, their journeys as critics, and more.
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs, Television, Movies

12:00pm PDT

The DisneyBound Blog: Styling for Fandom Fashion
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300E
In the 15 years since The Disneybound Blog became a viral sensation, it has brought together a global community sharing their love of Disney fandom and creative fashion expression by incorporating both into daily styling. Disneybounding pros Logan Allison, Shannon Kiang, Jazmine Liew, Clarione, and Tory Hatcher present tools for bringing whimsy and favorite fandoms to personal wardrobes. Moderated by Kelsey Walmer.
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  U: Updated, Animation, Cosplay, Fandom, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Television |   1: Programs, Animation, Cosplay, Fandom, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Television

12:00pm PDT

Your Superpower and How It Fits in Animation
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 209
The good folks at The Animation Guild (TAG) are here to show that if you're interested in a career in the animation world, drawing isn't the only thing they're looking for. Eric Robles (Stranger Things: Tales from '85), Christian Streaty (Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures), Jason Mayer (The Wild Robot), Chris Battle (Teen Titans Go!), Kristen Gish (Star vs. The Forces of Evil), and Ian Graham (Stranger Things: Tales from '85) discuss how your strengths might fit into the many and multifaceted roles that bring animation to life. Moderated by David Avallone (Batwheels), the panel covers screenwriters, storyboard artists, production workers, CG animators, designers, and more to show that there is a place for everyone in the exciting world of animation.
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 209
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, Animation, Art and Illustration, Movies, Television, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Art and Illustration, Movies, Television, Writers & Writing

12:15pm PDT

Bat in the Sun
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
North 100B
The Bat in the Sun crew presents an exclusive sneak preview of their upcoming Super Power Beat Down, followed by a Q&A where attendees can ask questions and suggest future battles. The panel also includes an update on the highly anticipated film Legend of the White Dragon.
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Movies, Seminars & Workshops

12:30pm PDT

Legendary Comics: Godzilla x Kong, Dune, Pacific Rim, and More!
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208
Legendary Comics, the publishing arm of the studio behind the Dune and Monsterverse franchises (including Monarch and next year’s Godzilla x Kong: Supernova), as well as Trick 'r Treat, Pacific Rim, and the upcoming Street Fighter movie, offers a behind-the-scenes look at their graphic novels, art books, and other tie-in publishing across all of the company’s franchises. A special giveaway is planned.
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Movies

12:30pm PDT

Designing Worlds: Careers in Games, Costumes, Sets, and Art Direction
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 300C
iAsia Brown (senior producer, gaming consulting), Juda Escalante (specialty costume manufacturer), Chris Gilman (founder of Global Effects), KC Mancebo (producer/art director Sailor Moon, Clamorhouse), David Tobocman (composer, film and TV) offer insights and advice on building careers in games, costumes, set design, and art direction. Moderated by Heather Cook (speaker and community builder, Microsoft).
Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, Costuming, Education, Games, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Costuming, Education, Games, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00pm PDT

1st Annual Behind the Cut: Postproduction in Film and TV
Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Experts go behind the scenes of film and television to reveal how stories are finalized in the postproduction process. Through real-world examples, editors and composers break down their creative process and the decisions that shape stories into the final project. Panelists include editor Chris Rodriguez, ACE (Love Is Blind, Project Runway) , editor Daysha Broadway, ACE (The AI DOC or How I Became an Apocaloptimist), editor/director Jon Dudkowski (Star Trek: Starfleet Academy), composer Joy Ngiaw (WondLa), composer Kristen Personius (Tyler Perry's Finding Joy), and Max Davidoff-Grey (The Witcher season 4). Moderated by Ben Urquhart (California Post Alliance). Part 3 of Impact24 PR's Panel Superblock, in partnership with the California Post Alliance.
Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, BIPOC, Fandom, Movies, Music, Television

1:00pm PDT

Meet Tarzan Author Joe R. Lansdale plus Esteemed Guests
Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 211
Three decades ago, Edgar Rice Burroughs' grandson found a lost Tarzan manuscript in a vault in Tarzana, California, and selected rising-star author Joe R. Lansdale (Bubba Hotep, Hap and Leonard) to complete it. Now, Lansdale is a legend in his own right, discussing new Tarzan projects as well as the 30th anniversary edition of Tarzan: The Lost Adventure, a convention exclusive debuting at WonderCon. The panel also features Llana Jane Burroughs, ERB's great-granddaughter, whose father recovered the lost manuscript and worked tirelessly to promote ERB's legacy. Next, Tom Akel of Rocketship Entertainment offers a glimpse at a new epic Tarzan comics project. Also on hand are Wolf Larson (former Tarzan TV star and VP of ERB Entertainment) and the ERB, Inc. team to discuss upcoming books, comic books, merchandise, and movie and TV series in development. Attendees will receive a Tarzan: The Lost Adventure 30th anniversary bookmark!
Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anniversaries, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Games, Historical, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

1:30pm PDT

The Writer's Journey: Your Intellectual Property Is Your Future
Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 300C
The entertainment industry has shifted in ways no one could have predicted. This panel explores how rapidly the entertainment industry has changed and what displaced writers have done to rejuvenate their careers by doubling down on their original material. Writers and producers give examples of how they changed their mentality and offer solutions for writers who feel confused and frustrated. Featuring Brandon Easton (Iyanu), Roye Okupe (Iyanu), and other creators.
Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs, Animation, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

