From X-23 to the High Republic

Dafne Keen’s career trajectory is nothing short of legendary. She first captured our hearts in 2017 as Laura (X-23) in Logan. Her star-making turn showcased raw intensity against Hugh Jackman’s iconic Wolverine. Since then, she transitioned seamlessly into leading the epic fantasy series His Dark Materials. Furthermore, she joined the Star Wars galaxy as Jedi Padawan Jecki Lon in The Acolyte.

In The Acolyte, Keen portrayed a capable lightsaber duelist with incredible discipline. Her performance as a Theelin/Human hybrid proved central to the show’s high-stakes missions. Clearly, she remains a fan favorite across multiple universes. Whether wielding a blade or mutant claws, Keen brings authenticity to every world she enters.

A Secret Reprise and Marvel’s Future

Most recently, Keen reprised her iconic role in the record-breaking Deadpool & Wolverine. While production kept her appearance secret, her return alongside Ryan Reynolds was a major highlight. Her character’s evolution was essential to the film’s multiverse-spanning plot. Additionally, her chemistry with Jackman remains a potent draw for audiences worldwide.

The buzz surrounding Dafne Keen MEGACON Orlando is reaching a fever pitch. Many fans demand she become the MCU’s official Wolverine. Attendees expect insightful stories about her experiences filming with Ryan Reynolds. Given her deep roots in British and Spanish cinema, her panel will certainly be an energetic event.

Meet the Star Who Traveled Every World

Don’t miss your chance to meet this multi-talented star! MEGACON Orlando takes place this March and tickets are selling fast. Secure your spot now for an unforgettable weekend of panels and photo ops. You should GET YOUR TICKETS NOW before they disappear!

Mutant enthusiasts and Star Wars scholars alike will love this guest appearance. Grab your claws and lightsabers for the ultimate fan experience. We will see you at MEGACON Orlando for this incredible celebration of pop culture!

Whether you’re a die-hard Whovian, a competitive cosplayer, or a comic book collector, this year’s lineup is shaping up to be one for the history books. Here is your first look at what’s coming to the floor this March.

A Heavy-Hitting Celebrity Lineup

MEGACON has just unveiled its first wave of celebrity guests, and it is packed with icons from the big and small screens.

Headliners include:

• Action & Favorites: John Cena, John Boyega (Star Wars), and Helen Hunt (Twister).
• Middle-earth Royalty: Orlando Bloom, plus the four Hobbits: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd.
• Sci-Fi Legends: Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian), Josh Holloway (Lost), and James Marsters (Buffy).
• Star Trek Icons: Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, Brent Spiner, and Walter Koenig.
• Comedy: Cedric Yarbrough and Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!).

Exclusive Fan Experiences

This year, MEGACON is going beyond the standard autograph table with immersive, one-of-a-kind “Experiences.”

An Evening with the Hobbits

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Lord of the Rings with a once-in-a-generation reunion. Fans can opt for backstage passes, team-up photo ops, and a special evening panel featuring the four Shire legends.

John Cena Live

Meet the “Greatest of All Time” himself. John Cena will be appearing for autographs and photos, plus a special John Cena Live experience. Be sure to book early—because if you wait too long, you might not see him!

Comic Book Royalty

For the collectors, three of the biggest names in industry history will be hosting exclusive sessions:

• Jim Lee: Sketch experiences and autographs.
• Frank Miller: Private welcome talks and signed collectibles.
• Joe Quesada: Live on-stage presentations and exclusive merch.

Cosplay, Art, and Gaming

MEGACON isn’t just about the guests; it’s about the community.

• Masters of Cosplay Grand Finale: Watch the best of the best compete for a $10,000 grand prize. For aspiring creators, the 2026 Sunshine Qualifier will also be held during the weekend.
• Comics Xplosion: A live art battle where top illustrators go head-to-head in real-time. The best part? This event is included with your show badge!
• The Gaming Arena: Level up with tournaments, tabletop gaming, and Q&As with world-class video game voice actors.

Don’t Miss the Universal Orlando After-Hours Event

The party doesn’t stop when the convention center closes. On Friday, March 20, MEGACON will host an exclusive after-hours event at Universal Orlando Resort. Attendees will get unlimited access to select rides at both Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Planning Your Trip: Dates and Tickets

Ready to join the 180,000+ fans in Orlando?

• When: March 19 – 22, 2026
• Where: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
• Tickets: Single-day tickets and limited four-day passes are available now.

Pro Tip: Four-day passes sell out quickly every year. Secure yours early at the official MEGACON website to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.

For years, Hall H has been the epicenter of Marvel’s biggest announcements, where the studio unveils its cinematic future and ignites fan excitement. Last year, fans were treated to one of the most shocking and buzzworthy reveals in Comic-Con history—Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this time as Victor Von Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.

This year, however, Hall H will fall silent from Marvel Studios. While the studio will still maintain a strong presence on the show floor with multiple panels and an elaborate booth setup rumored to feature interactive experiences and exclusive merchandise, the absence of a Hall H showcase leaves a noticeable void.

For fans, this change is more than just a scheduling shift—it’s the loss of a cherished tradition. Waiting in line overnight, sharing theories with fellow attendees, and witnessing surprise appearances by A-list stars has become a rite of passage for Comic-Con veterans and newcomers alike. Without Marvel’s cinematic spectacle anchoring the weekend, the atmosphere around Hall H will undoubtedly feel different.

Whether this signals a strategic pivot due to the ongoing realignment of Marvel’s theatrical and streaming projects—or simply a breather before bigger announcements at D23 Expo or Disney+ Day—remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Marvel skipping Hall H is a seismic shift in Comic-Con culture.

