15 Stars We’re Excited to See at MEGACON Orlando 2026

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FAN EXPO’s biggest event, MEGACON Orlando, is happening again, and ScreenRant is proud to be a media partner! Liam Crowley will host panels with popular celebrities, and ScreenRant will be covering all the latest news, taking photos of amazing costumes, and showcasing the exciting activities at the convention. MEGACON Orlando offers a huge exhibit hall with vendors and artists, family-friendly fun, and even special after-hours events at Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

MEGACON Orlando is happening from March 19th to 22nd at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This year’s event features exciting guests like the stars of The Lord of the Rings films reuniting, plus the voice actors and singers from the Academy Award-winning K-Pop Demon Hunters, and many other popular figures. Here’s a list of 15 celebrities we’re especially looking forward to seeing at MEGACON Orlando.

15. P.J. Soles

Known for: Halloween, Carrie

P.J. Soles is a familiar face in horror movies. She began her career with a role in the 1976 film Carrie, where she played one of the students who tormented Carrie White. She’s also known for playing Lynda van der Klok, the best friend of Jamie Lee Curtis’s character, in John Carpenter’s 1978 classic Halloween. Soles will be appearing at MEGACON Orlando on two panels. On Saturday at 12:00 PM in Room W311A, she’ll join cinematographer Dean Cundey, editor Tommy Lee Wallace, and co-star Nick Castle. Then, on Sunday at 5:00 PM in the Chapin Theater, she’ll be back with Cundey, Wallace, and Castle, along with director John Carpenter.

14. Thora Birch

Known for: Hocus Pocus, American Beauty

Many millennials remember Thora Birch for her role as Dani in the Disney hit Hocus Pocus, where she played the younger sister of Max (Omri Katz). The movie has gained a dedicated following over the years, with fans watching it every Halloween, and a sequel premiered on Disney+ in 2022. At MEGACON Orlando, fans will have a chance to see Thora Birch, Omri Katz, Vinessa Shaw (who played Allison Watts), and Jason Marsden (the voice of Thackery Binx) together on a panel Friday at 4:00 PM in Room W311A.

13. Jake Connelly

Known for: Stranger Things

©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

I’m excited to report that young actor Connelly, who brilliantly played Derek Turnbow in the fifth season of Stranger Things, is heading to MEGACON Orlando! You might remember Derek as Holly Wheeler’s classmate – he really stepped up in the final season. Connelly will be on a panel with Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler) this Saturday at 2:30 PM in Room W304. It sounds like they’ll be celebrating all the often-overlooked characters who made Stranger Things so great. Definitely a panel for fans who want to dive deeper into the show!

12. Annabeth Gish

Known for: The X-Files, The Haunting of Hill House, Sons of Anarchy

Annabeth Gish is a versatile actress with a long career, having appeared in a wide range of shows and movies – from crime dramas and superhero films to westerns. She’s particularly well-known for her role as Special Agent Monica Reyes on The X-Files during its final two seasons, where she starred alongside Robert Patrick. More recently, she’s gained recognition for her work in Mike Flanagan’s horror series, The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher. Gish will be participating in a panel discussion at MEGACON Orlando on Friday at 2:45 PM in Chapin Theater, joined by fellow X-Files actors Robert Patrick, Gillian Anderson, Nicholas Lea, and Mitch Pileggi.

11. Colin O’Donoghue

Known for: Once Upon a Time

Colin O’Donoghue won over audiences playing Captain Hook, also known as Killian Jones, on the ABC show Once Upon a Time. He was introduced in the second season and quickly became popular, especially as the charming love interest for Emma Swan (played by Jennifer Morrison). O’Donoghue will be participating in a panel discussion on Saturday at 1:30 PM in Room W304.

10. Sam Witwer

Known for: Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord

Sam Witwer, famous for his role in Star Wars, particularly as the voice of Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and other projects, will be featured in a new Disney+ series called Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, launching April 6th. Before the series premieres, he’ll be at MEGACON Orlando, appearing in two panel discussions. He’ll have a solo panel on Friday at 2:00 PM in Room W304, and on Sunday at 2:00 PM in the same room, he’ll join fellow Star Wars voice actors Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano), Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Catherine Taber (Padmé Amidala), and Nika Futterman (Asajj Ventress).

9. Lena Headey

Known for: Game of Thrones, 300

Lena Headey is famous for portraying powerful and determined women, including Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, Sarah Connor in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and Queen Gorgo in the film 300. She’s now taking on a more comedic role in Red, White, & Royal Wedding, the follow-up to the 2023 movie Red, White, & Royal Blue, which was based on Casey McQuiston’s popular novel. Fans can see Headey at MEGACON Orlando on Sunday at 3:00 PM in Room W304.

8. Frank Grillo

Known for: MCU, DCU, The Purge franchise

Frank Grillo as Brock Rumlow

Frank Grillo is known for his roles in action-packed movies and shows, including appearances as Brock Rumlow/Crossbones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Rick Flag Sr. in the DC Universe, and Sgt. Le Barnes in The Purge films. A skilled martial artist with a background in boxing, wrestling, and jujitsu, he brings his physical talents to his performances. Grillo will be discussing his career and more at a panel on Friday at 6:00 PM in Room W110A.

7. Weta Workshop

Known for: The Lord of the Rings movies

MEGACON Orlando is marking the 25th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings with a major celebration! Many cast members will be there, along with special events, exclusive merchandise, and more. Fans can enjoy panels and workshops led by the team at Weta Workshop, the New Zealand company responsible for the incredible sets, costumes, props, and creatures seen in the Lord of the Rings series.

Don’t miss the costume panel with Flo Foxworthy from the textiles department on Thursday at 5:30 PM in W101 and again on Sunday at 11:15 AM in W102B. On Sunday at 12:00 PM in W205C, Weta co-founder Sir Richard Taylor and designer Daniel Falconer will share stories from making the LoTR films. For those interested in learning sculpting techniques, Sir Richard Taylor will also be holding a masterclass on Saturday at 3:15 PM in W102B (an additional fee applies).

6. John Noble

Known for: The Lord of the Rings, Fringe

John Noble, known for his roles in popular shows and films, will be at MEGACON Orlando. Many fans remember him as Denethor in The Lord of the Rings, particularly the famous scene where he eats tomatoes while Pippin (Billy Boyd, also attending MEGACON) sings. Beyond that, he’s well-known for playing Dr. Walter Bishop in Fringe, Morland Holmes in Elementary, and Henry Parrish in Sleepy Hollow. You can see him on a panel Saturday at 2:15 PM in Room W205C.

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2026-03-20 02:06