1:30pm PDT

Writing for Animation
Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Who writes cartoons, and how do they do that? Writers who create stories and gags for some of your favorite shows, will do their best to enlighten attendees. Panelists Brooks Wachtel (X-Men), Cynthia Harrison (Spider-Man: The Animated Series), Robert Skir (Batman: The Animated Series), and Mark Evanier (The Garfield Show) discuss their work and experiences, and maybe attendees will learn something valuable for their lives or careers.
Special Guests
avatar for Mark Evanier

Mark Evanier

WonderCon Special Guest
Mark Evanier attended his first San Diego Comic-Con in 1970 and has been to every one of these annual events ever since. He was then an assistant to the great Jack Kirby, whom he wrote about in his book Kirby, King of Comics. Mark has also written for live-action TV shows, animat... Read More →
Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Humor & Satire, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:00pm PDT

Cinematic Storytelling: The Art of Visual Effects and Speculative Fiction
Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300E
A panel of award-winning visual effects artists turned science fiction and fantasy authors explore how the language of film translates into the written word. You will learn how elements of cinematic storytelling, timing, framing, rhythm, spectacle, and emotional focus can shape unforgettable prose. Featuring Eric Wilson (VFX, The Matrix; author, The Murder Algorithm), Jim Hillin (VFX, Thor: Love and Thunder; author, Horace Gumshoe), and Scott Kilburn (VFX, Life of Pi; author, The Fey Forest Chronicles), with moderator Theresa Halvorsen (author, Warehouse Dreams, Lost Aboard)
Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Comics, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Pitching to Hollywood
Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
Screen and TV writers Douglas J. Eboch (Sweet Home Alabama, The Hollywood Pitching Bible), Shireen Razack (Shadowhunters, Haven), and Spiro Skentzos (Arrow, Grimm) discuss pitching original ideas as well as pitching to win assignments for movies and television. They delve into how to identify what is unique and marketable about a concept, how to construct a compelling pitch, and how to present it effectively.
Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
  1: Programs, Television, Movies

2:45pm PDT

Tidings from Middle-earth: Film and TV in 2026
Saturday March 28, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
North 100B
The internet's longest-running Tolkien community, TheOneRing.net (TORn), brings together Nicole Roberts (TORn outreach coordinator), Nancy Steinman (graphic artist and writer), Clifford Broadway (host of TORn Tuesday), Cathy Udovch (TORn special events coordinator), and Kristi Fojtik (founder of Tolkien Forever) to share the latest news about the film The Hunt for Gollum, The Rings of Power on Prime, and Magic: The Gathering's new Hobbit expansion, among many other Middle-earth-inspired endeavors. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, celebrated with theater screenings of the trilogy films earlier in the year. Panelists discuss upcoming celebrations and how Tolkien's works have been expanded since the film's release in 2001. Cosplay is always encouraged and appreciated. Moderated by Justin Sewell (producer of TORn Tuesday).
Saturday March 28, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

3:00pm PDT

How to Build a Droid 101
Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Panelists discuss how you can begin your journey of building full-size droids from the Star Wars universe. They will take you through how to join their clubs and forums and discuss materials and costs.
Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Technology - Science - STEM

3:00pm PDT

Set Decoration of Marvel's Wonder Man
Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Marvel dropped its newest show in January, set in the weird world of Hollywood and the MCU. Set decorator Lizzie Boyle, SDSA and members of the set decoration department (assistant set decorator Nicole Riley and set dec buyer Avery Ferguson) talk about the sets of this stylish show. Moderated by Rae Deslich, SDSA and Michelle Hall, SDSA. Part of the Set Decorators Society of America's series of panels on film and TV set decoration.
Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Comics, Cosplay, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

4:00pm PDT

Cartoon Voices
Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 207
For the 64th time at WonderCon, Comic-Con, or online, Mark Evanier assembles a panel of folks who supply the voices, grunts, and groans for many fan-favorite cartoon characters. They’ll demonstrate what they do, explain how they got to do it, and then massacre a fairy tale for the audience's edification. Featuring Brian Hull (Hotel Transylvania), Cheryl Chase (Rugrats), Kamali Minter (Shark Tale), and Piotr Michael (Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures).
Special Guests
avatar for Mark Evanier

Mark Evanier

WonderCon Special Guest
Mark Evanier attended his first San Diego Comic-Con in 1970 and has been to every one of these annual events ever since. He was then an assistant to the great Jack Kirby, whom he wrote about in his book Kirby, King of Comics. Mark has also written for live-action TV shows, animat... Read More →
Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs, Animation, Humor & Satire, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

5:00pm PDT

Scaring Audiences to Death
Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Now in theaters and hitting streaming soon, Scared to Death is a new horror/comedy film featuring horror legend Lin Shaye (Insidious franchise) and Bill Moseley (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2, Rob Zombie's Firefly trilogy, The Devil's Rejects). Hear Shaye discuss a celebrated career in the genre, and get the inside scoop about the intricacies of blending comedy with horror from director/writer Paul Boyd (Vicious Circle), Legacy Effects visual effects master J. Alan Scott (Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew), and actors Victoria Konefal (Days of Our Lives), Kurt Deimer (Halloween), B.J. Minor (Bel-Air), and Olivier Paris (A.P. Bio). Noted horror journalist Brian Collins (Fangoria, Bloody Disgusting, Horror Movie A Day) will moderate.
Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Movies |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Movies

