Chrissy Teigen at the 2018 E! People’s Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on November 11, 2018. (Photo by Todd Williamson/E! Entertainment)
Issa Rae in Cosmopolitan’s July 2018 issue (Photo by Jason Kim)
Mandy Moore
The following is a press release from PopSugar:
On June 22 and June 23, powerhouse global lifestyle brand PopSugar, along with event partner Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading event organizer, will return to Pier 94 in New York City to present the second annual PopSugar Play/Ground, an experiential wonderland for women. Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural festival, the event will provide experiences both playful and grounding, bringing together a large and engaged community of women with today’s most compelling leaders, experts, and artists.
PopSugar Play/Ground celebrates dreams, no matter what they may look like, and provides the tools to achieve them. Festival-goers can expect one-of-a-kind programming that has something for everyone, with an emphasis on wellness, career advancement, activism, self-care, and self-love. The Main Stage will feature uplifting and inspiring panel conversations with headliners Chrissy Teigen, Issa Rae, and Mandy Moore, among others, cutting-edge workouts, and much more to be announced. Further highlights this year include immersive villages:
The Playground: a space where attendees can tap into their inner child and experience pure joy
Sugar Studios: a fitness dome programmed with back-to-back workouts from today’s leading influencers and most highly sought-after studios
The Samsung Soul Space Village: a dedicated wellness space offering expert workshops and classes focused on spirituality, stress relief, crystal healing, and more
The Beauty Carnival: a beauty hub that aims to gamify beauty in the most luring, eye-catching, and experiential way
The Mall of the Future: a shopping space with numerous brands that everybody will love, from all-time favorites to the up-and-coming. This village will also include The Pop Shop, an area curated by PopSugar editors that will feature exclusive collaborations and an entire PopSugar product range
“PopSugar Play/Ground is going to be even bigger and better this year,” said Lisa Sugar, founder and president of PopSugar. “We were thrilled with the community that joined us in year one, and this year we plan to build on our success to bring together women who are ready and excited to learn, play, and be inspired by the incredible talent and experiences we have lined up. PopSugar has always celebrated the multihyphenate woman, and Play/Ground is a place where she can embrace and connect with new friends while treating and celebrating herself.”
“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be a part of PopSugar Play/Ground this June because it’s a festival that celebrates all aspects of the modern-day woman — playfulness, politics, health, wellness, and fearlessness,” Mandy Moore said. “It’s about celebrating her potential and speaking to all sides of her. It’s a weekend dedicated to learning, being inspired, and creating your path to happiness — whatever that may be.”
Immersive retail is a cornerstone of PopSugar Play/Ground. In the shopping bazaar, guests will be able to purchase exclusive items curated by both PopSugar editors and Play/Ground celebrity headliners, as well as limited-edition product collaborations with PopSugar’s favorite brands. Samsung, one of Play/Ground’s presenting sponsors, will partner on the Samsung Soul Space Village, focused on holistic health, spirituality and more. Wendy’s will return to PopSugarPlay/Ground as a premiere sponsor for the second year in a row. CALIA by Carrie Underwood, Nair, Physicians Formula, Tropicana,and many other brands will also activate at PopSugar Play/Ground, producing highly experiential and Instagram-worthy activations that are unique to PopSugarPlay/Ground.
“PopSugar Play/Ground is a leader in the experiential event space, and we are thrilled to bring the festival to NYC for the second year,” said Ron Walden, group vice president of ReedPOP West, a division of Reed Exhibitions. “We can’t wait to build off last year’s success and share the evolution of PopSugar Play/Ground in June with our audience.”
The two-day festival is expected to attract more than 15,000 attendees. Tickets are on sale now and begin at $55 for GA and $200 for VIP. More guests, brand partners, and exhibitors will be announced in the following months.
For more information on PopSugar Play/Ground and to purchase tickets, please go to www.popsugarplayground.com.
Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Jake Johnson, Lauren Velez, Shameik Moore, Brian Tyree Henry Bob Persichetti and Peter Ramsey at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)
The animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” was one of the most talked-about revelations at the 2018 edition of New York Comic Con in New York City. Not only were fans given a huge surprise treat by seeing the first 35 minutes of the film before the panel discussion took place, but those in the audience who saw the sneak preview were also raving about it. Simply put: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (which opens in theaters on December 14, 2018) has the makings of being an award-winning hit.
The movie also represents the first time on the big screen that Spider-Man will be played by characters other than Peter Parker. The main Spider-Man in “Into the Spider-Verse” is Miles Morales, a half-Puerto Rican, half-African American high schooler from Brooklyn, who almost reluctantly becomes the masked webslinger under the mentorship of Parker. The trailers for the movie indicate that Morales’ love interest Gwen Stacy will also take on the persona of Spider-Gwen, plus there are other variations of Spider-Man in this movie’s alternate universe. (No spoilers here.)
After getting rapturous applause following the sneak preview, several members of the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” team took to the stage for a discussion panel. They included Shameik Moore (voice of Miles Morales); Jake Johnson (voice of Peter Parker); Lauren Velez (voice of Rio Morales, Miles’ mother); Brian Tyree Henry (voice of Jefferson Davis, Miles’ father); producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller; and directors Bob Persichetti and Peter Ramsey. Here is what they said:
Christopher Miller, Phil Lord, Jake Johnson, Shameik Moore, Lauren Velez, Brian Tyree Henry, Bob Persichetti and Peter Ramsey at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)
Phil and Chris, how did you get involved in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”?
Lord: When Sony came to us and said, “Wouldn’t it be cool to do Spider-Man as an animated movie?” And the first thing we thought was, “Yeah, that would be awesome to see a comic book come to life, but wouldn’t it be the seventh Spider-Man movie? It would have to feel like something super-fresh.” So we said we wouldn’t want to do it unless it was Miles Morales’ story.
Miller: It seemed like they really wanted us to do this, so we could make some demands. And so, we used the fact that this story had been told a lot of times to our advantage, because the expectation now is, “How can we do it differently?”
Peter Ramsey at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)
Bob Persichetti at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)
The visuals are stunning. Peter and Bob, can you talk about the visual approach and how the story is set in Brooklyn?
