Jeannie, ‘Charmed’ reunion, Dawson: Best celebrities coming to Lexington Comic Con

The Lexington Comic & Toy Convention is growing so much that it is “pushing the boundaries” of the downtown Central Bank Center, according to event organizer Catrina Hencye.

For 2024, she anticipates the space will get 30,000 people through its doors to don their best outfits and costumes, purchase comics and collectibles and connect with like-minded individuals in their fandom of everything from comics to anime to sci-fi.

Top celebrity guests at Lexington Comic Con

But what the Lexington Comic Con will once again treat Central Kentucky to is a who’s-who of celebrity guests and rare reunions.

The annual pop culture event will feature nearly 100 celebrity guest at the convention, ranging from TV to film stars to comic creators. You can get your picture taken with celebrities, also known as photo-ops. But, depending on which celebrity you want to meet, it may require some patience and your pocketbook. Here is a list and guide of 10 of the best celebrities coming and are creating the most excitement for this year’s comic con.

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James Van Der Beek: Dawson Leery from ‘Dawson’s Creek’

The star of the popular late-’90s/early 2000s WB drama and the 1999 sports comedy hit “Varsity Blues” has just now started dabbling in the comic con circuit. In fact, this will be only the second time James Van Der Beek has appeared at a comic con… and all on the actor’s birthday weekend when he turns 47.

Barbara Eden: Actress known for ‘I Dream of Jeannie’

Whether you grew up in the 1960s or you stayed up late enough to watch the throwback sitcoms on “Nick at Nite,” Barbara Eden’s role as a 2000-year-old genie named Jin the 20th century is a part of television lore. Eden was originally scheduled to appear at the 2020 Lexington Comic Con before the COVID-19 pandemic led to its cancellation. “She was a big part of my childhood,” Hencye said. “She’s 92. She’s a legend. So excited to host her.”

Priscilla Presley: Ex-wife of Elvis

Aside from her appearance opposite comedic actor Leslie Nielsen in “The Naked Gun” franchise, Priscilla Pressley’s connection to music royalty as the ex-wife of Elvis Presley makes her a unique addition to the Lexington lineup. “While not normally someone you would meet at a comic con, she’s someone who holds a lot of history in her life,” Hencye said.

Cast members of ‘Arrow’: Popular CW TV series

The popular CW series “Arrow” (2012-2020) based on the DC comic will feature the return of star Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen/Green Arrow), David Ramsey (John Diggle/Spartan), Emily Bett Rickards (Felicity Smoak/Overwatch) and John Barrowman (Malcolm Merlyn/Dark Archer)

‘Charmed’ reunion: Holly Marie Combs, Shannon Doherty

Two of the three Halliwell sisters, along with several other notable cast members of “Charmed” (1998-2006), will come together for a mini-reunion of the WB witchcraft fantasy drama. These include Holly Marie Combs (Piper Halliwell), Shannon Doherty (Prue Halliwell), Rose McGowan (Paige Matthews), Brian Krause (Leo Wyatt) and Drew Fuller (Chris Halliwell).

Bandit and Chili: The parents from ‘Bluey,’ the biggest children’s show on TV

Lexington Comic Con has consistently brought in top-tier voice actors as its celebrity guests but when the opportunity came to book the voices behind arguably TV’s best parents on the current biggest children’s show on television, Bluey (Bandit voice actor David McCormack and Chilli voice actor Melanie Zanetti), they couldn’t pass it up. “When they popped up, we were like, we have to bring them in,” Hencye said. “So many kids and adults love the values and the way the characters are written.”

Jim O’Heir: Jerry from ‘Parks and Recreation’

“Parks and Recreation” is a hit NBC comedy that has become a repeat binge/comfort show on streaming. As a character that was the kind and harmless straightman and often the butt of the jokes and jabs of a stellar comedic cast, Jim O’Heir’s portrayal of Jerry became a fan favorite and should lead to plenty of appreciation from Central Kentucky “Parks and Rec” fans.

Mekhi Phifer: Known for ‘ER’ and ‘8 Mile’

Notable actor Mekhi Phifer has played everyone from Othello in a reimagining of Shakespeare’s masterwork (2001’s “O”) to Dr. Greg Pratt on the NBC drama “ER” to a supportive MC in “8 Mile” opposite Eminem. A last-minute booking, this will be his first Lexington Comic Con appearance.

‘Vanderpump Rules’ current, past stars come to Lexington

The most popular show on Bravo, the reality TV series “Vanderpump Rules” now has several current and former show stars coming to Lexington, including Tom Schwartz, Jax Tayler and Kentucky native Brittany Cartwright. “While I’m a huge nerd for Legos and comics, I also love a really good reality television show,” Hencye said. “I’m all for trying something new.”

Comic resurgence: Strawberry Shortcake creator and more

After the COVID-19 pandemic, comic creators were more reluctant to return to the comic con circuit. This year, Lexington Comic Con organizers said this is some of the largest number of comic creators to come to Central Kentucky in years ranging from popular DC illustrators, Marvel editors and even the person who created Strawberry Shortcake, among others. “I’m really proud of the lineup, creator-wise,” Hencye said. “We made a really conscious effort to grow that side of things.”

Lexington Comic and Toy Convention

When: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, March 7; Noon-8 p.m. Friday, March 8; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, March 9; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 10.

Where: Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St.

Tickets: $30-$170

Online: lexingtoncomiccon.com