5:15pm PDT

Four Decades of Robotech
Saturday March 28, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm PDT
North 100B
Harmony Gold U.S.A. celebrates Robotech entering its fourth decade of growth. Get the latest news and updates on new toy lines from Toynami, ThreeZero, KitzConcept, Unix Square, and Sentinel, tabletop games from Strange Machine Games, the latest comics from Titan Comics, and a new video game license (yes, you read that right).
Saturday March 28, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

5:30pm PDT

Paleontology in Popular Media
Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Biologists and artists working at the interface of science and entertainment come together to discuss the impact of one of the most publicly popular sciences. Panelists include Stuart Sumida (president, Society of Vertebrate Paleontology; scientific consultant on over 80 animated and VFX films), David Krentz (Prehistoric Planet, two-time Emmy Award winner for Primal), Eric Scott (Encino Man, upcoming BBC evolution documentaries), Evan Boucher (DreamWorks Animation; Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History docent), Elizabeth Rega (Disney's Strange World, Blizzard Entertainment), and Danny Anduza (paleontologist; Twitch ambassador).
Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Video Games

6:00pm PDT

Indie Toy Makers Unite!
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 209
Indie Toy Makers Unite returns to WonderCon with a candid, creative conversation about independently creating toys. Hear directly from creators who are producing and marketing their own independent toys and making their mark on the collectible community. This year's conversation includes Bill Murphy (BigBadWorkshop), Sarah Lynn Reynolds (senior toy designer, Bonkers), Quang Le (Creature Bazaar), Jason Langston (freelance toy and graphic designer), Rocom Toys, and Gavin Hignight (Wandering Planet Toys). Moderated by Jordan Q. Hammer (creator of pop culture news site Toyshiz; expert on Discontinued with Bruce Campbell), and Richard Mayerik (The Toys That Made Us; Secret Compartment Show).
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Music, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Writers & Writing

6:00pm PDT

Trans Masculine Representation in Entertainment
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
Avi Roque (The Owl House, Cemetery Boys), Simon Lucas Howe (Rick and Morty, Big Mouth), Theo Tiedemann (Transparent, Our Flag Means Death), Maze Felix (Apple TV's Give Me an A, Mascvmasc), and Yas Modares Ghasiri (Sylvester Stallone's MVP, Babysplitters) bring the real talk on trans masculine representation in film and TV. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, industry tea, and a candid conversation on visibility, creativity, and taking up space.
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
  1: Programs, Animation, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Television, Writers & Writing

6:00pm PDT

Worldbuilding for Creators
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
North 153
This panel explores how to craft a world that draws in audiences with some of the creative minds behind Darrington Press's tabletop role-playing game Daggerheart, along with other industry guests. Spenser Starke (Alice Is Missing, Kids on Brooms), Rowan Hall (Sunderfolk, Candela Obscura), Elise Rezendes (Session Zero System), and others examines their worldbuilding process in tabletop games, video games, film, TV, and beyond.
Special Guests
avatar for Spenser Starke

Spenser Starke

D-01, WonderCon Special Guest
Spenser Starke is a WGA screenwriter and the senior game designer at Darrington Press. He is best known for Daggerheart, Alice Is Missing, Candela Obscura, and Kids on Brooms. Additionally, he has worked on video games like Sunderfolk and is currently adapting a number of tabletop... Read More →
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
North 153
  D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Games, Tabletop Games, Action/Adventure, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Video Games, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances |   1: Programs, Games, Tabletop Games, Action/Adventure, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Video Games, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

6:30pm PDT

David Dastmalchian: Comic Book Movie Actor to Comic Book Creator
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
North 100B
Actor and writer David Dastmalchian (The Suicide Squad, Count Crowley) discusses his career across comic books, film, television, and stage, exploring how these storytelling forms connect to his journey.
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Television, Movies

6:30pm PDT

Making a Living Being Creative
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 208
Star Wars artist and indie comic creator Lee Kohse (Star Wars, Kindergoth, Omicron Fel) talks about his 30+ year career as a professional artist, how he broke into the entertainment industry, optioning his creator-owned comics to Hollywood, adapting to a changing industry, navigating the business of Artists’ Alley, and how to be ready when a lucky break comes. Is it all about who you know? Attendees will learn how to promote themselves, get tips on how to network, and take part in a Q&A for anything Lee may have missed. Moderated by Johnny Kolasinski (Hi Everybody: A Bad Medicine Podcast).
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Education, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:30pm PDT

