Fan Expo welcomes Trekkers, Jedis and more to Cleveland this weekend
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It’s time for Northeast Ohio to get its geek on.
For years now, a sure sign of spring in the area has been the arrival of the pop culture orgy – first as Wizard World – Fan Expo Cleveland.
It’s an event where Potterheads mingle with Hobbitses. Where Batman willingly hangs out with members of the X-Men and where people who just revel in all things, sci-fi, fantasy and pop culture from the realms of film, television, comics and animation, just to hang out and be with their people. For the record: they’re my peeps, too. The community of geekdom is so welcoming most of the time it’s difficult to not feel at home.
And here’s the appeal. It’s a convention that isn’t just devoted to one particular TV show, film or subject. The genre community welcomes everyone from the youngest, who may take a lightsaber lesson that would make young Anakin Skywalker jealous this weekend, to those old enough to remember when the original “Star Trek” hit the airwaves. Sorry, I’m not quite that old.
Fan Expo Cleveland: Sean Astin, fellow Hobbitses to share 'Lord of the Rings' stories at convention
It’s that rare event the entire family may find something to enjoy courtesy of panels and celebrity appearances. This year is no exception, as award winning filmmakers and actors will take the stage at various points during the weekend-long event to share stories from their sets or news of new projects.
In fact, one of the primary attractions: the four Hobbits from "Lord of the Rings" — Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan — take the stage together.
And while there is without a doubt a plethora of subjects of popular interest, something Fan Expo does quite nicely is tie in some local elements. It all kicks off Friday. Here are some highlights of this year’s Fan Expo Cleveland:
Randy Quaid, cousin Eddie from 'National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,' visits
5:45 p.m., Friday
Everyone’s favorite, detestable relative will make an appearance at the Main Theater. Actor Randy Quaid will talk about his career and the ultimate vulgarian from the alleged holiday classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” a film whose charms are lost on me. His performance, however, was not.
Brent Spiner of ‘Star Trek,’ everyone’s favorite android, Data, does a Q&A
6:45 p.m., Friday
Spiner has portrayed Cmdr. Data, a sentient android, for close to 40 years from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” (two years of rancid ‘Trek,’ three years of really good ‘Trek,’ two years of hit-or-miss ‘Trek’) to four “Next Generation” movies – only one of which, “First Contact – did the franchise justice and on two seasons – one blech, the other more satisfying – of “Star Trek: Picard.”
Local filmmaker Johnny Wu screens his newest project
8 p.m., Friday
Wu has found a niche doing budge action films at a local level with cast and crew from the area and achieving success in the process. His latest, “Wu Lin: The Society.”
Everyone needs to duel ‘Star Wars’ style
10:15 a.m., Saturday
In “Spinning: That’s a Good Trick,” a staff member from Legion Sabers teaches spinning techniques because everyone needs to know how to beat one another up with illuminated sheaths of plastic.
The revival of Superman continues with panel on Cleveland’s native son
11 a.m., Saturday
Superman is enjoying a bit of a renaissance nationally as director James Gunn’s interpretation of the Man of Steel has begun filming with some footage being shot in Northeast Ohio. The Siegel and Shuster Society meets to discuss all things Superman and his link to Cleveland courtesy of his creators. Local comic book expert Michael Sangiacomo serves as moderator.
Ariel’s got gadgets and gizmos aplenty and who’s its and what’s it galore
11:45 a.m., Saturday
The Little Mermaid, Ariel, herself. No, not the new one. The O.G. The original red-haired, songstress of the sea, Jodi Benson appears to tell stories of life under the sea. OK, not really, but she can talk about what it’s like to officially be a Disney princess.
Strike a pose on the cosplay Red Carpet
Noon, Saturday
One of the highlights of going to these events: seeing the costumes that fans craft. It’s where, yes, Iron Man comes to life along with Transformers and where Luke Skywalker and Capt. Kirk actually chill together. It’s a chance for fans to show off their skills and imagination.
Johnny Wu teaches film choreography
12:30 p.m., Saturday
Award-winning filmmakers Johnny Wu (“Wu-Lin: The Society”) and Nick Muhlbach teach the art of fighting choreography in movies for aspiring filmmakers and for those who are just interested in how people get pummeled without getting pummeled.
Cleveland’s always ready for its close-up in the movies
1 p.m., Saturday
Actually, it’s more than Cleveland. The film industry in the area is a regional thing and if Cleveland benefits, usually the suburbs and Akron area do as well. Meet and talk to the staff at the Greater Cleveland Film Commission as they talk about why filmmakers come to Northeast Ohio for productions in this panel, “Movies: Cleveland Takes the Leading Role.”
Their names are Jason Lee and Ethan Suplee
2:45 p.m., Saturday
They starred in the NBC comedy “My Name is Earl,” which aired for four seasons. That wasn’t the only success for these two comedic actors. Lee, a collaborator of filmmaker Kevin Smith (“Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy”), has starred in the likes of “Almost Famous” and Suplee is also remembered for “Remember the Titans.”
Shameik Moore, aka Miles Morales, swings into Fan Expo Cleveland
4:45 p.m., Saturday
The “Spider-verse” films and their story of the adventures of Miles Morales in different universes as a new Spider-Man have grossed a combined $1 billion worldwide. Moore gives Morales his voice and personality for an animated franchise that should eventually be made into a live-action film.
More: Review: ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ levels up in animated sequel
‘Lord of the Rings’ takes center stage in Cleveland
7:30 p.m., Saturday
It’s a completely planned unexpected reunion. The four Hobbits – Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd – take the stage together to discuss their time filming one of film’s all-time classic trilogies in Middle Earth. Other than photo ops and autograph sessions, which cost extra, this will be the only time to see all four together.
'Doctor Strange,' 'Spider-Man' director Sam Raimi is entering the building
12:45 p.m., Sunday
Some give director Sam Raimi much of the credit for reviving the modern comic book movie with “Spider-Man.” That logic can’t be argued with given the film’s commercial ($821 million) and critical (90% fresh rating on Rottentomatoes.com) success. But Raimi also gets credit for staving off – albeit temporarily – the implosion of the MCU with “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”
Longbottom, Neville Longbottom
1:45 p.m., Sunday
Neville Longbottom was the unlikeliest of heroes to come out of the “Harry Potter” saga and Matthew Lewis took him from awkward pre-teen to confident young man over the course of eight films, creating a character that every one can identify with.
More: 'Star Wars: Ahsoka' has to find its way to success on Disney+ | Review
Fans return to a far, far away galaxy from a long, long time ago…
3:15 p.m., Sunday
The Walt Disney Company streaming service Disney+ enjoyed some success last year with the release of Ahsoka. Join cast members Eman Esfandi (“Ezra Bridger”) and Diana Lee Inosanto (“Morgan Elsbeth” to get the lowdown on working the popular series.
The incomparable Danny Trejo appears
3:45 p.m., Sunday
Even if you don’t know his name, he has one of the most memorable faces in film and television along with more than 400 acting credits to go with them. Best known as “Machete,” he’s appeared in “Con-Air,” “From Dusk Till Dawn” and “Spy Kids” and a host of projects across film, TV and animation. He has one of the most unforgettable stories in Hollywood.
George M. Thomas dabbles in pop culture for the Beacon Journal.
Fan Expo Cleveland schedule
What: FanExpo Cleveland
When: April 12-14;
4-10 p.m., Friday
10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday
10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Sunday
Where: Huntington Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland
More information: fanexpohq.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Fan Expo Cleveland schedule and what you need to check out