Ramsey: As Phil said, this was a chance for us to really lean into a medium that was made for Spider-Man … How can we take advantage of a medium that has been visually expressive for so many years and tie it into the original source material? And so, we started to lean into flash frames and visuals that are really reminiscent of drawings, but we had to figure out a way to do it with a computer, which is its own giant task.
And then separately, we’ve seen the Peter Parker story. We know. We haven’t seen the Miles Morales story. Brooklyn is such a character. There are so many things that were born out of New York: hip-hop, graffiti, Miles. How do we view the movie with a character that is the city? Each borough has its own flavor.
Persichetti: The great thing for us, as filmmakers, is that the stars all kind of lined up, and we were in a situation where we had producers/creators—Phil [Lord] and Chris [Miller]—who had a vision, and a studio that said, “You can do that,” even though they didn’t know what we were going to do.
Every step along of the way, everyone on the team pushed as far as they could into his idea of using animation to be more expressive, be like a comic book, honor the original source, and to try to bring New York 2018 to life in a way that everybody in the audience can understand, so everyone can go through this experience in Miles’ shoes. Hopefully, we got it right.
Ramsey: And I think the secret was we didn’t tell them how bold of a visual approach we were going to take until it was too late to change it.
Jake Johnson and Shameik Moore at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)
Shameik, what was it like to inhabit the Miles Morales character?
Moore: I can relate to the upbringing we’re looking at. I’m not actually Latino, but I feel the spirit. I’m very excited. When I was younger and I first saw Miles Morales, I was like, “Dude, there’s a black Spider-Man out there.”
I wrote it down in a journal filming this movie called “Dope.” I said, “I am Miles Morales. I am Spider-Man.” And two years later, I got the opportunity, with these guys. We made an amazing movie. It really is a crazy thing.
Jake, what can you say about the Peter Parker character in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”?
Johnson: It’s Peter Parker at 40. Peter Parker who’s a little chubby. Peter Parker who’s a little depressed. I just saw [the movie] this morning. It’s just so exciting, and I’m fired up to be in it.
Jake, how would you describe the relationship between Peter Parker and Miles Morales?
Johnson: They become partners in crime. They become unlikely friends. There’s a little bit of “The Karate Kid.” They end up needing each other to get out of a situation, and they become friends along the way.
Bryan Tyree Henry at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)
Brian, how would you describe your Jefferson Davis character as Miles’ father?
Henry: It reminded me of my father. I was raised by my father for … most of my formative years—junior high through high school—puberty, mostly. My father was a Vietnam vet, and there was this kid he was trying to raise. Looking at the [the movie], I was like, “Oh, that’s what he was going through!” I didn’t think I was that bad, but I was off the chain!
There is nothing more important to me than to see a black boy and his father. We’ve seen the single mom trying to bring up a teenage boy to be a man, but it’s really nice to see … Miles Morales has both of his parents. He’s bilingual and raised in Brooklyn. His mom works in a hospital, and [his father] is a cop.
He had a damn good upbringing. We made a good man! It’s important for everyone to see that Miles is part of that. It was very important for me to be part of that, to be someone trying to raise [Miles] right and make him a decent man … And to play the husband of Lauren Velez? I jumped at the chance. Our son is the bomb! It’s an honor to be on this panel with all these creators. And Miles is “dope.” See what I did there?
Shameik Moore and Lauren Velez at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)
Lauren, can you talk about your Rio character, who’s Miles’ mother?
Velez: This is my first animation [project] ever. I had no idea what to expect at all. I’m floored by everything. I’m floored by the storytelling, the visual style. Is that animation? Look at the depth of that. So much if it is beyond what I expected. I really have the most amazing family.
My son [Miles] is so dope and my husband is amazing. I’m the daughter of a cop [in real life], and seeing this [movie] made me think so much of my own family and growing … [Miles] doesn’t come from a broken home. He comes from a real stable, professional parenting environment and parents who want the best for him, and want him to achieve his highest potential. That’s why they’ve sent him away to a school that is better for him but is still diverse; he’s not completely away from his world. All of that I thought was so important.
And the bilingual aspect of it. I’m Nuyorican, and I think Miles is such loving, wonderful son on the cusp of manhood. I feel like [Rio] supports him in moving toward being the man she wants him to but still wants to nurture him and hold on to him and take care of him. I think, secretly, she thinks his art is so dope, and she supports that.
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (Image courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation)
The 13th annual New York Comic Con takes place October 4 to October 7 in New York City. The event is expected to draw about 200,000 people, according to ReedPOP, the company that produces the event. New York Comic Con’s main hub is at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, but there are also numerous activities taking place at several other locations in the city, including Hammerstein Ballroom, Shop Studios, the New York Public Library and the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
TV shows dominate the most high-profile panels and activities. “The Walking Dead” TV series has had a panel at New York Comic Con every year since the show debuted in 2010. The show’s ninth season (which premieres October 7, 2018) will have the last episodes with Andrew Lincoln, who plays “The Walking Dead” group leader Rick Grimes. Lincoln is leaving the show because he says he wants to spend more time with his family.
New York Comic Con in 2018 also has four major exclusive TV panels: “Outlander,” which is coming to New York Comic Con for the first time this year; “Doctor Who,” with the Comic Con debut of Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to play the show’s title role; “Tardis Time,” a panel reuniting former “Doctor Who” cast members David Tennant, Matt Smith and Alex Kingston; and a “Netflix and Chills” panel, with sneak previews of Netflix’s upcoming supernatural shows (“Umbrella Academy,” “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance”), as well as interviews with some of the cast members.
Meanwhile, “Riverdale” will have its New York Comic Con panel debut this year. “Gotham,” which has been at New York Comic Con since its 2014 debut, will have its final New York Comic Con panel before the series ends in 2019.
There are some movies due to be released in theaters that will also be showcased at the event, such as “Mortal Engines,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” and “Dragon Ball Super: Broly.” And, of course, there will be plenty of panels, exhibits and previews for comic books, video games, fantasy novels and other pop-culture attractions.
