Check Out All the Big Names Coming to Philly Wizard World

M. Night Shyamalan will premiere his new TV series, Wayward Pines, at Wizard World.

It’s called Wizard World Comic Con, but it’s definitely not about wizards. And it’s not entirely about comics anymore. The convention, produced by the company that once published the defunct comics magazine Wizard, hits Philadelphia again this weekend. It’s more accurately titled as just a “fan convention.”

Fans of different types of media — mostly ones generally considered pretty dorky, with a focus still on comic books and their spinoffs in related media — will congregate to shop and chat and see some big stars. And this year’s Wizard World has quite the cast attending! Let’s take a look at some of the biggest names.

Allen Iverson

For $225, you get a VIP package with The Answer, which includes a photo opportunity, an autograph, a “celebrity trading card” and guaranteed seating at the Iverson panel. Oh, yes, there’s an Allen Iverson panel. If life is just, this will turn out to be a shot-for-shot remake of the “Practice” press conference. Iverson’s panel is at 3:30 on Saturday.

Burt Reynolds

Yes, the star of Smokey and the Bandit (and its sequels, and about a million other movies) himself will speak for a half hour at 5:30 on Saturday.

David Tennant and Billie Piper

Yes, the Tenth Doctor and his companion are holding a joint panel at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Wizard World says there likely won’t be any general tickets available, so the only way to attend is with this $550 VIP package. Unfortunately for you, this sold out as I was writing this piece, so maybe you can catch a glimpse of them walking into the Convention Center or something.

M. Night Shyamalan

The horror auteur will debut the premiere episode of Wayward Pines, an upcoming series on Fox starring Matt Dillon. Shyamalan directed the first episode of the series, which won’t air on TV until May 14th. After the screening, at 6:30 p.m. tonight, Shyamalan will hold a Q&A with attendees.

Frankie Muniz

The start of Malcolm in the Middle and the best prank ever on MTV’s Punk’d — perhaps not coincidentally, it was in the first episode — will participate in a Q&A at 6pm on Saturday.

Hayley Atwell

For $240 you get all the same bonuses as in the Allen Iverson package, only of Hayley Atwell. She plays Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Agent Carter TV show.

Ben McKenzie

Same deal. The VIP package with McKenzie has all the same goodies, but for the man who plays James Gordon on the Gotham television series.

A Bunch of WWE Wrestlers, including Sting, Randy Orton and next big thing Roman Reigns

The complete platinum package for all five WWE entertainers appearing at Comic Con: Sting, Orton, Reigns, Paige and Dolph Ziggler.

Dee Snider

The lead singer of Twisted Sister will speak for 45 minutes at 2 p.m. on Friday.

Penn Badgley

Did you really, really enjoy Gossip Girl? A Dan Humphrey VIP package is available for just $225. Yes, the same price as one-time NBA MVP Allen Iverson. Of course, Badgley was probably MVP of more than one Gossip Girl episode.

Interested in any (or, somehow, all) of these things? Wizard World admission is available here.