Latest news with #IanMcDiarmid
Global News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
Montreal Comiccon could see boost from U.S. trade war: spokesperson
A spokesperson for the Montreal Comiccon says the trade war with the United States could supercharge attendance at the colourful pop culture gathering. A large crowd of people, some dressed as superheroes and TV and movie characters, were already filtering into Montreal's convention centre shortly after doors opened Saturday. The crowd was thickest in the autograph zone, where Star Wars fans lined up for a chance to meet Scottish actor Ian McDiarmid, who plays Emperor Palpatine in the films. Comiccon spokesperson Jason Rockman believes the three-day fan convention will surpass its estimate of 65,000 attendees. He says the presence of Lord of the Rings stars Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Andy Serkis are a big part of the draw, but he also believes many people are avoiding going to the United States due to the trade war. Story continues below advertisement 'I think people don't really want to travel (to the United States) now, so there are a lot of people staying here and it helps us,' he explained. 5:26 15th Edition of Montreal Comiccon He also feels like a weaker Canadian dollar means the event is more attractive for American tourists. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'We just opened our doors for regular tickets and it's busy (everywhere),' Rockman said. He suggested that Friday's attendance may have broken a participation record. One guest, dressed as the wizard Gandalf from the Lord of Rings, said he was there to see the headliners. Elsewhere, a group of friends who came dressed as characters in the Canadian animated TV series 'ReBoot' said they were there for the ambience and to meet like-minded fans. In addition to McDiarmid and the Lord of the Rings actors, the headliners include 94-year-old William Shatner of Star Trek fame as well as Famke Janssen of the X-Men franchise. Story continues below advertisement Rockman said it can be a challenge to attract headliners, because there are other events happening the same weekend. 'But the fact that it's in Montreal, during the summer, there are a lot of people who want to be here,' he said.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Trade war supercharges Montreal Comiccon attendance, spokesman says
MONTREAL - A spokesperson for the Montreal Comiccon says the trade war with the United States could supercharge attendance at the colourful pop culture gathering. A large crowd of people, some dressed as superheroes and TV and movie characters, were already filtering into Montreal's convention centre shortly after doors opened Saturday. The crowd was thickest in the autograph zone, where Star Wars fans lined up for a chance to meet Scottish actor Ian McDiarmid, who plays Emperor Palpatine in the films. Comiccon spokesperson Jason Rockman believes the three-day fan convention will surpass its estimate of 65,000 attendees. He says the presence of Lord of the Rings stars Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Andy Serkis are a big part of the draw, but he also believes many people are avoiding going to the United States due to the trade war. 'I think people don't really want to travel (to the United States) now, so there are a lot of people staying here and it helps us,' he explained. He also feels like a weaker Canadian dollar means the event is more attractive for American tourists. 'We just opened our doors for regular tickets and it's busy (everywhere),' Rockman said. He suggested that Friday's attendance may have broken a participation record. One guest, dressed as the wizard Gandalf from the Lord of Rings, said he was there to see the headliners. Elsewhere, a group of friends who came dressed as characters in the Canadian animated TV series 'ReBoot' said they were there for the ambience and to meet like-minded fans. In addition to McDiarmid and the Lord of the Rings actors, the headliners include 94-year-old William Shatner of Star Trek fame as well as Famke Janssen of the X-Men franchise. Rockman said it can be a challenge to attract headliners, because there are other events happening the same weekend. 'But the fact that it's in Montreal, during the summer, there are a lot of people who want to be here,' he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 5, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Trade war supercharges Montreal Comiccon attendance, spokesperson says