ANIME FEST
As previously reported, for the first time this year, New York Comic Con has partnered with Anime Expo to create Anime Fest, which will take place on the same days as New York Comic Con 2018 in New York City: October 4 to October 7. Anime Fest, which will be held at Pier 94, requires a separate price of admission for everyone. New York Comic Con badges not do not include admission to Anime Fest, and a New York Comic Con badge is not required to purchase admission to Anime Fest.
SHOP STUDIOS PANELS AND SESSIONS
New at Comic Con this year are panels and sessions presented by Entertainment Weekly and the Motion Picture Association of America at Shop Studios, which is at 528 W. 39th Street. Some of the panels require tickets. For ticketed panels, most are free to New York Comic Con badge holders and have various prices for people without New York Comic Con badges.
Some of the highlights of Shop Studios include:
Entertainment Weekly presents a conversation with actress Sophie Turner (“Dark Phoenix,” “X-Men Apocalypse,” “Game of Thrones”). Tickets are not required. (October 6, 2018, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Comic-book illustrator Alex Ross does a rare Comic Con autograph session to celebrate his book “Marvelocity,” a retrospective celebration of the world’s most beloved Marvel characters. Ross is also doing a panel conversation with editor and designer Chip Kidd. This is a ticketed session, with admission charges for everyone, including New York Comic Con badge holders. All tickets include a copy of “Marvelocity” and an exclusive Black Panther print. Ticket prices are $75 for the panel and autograph session or $65 for the autograph session only. (October 6, 2018, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Entertainment Weekly presents the “Visionaries” panel with filmmakers Robert Rodriguez (“Alita: Battle Angel,” “Sin City,” “From Dusk Till Dawn”), Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “What We Do in the Shadows”) and Drew Goddard (“Bad Times at the El Royale,” “The Cabin in the Woods”). This is not a ticketed panel. October 6, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Entertainment Weekly presents the “Brave Warriors” panel with actors Josh Bowman (“Time After Time”), Josh Dallas (“Once Upon a Time,” “Manifest”), Joel de la Feunte (“The Man in the High Castle,” “Manifest”) and Jason Lewis (“Midnight, Texas”). This is not a ticketed panel. (October 7, 2018, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Bill Nye does a Q&A conversation with Gregory Moyne. This is a ticketed panel. Free admission tickets are no longer available for New York Comic Con badge holders. Ticket prices are $25, which includes priority seating and a pre-signed copy of Nye and Moyne’s book “Jack and the Geniuses #3: Lost in the Jungle.” (October 7, 2018, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS AND PHOTO OPS
Several stars from movies and TV shows will have individual autograph sessions and/or photo opportunities with fans. They include:
Mark Ruffalo (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “Thor: Ragnarok” and other Marvel Studios superhero movies) on October 4.
Zachary Levi (“Shazam!,” “Chuck”) on October 4 and October 5.
David Tennant (“Doctor Who,” “Good Omens”) on October 5 and October 7.
Jason Momoa (“Aquaman,” “Justice League”) on October 6.
Michelle Rodriguez (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise, “Lost,” “Avatar,” “Resident Evil”) on October 6.
Danai Gurira (“The Walking Dead,” “Black Panther,” “Avengers: Infinity War”) on October 6 and October 7.
Aisha Tyler (“Archer,” “Criminal Minds”) on October 6 and October 7.
Matt Smith (“Doctor Who,” “The Crown”) on October 6 and October 7.
NYCC LIVE STAGE
Various celebrities will be stopping by for brief interviews at the NYCC Live Stage at Booth 174 at Javits Center. Here are some of the most high-profile appearances:
Robert Rodriguez and Michelle Rodriguez
October 4, 2018, 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (“Alita: Battle Angel,” “Sin City,” “From Dusk Till Dawn”), actress Michelle Rodriguez (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise, “Lost,” “Avatar,” “Resident Evil”) and writer Racer Rodriguez discuss their new, first-of-a-kind VR project “The Limit.” (Racer is Robert’s son. Michelle is not related to them.)
Zachary Levi
October 4, 2018, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The star of “Shazam!” stops by to preview the movie.
“Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Cast Interview
October 5, 2018, 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Omar Miller (Raph) Josh Brener (Donnie), Brandon Smith (Mikey) Kat Graham (April O’Neil), Andy Suriano (Character Designer), Ant Ward (Producer), and Rob Paulsen (Voice Director) swing by to discuss the reboot of everyone’s favorite “Heroes in a Half Shell.”
“Titans” Cast Interview
October 5, 2018, 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Pal around with the Titans themselves: Brenton Thwaites (Robin), Teagan Croft (Raven), Minka Kelly (Dove), Anna Diop (Starfire), Alan Ritchson (Hawk), and Ryan Potter (Beast Boy), as they discuss the upcoming DC Universe series.
“Outlander” Cast Interview
October 6, 2018, 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Go inside the hit fantasy drama’s upcoming fourth season with the show’s stars Sam Heughan (Jamie MacKenzie Fraser), Caitriona Balfe (Claire Beauchamp Randall/Fraser), Sophie Skelton (Bree Randall), and Richard Rankin (Roger Wakefield).
“Good Omens” Cast Interview
October 6, 2018, 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Writer Neil Gaiman and director Douglas Mackinnon discuss the end of the world with Michael Sheen (Aziraphale), Miranda Richardson (Madame Tracy), and David Tennant (Crowley).
“Manifest” Cast Interview
October 6, 2018, 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Series creator Jeff Rake waxes poetic on disappearing commercial airliners alongside Josh Dallas (Ben Stone) and Melissa Roxburgh (Michaela Stone).
TELEVISION AND WEB SERIES PANELS
“Marvel’s Runaways”
October 5, 2018, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
“Marvel’s Runaways” is headed to Madison Square Garden, for the very first time, with an action-packed panel, Q&A and never-before-seen-footage. Join Jeph Loeb, head of Marvel Television, along with the cast and executive producer, as they let you in on what’s to come for the highly-anticipated Season 2 of the Hulu original series “Marvel’s Runaways.” You won’t want to miss this fun-filled event! And don’t forget all 13 episodes of “Marvel’s Runaways Season 2” will drop on December 21, 2018, only on Hulu.
