Kurt Russell to Make First-Ever Appearance at Fan Expo Chicago, Plus William Shatner, Mel Gibson, ‘Supernatural,’ ‘The Boys,’ ‘Goonies’ and More!
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What To Know
- Fan Expo Chicago 2026 will feature record-breaking attendance and a star-studded lineup, including Kurt Russell’s first-ever convention appearance, Mel Gibson, William Shatner, and many other pop-culture icons.
- Special events include a Lord of the Rings–themed breakfast with cast members, reunions from Supernatural and The Boys, and appearances by The Goonies‘ stars, offering fans unique experiences and exclusive merchandise.
- The convention runs August 14-16, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, with tickets available for various age groups and attendance options.
Fan Expo Chicago 2026 is anticipating record-breaking attendance for this year’s show, running Friday, Aug. 14 through Saturday, Aug. 16, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois (close to O’Hare airport). Tickets are on sale now, where you can buy single-day passes, multi-day, family, youth and child.
Kurt Russell makes first-time appearance
This year’s roster includes some of the world’s biggest pop-culture icons, including Kurt Russell in his first-ever convention appearance. The Tombstone and Escape From New York legend has been dabbling in TV projects of recent appearing in Taylor Sheridan’s The Madison on Paramount+ and Apple TV’sMonarch: Legacy of Monsters, alongside his son Wyatt. Russell will be in attendance on both Saturday and Sunday. No word on if his partner Goldie Hawn will be along. He will, however, be teaming up with John Carpenter and Billy Baldwin (1991’s Backdraft) for photo opportunities.
Mel Gibson makes two-day appearance
TheLethal Weapon, Braveheartand Mad Maxlegend Mel Gibson will make a rare appearance as well on Saturday. One of Gibson’s last projects was the action thriller he directed Flight Risk (2025), which stars Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Dockery (stream on HBO Max). The star has been working on The Resurrection of the Christ, which is a two-part sequel to his 2004 blockbuster The Passion of the Christ. The first part is slated to release in 2027. Gibson’s Lethal Weapon costar, Danny Glover, will also be in attendance on Saturday and Sunday.
William Shatner is set to appear Friday and Saturday
As the Star Trek franchise celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the 95-year-old original Captain Kirk — William Shatner — has been busier than ever. The director, writer, equestrian and singer remains active with American saddlebred horses to ride, a heavy metal album to hype and live shows to stage, in addition to his occasional public appearances. Shatner’s not only an icon, but also a true treasure to meet. He will be greeting fans on Friday and Saturday.
Who is coming from TheLord of the Ringsfilm franchise?
Fans of The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit are beyond giddy at the opportunity to enjoy a lavish breakfast with the cast (first-come, first-served) on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 8am (tickets required). This Lord of the Rings-inspired breakfast buffet is crafted to feel like it’s straight out of the Shire (yes, second breakfast is encouraged). The event is hosted by Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan and promises you’ll return home with plenty of stories, laughs and memories, along with an exclusive Second Breakfast mug and tote bag, created just for this event and available nowhere else.
Who is appearing from Supernatural and The Boys?
After Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles from Supernaturalshocked fans this past April appearing as themselves on an episode of The Rookie, and then The Boys and Supernatural reunion in May, which saw Ackles, Padalecki and Misha Collins share the screen for the first time in six years — it’s just been nonstop fun with these group. Some of the group is back together at the Chicago Expo including Jared Padalecki (all three days), Jim Beaver and Mark Sheppard, along with The Boys‘ stars Karl Urban, Erin Moriarty, Karen Fukuhara, Valorie Curry, Tomer Capone and Colby Minifie.
Who is appearing from The GooniesandHocus Pocus?
While The Goonies didn’t get anywhere near matching the other Steven Spielberg-produced film of the summer of 1985, Back to the Future, at the box office, it remains a massive cult favorite among those who were a certain age when they first saw it in the theater. Its young main cast of heroes features names that have remained familiar as they went on to grownup acting roles, including Sean Astin, Corey Feldman and Martha Plimpton, all who will be in attendance, along with Joe Pantoliano and Kerri Green.
As for the beloved Hocus Pocus, Thora Birch, Omri Katz and Vinessa Shaw are all confirmed, as well as the cat Thackery Binx, voiced by Jason Marsden.
How to find what celebrities are attending Chicago’s Fan Expo?
The list is way too long to include everyone here, so please take a look for yourself. We’d be a fool not to mention that Chicago’s very own Mr. T is also coming all three days. Plus, Christopher Lloyd, John Carpenter, Sam Raimi,Dolph Lundgren, Josh Holloway, Ron Perlman and so many others!
Comic creators like Frank Miller attend the 2026 show
This is the 53rd year of the show, and event coordinators tout it as the longest-running comic convention in the Midwest. Some of the featured comic creator guests include the legendary Frank Miller (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns exclusives will be available) on Saturday, Scott Snyder, Dan Mora, Erica Schultz, Frank Cho, Amanda Conner, Pablo Villalobos and so many others. Head to the show’s Artist Alley to meet them in person.
Visit the show’s official site for a list of all the guests, special experiences, parties and more.
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