Galaxy fills with more stars than ever for Pensacon's 5th journey

If you’re looking to gather a crew for your starship, companions for your TARDIS, soldiers for your battles against walkers and wights or heroes for your super society, you’ll find no better of a recruiting station than the celebrity halls of Pensacon 2018.

The famed convention for fans of science fiction, fantasy, comic books, horror and other genre works celebrates its fifth anniversary Feb. 23-25 in five downtown Pensacola venues: Pensacola Bay Center, Pensacola Grand Hotel, Rex Theatre, Pensacola Little Theatre and the Saenger Theatre.

More: Pensacon puts 2018 tickets on sale as guest list heats up

Already known for bringing in top talent from such legendary movies and TV shows as “Star Trek” (and its various incarnations), “Star Wars,” “Doctor Who,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Walking Dead,” “Harry Potter” and “Battlestar Galactica,” Pensacon Number Five is pulling out all the stops, with a roster of actors, directors, writers and artists that will have fans lined up for blocks.

Just this week, the convention announced that Jason Isaacs, currently featured on “Star Trek: Discovery” and well-known for his villainous turn as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, will be among the guests in 2018.

Isaacs joins an already-announced lineup of guests that includes “Doctor Who,” “Torchwood” and “Arrow” star John Barrowman, Arthur Darvill of “Legends of Tomorrow” and “Doctor Who,” Alex Kingston of “Doctor Who” and “Arrow,” Chris Sarandon from “The Princess Bride” and “Fright Night" and, from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” the man who brought life to the android Data, Brent Spiner.

More: Pensacon adds 'Star Trek: Discovery' star Jason Isaacs to 2018 guest list

“We’ve really tried to push things for our fifth anniversary,” said Pensacon founder and CEO Mike Ensley. "Obviously, our fifth year is a milestone, so we wanted to do a mix, bringing in some guests from past years — favorites like Christopher Judge, Deep Roy, Erik Stolhanske, Dan Wells and Larry Hama, as well as new faces like John Barrowman, Alex Kingston, Arthur Darvill, Brent Spiner, Jim Butcher, etc. I think we really wanted to do more first-time-ever-in-the-U.S. appearances as well, as people have come to expect that from us, so we have several from 'Game of Thrones' in 2018. 'Doctor Who' is really our big push in terms of guests this year, but we’ve always tried to bring a wide variety of actors from different genre movies and TV shows each year.”

Ensley said that if Pensacon’s annual guest list has a substantial “wow” factor, the fans have only themselves to thank.

“First and foremost, we try to listen to our audience,” Ensley said. "Independent surveyors ask why people came to the convention and what they want to see each year and we also take suggestions on social media, via email, etc. We know that certain fandoms dominate — Star Wars, for example, always tops the list of what people want to see — and so we always try to bring in those types of guests.”

More: Pensacon closes with a wedding proposal, plans for 2018

In its first four years, the convention has built a solid reputation among celebrities and their representatives, thanks to the friendly reception from the city and fans, and to the careful attention paid by the convention staff to each guest.

"Pensacon’s reputation is stellar and people clamor to get their clients in each year,” Ensley said. "We’ve done a lot of things differently than other conventions in that we really make sure that guests are taken care of from the moment they arrive at Pensacon to the time they leave. A great deal of credit goes to the Pensacola community, folks like the Pensacola Intergalactic Airport, all our downtown restaurant partners, our volunteers and the fans, who each year make sure the guests feel welcome.”

If anything, Ensley said, they have become too successful. "One of the biggest issues we have as an event is that we could bring in more bigger name guests, but we simply don’t have the space,” he said.

Stars from the stars

Quite a few of the top names on this year's Pensacon marquee have or have had lengthy tenures in outer space, whether in a starship or a galaxy-faring time machine.

Jason Isaacs currently stars as the mysterious Capt. Gabriel Lorca on the CBS All Access series “Star Trek: Discovery,” but he also is well-known to fans as the white-haired Lucius Malfoy, father to Draco, in the blockbuster series of “Harry Potter” films. Other roles include Col. William Tavington in "The Patriot," Mr. Darling and Captain Hook in "Peter Pan” and the villainous (or not?) Dr. “Hap” Percy in the Netflix series “The O.A.”

Brent Spiner shot to fame as the golden-skinned and yellow-eyed android Data in the highly acclaimed “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” In fact, he co-wrote the final Next Generation movie, “Star Trek Nemesis.” He also has had notable roles in such series as “Night Court,” “Hill Street Blues” and “Cheers,” and in such movies as “Independence Day,” “The Aviator” and “Dude, Where’s My Car?”