Star Wars Memories: The Early Days of Star Wars, SDCC, and Fandom
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Star Wars was released in 1977. But almost a year earlier, it was publicized and promoted at San Diego Comic-Con. Craig Miller (Lucasfilm's original director of fan relations and the author of Star Wars Memories) gives a slide show on the early association between Star Wars, Comic-Con, and fandom, including stories about how the film was publicized and promoted at SDCC in 1976 and how fans got involved and were kept involved from even before the film came out, including stories about 20th Century Fox's market research on making Star Wars, George Lucas's original explanation for the Millennium Falcon's 12 parsec Kessel Run, picking Leigh Brackett to write The Empire Strikes Back, Underwear That's Fun To Wear, taking Droids to Sesame Street, and more.
Saturday March 28, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Fandom, Movies

7:00pm PDT

How Video Game Films Git Gud
Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300A
There was once a time when fans would hear of a video game being adapted into another medium and forums would be ablaze with skepticism, jeers, and outright doubt. But with adaptations like Super Mario Bros., The Last of Us, and Sonic the Hedgehog filling theater seats, what has led to the change in fan perspectives? Derick McDuff (host of Underrated Movie Podcast), is joined by Tricia Aurand (award-winning screenwriter and podcast host), Thomas Craig (podcast host of Sick Burn Podcast), Kurosh Jozavi (games journalist and host of Savepoint Stories), Austin Olivia Kendrick (Emmy-nominated film/TV sound editor), and Jeremy "Jaymo" Strauss, (host of The Old Switcharoo) to address the fall and rise of video game adaptations, the tangible creative changes made to the adaptation process, and the growing trust fans are putting back into this industry.
Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs, Animation, Education, Fandom, Games, Historical, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Video Games, Web

7:00pm PDT

Sci-Fi Horror: Where No One Can Hear You Scream
Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 209
From alien encounters and rogue AIs to body horror, cosmic dread, and experiments gone wrong, science fiction and horror have always been an ideal nightmare pairing. Jendia Gammon (Atacama, Dungeon Crawl at the Haunted Mall), Jean-Paul L. Garnier (Space Cowboy Books, Simultaneous Times), Eric J. Guignard (A Graveside Gallery, That Which Grows Wild), Scott Sigler (The Crypt series), and moderator KC Grifant (Monster Gunslingers, Shrouded Horror) explore what makes sci-fi horror resonate. These experts share their insights into crafting and appreciating horrors at the heart of the genre: loss of control, isolation, the terror of the unknown, and the question of what it truly means to be human.
Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

The Power of Color: The Discussion Continues
Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
Representation in comics and pop culture continues to be at the forefront of the entertainment industry. Does the industry explore the option of looking at new material from independent creators, or does race swapping continue to be used as a method of furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion as it pertains to the topic of race? Featuring Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), Baldwin Chiu (filmmaker), Larissa Lam (actress), Hannibal Tabu (writer/producer), Leo Partible (filmmaker), and Ralph Miley (moderator). 
Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

7:30pm PDT

Mold/Resin Making, 3D Printing, and FX Techniques
Saturday March 28, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 210
Learn techniques from the experts: Fon Davis (25-year veteran of miniature VFX who has worked on over 25 movies, including the Star Wars series and Guardians of the Galaxy), Brooke Wheeler ( technical sales manager/materials specialist with Reynolds Advanced Materials), Sam Girgis (owner of BiggerBoxModels, designing ideas using CAD systems and with a unique focus on the 3D printing environment), Shawn Thorsson (founder of Thorsson & Assoc. Workshop whose props and armor are produced for films and collectors), Julia Jenkins (cosplayer of many characters who is an avid seamstress and builder), and Jeff Broz (in mold production for over 30 years, producing both aerospace and sci-fi projects).
Saturday March 28, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 210
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Technology - Science - STEM, Television

8:00pm PDT

The Hero's Journey and Journalistic Integrity
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 211
One of the most popular frameworks for telling stories is the Hero's Journey, a set of steps that guide heroes from beginning to end to accomplish their goals. In a climate of distrust, disdain, and A.I. use, this panel examines what modern-day journalists and reporters can take from this structure to become trusted sources for new audiences. Monica Duarte (editor-in-chief, Temple of Geek), Victoria Male (writer, producer, and journalist), Madison Morrow (journalist and host, NijiFest, Temple of Geek), Caitlin Tyrrell (journalist, Screen Rant, Temple of Geek), and Nick Williams (content creator and journalist), alongside moderator Christina Silvoso (cosplayer and host), discuss the similarities between stories and scoops, how the Hero's Journey applies to the pursuit of news, and what a journalistic creator needs to survive in their respective climates.
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Television, Web, Writers & Writing

8:00pm PDT

The Psychological Journey of The Lord of the Rings
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300A
The Lord of the Rings is an epic, high-fantasy tale that centers on fellowship, bravery, and good against evil. What does Aragorn's reluctance to become king say about him? Does the One Ring symbolize addiction? Does Gollum have multiple identities? How (and why) does fantasy storytelling improve mental health? Media psychologist Drea Letamendi, Ph.D. (The Arkham Sessions, UCLA), Miranda (host, Tolkien Tuesdays), and Todd Stashwick (actor, Marvel's VisionQuest; co-founder, ProgCore Fantasy) explore and explain the psychology of Middle-earth's riveting and unforgettable characters—both from the page and on-screen. Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions).
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Books, Education, Fandom, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Writers & Writing

