Fan Expo Canada 2024: A Weekend of Celebrities, Cosplay, and Unforgettable Moments

Fan Expo Canada 2024 once again proved why it’s one of the most eagerly anticipated pop culture events of the year, drawing fans, celebrities, and industry professionals alike to Toronto for a weekend packed with excitement.

Held from August 22 to 25 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this year’s expo was a vibrant celebration of all things fandom, with something for everyone—from comic book aficionados to gamers and movie enthusiasts.

Celebrity Panels and Appearances: A Star-Studded Lineup

Rosario Dawson [Photo Credit: Fan Expo Canada]

This year’s Fan Expo Canada had an exciting lineup of celebrity guests, including stars of TV, film, theatre, animation, comics, and gaming. Attendees had the chance to see and meet Rosario Dawson, Josh Gad, Morena Baccarin, Helen Hunt, Marisa Tomei, John Rhys-Davies, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, among others, making for a truly star-studded event.

Center: Morena Baccarin [Photo Credit: Fan Expo Canada]

One of the most emotional moments of the weekend came during Rose McGowan’s panel. Originally, the full cast of Charmed was scheduled to appear, but due to Holly-Marie Combs cancelling because of illness and the recent passing of Shannen Doherty, only McGowan was able to attend. During the panel, McGowan paid a heartfelt tribute to Doherty, expressing her belief that her late co-star was with her in spirit. She shared her wish that she had known Doherty sooner and ended the tribute by leading the audience in raising their hands and shouting, “We love you, Shannen!” It was a touching moment that resonated deeply with fans.

Canadian actor Simu Liu, known for his roles in Shang-Chi and Barbie, made his first appearance at Fan Expo. Liu spoke warmly about his career beginnings, particularly his role on the hit show Kim’s Convenience, crediting the series with launching his successful acting career. His panel was a highlight for many fans, who appreciated his down-to-earth reflections and pride in his Canadian roots.

Simu Liu [Photo Credit: Fan Expo Canada]

Cosplay: Creativity on Full Display

Cosplay continued to be a central feature of Fan Expo Canada, with attendees showcasing their incredible creativity and dedication to their favourite characters. The convention floor was alive with stunning costumes, from perfectly replicated iconic characters to imaginative mashups and original designs. The annual cosplay contest drew a large audience, with participants vying for top honours and the admiration of their peers.

Celebrating the Summer of Squish

The Squishmallows booth was a standout activation this year, designed specifically with their loyal community in mind. Celebrating the “Summer of Squish,” the brand emphasized its “friend-first” philosophy, focusing on engaging with fans and creating memorable experiences. The booth featured life-sized versions of beloved plush characters, offering an immersive experience for attendees. A highlight was the complimentary claw machine game, where fans could win their own Squishmallow prize. Excitement also buzzed around the announcement of an upcoming collaboration with Beetlejuice, promising even more fun for the Squishmallow lineup.

Neopets: Celebrating 25 Years

We also stopped by the Neopets booth, where the iconic platform celebrated its 25th anniversary. Neopets is introducing a new generation to its whimsical world on both mobile and desktop platforms, inviting longtime fans to retrieve their accounts and reconnect with the nostalgia of their youth. The booth captured the essence of what made Neopets a beloved part of so many childhoods, while also showcasing how it continues to evolve and appeal to new audiences.

Celebrating Pop Culture: A Community United

Fan Expo Canada 2024 was more than just a convention; it was a celebration of the diverse and passionate community that makes up the world of pop culture. The event brought together people from all walks of life, united by their shared love for movies, television, comics, and more. Whether attending celebrity panels, browsing the vendor stalls, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, fans left with memories to cherish and stories to share.

As the weekend drew to a close, it was clear that Fan Expo Canada remains a key fixture in Toronto’s pop culture scene. With excitement already building for next year, attendees will look back on 2024’s expo as a weekend where fandom truly came alive in unforgettable ways.