Wizard World Chicago 2018 Preview: Outlander, The X-Files, and More

What happens when you combine a couple of FBI agents with expert vampire killers, then throw them into the 18th century with a handful of professional wrestlers? If you guessed Stranger Things Season 3, then you’re way off. What you do get though, is this year’s Wizard World Convention!

Starting on Thursday, August 23rd and going straight through Sunday night, August 26th, the Wizard World Convention hits the Donald E Stephens Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

Now I know what your thinking — isn’t this just some plain old comic-con — and yes, it is known for all your Marvel and Dc favorites. But it is so much more than that!

Of course, Matt Ryan (Constantine, Legends of Tomorrow), Tom Welling (Smallville, Lucifer), and Pom Klementieff (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) are going to make an appearance. But could you have guessed that Sam Heughan (Outlander), Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries), and Danielle Fishel (Boy Meets World) are going to be there as well?

This convention truly has something for everybody!

If nostalgia is your thing, be sure to meet the eternal teenager and epitome of cool, Henry Winkler (Happy Days). You can give him a high-five just like  Richie Cunningham!

Besides the Fonz, you can ask to be beamed up by Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek fame. I’m sure she will have her taser set to stun.

Moving on to TV shows of the 90’s, the entire cast of Boy Meets World will be gracing the convention with their presence. This includes everyone from Ben Savage to Will Friedle. If Mr. Feeny shows up, he is sure to have his hands full!

Once you have had a good laugh with these sitcom stars, prepare for the adventure of a lifetime with one of the witches of Charmed, Holly Marie Combs or James Marsters, Buffy’s hottest vampire.

But don’t get too carried away, or you may grab the attention of Agents Scully and Mulder. That’s right, David Duchovny (The X Files) and Gillian Anderson (The X Files) will be in tow. A picture with them will be sure to keep any alien predators at bay!

After the throwback comes to a close, head over to shake hands with several different stars of the hit series, Outlander.

Caitriona Balfe, Richard Rankin, and Lotte Verbeek among others, would love to hear your hopes for the new season starting this fall. That includes the writer of the book series that started it all, Diana Gabaldon.

And if all this doesn’t get your blood pumping, then step into the ring with wrestling greats Christian, Billy Gunn, and Shane Helms. Okay, I doubt there will actually be a wrestling ring anywhere near the area, and I hope for your sake there isn’t one —broken ribs aren’t the best souvenirs!

When all of your meet and greet expectations are met, make sure to head over to listen to a couple of panels featuring some of your favorite celebs.

Maybe if you are lucky enough, they will answer one of the thousands of questions that keep you up at night —does asking Gregg Sulkin (Pretty Little Liars) his shoe size seem a bit too personal?

And on your way out, don’t forget to check in with all the great comic book creators — who design so many of our favorite heroes and their fantastic adventures. An autograph on a piece of their handiwork could earn you a fortune in the near future — assuming you can put a price tag on a tiny piece of heaven.

Phew! This weekend is going to take an extra five days to recover from. I’m pretty sure fandom hangover is a reasonable excuse for calling into to work, isn’t it?

Needless to say, stay hydrated and pace yourself, because these four days of fun are going to take a lot out of you. But trust me, it will be very well worth it — the memories are going to last you a lifetime!

Check out the complete guest list to see if your favorite will be there. Watch our site and social media for more coverage of the event!

Follow Wizard World on Twitter @WizardWorld.

For tickets, autograph prices, schedule, and more information go to https://wizardworld.com/

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