8:30pm PDT

Selling the Hit: What You Always Wanted to Know About the Stunt Industry (In Memory of Eric Cajiuat)
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Stuntmen and stuntwomen from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Lift, Avengers: Endgame, Snowfall, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Cocaine Bear, Walking Dead, 9-1-1, God of War Ragnarok, and many more break down stunt scenes from prep to shooting, discuss their experiences, and offer advice in navigating the stunt industry. Panelists include Janeshia Adams-Ginyard (stunt double for Danai Gurira), Brian Danner (stunt coordinator/weapons expert), LeRoyal Tutt (stunt double for Kevin Hart), Joette Orman (stunt double for Rebel Wilson), Michael DeCamp (dreamy stuntman), and Thekla Hutyrova (martial arts badass). Moderated by Justin T. Bowler.
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, BIPOC, Education, Fandom, Humor & Satire, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Web

8:30pm PDT

The Art of Movie Posters
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
This panel goes behind the scenes with movie poster artists who are keeping that great tradition alive and well today. Kyle Lambert (Stranger Things) and Nima Neemz Nakhshab (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) take attendees through their processes step by step and dive deep into the storied history of movie poster art. Moderated by Tom Racine.
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  U: Updated, Movies, Art and Illustration |   1: Programs, Movies, Art and Illustration

8:30pm PDT

The WonderCon 2026 Masquerade
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 11:00pm PDT
North 200A
The annual onstage costume competition celebrates the amazing cosplay creativity and talents of WonderCon attendees. This is not a dance or party, but a series of onstage presentations of fan-crafted costumes, with trophies, generous cash prizes, and other awards, judged by professional costume designers. The show emcee is Ashley Eckstein, founder of the Her Universe fashion and lifestyle brand and the voice of Ahsoka Tano for Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, and more. There is also special entertainment during the judging break, with a new performance by the talented Corps Dance Crew and a big new Star Wars–inspired show by the Lucasfilm-approved Saber Guild lightsaber group. Doors open at 8:00 for audience seating, but the line for choice seating always starts to form earlier. No flash photography, please.
Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 11:00pm PDT
North 200A
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Kids, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

9:00pm PDT

HahaHorror
Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 209
The difference between horror and comedy may be the music, but these two genres truly are made for each other. Moderator Anastasia Washington (Grind, Addams Family) leads a discussion with actors, filmmakers, and genre creators Teri Gamble (Horror Movie Survival Guide, Modern Family), Gina Hendry (Deadhead, Gaslighter), Ned Kirschman (Scissor Sleepover), Brea Grant (Grind, Lucky), Andrew Scott Bell (Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey), Sarah Nicklin (VHS Halloween, Popeye the slayer man), Matt Glass (12 Hour Shift, Grind), and Brandon Espy (Mr. Crocket) as they discuss what makes audiences laugh in fear.
Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Television, Writers & Writing

9:00pm PDT

Psychology of Horror
Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Why do we pay to be terrified? From the nostalgic chills of Nightmare on Elm Street to the modern-day blockbuster of Stranger Things to the sinister streets of Derry, the horror genre has captivated audiences on the big and small screens alike since even before the penny dreadfuls. From Frankenstein's gothic angst to the moral shadows of Sinners, horror keeps us coming back for more. This panel rips the mask off fear to reveal what is underneath: how monsters mirror cultural anxieties and why horror thrives when the world feels uncertain. Expect jump-scare science, pop culture deep dives, and a few surprises that will make attendees rethink what is lurking in the dark. Featuring Dr. April Fugett (executive director, Center for Teaching and Learning, Marshall University), Dr. Britani Black (assistant professor of psychology, Marshall University), and Dr. Keith W. Beard (professor of psychology, Marshall University). Ready to face your fears? They promise . . . probably . . . nothing will follow you home.
Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs, Books, Education, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Television
 
Sunday, March 29
 

11:00am PDT

Pop Culture and the Christian Church
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 211
Hosted by the Christian Comic Arts Society for 28 years at Comic-Con and 6 years at WonderCon, this panel will explore the effectiveness of the Christian church in reaching out to the comic book, anime, and gaming communities: where the church has been successful, where it has fallen short, and what strategies can be implemented so that the church can be more effective. Featuring Christopher Stewart (pastor), Karyn Keene (educator/youth leader), Bryan Mero (Fix-it-Felix Cosplay Repair), Joe Queen (Geeky Guys/Gal 4 God), and Kyle Keene (moderator).
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

11:00am PDT

The Choice Behind the Voice
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
North 100B
Notable voice acting talents Candi Milo (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), Eric Bauza (The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie), Kaitlyn Robrock (Minnie's Bow-Toons), Frank Todaro (The Cuphead Show), Cassandra Lee Morris (Marvel Rivals), and Piotr Michael (Young Jedi Adventures) share the process that went into crafting the voices for their most famous characters. Hosted by writer/producer FM De Marco (DreamWorks Dragons).
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Fandom, Humor & Satire, Movies, Podcasts, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 5:00pm PDT
Room 303CD
The annual Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival continues with its final day of short films from around the world for all ages, featuring animation, live-action, and documentary. Animators and filmmakers will talk to the audience following their films, including offering advice for kids on how to become a professional animator or filmmaker. For the full LAICFF schedule, click here.
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 5:00pm PDT
Room 303CD
  1: Programs, Animation, Movies |   3: Children's Films, Animation, Movies