“DreamWorks Tales of Arcadia: 3Below”
October 5, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Guillermo del Toro offers a first look inside his upcoming Netflix original series “DreamWorks Tales of Arcadia: 3Below,” the second chapter in the “Tales of Arcadia” trilogy. The panel will also include executive producers Rodrigo Blaas, Marc Guggenheimand Chad Hammes, and actor Diego Luna (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”). The series follows two royal teenage aliens,and their bodyguard who flee a surprise takeover of their home planet by an evil dictator and crash land in Arcadia. Now on the run from intergalactic bounty hunters, they struggle to blend in and adapt to the bizarre world of high school all the while attempting to repair their ship so they can return and defend their home planet.
“Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”
October 5, 2018, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center
Rise up! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back in the next mutation of New York’s half-shell heroes. Join us as we celebrate the latest incarnation of The Turtles. Featuring Omar Miller (“Ballers”) as Raph, Ben Schwartz (“Parks and Recreation”) as Leo, Josh Brener (“Silicon Valley”) as Donnie, Brandon Smith (“You’re the Worst”) as Mikey, Kat Graham (“The Vampire Diaries”) as April and special guest Maurice LaMarche (“Pinky and the Brain”) as the Foot Brute. Joining the cast are co-executive producers, Andy Suriano and Ant Ward, and legendary voice director Rob Paulsen. Panel highlights will include never-before-seen clips from the series, special guests and exclusive giveaways.
Netflix and Chills
October 5, 2018, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center
The midnight hour is close at hand with Netflix’s Mega Block of chills, thrills, and everything else of the other-worldly variety. Join the casts of “Umbrella Academy,” “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” as they descend upon New York Comic Con to discuss these highly anticipated new series. Plus, get a first look at “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” before anyone else. Panelists: Ellen Page, Mary J. Blige, Rob Sheehan, Emmy Raver-Lampman, David Castañeda, Aidan Gallagher, Cameron Britton, Michiel Huisman, Elizabeth Reaser, Kate Siegel.
Tardis Time: Matt Smith, David Tennant and Alex Kingston Live
October 5, 2018, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Hammerstein Ballroom
The Tenth and Eleventh Doctors are joined by River Song in a once-in-a-regeneration experience at the Hammerstein Ballroom on October 5, 2018. David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Alex Kingston (along with companion/host Aaron Sagers) will make you laugh, cry, and feel bigger on the inside with their tales from across space and time. This is a ticketed event that is not free to New York Comic Con badgeholders. Tickets range from $19-$249.
The forces of good and evil take the stage to give fans a first ever sneak-peak of the highly anticipated series adaptation of Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman’s best-selling “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch” novel. A dark, comedic story set in modern day Britain that centers on the stoic and sensible angel, Aziraphale (played by Sheen) and the suave man-about-town demon, Crowley (played by Tennant) as they join forces to prevent the coming of the Apocalypse.
“Good Omens”
October 6, 2018, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
The forces of good and evil take the stage to give fans a first ever sneak-peak of the highly anticipated series adaptation of Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman’s best-selling “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch” novel. A dark, comedic story set in modern day Britain that centers on the stoic and sensible angel, Aziraphale (played by Michael Sheen) and the suave man-about-town demon, Crowley (played by David Tennant) as they join forces to prevent the coming of the Apocalypse. Panelists: Neil Gaiman, David Tennant, Douglas Mackinnon, Michael Sheen Miranda Richardson
“Marvel’s Daredevil”
October 6, 2018, 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Witness New York Comic Con’s highly anticipated return of “Daredevil,” Marvel’s first superhero on Netflix! Join the series’ stars Charlie Cox, Elden Henson, Deborah Ann Woll, Vincent D’Onofrio, Joanne Whalley, Wilson Bethel, Jay Ali, series showrunner Erik Oleson and executive producer/Marvel head of television Jeph Loeb for what promises to be an epic panel full of surprise reveals.
“Star Trek: Discovery”
October 6, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
“Star Trek,” one of the most iconic and influential global television franchises, has left an indelible mark on our world. What began as a TV show over 50 years ago became a window into the future and a reflection of our greatest hopes for a better tomorrow. Join the cast and producers of “Star Trek: Discovery” as they discuss the legacy of the franchise, and what adventures await the CBS All Access Original Series as it warps into Season 2. Panelists are to be announced.
“Outlander”
October 6, 2018, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Join executive producers Ronald D. Moore and Maril Davis, along with cast members Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton and Richard Rankin, for a discussion about the new season of the hit Starz Original Series. Season 4 of “Outlander” continues the story of time-traveling doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th-century Highlander husband Jamie Fraser as they try to make a home for themselves in the rough and dangerous “New World” of colonial America. Meanwhile, in the 20th century, Claire and Jamie’s daughter Brianna Randall and historian Roger Wakefield search for proof that Brianna’s parents found each other in the past.
“The Walking Dead”
October 6, 2018, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Cast and executive producers from AMC’s “The Walking Dead” will discuss the show’s exciting new chapter and share some hints of what’s to come with a sneak peek into season 9, debuting on October 7th at 9PM ET/PT. Panelists: Danai Gurira, Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Angela Kang, Scott M. Gimple, Robert Kirkman , Gale Anne Hurd and Dave Alpert.
“Riverdale”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sos50JmdgFM
October 7, 2018, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Following yet another drama-filled season and shocking Season 2 finale, don’t miss “Riverdale” when it makes its debut at New York Comic Con this year! Join Archie and the gang as they continue to dive into the secrets that loom and keep emerging from the shadows in a town that once seemed like a quiet, ordinary place. The circumstances surrounding Archie’s arrest kick off the drama of season three as the gang tries to #FreeArchie, while Hiram Lodge continues to flesh out his plans to control not only Riverdale, but also the ever growing SoDale. Based on the characters from Archie Comics and produced by Berlanti Productions (“The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “Blindspot,” “Arrow,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”) in association with Warner Bros. Television, this one-hour drama is a bold, subversive take on the surreality of small-town life. Join us for an exclusive sneak peek at Season 3, followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. “Riverdale” returns for Season 3 on October 10, airing Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW. “Riverdale: The Complete Second Season” is available now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital. Panelists announced so far: KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Luke Perry, Mädchen Amick, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Jon Goldwater.
