FAN EXPO Philadelphia is 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 pᴀssions, the all-star guests are also a mᴀssive draw.

In 2025, FAN EXPO Philadelphia will bring together icons of Star Wars, Marvel, Doctor Who, and DC. While many names are regulars to past 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.

15

John 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 in Bumblebee, joined Dominic Toretto’s (Vin Diesel) ever-growing family in F9, and was one of the Kens in Barbie. 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 in The Suicide Squad and his own series. With Peacemaker season 2 on the horizon, his presence on Saturday will excite congoers.

14

John Boyega

Known for Star Wars, Attack the Block

One of the breakout stars of 2015’s Star 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 marks the 10-year anniversary of The Force Awakens, Boyega’s appearance will help celebrate the occasion.

13

Jodie Whittaker

Known for Doctor Who, Broadchurch, Attack the Block

While starring alongside Boyega in 2013’s Attack the Block was her first foray into sci-fi, Jodie Whittaker is now most recognisable for taking the role of a beloved icon as the Thirteenth Doctor from Doctor 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 left Doctor Who fans eager to hear more adventures.

12

John 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 filmmakers for reinventing terror and suspense. Whether it’s for turning the sleepy town of Haddonfield into the hunting ground for the chilling Michael Myers in Halloween, or leaving audiences second-guessing who is truly human in The 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.

11

Christopher Lloyd

Known for Back To The Future, The Addams Family

With his beloved portrayal of the eccentric Doctor Emmett Brown in the Back to the Future trilogy, 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’s Addams Family duology, or terrifying Judge Doom in Who 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 to Anastasia, Knuckles, and the Kingdom Hearts franchise.

10

Giancarlo Esposito

Known for Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian

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 for his portrayal of Gus Fring throughout the Breaking Bad franchise, and would later portray Moff Gideon across the first three seasons of The Mandalorian. Esposito is also recognizable for his many collaborations with Spike Lee, and his recent appearance in Captain America: Brave New World.

9

Kate Mulgrew

Known for Star Trek, Orange is the New Black

In 1995, Kate Mulgrew set forth on her own intergalactic voyage in Star Trek: Voyager, portraying the тιтular 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’s Orange is the New Black.

8

Sonequa Martin-Green

Known for Star Trek, The Walking ᴅᴇᴀᴅ

As 2017 marked Star Trek‘s major return to television, Sonequa Martin-Green began a seven-year voyage of her own in the franchise’s Star 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 in The Walking ᴅᴇᴀᴅ.

7

Andy 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 the Planet of the Apes reboot, the complex Gollum of The Lord of the Rings, or the sinister Supreme Leader Snoke of Star Wars. The actor can also be recognized for inspiring a revolution as Kino Loy in Andor, or aiding Batman as Alfred Pennyworth. Most recently, Serkis lent his vocal talents to the 2025 hit Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

6

Tyler 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 in Superman & Lois, as Tyler Hoechlin took on the role of Kal-El. Following his appearances on Teen Wolf and various CW Arrowverse shows, 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 as the fallen hero Sephiroth in the Final Fantasy VII Remake saga.