FAN EXPO Philadelphiais merely days away, and a wide-ranging selection of icons from the big and small screens are set to descend upon the city. The latest FAN EXPO event will turn the Pennsylvania Convention Center into a hub of popular culture appreciation from May 16th to May 18th, uniting fans of movies, television, animation, and video games. Alongside incredible opportunities for cosplayers and fans to share their passions, the all-star guests are also a massive draw.
In 2025, FAN EXPO Philadelphia will bring together icons ofStar Wars,Marvel, Doctor Who, and DC. While many names are regulars topast FAN EXPO events, the convention has brought together a roster that will appeal to a wide range of pop-culture aficionados. As such, there is sure to be something for every kind of fan.
15John Cena
Known for WWE, DC, Fast & the Furious
One of the most recognizable faces to emerge from the WWE wrestling scene, John Cena has since gone on to become one of the most exciting stars in Hollywood. Cena witnessed the arrival of the Autobots and Decepticons inBumblebee, joined Dominic Toretto’s (Vin Diesel) ever-growing family inF9, and was one of the Kens inBarbie. Cena’s most enduring screen role is that of the anti-hero Peacemaker, bringing peace by any means necessary to James Gunn’s DC universe inThe Suicide Squadand his own series.WithPeacemakerseason 2 on the horizon, his presence on Saturday will excite congoers.
$149 - $249
14John Boyega
Known for Star Wars, Attack the Block
One of the breakout stars of 2015’sStar Wars: The Force Awakens, John Boyega led a new chapter of the saga as Finn, the stormtrooper who turned his back on the First Order and rose to battle the coming darkness. Across the sequel trilogy, Finn captured the hearts of audiences as he broke out from the programming he had endured in his training, learning the challenges the universe offers, and then rising to do what’s right. As 2025 marksthe 10-year anniversary ofThe Force Awakens, Boyega’s appearance will help celebrate the occasion.
$80 - $120
13Jodie Whittaker
Known for Doctor Who, Broadchurch, Attack the Block
While starring alongside Boyega in 2013’sAttack the Blockwas her first foray into sci-fi, Jodie Whittaker is now most recognisable for taking the role of a beloved icon asthe Thirteenth Doctor fromDoctor Who. Her debut in 2017 marked a groundbreaking moment for the series, as she became the first female incarnation of the Time Lord in the main series. Though she left the TARDIS on television in 2022, Whittaker’s return as the Thirteenth Doctor in Big Finish’s audio dramas has leftDoctor Whofans eager to hear more adventures.
$100
12John Carpenter
Known for Halloween, The Thing, Big Trouble In Little China
An icon of horror cinema,John Carpenter is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated filmmakersfor reinventing terror and suspense. Whether it’s for turning the sleepy town of Haddonfield into the hunting ground for the chilling Michael Myers inHalloween, or leaving audiences second-guessing who is truly human inThe Thing, Carpenter’s works have left audiences with works that continue to inspire and endure to this day, even if some needed time to gain more appreciation. Carpenter’s working relationship with Kurt Russell has also led to the creation of heroes like Snake Plissken, who would inspire future action leads.
$135
11Christopher Lloyd
Known for Back To The Future, The Addams Family
With his beloved portrayal ofthe eccentric Doctor Emmett Brownin theBack to the Futuretrilogy, Christopher Lloyd is an icon of 1980s cinema who has charmed audiences for his quirkier, more offbeat roles. Whether it’s for playing the delightfully deranged Uncle Fester in Barry Sonnenfeld’sAddams Familyduology, or terrifying Judge Doom inWho Framed Roger Rabbit, Lloyd’s lively roles have made him recognizable to those who grew up with his works. Lloyd has also lent his vocal talents toAnastasia, Knuckles, and theKingdom Heartsfranchise.
$120 - $180
10Giancarlo Esposito
Whether he’s dominating the Southwestern United States narcotics market or seeking to upend New Republic rule in the name of the Empire, Giancarlo Esposito has portrayed some of television’s most recognizable recent villains. The actor received widespread acclaim forhis portrayal of Gus Fringthroughout theBreaking Badfranchise, and would later portray Moff Gideon across the first three seasons ofThe Mandalorian. Esposito is also recognizable for his many collaborations with Spike Lee, and his recent appearance inCaptain America: Brave New World.
$120
9Kate Mulgrew
Known for Star Trek, Orange is the New Black
In 1995, Kate Mulgrew set forth on her own intergalactic voyage inStar Trek: Voyager, portrayingthe titular vessel’s captain, Kathryn Janeway. Despite facing the daunting task of ensuring that her vessel and crew successfully find their way home to the Alpha Quadrant, Janeway rose to the occasion with her determination, making her a beloved figure of the franchise. Mulgrew also portrayed the similarly respected inmate Red in Netflix’sOrange is the New Black.
$70 - $80
8Sonequa Martin-Green
Known for Star Trek, The Walking Dead
As 2017 markedStar Trek’s major return to television, Sonequa Martin-Green began a seven-year voyage of her own in thefranchise’sStar Trek: Discovery, as her character Michael Burnham took her crew beyond the boundaries and limitations of time, jumping to the 32nd century. Martin-Green’s Burnham helped usher in a new era for the franchise on television that continues to this day. The actress is also recognizable for her portrayal of survivor Sasha Williams inThe Walking Dead.
$80 - $95
7Andy Serkis
Known for The Lord of the Rings, The Batman, Star Wars
With his motion-capture work, Andy Serkis is celebrated for bringing out the humanity in some of cinema’s most detailed CGI creations, whether it’s the colossal King Kong of the 2005 movie, Ape leader Caesar of thePlanet of the Apes reboot, the complex Gollum ofThe Lord of the Rings, or the sinister Supreme Leader Snoke ofStar Wars. The actor can also be recognized forinspiring a revolution as Kino Loy inAndor, or aiding Batman as Alfred Pennyworth. Most recently, Serkis lent his vocal talents to the 2025 hitClair Obscur: Expedition 33.
$100 - $130
6Tyler Hoechlin
Known for Superman & Lois, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Teen Wolf
A new dawn may be approaching for the Man of Steel, but from 2021 to 2024, audiences were treated to a grounded tale of Clark Kent and Lois Lane balancing their family lives with superhero antics inSuperman & Lois, as Tyler Hoechlin took on the role of Kal-El. Following his appearances onTeen Wolfand various CWArrowverseshows, Hoechlin’s portrayal of Superman was a heartfelt exploration of the character. However, Hoechlin hasn’t limited himself to heroism, as he has also terrified gamers asthe fallen hero Sephirothin theFinal Fantasy VII Remakesaga.
$85 - $100