11:30am PDT

The Future of Fandom: VHS to 4K to Now What?
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Fandom is evolving faster than ever, blurring the lines between physical and digital, ownership and experience. What does the next era of fan connection really look like? Creative industry leaders behind work for Disney, Paramount, Netflix, and more explore where fandom, collectability, and community are headed next. Vicki Tunkel and Dino Espinosa (creative directors at Foundry LA), Jaraad Virani (filmmaker, motion designer), Chris Kawagiwa (narrative illustrator, ADG 800), and Pablo Romero-Estevez (Deeper Issues Nerdcast) take part in a forward-looking conversation. Moderated by Kasey Yee (CEO of Foundry LA).
Sunday March 29, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  U: Updated, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Art and Illustration, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television |   1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Art and Illustration, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

12:00pm PDT

Solutions for a Cosplay Universe
Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Ed Gonzalez (30 years in the film/TV industry; cosplayer), Brooke Wheeler (20+ years working with Smooth-On products; materials and applications specialist in mold making), Mike McGee and Alex McGee (special effects makeup artists/prop makers/costume designers), and Lucy Capachino (textile specialist/costume designer; cosplayer) discuss what it takes to get your cosplays to the next level.
Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs, Television, Movies, Cosplay, Costuming

12:15pm PDT

Long Away Short Film Screening
Sunday March 29, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
North 100B
Victoria travels into her past to meet a man she never knew, her father, to bond over comics and see if he would accept her for who she really is. The award-winning queer trans sci-fi short film Long Away is followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. Featuring writers and directors Tilly Bridges and Susan Bridges (Star Trek Voyager: Homecoming, Just Another Summer), Erin Macdonald (Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Star Trek: Prodigy), assistant director/VFX lead Jessie Earl (Identiteaze, the Jessie Gender YouTube channel), and stars Griffin Kelly (HBO's Book of Queer, Two Cats on a Date) and Justin Lawrence Barnes (Juilliard, Steve Yokey's Sleeping Giant). Suitable for all ages.
Sunday March 29, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Comics, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00pm PDT

Armor and Prop Building: From Cosplay to Industry Techniques
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Panelists Juda Escalante (The Mandalorian, Fallout), Nathan Seekerman and Ayla Fox (Seeker Design Group), Scott Winn (StarWinnProps), Sean McKinley, Jenna Bergstrom, and Autumn Mrozik (L Garage) work professionally across film and television with practical effects including painting, molding/casting, 3D design, basic Arduino sketches, and sewing. They will break down the techniques used to create characters from concept to use on set and explore real-world workflows, common mistakes, and smart shortcuts used by professionals. Whether you are just starting out or looking to level up your skills, you'll leave with practical knowledge and creative inspiration.
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00pm PDT

Breaking into Voice Acting for Games and Animation
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 207
A team of award-winning veterans from the voiceover industry discuss their experiences and how they started their careers. Deneen Melody (Sandrone in Genshin Impact, Gammamon in Digimon Ghost Game), Isaac Robinson-Smith (Bishop in X-Men '97, Mushu in Disney Dreamlight Valley), Debi Derryberry (Draculaura in Monster High; Jimmy Neutron in Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius), Kaitlyn Robrock (Minnie Mouse, Felicia Sundew in Amphibia), and Stephanie Southerland (Jean in Genshin Impact, Tess Bailey in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6) share stories and offer advice for those interested in voice acting. Moderated by Shawn Strider.
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Education, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Video Games

1:00pm PDT

Help! I'm in Love with an Artist
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
Brian Luhmann, Psy.D. (faculty, Hope International University; owner/therapist, The New Normal Mental Health Services) facilitates a discussion between creatives and their supportive partners about the headaches and collective wins of making and sharing art. Featuring Ralph Miranda (senior storyboard artist; co-creator, Oh, Bubba Lu!), Jen Ha Lu, MA, PHR, SHRM-SCP (co-creator, Oh, Bubba Lu!), Paolo Encarnacion (owner/artist, PaoWorks), Amber M. Sotomayor (litigation paralegal, Klinedinst PC; operations, PaoWorks), and Crystal Ishihara, Ph.D. (author; therapist; artist, IshiharaInk).
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Education, Movies, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Set Decoration for Puppets
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Set decoration for movies and television is hard enough, but what if the lead actor is made of felt and controlled by wires? Set decorators talk about the challenges of designing sets to work with puppets, and the puppeteers who move them, with Don Diers, SDSA (set decorator, The Muppets 2015), Julie Drach, SDSA (set decorator, Crank Yankers), and Bethany Barton (set decorator, The Muppet Show Special). Moderated by  Michelle Hall, SDSA and Prerna Chawla, SDSA. Part of the Set Decorators Society of America's series of panels on film and TV set decoration.
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  U: Updated, Education, Fandom, Historical, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Television |   1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Historical, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Television

