SALT LAKE COMIC-CON PREVIEW 2016

Article By Adam Mast

In just a few short years, SL Comic-Con has become one of the fastest growing fan gathering is the entire country! It’s far less chaotic than the likes of that other huge Con whose name we won’t mention here, but in its own endearing way, it’s just as fun.

SL Comic-Con doesn’t offer up big studio presentations (although I suspect that will change as it continues to grow) but there is certainly no shortage of A-list talent, entertaining panels, and stunning artwork on display. With the convention running from September 1st to September 3rd, we thought we’d give a run down of a few of the panels we’re most excited to attend. And rest assured, we’ll definitely be bringing you a recap after the convention comes to a close. In the meantime, this is what we’re most looking forward to at SL Comic-Con:

MARK HAMILL– Thursday, September 1st at 11 AM at Vivint Arena

We didn’t call the title of this SL Comic-Con piece “THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH SL COMIC-CON” for nothing! That’s right folks! Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker himself, is attending and word on the street is that this will be his only convention appearance for the remainder of 2016. Given that this iconic performer (who also does expert vocal work as The Joker) is so beloved by all of geekdom, convention organizers have opted to hold his panel at the Vivint Center. That particular venue holds over 20,000 meaning that this panel won’t be as intimate as a “Star Wars” fan would hope, but this will still be an incredible opportunity to listen to Hamill dish on all things “The Force.” Doubtful that he’ll share anything Earth shattering in regard to “Episode VIII” but perhaps if fans are a little lucky, the fan-friendly Hamill will give us a little tease of what’s to come in a galaxy far, far away.

MICHAEL ROOKER– Saturday, September 3rd at 10 AM in the Grand Ballroom

Michael Rooker is perhaps best known as Merle–Daryl’s tough as nails white trash brother on AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” But to many a fan, he’s also known for his work in “Tombstone,” “Sea of Love,” “Mississippi Burning,” “Eight Men Out,” “Cliffhanger,” “Mallrats,” and for his unforgettably terrifying performance in “Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer” (which is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary.) More recently, movie goers have fallen in love with Rooker for his portrayal of the colorful and shifty Yondu in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” With “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” opening next May, fans are going to have plenty of compelling fans for the lively actor. I have no doubt that this will be one of the most entertaining panels at the convention.

ROBERT ENGLUND– Friday, September 2nd at 6 PM in the Grand Ballroom

Freddy Krueger at SL Comic-Con? Yes, please! I adore Robert Englund in a way that’s hard to put into words. He was a vital part of my movie going youth having created a movie maniac for the ages in Wes Craven’s highly influential “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series. He was also the beloved alien Willie on the t.v. series, “V.” Beyond that, this genre favorite has also dabbled in directing, most famously with 1988’s cult hit “976-EVIL” starring Stephen Geoffreys (“Fright Night.”) Robert Englund has been on the convention circuit for years and he always puts on a show for the fans. This is a must-see panel!

MILLIE BOBBY BROWN– Friday, September 2nd in the Grand Ballroom

From the moment Eleven popped up on screen in the break out Netflix smash “Stranger Things,” it was perfectly clear that the young girl playing her was destined for greatness. Millie Bobby Brown is fairly new to the scene but she made the kind of impression that all but ensures we’re going to be seeing a lot more of her in the future. SL Comic-Con attendees will hopefully be clued into what she has in the pipeline.

HENRY WINKLER– Friday, September 2nd at 1 PM in the Grand Ballroom

Very few Cons can brag that they brought Luke Skywalker, Captain Kirk, The Incredible Hulk, Freddy Krueger, and The Fonz to the same gathering, but SL Comic-Con is doing just that. During the 70’s and early 80’s Arthur Fonzarelli was the very personification of cool. Henry Winkler was responsible for that coolness and with any luck, he’ll hit that jukebox live with his fist. As a kid, I couldn’t get enough of “Happy Days.” That wonderful television series was captured the spirit of family in a way that few shows have since. Such great cast chemistry on that show, and the crux of it rested in the hands of the great Ron Howard and the legendary Henry Winkler. Heyyyyyy!

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SL COMIC-CON PANELS TO GET EXCITED ABOUT:

WILLIAM SHATNER, JOHN CENA, DANNY TREJO, BILLY BOYD, LOU FERRIGNO, FAMKE JANSSEN, LENNIE JAMES, JIM BEAVER, DUKES OF HAZARD CAST REUNION, RAIDERS! DOCUMENTARY SCREENING, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK: THE ADAPTATION SCREENING, 30 YEARS OF THREE AMIGOS, GOOD MOVIES BAD DESCRIPTIONS, THE GREATEST MOVIE FRANCHISES THAT NEVER WERE, & BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE CULTURAL IMPACT.

For detailed information on 2016 SL Comic-Con including how to get tickets, CLICK HERE!

About Author

Adam Mast

Adam Mast has been a lifelong film enthusiast dating back to age 6 when his parents took him to see a little movie called JAWS at a drive-in theater in Northern California. This would lead him to several writing stints for various publications and outlets. Mast would also have a hand in several film projects of various shapes and sizes. In 2014, Mast would join forces with colleague John Pugh to create Cinemast.net as a means discuss film from a fan and analytical perspective. Together, Mast and Pugh would also create the 501 (C)(3) nonprofit, Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU) in 2017. FMASU’s mission is to encourage, inspire and educate filmmaking talent and to preserve film history. Adam currently resides in southern Utah with his amazing wife, Tonja, and their four wonderful children.

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