Robert Tremblay dressed as Darth Sidious, an alias for Star Wars villain Emperor Palpatine, as he attends Comiccon, in Montreal, Saturday, July 6, 2024. (Peter McCabe/The Canadian Press) A spokesperson for the Montreal Comiccon says the trade war with the United States could supercharge attendance at the colourful pop culture gathering. A large crowd of people, some dressed as superheroes and TV and movie characters, were already filtering into Montreal's convention centre shortly after doors opened Saturday. The crowd was thickest in the autograph zone, where Star Wars fans lined up for a chance to meet Scottish actor Ian McDiarmid, who plays Emperor Palpatine in the films. Comiccon spokesperson Jason Rockman believes the three-day fan convention will surpass its estimate of 65,000 attendees. He says the presence of Lord of the Rings stars Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Andy Serkis are a big part of the draw, but he also believes many people are avoiding going to the United States due to the trade war. 'I think people don't really want to travel (to the United States) now, so there are a lot of people staying here and it helps us,' he explained. He also feels like a weaker Canadian dollar means the event is more attractive for American tourists. 'We just opened our doors for regular tickets and it's busy (everywhere),' Rockman said. He suggested that Friday's attendance may have broken a participation record. One guest, dressed as the wizard Gandalf from the Lord of Rings, said he was there to see the headliners. Elsewhere, a group of friends who came dressed as characters in the Canadian animated TV series 'ReBoot' said they were there for the ambience and to meet like-minded fans. In addition to McDiarmid and the Lord of the Rings actors, the headliners include 94-year-old William Shatner of Star Trek fame as well as Famke Janssen of the X-Men franchise. Rockman said it can be a challenge to attract headliners, because there are other events happening the same weekend. 'But the fact that it's in Montreal, during the summer, there are a lot of people who want to be here,' he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 5, 2025. Audrey Sanikopoulos, The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Trade war supercharges Montreal Comiccon attendance, spokesman says
MONTREAL – A spokesperson for the Montreal Comiccon says the trade war with the United States could supercharge attendance at the colourful pop culture gathering. A large crowd of people, some dressed as superheroes and TV and movie characters, were already filtering into Montreal's convention centre shortly after doors opened Saturday. The crowd was thickest in the autograph zone, where Star Wars fans lined up for a chance to meet Scottish actor Ian McDiarmid, who plays Emperor Palpatine in the films. Comiccon spokesperson Jason Rockman believes the three-day fan convention will surpass its estimate of 65,000 attendees. He says the presence of Lord of the Rings stars Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Andy Serkis are a big part of the draw, but he also believes many people are avoiding going to the United States due to the trade war. 'I think people don't really want to travel (to the United States) now, so there are a lot of people staying here and it helps us,' he explained. He also feels like a weaker Canadian dollar means the event is more attractive for American tourists. 'We just opened our doors for regular tickets and it's busy (everywhere),' Rockman said. He suggested that Friday's attendance may have broken a participation record. One guest, dressed as the wizard Gandalf from the Lord of Rings, said he was there to see the headliners. Elsewhere, a group of friends who came dressed as characters in the Canadian animated TV series 'ReBoot' said they were there for the ambience and to meet like-minded fans. In addition to McDiarmid and the Lord of the Rings actors, the headliners include 94-year-old William Shatner of Star Trek fame as well as Famke Janssen of the X-Men franchise. Rockman said it can be a challenge to attract headliners, because there are other events happening the same weekend. 'But the fact that it's in Montreal, during the summer, there are a lot of people who want to be here,' he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 5, 2025.
Montreal Gazette
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Montreal Gazette
Ian McDiarmid, Elijah Wood and William Shatner among headliners at Montreal Comiccon in July
Entertainment And Life By Star Wars actor Ian McDiarmid has been added to Montreal Comiccon's star-studded guest list, which also includes Elijah Wood, William Shatner and Peter Weller. McDiarmid is best known for playing Emperor Sheev Palpatine in the Star Wars franchise — a character who has appeared under various titles across the films and TV series, including Chancellor Palpatine, Darth Sidious and The Emperor. Montreal Comiccon will take place from July 4 to 6 at the Palais des congrès. Since its launch in 2009, the convention has attracted tens of thousands of comic-book and video-game fans, many of them in costume, each year. This year's Comiccon will feature an exhibit hall, artists' alley, guest panels, film screenings, celebrity autographs and photo sessions, a costume contest and a masquerade. Other guests of honour include Andy Serkis, Billy Boyd and Sean Astin from The Lord of the Rings. Featured guests also include Brent Spiner of Star Trek fame and Elizabeth Maxwell, known for her work in the Dragon Ball series. The.