John Barrowman made a splash upon science fiction fandom when he showed up as Captain Jack Harkness, an omnisexual, ne’er-do-well adventurer on the revival of the classic series “Doctor Who.” He continued in the role in the “Who” spinoff “Torchwood” through several seasons and miniseries. Hopping to the villainous side of things, he created the role of Malcolm Merlyn, the Dark Archer, on the hit CW series “Arrow,” taking that role also to “Arrow’s” sister series “The Flash” and “Legends of Tomorrow.”

Arthur Darvill is known to “Doctor Who” fans as the nebbish-turned-stalwart-hero Rory Williams and to CW superhero fans as Rip Hunter, organizer of the “Legends of Tomorrow” on that series. He’s also known as the Rev. Paul Coates on “Broadchurch” and has starred in the musical “Once” in the West End and on Broadway.

Alex Kingston has been from one end of the universe to the other as River Song, archaeologist, con-woman and “Mrs. Doctor” on “Doctor Who.” She also had a long-running role as Dr. Elizabeth Corday on the classic medical series “E.R.” and had a recurring role as Professor Dinah Lance, the mother of Laurel and Sara Lance, on “Arrow.”

Maisie Richardson-Sellers has traveled in a galaxy far, far away in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” but currently travels through space and time as Amaya, aka Vixen, with the “Legends of Tomorrow” on The CW. The English actress also has been seen on The CW’s “The Originals” and the ABC series “Of Kings and Prophets.”

John de Lancie hitched a ride aboard the starship Enterprise as the mysterious, godlike Q on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and continued the role on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Star Trek: Voyager.” He’s also been seen on such series as “Breaking Bad,” “The West Wing,” “Charmed,” “Andromeda,” “The Unit,” “Law & Order: LA,” “The Mentalist,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “Torchwood.”

Known for a scare or two

Some of the Pensacon headliners have been known to offer some chilling moments for their fans:

Chris Sarandon was the vampire Jerry Dandridge in the original version of “Fright Night,” as well as the speaking voice of Jack Skellington in “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” But fans also know him as Prince Humperdinck in the classic “The Princess Bride” and Detective Mike Norris in the first entry of the “Child’s Play” series.

Adrienne Barbeau, who first entered the American spotlight as the daughter on the classic Norman Lear sitcom “Maude,” has seen her fair share of thrillers, having starred in such chilling projects as “Escape from New York,” “The Fog,” “Swamp Thing,” “Carnivale” and “Batman: The Animated Series."

Lou Ferrigno became a household name as the fierce, super-strong alter ego of David Banner on the popular CBS television series “The Incredible Hulk.” The retired professional bodybuilder also has appeared in several European-produced fantasy/adventure films, including "Sinbad of the Seven Seas" and “Hercules.”

Barbara Hershey has a long and impressive career in movies and television shows of all genres — she was Bette Midler’s best friend in “Beaches,” Chuck Yeager’s (Sam Shepard) wife in “The Right Stuff” and a doctor on “Chicago Hope" — but has her thriller bona fides as well: “The Entity,” “Black Swan,” “Insidious,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Damien” and “The X-Files,” just to name a few.

Denis O’Hare is one of those hard-working character actors that you’ve seen everywhere, from three versions of “Law & Order” to two versions of “C.S.I.” to “The Good Wife” and its spinoff, “The Good Fight.” But thriller fans will know him from his roles on “True Blood” and “American Horror Story."

Also starring …

Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, horror, fantasy or even crazy comedy and rock-and-roll, there’s sure to be a celebrity that will have you grabbing your autograph book.

Guy Henry is an English stage and screen actor who’s had one of the highest-profile roles in recent cinema history, but no one saw his face. He was the human basis — in other words he lent his body and voice — for Grand Moff Tarkin in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” CGI artists molded the face of the original Tarkin, actor Peter Cushing, upon Henry’s, creating one of the most impressive resurrections in movie history. Henry is also known for the role of Henrik Hanssen in "Holby City," Pius Thicknesse in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Part 2” and Gaius Cassius Longinus in “Rome.”

Erik Stolhanske is the actor, writer and producer behind the comedy favorites Broken Lizard's "Super Troopers," "Club Dread," “Beerfest" and the upcoming "Super Troopers 2.”

Marky Ramone is best known for the 15 years he spent drumming for the legendary Ramones. Ramone also played with an array of influential musicians dating back to his high school years when he was a member of the Brooklyn-based hard rock band Dust.

Kristy Swanson has claim to an impressive acting milestone: She was the original “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” in the 1992 movie, five years before Sarah Michelle Gellar assumed the role for the legendary TV series. Swanson also had recurring roles in “Psych” and “Early Edition” and has been seen in “Big Daddy” and “Dude, Where’s My Car?"

Eddie McClintock is another busy actor, with roles in many TV series, but he’s perhaps best known to science fiction and fantasy fans as Secret Service agent Peter Lattimer on the Syfy series "Warehouse 13."

