15 Stars We’re Excited to See at FAN EXPO New Orleans 2026

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ScreenRant will be at FAN EXPO New Orleans for three days of fun, featuring panels, events, and appearances by famous guests. The convention runs from January 9th to 11th at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and will showcase stars from science fiction, fantasy, anime, comics, gaming, and other popular genres. As a media partner, ScreenRant’s host, Liam Crowley, will lead several panel discussions during the event.

FAN EXPO’s 2026 season is starting strong with guests from popular franchises like The Lord of the Rings, various villainous worlds, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Fans will have the chance to meet their favorite actors through Q&A panels, photo opportunities, and autograph signings. Here’s a look at 15 stars we can’t wait to see at FAN EXPO New Orleans.

15. Judith Hoag

Known for: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Halloweentown films

Judith Hoag famously played April O’Neil in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie from the 1990s. This film kicked off a hugely popular franchise that includes comics, TV shows, video games, and several other movies. In the film, April is a determined reporter who teams up with the Ninja Turtles when she starts looking into a series of strange robberies happening in New York City. Hoag will be joined by her Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-stars – Robbie Rist, Ernie Reyes Jr, Ken Scott, Brian Tochi, and François Chau – for a panel discussion on Sunday at 12:45 PM on the Main Stage, hosted by Liam Crowley from ScreenRant.

14. Christopher Judge

Known for Stargate, God of War

Christopher Judge is well-known to science fiction fans as Teal’c from the Stargate series – a brave and powerful Jaffa leader and rebel. Video game players recognize him as the voice of Kratos in the God of War games. On Saturday at 2:00 PM in Theater #2, Judge will discuss his experience bringing the demigod to life in a panel discussion led by Liam Crowley.

13. Cedric Yarbrough

Known for Reno 911!

Cedric Yarbrough is known for his funny performance as Deputy S. Jones on the TV show Reno 911!, a hilarious parody of police documentary series like Cops. The show, filmed in a mockumentary style, ran for eight seasons, originally on Comedy Central, and was later continued on Quibi and The Roku Channel. Yarbrough will be joined by his co-star Thomas Lennon for a panel discussion at FAN EXPO New Orleans on Friday at 6:15 PM in Theater #2.

12. Jamie Pressly

Known for My Name is Earl, Mom

Jamie Pressly is famous for playing Joy Turner on the NBC comedy My Name is Earl, a role that won her an Emmy Award. She’s also shown her comedic skills in shows like CBS’ Mom and films like Not Another Teen Movie and I Love You, Man. Pressly will be joining her My Name is Earl co-star Ethan Suplee (who played Randy) for a panel discussion on Friday at 7:15 PM in Theater #2.

11. James & Oliver Phelps

Known for Harry Potter

James and Oliver Phelps, the actors who played the Weasley twins, are returning to FAN EXPO New Orleans with Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley. They’ll be discussing their experiences filming the beloved Harry Potter movies – and might even share some baking secrets! Catch their panel on Sunday at 2:00 PM in the Main Theater.

10. Lilli Cooper

Known for Hazbin Hotel, Broadway’s Spring Awakening

The animated series Hazbin Hotel features a fantastic cast of voice actors, including several performers from Broadway. Lilli Cooper, known for originating the role of Martha Bessell in Spring Awakening and playing Sandy Cheeks in the SpongeBob SquarePants musical, currently stars in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Fans of the Hazbin Hotel universe will recognize Cooper as the voice of Velvette, a powerful demon and one of the Vees. Cooper, along with her fellow Vees Christian Borle (who voices Vox) and Joel Perez (who voices Valentino), will be participating in a panel discussion on Friday at 4:30 PM and Saturday at 1:30 PM in the Main Theater.

9. Gates McFadden

Known for Star Trek: The Next Generation

Gates McFadden, best known for playing Dr. Beverly Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the subsequent four Star Trek movies, and Star Trek: Picard, will be attending Fan EXPO New Orleans. She’ll be discussing her experiences with the iconic sci-fi franchise on two panels in Theater #2 – one on Friday at 5:15 PM and another on Saturday at 4:00 PM.

8. Joel Perez

Known for Hazbin Hotel, Broadway’s Fun Home

Joel Perez is a skilled actor who lends his voice to Valentino, one of the Vees, in the Prime Video series Hazbin Hotel. He’s also a Broadway veteran, having performed in Fun Home and the national tour of In the Heights. Perez will be joining Lilli Cooper and Christian Borle for two panel discussions.

7. James Marsters

Known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer

James Marsters, best known for playing the vampire Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, will be at FAN EXPO New Orleans. Originally intended to be a short-lived character, Spike became incredibly popular with fans and even became a romantic interest for Buffy. Marsters will participate in a panel discussion on Saturday at noon in Theater #2.

6. Dean Norris

Known for Breaking Bad, Under the Dome

Dean Norris is famous for playing Hank Schrader in the hit shows Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. His character, a DEA agent, spent the series hunting the drug kingpin Heisenberg, unaware that Heisenberg was actually his brother-in-law, Walter White. Norris has also been in several popular movies, including Lethal Weapon 2, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, and Starship Troopers. He’s participating in two panels at the event: a solo session on Saturday at 5:00 PM and a panel with action stars Joe Pantoliano and Garrett Hedlund on Sunday at 1:00 PM. Both panels will be held in Theater #2.

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2026-01-05 18:43