Star Wars Celebration Adds Lando, Hera, K-2SO & General Grievous
March 13, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, Comic Books, Convention News, Florida, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Video Games
Star Wars Celebration welcomes Billy Dee Williams, Vanessa Marshall, Alan Tudyk, and Matthew Wood!
These new Autographing Guests will be in the Autograph Hall at Star Wars Celebration. Celebration is very happy to be working with Topps on the Celebration Autograph Hall. For more information on purchasing Autographs and Photo Ops, please check out Star Wars Authentics.
Billy Dee Williams: Lando Calrissian, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and Star Wars Rebels
Hollywood icon Billy Dee Williams was an exceptional addition to the cast of heroes in the Star Wars universe, backed by his powerful performance opposite Diana Ross in the films Mahogany and Lady Sings the Blues. Appearing in both Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Williams brought the iconic character Lando Calrissian to life on the big screen.
Williams’ career includes roles in the films Undercover Brother, Nighthawks, Bingo Long, Batman, and Bryan’s Song. He’s been nominated for the Emmy and Independent Spirit Awards, and been presented the TV Land and Image Awards for his performances. In the world of television, Williams has appeared on Dynasty, Lost, NCIS, Night Shift, and Glee to name a few. He has voiced Lando Calrissian in video games, television specials, and in Star Wars Rebels.
Vanessa Marshall: Voice of Hera Syndulla, Star Wars Rebels and Rogue One.
An accomplished artist and author, Williams has been nominated for a Guggenheim Award and won an Hallgarten Award, an honor in the art world.
A graduate of Princeton University with a Masters in acting from NYU, Vanessa Marshall plays Hera in “Star Wars: Rebels,” Gamora in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Mary Jane in “The Spectacular Spider-man,” Wonder Woman in “Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox,” Poison Ivy in “Batman: Brave and the Bold,” Black Canary in “Young Justice,” and Black Widow in “Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.” In the world of games, she voiced Olga in “Metal Gear Solid 2,” H.Q. in “Socom II” and Jan Ors in “Star Wars: Jedi Knights II.” She is currently the voice of Freeform, and she has also done promos for CBS, HGTV, and MTV. As a stand up comic and former “plus-size” model, she also created a one-woman show “Got Phat?” – which ran successfully in both LA & NYC. See www.VanessaMarshall.com for more details. Follow her @vanmarshall on Twitter and @vanessamarshall1138 on Instagram.
Alan Tudyk: K-2SO, Rogue One
Alan Tudyk is a multi-dimensional actor whose credits span throughout stage, film, television and voiceover entertainment platforms. Over the span of his career, his films have garnered over $2 Billion at the Box Office.
In 2016, Tudyk appeared in Lucasfilm’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” as the scene-stealing and snarky, security droid, ‘K-2SO.’ Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film grossed over $1 billion at the global box office and is the first live action Star Wars spin-off. He also voiced characters in two Academy-Award nominated animated films, playing the ‘Duke of Weaselton’ in Disney’s “Zootopia” and the rooster ‘Hei Hei’ in Disney’s “Moana.”
Tudyk also stars as ‘Van’ in NBC’s new upcoming workplace comedy “Powerless,” opposite Vanessa Hudgens. Danny Pudi, Ron Funches, and Christina Kirk also star. “Powerless” is the first comedy series set in the universe of DC Comics, where the story follows the reality of working life for a normal, powerless person in a world of superheroes and villains. “Powerless” premiered February 2, 2017.
Tudyk is also the creator and star of the record breaking web series, “Con Man.”Executive produced by Tudyk, Nathan Fillion and author PJ Haarsma, the series was funded via Indiegogo, resulting in a record-breaking $3.2 million donation which had the support of over 46,000 fans from around the world. The second season of the series debuted on Lionsgate’s Comic-Con HQ on December 8th. Loosely based on Tudyk’s and Fillion’s experiences starring in “Firefly,” “Con Man” centers on the post-show life of ‘Wray Nerely’ (Tudyk), the co-star of “Spectrum,” a sci-fi TV series canceled before its time that later became a cult classic beloved by fans. ‘Wray’s’ best friend, ‘Jack Moore’ (Fillion) starred as the series’ Captain and has gone on to become a major celebrity, while ‘Wray’ continues to struggle to find his big break. While ‘Jack’ enjoys the life of an A-lister, ‘Wray’ is the begrudging guest of sci-fi conventions, comic book store appearances and different pop culture events. The series explores these events and all the crazy and real things that happen behind the scenes in the world of fandom. In 2016, Tudyk, along with Fillion, also launched “Con Man: The Game” based on the series. The game allows players to build and host their own comic book conventions and can be downloaded for free on iTunes and Google Play.