TBCC is known for bringing together an exciting mix of celebrity guests, talented comic creators, and passionate fans, and 2025 is shaping up to be no exception. Whether you’re looking to meet your heroes, discover new artists, hunt for rare collectibles, or just soak in the vibrant atmosphere with fellow enthusiasts, this is the place to be.

Meet Your Favorite Stars!

This year’s guest list features an impressive lineup from across the entertainment spectrum. Get ready for opportunities to meet:

• John Rhys-Davies: Instantly recognizable from his iconic roles in The Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones.
• Doug Jones: The incredibly talented actor known for bringing creatures to life in films like Hellboy, The Shape of Water, and shows like Star Trek: Discovery and What We Do in the Shadows.
• Shameik Moore: The voice behind Miles Morales in the acclaimed animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
• Steve Burns: The original, beloved host of the iconic children’s show Blue’s Clues.
• Lou Ferrigno: The legendary bodybuilder and actor best known as TV’s The Incredible Hulk.
• Lou Diamond Phillips: Star of La Bamba, Young Guns, and recently heard in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earth.
• Kim Rhodes: Known for her roles in Supernatural and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
• Keith David: The legendary voice actor from Gargoyles, The Princess and the Frog, Adventure Time, Hazbin Hotel, and countless video games.
• Linda Larkin: The voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s animated classic Aladdin.
• Voice Acting Powerhouses: Meet stars from your favorite games and anime, including Nolan North (Uncharted, The Last of Us), Cristina Vee (Sailor Moon, Seven Deadly Sins), Bryce Papenbrook (Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer), Grey DeLisle, Kari Wahlgren, Susan Eisenberg, and stars from the smash-hit game Baldur’s Gate 3 like Neil Newbon, Jennifer English, Devora Wilde, and Aliona Baranova.
• X-Men ’97 Stars: Meet Chris Potter (Gambit) and Lenore Zann (Rogue) from the hit animated series!

(Guest appearances are subject to change. Check the official TBCC website for the latest updates and additions!)

Here is an interview from last year’s TBCC with Sarah Natochenny, Voice of Ash Ketchum in Pokémon.

Celebrate Amazing Comic Creators

Tampa Bay Comic Con always shines a spotlight on the incredible talent behind the comics we love. This year, look forward to meeting creators such as:

• Mike McKone: Renowned artist known for his work on Fantastic Four, Teen Titans, and The Avengers.
• Rod Reis: Artist famed for his stunning work on titles like Doctor Strange and Justice League.
• Will Conrad: Talented artist with credits including Batman, Star Wars, and The X-Men.
• Rodney Barnes: Writer and producer known for The Boondocks, The Mandalorian, and the comic series Monarch.
• G. Willow Wilson: Acclaimed writer and co-creator of Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel), with work on Wonder Woman and The X-Men.
• Dawn McTeigue: Fan-favorite artist with work across DC Comics and Marvel.

Browse Artist Alley, get sketches, purchase prints, and chat with the minds and hands shaping the comic book world!

More Than Just Guests: The Full Con Experience

Beyond the celebrity meet-and-greets and comic creator interactions, TBCC offers a full convention experience:

• Vast Vendor Hall: Explore rows upon rows of exhibitors selling comic books (new and vintage), graphic novels, toys, collectibles, apparel, artwork, and unique fandom merchandise.
• Engaging Panels & Q&As: Attend panels featuring your favorite guests discussing their careers and upcoming projects, plus fan-led discussions on various pop culture topics.
• Cosplay Central: Immerse yourself in the creativity of cosplay! See amazing costumes, participate in contests, or showcase your own creation.
• Photo Ops & Autographs: Get a cherished keepsake with a professional photo op or an autograph from your favorite stars (fees typically apply).
• Gaming Zone: Engage in tabletop or video gaming competitions and casual play.

Plan Your Tampa Bay Comic Con Adventure

• When: August 1st – 3rd, 2025
• Where: Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
• Tickets: Single-day and multi-day passes are available. Kids 10 and under get in FREE!
• Info & Updates: For the most current guest list, panel schedules, ticket purchases, and detailed information, visit the official website: tampabaycomicconvention.com

Don’t miss out on one of Florida’s premier pop culture events! Tampa Bay Comic Convention 2025 promises a weekend filled with excitement, community, and unforgettable memories. Assemble your crew, plan your cosplay, and get ready for an amazing time!

As well as experiencing curated and immersive experiences like an interactive photo booth and scavenger hunt to highlight the five immersive worlds coming to the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park opening in 2025, guests were treated to an unforgettable night of music and dance (along with some awesome roller skaters), as well as an AR experience and collectible pin from Pinfinity to commemorate Fandom’s 20th anniversary, and arcade games filled with prizes.

The Penguin’s Rhenzy Feliz & Marié Botha, critic Juju Green, influencers Lena Lemon & Gabby Ortega, and actor Marcus Choi were among the featured guests who came to celebrate with Fandom, along with a show-stopping performance delivered by one of TikTok’s biggest influencers, DJ XANDRA, who kept the crowd on the dancefloor, and last but not least, an inflatable 14-foot man surprised the crowd.
Fandom’s 20th anniversary marked a significant milestone, highlighting its impact on fan communities worldwide. For fans, it has become a vital hub for connecting, sharing knowledge, and celebrating their favorite franchises. Fandom was recognized not only for its achievements but also for its continued influence in shaping fan culture.

Check out photos from the event below.