1:00pm PDT

The Magical World of LGBTQ+ Fantasy
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 211
LGBTQ+ fantasy comics and graphic novels have become very popular. The fantasy genre provides a safe space for writers and artists to explore deeply felt real-life stories, challenges, and difficulties that might be much harsher if told in realistic terms. Prism Comics, moderator William O Tyler (We Belong; Theater of Terror: Revenge of the Queers!), and panelists Ben Crane (Cosmic Cadets, Scattered Futures), Nicole Maines (Suicide Squad, Bad Dream), Ajuan Mance (Gender Studies; Living While Black), Emely Corona Sandoval (animator), and Jasmine Walls (Brooms, The Last Session, Vol. 1: Roll For Initiative) discuss how myths, folktales, and fantasy influence queer storytelling in comics and how fantasy helps readers both escape and gain greater understanding and empathy for queer lives and queer experiences.
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 211
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, BIPOC, Comics, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, BIPOC, Comics, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

1:30pm PDT

Jaws 50: The 50th Anniversary of Steven Spielberg's Jaws
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
North 100B
Just when attendees thought it was safe to go back to WonderCon . . . This panel celebrates Jaws's 2025 50th anniversary and explores the impact and legacy of Spielberg's iconic film with fellow fans and experts, including Chris Gore (film critic and founder, Film Threat), Pat Jankiewicz (author, Just When You Thought It Was Safe: A Jaws Companion), and Steph Cannon (Fangoria). Moderated by Mark Atkinson (actor, filmmaker, longtime Jaws fan), the panel focuses on the film's enduring influence on popular culture.
Sunday March 29, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Anniversaries, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Movies, Tributes

2:00pm PDT

Adaptation: Developing from One Medium to Another
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
Moderator Spiro Skentzos (Grimm) leads a discussion with writer/producers Douglas J. Eboch (Sweet Home Alabama), Eric Heisserer (Arrival), Jill Blotevogel (Scream: The TV Series), and Brandon Easton (Iyanu) about adapting a piece of work for another medium. The panel examines what to watch out for, what not to do, and how to stay true to source material.
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Historical, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

All Batmen Are Batman
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Who is Batman? Bruce Wayne. But which one? Earth-1 or Earth-2, New 52 or Rebirth? Dick Grayson in Batman R.I.P. or James Gordon in the Rookie suit? Or Adam West or Batfleck or Pattinson's Emo-Batman? Or the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh? Or Absolute Batman? Every version of Batman is equally Batman. Jim Thompson (Eisner Awards judge), attorney Adam Adler (Super Babies v. DC Comics), and Peter Coogan (Comics Arts Conference) examine how repetition, imitation, and variation of the core brand encode the mythic nature of the superhero genre, are uniquely expressed in the iterations of Batman (including trademark and merch), and are tied to the core conventions of the genre—mission, powers, and identity. When Batman says, "Because I'm Batman," he is, no matter which Batman says it.
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs, Comics, Movies, Superheroes, Television

2:00pm PDT

How to Build a WALL-E 101
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Panelists discuss how someone can begin their journey of building a full-size WALL-E robot. A panel of builders takes attendees through how to join their clubs and forums and discusses materials and costs.
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Technology - Science - STEM

2:00pm PDT

Spotlight on Floyd Norman
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 211
Disney Legend and WonderCon special guest Floyd Norman discusses a career that helped shape modern animation. From his early work at Disney, beginning with Sleeping Beauty, to beloved classics such as The Jungle Book, Mary Poppins, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, along with later contributions at Pixar on films including Toy Story 2 and Monsters, Inc., Norman’s journey spans decades of industry evolution. Moderated by live action/animation producer and ASIFA-Hollywood vice president David Derks.

Special Guests
avatar for Floyd Norman

Floyd Norman

A-02, WonderCon Special Guest
Venerated animator Floyd Norman is known for his long relationship with the Disney Company, which began in 1959 with Sleeping Beauty and over the years included 101 Dalmatians, Mary Poppins, The Sword in the Stone, The Jungle Book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, and Home o... Read More →
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 211
  U: Updated, Animation, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Humor & Satire, Movies, Television, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances |   1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Humor & Satire, Movies, Television, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:00pm PDT

Storytelling Through Music: The Craft of Writing Music for Film, TV, and Video Games
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 209
Composers are an essential part of the creative process when telling stories through media. An impactful score can elevate the experience for the audience and make a lasting impression. Professional composers across film, television, and video games talk about their creative approach to writing memorable music and how they maintain momentum in their careers. Kara Talve (The Simpsons), Paul Leonard-Morgan (Cyberpunk 2077), Stephanie Economou (Jupiter’s Legacy), and Tori Letzler (Call of Duty). The panel is co-moderated by BMI’s director of film, TV, and visual media, Louie Stephens, and Chandler Poling of White Bear PR.
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 209
  U: Updated, Television, Movies |   1: Programs, Television, Movies

2:30pm PDT

Managing Your Duties as a Producer or Showrunner
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208
Ronnel Ricardo Parham (showrunner, producer, 5R Productions), Jiarui Guo (producer, The Brutalist, Speed the Plow), Danny DeLillo (producer, board chair of New Filmmakers LA, Sweet Humans), and Divya D'Souza (producer, Invention Studios; Producers Guild of America member) discuss managing their duties as producers and showrunners. They share experiences producing film and television and discuss how to manage time and responsibilities to effectively produce single pictures and slates of projects.
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Television