Tudyk has shown audiences wide versatility in numerous television shows and a plethora of feature films. Most recently he co-starred in the Jay Roach 2015 SAG Award nominated feature “Trumbo,” opposite Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren, John Goodman, Louie CK, Michael Stuhlbarg and Stephen Root as well as 2014’s “Welcome to Me” with Kristin Wiig. In 2013, Tudyk co-starred in the well-received Jackie Robinson biopic, “42,” as former Phillies manager ‘Ben Chapman.’ He made his feature film debut in 1998, when he first appeared opposite Robin Williams in “Patch Adams.”
Tudyk’s role in the Disney’s animated feature, “Wreck it Ralph,” garnered him an Annie Award for his role as ‘King Candy.’ He returned to the recording booth to voice ‘The Duke of Weaselton’ in Disney’s Academy Award-winning “Frozen.” He continued his work with Disney Animation Studios voicing ‘Alister Krei’ in “Big Hero 6” and will reprise his role in the upcoming “Big Hero 6” television series on Disney XD. He can also be heard as ‘Ludo’ and ‘King Butterfly’ on the Disney Channel series, “Star vs. the Forces of Evil,” which had its second season premiere on July 11th. Tudyk has also done voice work for many other features, television shows and video games.
His film credits also include: “Wonder Boys,” “28 Days,” “A Knight’s Tale,” “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” “Death at a Funeral” (the original UK version), “Knocked Up,” “Tucker and Dale vs Evil,” “3:10 to Yuma,” “Serenity,” “Premature,” “Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter,” and “Transformers 3.” Additionally, Tudyk motion performed the lead robot, ‘Sonny,’ in “I, Robot” opposite Will Smith.
In television, Tudyk was a series regular on the critically acclaimed ABC comedy, “Suburgatory” and he reprised his role in the Netflix revival of “Arrested Development” as ‘Pastor Veal.’ His work on Joss Whedon’s “Firefly,” has been highly lauded by fans and has gained him a strong cult following. Tudyk also appeared in “Strangers with Candy,” “Dollhouse,” “Frasier,” and “Justified.” He also was the host of “Newsreaders,” written and produced by Rob Corddry and David Wain, on Adult Swim.
Tudyk attended the prestigious Juilliard School in New York and has starred on Broadway opposite Kristin Chenoweth in “Epic Proportions,” played ‘Lancelot’ with the original cast in Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” as well as the lead role of ‘Peter’ in “Prelude to a Kiss” opposite John Mahoney.
Tudyk grew up in Plano, Texas and lives in Los Angeles.
Matthew Wood: Voice of General Grievous, Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and The Clone Wars
Matthew Wood has been bringing digital technology to the forefront of filmmaking for over 25 years. As a film and journalism major in college, Matthew realized the potential for blending his creative studies with his lifelong passion for computers, and this innovative edge singled him out. He was invited to join Lucasfilm as a part of the Sound Droid development team at age 17 in 1990.
Through the ‘90s, Wood worked on The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, Mission Impossible (1994), Con Air, Eraser, and finally Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in 1997 as Supervising Sound Editor, a role he reprised on both Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
In addition to his work in sound, Wood lent his acting talents to the roles of Bib Fortuna and Ody Mandrell in The Phantom Menace and the voices of Magaloof and Seboca in Attack of the Clones. Revenge of the Sith would allow Matthew to expand his acting in the prequels one giant step further, landing the role of the voice of General Grievous for Revenge of the Sith.
Starting in 2006, Matthew started working on the Emmy award winning Star Wars: The Clone Wars, reprising his role as the voice of General Grievous and behind the scenes as Supervising Sound Editor. He picked up new voices roles as all the battle droids, Wat Tambor and Poggle the Lessor.
In between Star Wars projects, Matthew supervised the soundtracks at Skywalker Sound on Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood as well as Disney/Pixar’s Wall*E which earned him a BAFTA and Academy Award nominations on both films.
After working with J.J. Abrams on Super 8 and Star Trek Into Darkness, Matthew was the natural choice to supervise Star Wars: The Force Awakens, garnering BAFTA and Academy nominations once again.
Currently, Wood has been very busy as the Supervising Sound Editor on the Star Wars Rebels animated series, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. He is also voicing a main character “Roger” the battle droid on Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures.