Herbert Jefferson Jr. originated the role of Lieutenant Boomer in the original 1978 version of “Battlestar Galactica.” (Grace Park later assumed the role in the 2004 revival.)

Ryan Hurst is best known for his roles as Gerry Bertier in Disney's "Remember the Titans," Tom Clark in “Taken," Opie Winston in the FX network drama series "Sons of Anarchy," and as Chick in "Bates Motel."

Deep Roy is a Pensacon favorite, welcomed by fans for his roles in "Star Trek," "Star Wars," "Doctor Who,’ "The NeverEnding Story," "Eastbound and Down," and the Tim Burton movie universe.

Christopher Judge has many fans from his days on “Stargate SG-1,” but is also known for his turns in "The Dark Knight Rises” and "God of War.”

Virginia Hey is an Australian actress best known for four cult acting roles: Warrior Woman in "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior," Bond girl Rubivich in "The Living Daylights,” Leigh Templar in "Prisoner: Cellblock H” and the iconic role of the bald blue priestess Zhaan in the classic “Farscape.”

Actor Frazer Hines is well known to fans of the original "Doctor Who” as the second Doctor's loyal highland companion Jamie McCrimmon.

Deborah Foreman came on the scene in the now-classic “Valley Girl,” but also has been seen in "April Fool's Day” and "My Chauffeur.”

Garrick Hagon has fans from both the classic and modern versions of "Doctor Who,” as well as from “Batman” and "Star Wars.” (He was Luke’s best friend Biggs Darklighter.)

Paul Blake might have his own opinion on just who shot first: He portrayed one of the most controversial characters in the Star Wars universe, the bounty hunter Greedo, who met his end by Han Solo’s still-debated blaster shot.

Reunited and it feels so good

The folks at Pensacon have a knack for putting together some great package deals when it comes to booking celebrities. They love to stage reunions of movie and TV casts and crews.

For example, fans of the megabit AMC series “The Walking Dead” have an entire panel of stars visiting from the show’s Georgia locations: Seth Gilliam, Ross Marquand, Cooper Andrews, Kerry Cahill and Jayson Smith.

From "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” come actors Sean Gunn and Steve Agee.

The popular-yet-controversial movie “The Boondocks Saints” brings actors Sean Patrick Flanery and David Della Rocco. Flanery also is known for his milestone role as Indiana Jones on “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” TV spinoff.

From the well-received Marvel superhero series on Netflix come a trio of actors, including Wai Ching Ho, better known as Madame Gao from “Daredevil,” “Iron Fist” and “The Defenders.” Also attending, “The Punisher" star Michael Nathanson and, from “Daredevil," Peter Shinkoda.

Of course, you can’t leave out representation of the massively popular HBO series “Game of Thrones.” Ian Beattie, known to fans as Meryn Trant, and Ian McElhinney, better known as Barristan Selmy, will be sharing tales from the set. It’s the first U.S. convention appearance for both actors.

One of the highly anticipated reunions is for the cast and crew of the original 1985 version of "Fright Night,” including actors Chris Sarandon, Amanda Bearse, William Ragsdale, Stephen Geoffreys and Jonathan Stark and director Tom Holland.

From the 1999 science fiction spoof "Galaxy Quest,” a reunion of two of its funniest stars, actors Jed Rees (also recently seen in “Deadpool”) and Patrick Breen (also seen in the recent political/science fiction hybrid “BrainDead”).

Pensacon is celebrating 25 years of "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers” with a reunion of several of the series’ stars: Karan Ashley (Yellow Ranger), Jason David Frank (Green Ranger), David Fielding (Zordon), Walter Jones (Black Ranger) and David Yost (Blue Ranger).

From the original, Saturday-morning TV version of "Land of the Lost” come actors Kathy Coleman (Holly), Wesley Eure (Will) and Phillip Paley (Chaka).

From Nickelodeon’s now-legendary "The Adventures of Pete and Pete,” the Petes themselves, Danny Tamberelli and Michael Maronna. The pair will be bringing their podcast, "The Adventures of Danny and Mike," for a live recording at Pensacon 2018.

Two representatives from the popular, offbeat comedy series “The Mighty Boost” will be at Pensacon this year, actor Michael Fielding and comedian Dave Brown.

Two Voltron Lion Force pilots are assembling in 2018, voice actors Michael Bell (also from “Superfriends," "GI Joe," “Transformers," “Smurfs” and “Rugrats”) and Neil Ross.

Two WWE stars will be appearing together at Pensacon, actor Kevin Nash (“Magic Mike,” "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze," "The Punisher,” “John Wick”) and Scott Hall.