“Gotham”
October 7, 2018, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Join “Gotham” as the show returns to New York Comic Con for its final appearance. With Gotham on the brink of total anarchy and cut off from the outside world, only Jim Gordon, Bruce Wayne and a handful of heroes remain behind to retake the city. Inspired by the “No Man’s Land” arc from the comics, villains including Penguin, the Riddler, the Sirens and Jeremiah have taken claim on various regions of the city. Will order be restored, or will chaos reign in Gotham? Be among the first to hear what’s in store for the final chapter of Gotham as the show returns to New York Comic Con for a special video presentation, followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. From Warner Bros. Television, “Gotham” returns for its fifth and final season midseason on Fox, and “Gotham: The Complete Fourth Season” is available now on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD. Panelists announced so far: David Mazouz, Donal Logue, Robin Lord Taylor, Cory Michael Smith, Camren Bicondova, Sean Pertwee, Chris Chalk, Erin Richards, John Stephens.
“What We Do in the Shadows”
October 7, 2018, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Hammerstein Ballroom
Exclusive Sneak-Peek Screening and Q&A – Based on the classic cult film of the same name, FX presents an exclusive screening of its new vampire comedy What We Do in the Shadows, followed by a spirited discussion with executive producers Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi and Paul Simms. Set in Staten Island, What We Do in the Shadows follows three vampires who have been roommates for hundreds, and hundreds, of years. Following the screening, fans will have a chance to hear directly from the producers about the unending ennui of everyday immortal life that mere humans take for granted. The series will debut on FX in Spring 2019.
“Doctor Who”
October 7, 2018, 1:45 PM – 3:30 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
BBC America is bringing “Doctor Who” to New York Comic Con for its global premiere! When the new season of “Doctor Who” hits BBC America timed to the U.K. premiere broadcast on Sunday, October 7th at 1:45 p.m. ET/PT, fans will get to experience the first episode live together at New York Comic Con. The screening of the first episode with new star Jodie Whittaker, entitled “The Woman Who Fell to Earth,” will be followed by a panel and fan Q&A with Whittaker, showrunner Chris Chibnall and executive producer Matt Strevens.
“RWBY” and “gen:LOCK” Mega Panel
October 7, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Rooster Teeth is bringing exclusive sneak peeks of “RWBY Volume 6” and “gen:LOCK” to New York Comic Con. Join “RWBY” cast and crew Lindsay Jones (Ruby), Kara Eberle (Weiss), Arryn Zech (Blake), Barbara Dunkelman (Yang), Miles Luna and Kerry Shawcross for exciting “RWBY” news, hilarious behind-the-scenes stories and more. “gen:LOCK” writer/director Gray G. Haddock will show the most that’s ever been seen of “gen:LOCK.”
In addition, these TV shows or web series will be showcased with panels at New York Comic Con this year:
“The 100”
“American Dad”
“American Gods”
“Archer: 1999”
“Batman: The Animated Series”
“Big Mouth”
“Blindspot”
“Boy Meets World”(25th Anniversary Reunion)
“The Boys”
“Charmed”
“Cobra Kai”
“Cosmos: Possible Worlds”
“Cowboy Bebop”
“Critical Role”
“Deadly Class”
“A Discovery of Witches”
“The Dragon Prince”
“Drunk History”
“Family Guy”
“Future Man”
“The Gifted”
“Happy!”
“Human Kind Of”
“Hilda”
“Impractical Jokers”
“Legacies”
“Liver Spots and Astro Nots”
“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” (25th Anniversary Reunion)
“Lore”
“The Magicians”
“The Man in the High Castle”
“Manifest”
“Mars”
“Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors”
“Midnight, Texas”
“Mythical Beasts”
“Nightflyers”
“Origin”
“The Orville”
“Our Star Wars Stories”
“The Passage”
“Project Blue Book”
“Roswell, New Mexico”
“She-Ra and the Princesses of Power”
“Siren”
“Stan Against Evil”
“SuperMansion”
“The Tick”
“Titans”
“Trailer Park 2.0”
“Voltron Legendary Defender”
MOVIE PANELS
“Mortal Engines”
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
October 5, 2018, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Hundreds of years after civilization was destroyed by a cataclysmic event, humankind has adapted and a new way of living has evolved. Gigantic moving cities roam Earth, ruthlessly preying upon smaller traction towns. Now, two fugitives forge an unlikely alliance destined to change the future. Join cast & filmmakers from “Mortal Engines” the startling, epic adventure from the filmmakers of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” as they share exclusive materials and thrilling tales of production. Panelists: Peter Jackson Philippa Boyens, Hugo Weaving, Jihae, Leila George, Rob Sheehan, Stephen Lang, Hera Hilmar and Christian Rivers.
“Dragon Ball Super: Broly”
October 5, 2018, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
The greatest action animated series of all time returns for a new movie of epic proportions! Join a roster of English voice actors—and special guests from Japan—as they discuss the film and reveal never-before-seen announcements. This panel reunites the English and Japanese voices of Goku, Sean Schemmel and Masako Nozawa, along with Japanese director Tatsuya Nagamine and English voice actors!
“Hellboy” (2019)
October 6, 2018, 11:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center
Join stars David Harbour, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim and Ian McShane, and comic book creator Mike Mignola to discuss the film. Based on the Dark Horse comic book “Hellboy” caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”
October 6, 2018, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Cast and filmmakers from Sony Pictures Entertainment’s highly anticipated “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” from the creative minds of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, will give audiences an inside look at the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse—where more than one can wear the mask. The film is presented in association with Marvel. Panelists: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Miller, Lord, Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichietti.
“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”
October 7, 2018, 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Welcome cast and filmmakers from DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.” Get ready to rediscover Toothless—the King of all Dragons—as he meets a potential girlfriend and journeys alongside Hiccup to a hidden world you thought only existed in myth. Writer/director Dean DeBlois will be joined by special guests as he reveals all-new footage and brings us deep into his surprising tale about growing up, finding the courage to face the unknown, and the most unlikely of friendships—one that’s spanned the lifetimes of both the Night Fury and the chief of Berk.
“Twilight” (10th Anniversary)
October 7, 2018, 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of “Twilight’s” original theatrical release, Lionsgate invites you to join director Catherine Hardwicke and “Twilight” actors Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone and Edi Gathegi to reminisce about the epic saga and how it changed the state of fandom.
