The 8 Best Panels To Attend at FAN EXPO Portland 2026

Community is an essential part of fandom culture, and as such, the world of comic conventions is, unsurprisingly, a crucial pillar of the life of geeks around the world. There is no comic con producer larger than FAN EXPO HQ in the world, and from January 16th to 18th at the Oregon Convention Center this year, FAN EXPO Portland will see fans from all around the area gather to celebrate their interests and passions.

From beloved actors speaking at exciting panels to thrilling opportunities to buy merch and take pictures, FAN EXPO Portland will be the place to be for people who love movies, television, comic books, video games, and the like. And with Collider's own Maggie Lovitt moderating five of the most thrilling panels at the event, it's definitely one to look forward to.

8 Learn How to Produce a Hit Fandom Podcast

Saturday, January 17th @ 10:30 am — Room B119

It feels like everyone and their grandma has a podcast nowadays, so for those who feel like they have something to add to the conversation, why not throw another one into the mix? Starting a fandom podcast is a daunting prospect; however, lest one end up saying something embarrassing and becoming 2026's new walking meme. Thankfully, FAN EXPO Portland will have an event for attendees to learn how to get started with a new podcast.

Attendees of the panel will get to join Tom and Andrea, the dynamic duo behind the Other Castle podcast, as they share their journey from humble beginnings to building a beloved podcast. They'll be discussing brainstorming, creating chemistry between hosts, and other actionable tips to start a fandom podcast that becomes a new fan favorite.

7 Watch the 'Spider-Man' Movies Be Ranked Live

Sunday, January 18th @ 12:30 pm — Room B119

Spider-Man is not just one of the most popular superheroes in existence, but perhaps even one of the most iconic fictional characters out there. As such, his presence is always felt at virtually every fan convention one attends. Fans love to dress up as their favorite version of the Web-Slinger, which is typically one from any of the several Spider-Man films that have been made over the years.

From Sam Raimi's trilogy to the thrilling Spider-Man: No Way Home, these are some of the best superhero movies ever. FAN EXPO Portland attendees will be able to attend a fast-paced panel where author Mat Bradley-Tschirgi and social media influencers Tony Minsent and Eric Windsor will rank all 10 flicks in the cinematic Spidey universe. Fans may or may not agree with the panelists' rankings, but that's the whole point of having this conversation. A limited selection of prizes will also be given away!

6 Experience Gryffindor Glory with Matthew Lewis and Bonnie Wright

Sunday, January 18th @ 4:00 pm — Main Stage

The Harry Potter films formed a crucial part of the formative years of oh so many people all across the globe—including several Oregon locals who won't want to miss the chance to meet Matthew Lewis and Bonnie Wright this year. Neville and Ginny are essential parts of one of the best fantasy movie settings in history, and getting to hear the stars who brought them to life talk about their experiences behind the scenes will be a real treat.

It'll be the very last celebrity panel of the whole convention, and it very likely will also be one of the most magical. From growing up on set to unforgettable moments shooting the eight films, the duo will share priceless stories from across the beloved and influential series, their favorite memories, and the lasting bond they (and the rest of the cast) formed throughout the franchise's duration.

5 Listen to Judith Hoag's 'Halloweentown' Tales

Friday, January 15th @ 6:15 pm — Room B111 - Theater 3

Whether it's because of nostalgia, because they're genuinely great films, or because of both of those elements, Disney Channel put out several movies that have become cult classics over the years. One of the channel's greatest is the fantasy comedy Halloweentown, the perfect flick for spooky season, where Judith Hoag plays a loving but overprotective mother.

Hoag is one of the main reasons why this is one of the most nostalgic Halloween movies ever, and thankfully for Halloweentown fans, she'll be at FAN EXPO Portland this year. At a panel moderated by Collider's Maggie Lovitt, Hoag will receive the spotlight, sharing magical stories from filming, heartwarming tales about working with the cast, and the lasting impact this spellbinding family favorite has had on fans worldwide.

4 Explore the 'Star Trek' Universe with Gates McFadden and Walter Koenig

Friday, January 15th @ 4:45 pm — Main Stage

For Walter Koenig, success came by playing the beloved Chekov in the revolutionary sci-fi classic Star Trek: The Original Series. For Gates McFadden, it was through Dr. Beverly Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Despite their different backgrounds, both of these actors are crucial pillars of the Star Trek world and fandom, making their presence at FAN EXPO Portland 2026 a delight.

These two fan-favorite actors are crucial parts of why their respective shows still hold up after all these years, and they'll be talking about that legacy with Maggie Lovitt and event attendees on Friday.The duo will be sharing stories from their time aboard the franchise, discussing the evolution of the ever-expanding Star Trek universe, and answering fans' burning questions.

3 Go Back to the 'Lost' Island with Josh Holloway, Dominic Monaghan, and François Chau

Saturday, January 16th @ 12:15 pm — Main Stage

Everyone was talking about Lost while it was on the air, and even today, long after its finale split audiences across the world, it has remained a widely beloved show. It's supported by exquisitely vivid and rich world-building, as well as one of the best casts in all of sci-fi television, including Josh Holloway, Dominic Monaghan, and François Chau.

It's not all that often that Lost fans get representation and treats such as this one at comic conventions, making this panel moderated by Maggie Lovitt a must for those who love the show. After hearing behind-the-scenes stories and reflections on the show’s lasting impact on television and fandom, fans will get to engage in one of the most exciting Q&As of the entirety of FAN EXPO Portland 2026.

2 Attend the "One Journey, Many Worlds" Panel with Elijah Wood

Saturday, January 16th @ 11:00 am — Main Stage

Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy cast veterans and rising stars alike, and it gave every single one of them a huge career boost, including Elijah Wood, whose portrayal of Frodo was one of the most unique aspects of the entire trilogy. Wood perfectly understands the impact that this story and his character have had on so many people across the world, and as such, he loves to attend comic conventions.

Fans in Portland will get the thrilling opportunity of meeting the beloved Wood this year. Before joining a panel with the rest of the Hobbits, the actor will be under the spotlight of a panel moderated by Maggie Lovitt. Fans will get to hear him talk about his journey through the many worlds of his career—not just Lord of the Rings, but also other bold and unexpected roles across film and television.

1 Talk About 'The Princess Bride' with Cary Elwes

Sunday, January 17th @ 11:00 am — Main Stage

Rob Reiner's tragic death earlier this month brought countless fans all over the world back to one of his greatest films: the beautiful, funny, charming, and endlessly creative The Princess Bride, whose star-studded cast is one of the best of any '80s fantasy film. That includes Cary Elwes, whose portrayal of Westley is as enchanting as it is unforgettable.

Elwes will share the magic of bringing this timeless tale of true love, sword fights, and adventure to life during this panel moderated by Maggie Lovitt. Fans can expect loads of nostalgia, countless fun behind-the-scenes stories, anecdotes from Elwes' other famous roles (from Twister to the last two Mission: Impossible flicks), and—of course—a moment to pay homage to the generational talent that was Rob Reiner.