There’s even a reunion from the comic book world, the creative team behind DC Comics' "Blue Devil," writers Gary Cohn and Dan Mishkin and artist Paris Cullins.

And the rest

Here are the other Pensacon 2018 guests announced to date:

Voice actor Dameon Clarke (“Borderlands,” “Dragon Ball Z”).

Bill Corbett, writer and voice performer for "Mystery Science Theater 3000” (he was robot Crow v. 2.0).

Voice actor Sean Schemmel (“Dragon Ball Z”).

Comic book artist Trevor Von Eeden (“Black Lightning”).

Comic book editor Tony Isabella (both Marvel and DC Comics).

Women's wrestling trailblazer and WWE Hall of Fame member, Amy Dumas aka Lita.

From "Naruto Shippuden," "Monster High," "Ultimate Spider-Man" and much more, voice actor Ogie Banks.

From "Tokyo Ghoul," “Souleater," "One Piece," “Parasyte," "Full Metal Alchemist," "Fairy Tail" and more, voice actor Brittney Karbowski.

Author, podcaster, producer, and host Ken Plume.

From "G.I. Joe," "The Nam," “Wolverine" and more, comic book artist and writer Larry Hama.

Podcast hosts and voice actors Mark Gagliardi and Hal Lublin.

Author, historian and the great grand-nephew of Dracula author Bram Stoker, Dacre Stoker.

Bestselling author of "The Dresden Files," "The Codex Alera" and more, Jim Butcher.

Author and legendary comic book creator of “Nexus" and "The Badger," Mike Baron.

Voice actor Dan Gilvezan (“Transformers," "Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends," "G.I. Joe”).

Actor and stuntman Steve Dash.

Actor, director and film historian Mike Malloy.

Voice actor Dameon Clarke ("Full Metal Alchemist," "Dragon Ball Z," “Borderlands”).

Voice actor George Lowe ("Aqua Teen Hunger Force," "Cartoon Planet," "The Brak Show," "Space Ghost: Coast to Coast”).

Actor and puppeteer Hugh Spight ("Return of the Jedi," "The Dark Crystal," "Doctor Who”).

Author Tracy Hickman ("Dungeons and Dragons," The Dragonlance Series, The Death Gate Cycle, "Dragon's Bard”).

Comic book artist Matt Frank (IDW’s “Transformers,” “Godzilla”).

Actor and puppeteer Brian Herring ("Hellboy 2: The Golden Army," "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,” "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "Rogue One”).

Author and sister of actor John, Carole Barrowman.

Comic book artist Andy Kuhn ("Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Mars Attacks," “Firebreather”).

Author Claudia Gray (the New York Times bestselling Evernight series).

Best-selling author Sam Stone.

Award-winning "Doctor Who" and sci-fi author, screenwriter, and historian, David J. Howe.

Author, researcher and columnist for Rue Morgue, Lyle Blackburn.

Artist Larry Elmore ("Dungeons and Dragons," “Dragonlance," “Snarfquest”).

From Heavy Metal Magazine, "Doctor Who" novelizations and much more, iconic illustrator Chris Achilleos.

Author Andrew E. C. Gaska.

Artist Glenn Fabry.

Mike Suchcicki is a freelance writer for the News Journal.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Pensacon 2018 science fiction, horror, fantasy and comic book fan convention

WHEN: Feb. 23-25

WHERE: Events at five venues: Pensacola Bay Center, Pensacola Grand Hotel, Rex Theatre, Pensacola Little Theatre and Saenger Theatre.

COST: Three-days passes, $65 through Dec. 31; $75 Jan. 1-Feb. 21; $80 Feb. 22-25. One-day passes, $35 Friday, $45 Saturday, $40 Sunday.

DETAILS AND TICKET PURCHASE: www.pensacon.com.

WHERE TO FIND THE STARS

For the most part, the guests for Pensacola 2018 will be situated in dedicated celebrity halls on the second level of the Pensacola Bay Center. (There will be plenty of signage to help you find your way, and don’t forget to grab a program book for maps and additional info.)

Pensacon founder and CEO Mike Ensley has simple tips of etiquette for fans: "Don't take a picture without asking first. Don't crowd the celebrity or inappropriately touch them.”

For the most part, however, Ensley said, “Everyone is happy to meet fans and chat with them for a reasonable amount of time.”

That “reasonable amount of time” is important: Remember that there might be others behind you waiting their turn with the star.

Also remember that, while most of the celebrity guests will be happy to chat for a moment or two, most of the other star-experience rewards, like autographs and photo-ops, come at a cost. If so, the prices will be clearly labeled on the guest’s table. These are typically cash-only transactions, so hit the ATM before you arrive. Professional photo opportunities with celebrities are also available for purchase, if you'd rather have a pro snap the shot.