*All panel descriptions are courtesy of New York Comic Con.
For the first time, New York Comic Con has partnered with Anime Expo to create Anime Fest, which will take place on the same days as New York Comic Con 2018 in New York City: October 4 to October 7. Anime Fest is a separate event that will be held at Pier 94. New York Comic Con takes place at various locations in New York City, but the main hub is at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
New York Comic Con badge purchases are not required to attend Anime Fest, and vice versa, but New York Comic Con badge holders get a discount on Anime Fest badges from July 15 to August 19, or until all these discounted badges are sold out.
The regular prices for Anime Fest 2018 are $20 each for October 4 or October 5; $25 each for October 6 or October 7; and $10 each for children on October 7 only.
New York Comic Con badge holder discount prices for Anime Fest 2018 are $15 each for October 4 or October 5; $20 each for October 6 or October 7; and $5 each for children on October 7 only.
According to an announcement on the New York Comic Con website, Anime Fest will have “Japanese guests, a curated Artist Alley, creative classes, Instagram-worthy activations, cosplay and a few more surprises we’ll announce closer to the event.”
Pictured from left to right: Jason Momoa; “Outlander” stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Hueghan; Aisha Tyler. (Photo credits, from left to right: Clay Enos/Warner Bros. Pictures; Starz; Francis Specker/CBS)
Jason Momoa (“Aquaman,” “Justice League”), Aisha Tyler (“Archer”) and “Outlander” stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Hueghan are among the celebrities set to make appearances at the 13th annual New York Comic Con, which will take place October 4 to October 7, 2018 in New York City. The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is the main hub of the event, but several event activities will take place at other venues in the city. For the first time, Starz’s popular series “Outlander” will have a panel at New York Comic Con; the panel will take place on October 6.
Other celebrities announced for the event so far include “Lois & Clark” stars Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher; “Boy Meets World”/”Girl Meets World” stars Ben Savage, Danielle Fishel and Will Friedle; and “Impractical Jokers” stars Joe Gatto, James Murray and Bruan Quinn. Most of these stars will be signing autographs at the event.
A complete schedule of 2018 New York Comic Con panels, activities and other celebrity appearances will be announced in the coming weeks.
New York Comic Con, which is produced by ReedPOP, was attended by a record-setting 200,000 people in 2017, according to ReedPop. The event is now the highest-attended comic-book/pop-culture fan convention in North America. Movies and TV programs that were showcased at the 2017 New York Comic Con included “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” “Replicas,” “The Walking Dead,” “Doctor Who,” “Star Trek: Discovery” and “Castle Rock.”
Danai Gurira (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images for Codeblack Films)
July 20, 2018 UPDATE: Danai Gurira (“Black Panther,” “The Walking Dead”) is set to make an appearance at New York Comic Con. She will be doing photo-ops and signing autographs on October 6 and October 7. “The Walking Dead” has traditionally had a panel at New York Comic Con. Since 2016, the panel has been held at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. It hasn’t been officially announced yet if “The Walking Dead” panel will take place at New York Comic Con 2018, but if it will, then the panel is expected to be held on Saturday, October 6.
The 12th annual New York Comic Con takes place October 5 to October 8 in New York City. The event is expected to draw at least 180,000 people, according to ReedPOP, company that produces the event. New York Comic Con’s main hub is at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, but there are also numerous activities taking place at several other locations in the city, including Hammerstein Ballroom, Hudson Mercantile, the New York Public Library and the Theater at Madison Square Garden.
TV shows dominate the most high-profile panels and activities. There are some movies due to be released in theaters that will be showcased at the event. And, of course, there will be plenty of panels, exhibits and previews for comic books, video games, fantasy novels and other pop-culture attractions.
This year, New York Comic Con has joined forces with Keanu Reeves, Hollywood and Puerto Rico Filmmakers and CINE to raise money for he Puerto Rico Film Friends Relief Fund, which will help victims and survivors of Hurricane Maria. Click here to donate or for more information. Reeves will be at New York Comic Con on October 5 to promote his movie “Replicas.”
Here is a list of the TV and movie panels that are expected to draw the largest crowds*:
TELEVISION
BBC America Presents: Peter Capaldi Spotlight
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
October 6, 2017, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Peter Capaldi, star of BBC America’s “Doctor Who,” will head the list of top talent set to attend NYCC. Capaldi, the 12th Doctor, is a Spotlight guest and will join fans for a panel on Friday, October 6. The fan Q&A marks his return to NYCC and is a very special moment leading up to the highly-anticipated Doctor Who Christmas Special, Twice Upon a Time, which is Peter Capaldi’s final episode in the iconic hit series. As previously revealed in the closing moments of the season finale, the special will feature Capaldi’s current Doctor team up with the First Doctor, played by David Bradley.
Rooster Teeth’s “RWBY”
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
October 6, 2017, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Rooster Teeth’s global hit western anime series “RWBY” returns to New York Comic Con, and the cast and crew are here with an exclusive sneak peek at Volume 5. Join Lindsay Jones (Ruby), Barbara Dunkelman (Yang), Miles Luna, Kerry Shawcross, and Gray G. Haddock for exciting “RWBY” news, hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, an audience Q&A and more!
Freeform’s Super Sci-Fi Q&A Panel with “Shadowhunters” and “Beyond”
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
October 7, 2017, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Fans of Freeform’s hit series “Shadowhunters” and “Beyond” get a glimpse into the upcoming seasons from cast and executive producers. “Will it be smooth sailing for the reunited Malec?,” “Will Holden return to a normal life?,” plus much more will be revealed during this epic panel. Cast and EP participants to be announced at a later date.
Marvel Television Presents: “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
October 7, 2017, 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Join Jeph Loeb, Head of Marvel Television, in celebrating Season Five of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” with the entire cast and executive producers as they come together at Madison Square Garden, for the very first time, with an action-packed panel, Q&A and never-before-seen footage. This is the one you’ve been waiting for!