For tickets and further information please go to the website: www.starwarscelebration.com
Alan Tudyk Joins Great Philadelphia Comic Con 2017
February 17, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, Comic Books, Convention News, Movies, Other, Pennsylvania, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Top Stories, Video Games
Press Release:
The Great Philadelphia Comic Con adds Alan Tudyk to their guest roster for the convention on Saturday April 8th and Sunday April 9, 2017.
Tudyk’s credits cross film, TV, voice acting, and stage work. He is the creator and star of the webseries Con Man for which he also co-wrote the accompanying comic book Spectrum. In the early 2000s, he starred in the short-lived, though passionately loved, TV show Firefly. Created by Joss Whedon, the show combined elements of sci-fi in space with cowboys in the Old West. Most recently he played the scene stealing security droid K-2SO in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. He also voices characters in several Disney animated films, including Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, and Moana.
Tudyk currently stars as Van Wayne, head of Wayne Security, in NBC’s new workplace comedy “Powerless,” opposite Vanessa Hudgens. “Powerless” is the first comedy series set in the universe of DC Comics, where the story follows the reality of working life for a normal, powerless person in a world of superheroes and villains
He’s joining fellow media stars Angus Macinnes (Judge Dredd), David Ankrum (voice A New Hope), Alan Harris (Empire Strikes Back), Sean Schemmel and Mike McFarland (voice Dragonball Z), Veronica Taylor (Sailor Moon), Marina Sirtis (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Bruce Boxleitner (Tron), John Wesley Shipp (The Flash), and Karan Ashley and Walter Jones (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers).
Comics guests include Neal Adams (Superman), Mike Zeck (The Amazing Spider-Man), Jim Shooter (Secret Wars), Michael Golden (Doctor Strange), Ty Templeton (Batman ’66), Chriscross (Unity), and Graham Nolan (Detective Comics).
Visit www.philadelphiacomiccon.c
CA – Animaniacs Live 2017
January 6, 2017 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, California, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television, Video Games
Voice actors Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille, and Jess Harnell and songwriter Randy Rogel appear at La Mirada Theatre on Saturday April 15, 2017 at 7:00 PM. Tickets available at the link… **SOLD OUT**
Animaniacs, a mix of old-fashioned wit, slapstick, pop culture and music, fueled the animation renaissance of the late 1990s, with iconic voices, characters, an original score for every cartoon and an Emmy® Award-winning theme song. Now the hilarious ‘90s animated series starring the wacky Warner Brothers (and the Warner Sister, Dot) is back in live form, as voice actors Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille, and Jess Harnell reunite with original songwriter Randy Rogel for an unforgettable evening. The group will perform songs from the beloved show, in addition to several numbers that didn’t make the cut the first time around. A delightful show for all ages!
ANIMANIACS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros.
La Mirada Theatre
14900 La Mirada Boulevard La Mirada, CA 90638
(714) 994-6310
CA – Art of Moana Signing
November 8, 2016 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, California, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television
Press Release:
Gallery Nucleus welcomes the artists of Disney’s latest animated film Moana. Join us on Saturday December 3rd from 2:00 – 5:00 pm to hear the artists & animators share stories from behind the scenes and see their development work on the movie. Bring your questions for the Q&A session and meet the artists one-on-one as they sign copies of The Art of Moana book!
In addition, Griselda Sastrawinata will also be signing her illustrated Little Golden Book of Moana. You don’t want to miss this!
Featured Panelists:
Bill Schwab – Character Design
Neysa Bove – Visual Development
Griselda Sastrawinata – Visual Development
Normand Lemay – Story Artist
more to be announced!
Event Schedule:
2:00 – 3:00 Artist Discussion Panel
3:00 – 3:30 Q & A (moderated by Ben)
3:40 – 4:00 Break
4:00 – 5:00 Book Signing
For more information on the artists, please click on their names to link to their website!
Pre-sale tickets will be sold via EVENTBRITE starting Saturday Nov. 19 8AM (PST). For information please click HERE.
Ticket Types:
VIP Admission – Guaranteed entrance and seating in the first 4 rows. No waiting in line for entrance. Will be first to line up to get items signed. Limited to 2 tickets per person per purchase
General Admission – Guaranteed entrance. First come first serve seating, standing room available. Limited to 4 tickets per person per purchase
Event Guidelines:
- Tickets will go on sale 8:00 AM (PST) Saturday November 19th.
- VIP & General Admission Pre-sale ticket holders are guaranteed entrance.
- Non-ticket holders ARE NOT guaranteed entrance if the event is sold out. We have a limited capacity in the gallery and cannot guarantee entrance for non-ticket holders.
- People who purchase an Unsigned book along with their admission ticket on Eventbrite can pick up their book in store on the day of the event.
