The Ultimate Fan Guide: 7 Must-See Panels & Guests At FAN EXPO Philadelphia 2025

Get ready, geeks, gamers, and pop culture enthusiasts! FAN EXPO Philadelphia is returning to the City of Brotherly Love, and as of December 2025, the buzz is already reaching fever pitch with a stellar lineup of celebrity guests and must-attend events. This is the definitive guide to everything you need to know about the premier comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming convention in the Mid-Atlantic region, ensuring you don't miss a single moment of the action.

The 2025 event promises to be one of the biggest yet, solidifying its place as a key destination on the North American convention circuit. From exclusive celebrity Q&As to the ultimate celebration of creative talent in the Artist Alley, this three-day extravaganza is a total immersion into the worlds you love, all taking place right in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. If you're planning your trip, here is the essential breakdown of the dates, location, and the headlining stars you need to see.

FAN EXPO Philadelphia 2025: Key Details and Confirmed Celebrity Lineup

The first step in planning your ultimate convention weekend is locking in the logistics. FAN EXPO Philadelphia 2025 will once again take over the massive Pennsylvania Convention Center, providing ample space for its sprawling exhibition floor, panel rooms, and autograph/photo op areas.

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• Event Dates: Friday, May 16, 2025 – Sunday, May 18, 2025
• Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
• Focus: Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime, Gaming, and Cosplay

The initial wave of guest announcements for 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular, featuring legends from across the biggest franchises in cinema and television. This list is a testament to the convention's commitment to bringing world-class talent to the fans.

Featured Celebrity Guests for 2025

The current lineup spans multiple iconic universes, promising unforgettable Q&A sessions and photo opportunities.

• Andy Serkis: The undisputed king of motion-capture performance, known for his iconic roles as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Caesar in the Planet of the Apes franchise.
• Anthony Daniels: The man behind the golden mask, known globally as C-3PO from the entire Star Wars saga. His presence guarantees a deep dive into the history of the galaxy far, far away.
• Jodie Whittaker: The Thirteenth Doctor from the beloved BBC series Doctor Who, a massive draw for the sci-fi and British TV fandom.
• John Cena: WWE legend and Hollywood star, known for roles in *Peacemaker* and *Fast & Furious*. His "Live and Unfiltered" panel is already a hot ticket.
• Ashley Greene: Best known for playing Alice Cullen in the blockbuster Twilight film series.
• Bitsie Tulloch: Star of the *Superman & Lois* television series, representing the DC Comics universe.
• Bob West: The original and iconic voice of Barney the Dinosaur, a nostalgic favorite for many attendees.

The 7 Must-Attend Panels and Events for Maximum Fandom

While meeting your favorite stars is a highlight, the true depth of FAN EXPO lies in its programming. The 2025 schedule is shaping up to be packed with unique panels, workshops, and competitions that cater to every niche.

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1. John Cena: Live and Unfiltered

This is a premium event that requires a separate Gold Ticket admission, but it promises to be worth the price of entry. John Cena's candid and engaging style makes for an electrifying Q&A, covering everything from his WWE career as a 16-time World Champion to his transition into major studio films and the DC Extended Universe. Expect raw stories and fan interaction.

2. The Many Faces of Andy Serkis

A deep-dive into the art of performance capture, this panel with Andy Serkis will explore the technical and emotional challenges of bringing characters like Gollum, King Kong, and Caesar to life. It's a masterclass for aspiring actors and filmmakers, offering a rare glimpse behind the CGI curtain.

3. The Doctor Is In: Meet Jodie Whittaker

A central event for Whovians, Jodie Whittaker's panel will focus on her groundbreaking tenure as the first female Doctor. Expect discussions on the show's legacy, her favorite TARDIS adventures, and the emotional impact of playing one of the most iconic roles in television history.

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4. Being Super with the Cast of Superman & Lois

Fans of the Arrowverse and modern superhero television will flock to this panel featuring Bitsie Tulloch. The discussion will likely cover the show's unique take on the Man of Steel's family life, the challenges of filming a CW superhero drama, and the future of the series.

5. The Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix Qualifier

The premier cosplay competition, the Masters of Cosplay Grand Prix, is a spectacle of craftsmanship and performance. Philadelphia serves as a key regional qualifier, showcasing the absolute best in fan-made costumes. Attendees can watch the judging, attend specialized cosplay workshops (from foam fabrication to prop making), and see the winners advance to the national finals.

6. The Legendary Artist Alley and Comic Creators

The Artist Alley is the heart of any comic convention, and FAN EXPO Philly's is a powerhouse. For 2025, look forward to meeting industry giants like Scott Snyder, known for his definitive work on *Absolute Batman* and his creator-owned series *Nocterra*, and Greg Capullo, celebrated for his dynamic art on *Wolverine: Revenge* and his collaboration with Snyder. This area is the perfect place to commission original art, find unique prints, and get your comics signed.

7. Anime Arena and Gaming Zones

Beyond the celebrity main stage, the convention features dedicated zones for Anime and Gaming. The Anime Arena hosts meetups, voice actor panels, and screenings, catering to fans of everything from classic *Dragon Ball Z* to modern hits. The Gaming Zones offer free-to-play areas, tournaments, and a chance to demo the latest video games, tabletop RPGs, and card games like *Magic: The Gathering*.

Ticket Packages and Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your FAN EXPO experience, understanding the ticket options is crucial. While official 2025 pricing may fluctuate, the structure remains consistent, offering a range of choices from single-day entry to premium VIP experiences.

Ticket Options Overview (Based on typical FAN EXPO structure):

• Single-Day Passes: Ideal for attendees who only want to focus on one day's programming, such as a specific celebrity guest's appearance.
• Full 3-Day Passes: The best value for anyone planning to attend all weekend, providing access to all three days of general admission programming.
• VIP/Premium Packages (e.g., Silver & Gold Tickets): These packages offer significant perks, including early entry, separate lines for autographs and photo ops, exclusive merchandise, and priority seating for major panels. The Gold Ticket is often required for special events like the John Cena panel.

Pro Tip: Always purchase your tickets in advance. "Advanced Pricing" is significantly cheaper than buying at the door, and premium packages often sell out quickly due to limited availability. Also, remember that Autographs and Photo Opportunities with celebrities are almost always sold separately and are not included in the general admission ticket price.

Topical Authority: Why FAN EXPO Philly Matters in Pop Culture

FAN EXPO Philadelphia is more than just a local convention; it is a major hub for the entire pop culture ecosystem on the East Coast. It brings together diverse fandoms under one roof:

• Comic Book Culture: With creators from Marvel and DC Comics, the convention is a vital spot for comic book grading, exclusive variant covers, and portfolio reviews.
• Sci-Fi and Fantasy: The presence of *Star Wars* and *Doctor Who* stars anchors the event in classic science fiction, while panels on *Game of Thrones* and *The Witcher* cater to modern fantasy fans.
• Horror Genre: The "Horror" track includes panels with actors from classic slasher films and modern supernatural thrillers, alongside vendors specializing in macabre art and collectibles.
• Gaming Community: From competitive eSports to casual tabletop gaming, the convention floor is a massive interactive playground for all types of gamers.

The 2025 event, scheduled for May 16-18, is perfectly positioned to capture the excitement of the spring movie and TV season. With a confirmed guest list featuring the likes of Andy Serkis and Jodie Whittaker, and the promise of major comic book talent, FAN EXPO Philadelphia is a mandatory stop for any serious fan looking for a fresh, unique, and unforgettable convention experience. Start planning your cosplay and securing your tickets now to avoid disappointment!