“Star Trek: Discovery”
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
October 7, 2017, 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
This fall on CBS All Access, Star Trek: Discovery follows the voyages of Starfleet on their missions to discover new worlds and new life forms, while learning that to truly understand all things alien, you must first understand yourself. The iconic television franchise, which first launched over 50 years ago, continues to remain true to its roots, and Starfleet’s steadfast ideals of adventure, an earnest pursuit for exploration, and the hope that we can all come together for a better tomorrow. Join members of the cast, alongside the creative minds behind the new series for a panel conversation on Star Trek: Discovery.
AMC’s “The Walking Dead”
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
October 7, 2017, 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM
Join “The Walking Dead” cast and executive producers for a panel where they will discuss the season 7 finale and share a sneak peek into season 8, premiering October 22nd 9/8c.
In addition, these TV shows will be showcased with panels at New York Comic Con this year:
“American Gods”
“Archer: Danger Island”
“Ash vs. Evil Dead”
“Black Mirror”
“Blindspot”
“Castle Rock”
“Comic Book Men”
“Deception”
“The Defenders”
“Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency”
“Drunk History”
“Electric Dreams”
“The Exorcist”
“Explosion Jones”
“Family Guy”
“Final Space”
“Future Man”
“The Gifted”
“Gotham”
“Happy!”
“Hey Arnold!”
“Jack Ryan”
“Lore”
“The Magicians”
“The Man in the High Castle”
“Once Upon a Time”
“The Orville”
“Power Rangers Ninja Steel”
“Psych Reunion Movie”
“The President Show”
“Reverie”
“Robot Chicken”
“Runaways”
“The Shannara Chronicles”
“Shut Eye”
“Siren”
“Stan Against Evil”
“SuperMansion: Drag Me to Halloween”
“The Tick”
“Voltron: Legendary Defender”
“The X-Files”
MOVIES
“Pacific Rim Uprising”
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
October 6, 2017, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
“Pacific Rim Uprising” director Steven S. DeKnight will be joined by stars John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Burn Gorman and Cailee Spaeny—as well as moderator Aaron Sagers, SYFY WIRE’s editor-at-large—to discuss the upcoming action-adventure from Legendary and introduce the world premiere of the new trailer. The follow-up to 2013’s cinematic epic of monsters and mechs, the film will inspire a new generation to become the biggest heroes to ever walk the earth. Also starring Jing Tian, Rinko Kikuchi, Adria Arjona and Charlie Day, “Pacific Rim Uprising” hits theaters March 2018.
“Professor Marston & the Wonder Women”
Hammerstein Ballroom
October 8, 2017, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
By now every fan knows the origin of Wonder Woman, but very few know about the real-life women who inspired the iconic super-heroine and their unique relationship with the man who created her. “Professor Marston & the Wonder Women” tells that fascinating and extraordinary story. Please join us for a preview panel about this acclaimed film with its stars Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall, and director Angela Robinson. Everyone attending will receive a “Professor Marston & the Wonder Women” poster and pencil. Moderated by Fandango’s Tiffany Smith.
“Replicas”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nio5Qf1l4cE
Javits Center, Room 1A06
October 5, 2017, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Join Keanu Reeves and the team behind “Replicas,” for an exclusive first look and conversation about the film. Reeves developed and produced the “Replicas” with his producing partner, Stephen Hamel, and Transformers-franchise producer, Lorenzo di Bonaventura. The film is written by Chad St. John (“London Has Fallen:) from a story by Hamel, and directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff (writer of “The Day After Tomorrow”). “Replicas” is the story of a scientist (Reeves) who loses his family in a horrific accident, but is determined save his wife and children by bringing them back to life with cutting-edge cloning technology.
*All panel descriptions are courtesy of New York Comic Con.
William Shatner (pictured at left) and Mark Hamill (pictured at right) (Photos courtesy of CBS)
William Shatner (“Star Trek”), Mark Hamill (“Star Wars”) and “Guardians of the Galaxy” cast members Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn are among the celebrities set to make appearances at the 12th annual New York Comic-Con, which will take place October 5 to October 8, 2017 in New York City. The Jacob K. Javits Center is the main hub of the event, but several event activities will take place at other venues in the city.
Other celebrities announced for the event so far include “Game of Thrones” actress Lena Headey; “American Gods” cast members Pablo Schreiber and Yetide Badaki; and former “Sons of Anarchy” stars Ryan Hurst and Theo Rossi. All of these stars will be signing autographs at the event.
A complete schedule of 2017 New York Comic Con panels, activities and other celebrity appearances will be announced in the coming weeks.
New York Comic Con, which is produced by ReedPOP, was attended by about record-setting 180,000 people in 2016, according to ReedPop. The event is now the highest-attended comic-book/pop-culture fan convention in the United States. Movies and TV programs that were showcased at the 2016 New York Comic Con included “John Wick: Chapter 2,” “War for the Planet of the Apes,” “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter,” “The Walking Dead,” “Westworld,” and “Stranger Things.”
Hillary Clinton (Photo by Virginia Sherwood/MSNBC)
Hillary Rodham Clinton will make a speaking appearance during BookExpo at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on June 1, 2017. This year’s BookExpo, a trade event for people in the book industry, will take place May 31 to June 2 at the same location. The fourth annual BookCon, a fan event for book consumers, will also be held at the Javis Convention Center on June 3 and June 4, 2017. Both events are produced by ReedPOP.
Clinton’s speaking engagement is billed as “An Evening with Hillary Rodham Clinton” and will take place on BookExpo’s Main Stage from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Clinton’s appearance will be a separately ticketed event with limited availability open to registered BookExpo attendees only. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis.
After serving as the 67th U.S. Secretary of State (from 2009 to 2013), Clinton authored the 2014 bestselling memoir “Hard Choices.” In 2016, she became the first woman to be nominated for U.S. president by a major political party. Prior to being Secretary of State, Clinton was a U.S. Senator representing New York from 2001 to 2009, and was First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Clinton is also the author of 2016’s “Stronger Together: A Blueprint for America’s Future” (which she co-authored with Tim Kaine) and the 1996 bestseller “It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us.” Her next book (title to be announced) will be published by Simon & Schuster in September 2017.
As previously reported, BookExpo 2017 has also lined up superstar author Stephen King, who will appear for the first time at the event. King will be part of the Adult Book & Author Breakfast on June 1.