- Due to time constraints, each attendee is allowed only 1 signing item per person. Artists will not be doing sketches.
- If you do not purchase a book from us for signing, and you bring your own book, then an outside signing fee of $10 will be charged at the door.
- ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds will be given if you cannot make the event.
Gallery Nucleus
210 East Main Street, Alhambra, CA 91801
626.458.7477
NYC – Why Not Me? Signing
September 26, 2016 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, Comic Strips, Movies, New York, Other, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television
Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project, Inside Out, The Office) appears at Barnes & Noble on Sunday October 2, 2016 at 5:00 PM for a signing of the Why Not Me? paperback release! This will be a signing only. You must purchase Why Not Me? At B&N Tribeca the day of the event. You will receive a wristband upon receipt which will give you admittance to the signing. There will be no photo opportunity with the author or book personalization. Please call with any questions or concerns.
Barnes & Noble – Tribeca
97 Warren St, New York, NY 10007
(212) 587-5389
CA – Spectrum #0 Signing
April 27, 2016 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, California, Comic Books, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television, Video Games
Actor/writer Alan Tudyk (Firefly, Zootopia) and artist Shannon Eric Denton sign the comic Spectrum #0 from the web-series Con Man at Golden Apple Comics on Wednesday May 18th!
Golden Apple Comics
7018 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038
323-658-6047
CA – FCBD: Spectrum #0 Signing
April 12, 2016 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, California, Comic Books, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television, Video Games
Alan Tudyk, PJ Haarsma, and Shannon Eric Denton sign the comic Spectrum #0 from the web-series Con Man at House of Secrets on Saturday May 7, 2016 from 6:00 PM till 7:00 PM for Free Comic Book Day!
Note: Alan, PJ, and Shannon will only be signing the Free Comic Book Day Spectrum Issue #0. So please refrain from bringing other items to sign to make sure there is time to sign everyone’s Spectrum Comic! Thanks!
House of Secrets
1930 W Olive St, Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 562-1900
CA – FCBD: Spectrum Signing
April 11, 2016 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, California, Comic Books, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television
Alan Tudyk, PJ Haarsma, and Shannon Eric Denton sign the comic Spectrum #0 from the web-series Con Man at Earth-2 Comics on Saturday May 7, 2016 from 4:30 PM till 5:30 PM for Free Comic Book Day!
Note: Alan, PJ, and Shannon will only be signing the Free Comic Book Day Spectrum Issue #0. So please refrain from bringing other items to sign to make sure there is time to sign everyone’s Spectrum Comic! Thanks!
**UPDATE**
Shea Fontana (DC Superhero Girls Writer), Sterling Gates (Adventures of Supergirl Writer) and Cat Staggs (Adventures of Supergirl, Wonder Woman ’77 artist) sign from 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM.
Ryan Benjamin (Suicide Squad New 52 Cover Artist, Batman Beyond) and Adam Glass (writer Suicide Squad New 52, Rough Riders, Supernatural TV Series) sign from 1:00 till 3:00 PM.
Sebastian Kadelcik and John Bring (Creators of Penguins vs Possums) sign from 2:00 till 4:00 PM.
Earth-2 Comics
15017 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 386-9590
CA – FCBD: Spectrum #0 Signing
April 9, 2016 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, California, Comic Books, Free Comic Book Day, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television, Video Games
Alan Tudyk, PJ Haarsma, and Shannon Eric Denton sign the comic Spectrum #0 from the web-series Con Man at Blastoff Comics on Saturday May 7, 2016 from 3:00 PM till 4:00 PM for Free Comic Book Day!
Note: Alan, PJ, and Shannon will only be signing the Free Comic Book Day Spectrum Issue #0. So please refrain from bringing other items to sign to make sure there is time to sign everyone’s Spectrum Comic! Thanks!
Blastoff Comics
5118 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 980-2665
CA – FCBD: Spectrum #0 Signing
April 7, 2016 by Colin Solan
Filed under Animation, California, Comic Books, Free Comic Book Day, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television, Video Games
Alan Tudyk, PJ Haarsma, and Shannon Eric Denton sign the comic Spectrum #0 from the web-series Con Man at Collector’s Paradise on Saturday May 7, 2016 from 1:30 PM till 2:30 PM for Free Comic Book Day!
Note: Alan, PJ, and Shannon will only be signing the Free Comic Book Day Spectrum Issue #0. So please refrain from bringing other items to sign to make sure there is time to sign everyone’s Spectrum Comic! Thanks!
Collector’s Paradise
7131 Winnetka Ave, Winnetka, CA 91306
818-999-9455