2:30pm PDT

Time Travel Writing for Film and TV
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Time travel has been a cornerstone of sci-fi films and TV for years, from The Terminator, Interstellar, and Land of the Lost to Doctor Who, Back to the Future, and Avengers: Endgame. This panel goes inside the writers' rooms of both TV and feature films to discuss the challenges and rewards of writing time-travel stories. Featuring Bill Marsilii (co-writer, Deja Vu starring Denzel Washington), Benjamin Raab (writer, Quantum Leap), and Matthew Maala (producer/writer, DC's Legends of Tomorrow). Moderated by Angela Relucio (actress/writer/producer).
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Fandom, Movies, Television, Writers & Writing

2:45pm PDT

Trailer Park
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
North 100B
Seize the opportunity to watch some of the best and most exciting genre trailers with hundreds of fellow fans. Cheer for your favorites and discover upcoming hidden gems as this longstanding convention tradition comes to WonderCon.
Sunday March 29, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Movies

3:00pm PDT

The Power of Love: The Rise of Webtoons, Anime, and K-Dramas
Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209
Award-winning creatives, actors, and experts discuss webtoons, anime, and K-dramas that are exploding in the U.S. Rebekah Ganiere (Emmy-nominated, USA Today bestselling author and screenplay writer), Joe Ochman (actor, Digimon, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure), Angel Payne (bestselling author), Brianna Carter (author, graphic designer), and James Ganiere (Emmy-nominated director and producer) share their insights.
Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Fandom, Games, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Video Games, Web, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Writing Psychologically Rich Characters
Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Are you a writer or have you ever wanted to become one? Have you been struggling with imposter syndrome? Have you ever wondered how you can contribute to social justice through your writing? This panel of writers explores how to create psychologically rich characters to help you boost your writing and make it stand out. Learn how to break free from your imposter syndrome and attend to your creative passions. Panelists include writers Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy; The Villains Club), Deric Hughes (Arrow; Quantum Leap), Kristi Korzec (Superman & Lois), Chris Rafferty (Cobra Kai; Lucifer), Dennis Crosby (Death's Legacy), Sarah Faxon (The Animal Court; Foreign & Domestic Affairs), and Ray Utarnachitt (DC's Legends of Tomorrow). Dustin McGinnis (Creative Community Podcast) moderates.
Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Television, Writers & Writing

4:00pm PDT

Success in Creativity Talks About Making the Best of Your Resources
Sunday March 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Tailored to support creatives, this interactive panel provides strategies for managing full-time responsibilities while pursuing part-time passion projects. Learn how to enhance your creative collaborations with practical advice on networking and communication, helping you unlock your creative potential and promoting effective resources, workflow, and time management. Be it comic books, TV/film, animation, podcasts, cosplay, fan groups, music, illustration, blogging, or webcomics, you'll find helpful insights here. Each attendee will get a postcard of useful information, tips, and wisdom made from the information collected from the panelists. Moderator Ron Coleman, Ph.D (molecular geneticist, comic writer) hosts panelists Gene Turnbow (founder of SciFi.Radio; author), James Frye (managing editor, TheConGuy.com; screenwriter), Stephen Burns (Photoshop digital artist, author, and lecturer), and Topher Davila (art director, TheJewelryDragon.com; illustrator and producer).
Sunday March 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Writers & Writing

4:00pm PDT

Story Artists Unleashed!
Sunday March 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Take a peek behind the scenes of animation story art, with never-before-seen storyboards, personal sketches, wild caricatures, funny drawings from the people who worked on your favorite animated films, and lots of stuff you weren't supposed to see! Featuring Steve Anderson (Meet the Robinsons), Jeff Ranjo (Frozen), Chris Ure (Big Hero 6), and Joe Moshier (Across the Spider-Verse); moderated by Tom Racine.
Sunday March 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  U: Updated, Animation, Movies |   1: Programs, Animation, Movies
 

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Friday, March 27
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Autograph Area AA01
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California Ballroom A, Hilton Anaheim
California Ballroom CD, Hilton Anaheim
Exhibit Hall C
Hall D
North 100B
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Room 208
  • 1: Programs
  • 2: Anime
  • 3: Children's Films
  • 4: Games
  • 5: Portfolio Review
  • 6: Autographs
  • D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference
  • N: New
  • U: Updated
  • X: Cancelled
  • Company
  • AEG: Alderac Entertainment Group
  • Bandwagon Games
  • Binary Cocoa
  • Blue Rondo Games
  • Brotherwise Games
  • Cardboardia
  • Darrington Press
  • Dire Wolf Games
  • Dungeons & Dragons Adv League 5e
  • Friendly Bee Game Company
  • GSGN: Golden State Gaming Network
  • HeroClix
  • Koalatie Games
  • LLC
  • Looney Labs
  • Naughty Jester Games
  • No Limit Games
  • Off the Shelf Games
  • Organized Play Foundation
  • Pique Games
  • Renegade Game Studios
  • SafeHaven Games LLC
  • SciFi.Radio
  • SJG: Steve Jackson Games
  • Slugfest Games
  • SRG Universe Inc
  • Tavern Crawl Games