Superstar comedian Kevin Hart will make his first BookCon appearance at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on June 1, 2017. he fourth annual BookCon, a fan event for book consumers, will also be held at the Javis Convention Center on June 3 and June 4, 2017. The event follows BookExpo, a trade event for people in the book industry, that will take place May 31 to June 2 at the same location. Both events are produced by ReedPOP.
According to a press release, Hart will do a meet-and-greet session with fans, as well as a Q&A discussion with radio personality Charlamagne Tha God, co-host of “The Breakfast Club.” These two events, only available to BookCon ticketholders, will each require a separately purchased ticket, which includes Hart’s book “I Can’t Make This Up,” which Atria Books will publish on June 6, 2017.
Charlamagne Tha God will be also be at BookCon to promote his new book “Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It.” Other celebrities announced for BookCon appearances this year include Chelsea Clinton, Bill Nye, Dan Brown, Mayim Bialik, Chad Michael Murray, Krysten Ritter and Matt Bomer.
One of the most sought-after events at ReedPOP’s BookExpo each year, the 2017 Adult Book & Author Breakfast is shaping up to be the forum’s most exciting yet with the first-ever BookExpo appearance by best-selling novelist Stephen King (“Misery,” “11/22/63,” “On Writing”). Joined by Owen King, his son and co-author of the upcoming novel “Sleeping Beauties,” the pair will offer a special introduction to the breakfast, “Prologue by Stephen King & Owen King.” Following their introduction, comedian and actress Whitney Cummings (Whitney, 2 Broke Girls co-creator) will take the BookExpo stage to host the event and discuss her upcoming memoir, “I’m Fine… And Other Lies. She will be joined by Captain Scott Kelly” (“Endurance: My Year in Space”), Kenya Barris (“This is Basic Sh*t”), Jesmyn Ward (“Sing, Unburied, Sing”) and Claire Messud (“The Burning Girl: A Novel”), all of whom will speak about their upcoming releases and the inspiration behind their writing.
Taking place Thursday, June 1, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York, the Adult Book & Author Breakfast is one of the many events at BookExpo highlighting the hundreds of authors who participate in the show. This year’s breakfast will bring together some of the industry’s leading voices in adult literature from a diverse group of backgrounds for an insightful and lively discussion. The event’s host, Whitney Cummings, is an acclaimed comedian and actress best known for starring in and creating the sitcom Whitney and co-creating the hit TV series “2 Broke Girls,” which is currently airing its 6th season on CBS. She most recently starred in the stand-up comedy special “I’m Your Girlfriend” on HBO.
She will play host to some of the most anticipated authors of the day. Celebrated astronaut Scott Kelly, a veteran of four space flights and the world record holder for the number of consecutive days spent in space, will discuss his upcoming memoir, “Endurance: My Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery.”
Kenya Barris, debuting his personal collection of humorous essays, “This is Basic Sh*t,” is a writer, producer and creator of numerous television series including ABC’s “Black-ish,” a sitcom that has been lauded for its ability to address some of today’s most controversial issues in an intelligent, thoughtful and humorous way.
“Sing, Unburied, Sing” author Jesmyn Ward, the winner of the National Book Award and the Strauss Livings Award from the American Academy of Arts & Letters and associate professor of creative writing at Tulane University, has received much praise for her previous works, “Salvage the Bones” and “Where the Line Bleeds.”
Claire Messud, an acclaimed novelist whose books include the best seller “The Emperor’s Children” (2006), will debut her latest work, “The Burning Girl: A Novel.” Her many honors include Guggenheim and Radcliffe Fellowships and the Strauss Living Award from the American Academy of Arts & Letters and she currently teaches fiction writing at Harvard University. Past breakfast speakers have included Faith Salie, Chelsea Handler, Sebastian Junger and Brandon Stanton.
A master of horror and suspense, Stephen King is the author of more than 50 books, most of them worldwide bestsellers. His son, Owen King, is following in his father’s footsteps as author of the novel “Double Feature” and “We’re All in This Together: A Novella and Stories,” and the co-author of the graphic novel “Intro to Alien Invasion. Sleeping Beauties” is the first father/son collaboration for the Kings.
This year’s breakfast will also feature an updated, more interactive format that will showcase more authors than ever before, giving the audience a unique experience to hear the speakers engage with one another and field questions from the audience. Thursday’s Adult Book & Author Breakfast will be followed by the highly-anticipated Children’s Book & Author Breakfast on Friday morning.
“Our Adult Book & Author Breakfast is always a highlight of the show, drawing over a thousand attendees interested in discovering new books and engaging with some of the most prominent authors in literature today. It will be a truly memorable morning,” said Brien McDonald, Event Director for BookExpo. “This event is just one of many at BookExpo this year that furthers our mission to use books as a unifying platform and a place where all voices can be heard. We are working to showcase throughout BookExpo a diverse range of authors who can each offer a unique perspective on both literature and the world around us.”
Full program information can be found below:
THURSDAY, JUNE 1
8:00AM – 9:30AM ADULT BOOK & AUTHOR BREAKFAST (Main Stage)
The Thursday morning breakfast will feature Scott Kelly author of Endurance: My Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery (Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House); Kenya Barris, author of This is Basic Sh*t (Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group); Jesmyn Ward, author of Sing, Unburied, Sing (Scribner); and Claire Messud, author of The Burning Girl: A Novel (W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.). Actress and Comedian Whitney Cummings, author of I’m Fine…And Other Lies (Putnam / Penguin Random House), will host. The breakfast will open with a Prologue from Stephen and Owen King, co-authors of Sleeping Beauties (Scribner).
BookExpo, North America’s largest gathering of book industry professionals from around the globe, and BookCon, the consumer extension of the show, combine to make the ultimate event destination for the publishing industry and booklovers worldwide. BookExpo is widely known as the leading business event for publishers, booksellers, librarians, digital content creators, traditional and self-published authors, media, bloggers, rights professionals and movie and television executives who attend to discover new voices, learn about trends shaping the book industry and network with those who have a passion for books and reading. BookCon is the ultimate fan event where storytelling and pop culture collide – offering fans unprecedented access to authors, publishers, celebrities and creators of content that influence everything we read, hear and see.
To register or for more information, please visit www.bookexpoamerica.com.