WonderCon is back in person this year at the Anaheim Convention Center Friday, April 1 through Sunday, April 3, 2022! The full programming schedule was released on March 18. We’ve gone through and identified some of the WonderCon 2022 programming highlights for you below!
Note that although WonderCon has used the Arena for panels in the past, they are not using it this year. They are, however, using the newer “North” building for panels in addition to the older, main building, where the Exhibit Hall is located. You’ll be able to identify which panels are in the North building by the “North” identifier. If there is no “North” identifier, then the panel is in a room in the main building. It looks like many of the more popular panels that would have taken place in the Arena will take place in the North building. The two buildings are connected by a walkway on the second floor.
You should also be aware that not all of the panels are in person. A few of the panels have been pre-recorded. Such panels will contain the following message in the panel description: “This panel was pre-recorded for WonderCon and will play during the designated time on location.”
Friday, April 1
2:00pm – 3:00pm Diversity in Film, TV, Games, Comics: How YOU Can Help!, Room 207 Speakers share their inspirational career paths into the entertainment industry and discuss issues of diversity and representation for women, ethnicities, LGBTQ+, and more. Panelists include Nhut Le (Judomaster actor from Peacemaker), and Anne Toole (writer, Horizon Zero Dawn game and Women of Marvel comic).
3:00pm – 4:00pm Behind the Scenes with the Borg Queen from “Star Trek: Picard”, North 200B Actress Annie Wersching, who brilliantly brings new life to the Borg Queen in season 2 of Star Trek: Picard, will be joined by the makeup team from the show, including James Mackinnon (makeup designer and department head of prosthetics) and Neville Page (senior creative designer), who designed and created the new look of the Borg Queen this season.
3:30pm – 4:30pm Pop Culture vs. The World, Room 213AB Join a panel of industry specialists as they debate fun fictional topics well as their IRL equivalent. Topics to include; racisms, gender equality, cancel culture, economic disparity, social justice and more. Moderated by Tony B Kim (Hero Within) and panelists Dr. Drea Letamendi (clinical psychologist), Chris Sully (Twitch influencer), and Laura Sirkul (writer).
4:00pm – 5:00pm The Fun behind Funko!, North 200B Hear the ins and outs of Funko in this four-part panel. First up Ben Butcher and Sean Wilkinson will discuss all aspects of Funko creative. Second up will be Hilary Gray and Ashley Anderson to discuss all aspects of Funko’s social media. Penultimately, Dave Bere will discuss all aspects of Funko marketing. Lastly, fun maker Mike Becker will present one of his fan-favorite “Fred Talks.”
5:00pm – 6:00pm Attack of the Show Documentary Preview, North 200B It’s been years since Attack of the Show went off the air, a show that influenced a generation of YouTubers and fans passionate about video games, movies, and pop culture. But the legacy of the G4TV show continues as the network makes its return. Panelists include Chris Gore and the team behind the film: Bobby Schwartz, Austin Smith, Walter Areas, Anthony Ray Bench, and Phillip Eubanks. See an exclusive preview of scenes from Attack of the Doc, which is set for release later this year.
[3/28/22 UPDATE] 5:30pm – 6:30pm Tubi’s New Original Film: “Titanic 666”, North 200A Tubi, FOX Entertainment’s free ad-supported video-on- demand service, is hosting a panel discussion to unveil its new original thriller, TITANIC 666, including an exclusive sneak peek of the film and official premiere date announcement. Panelists include stars AnnaLynne McCord and Joseph Gatt; Director: Nick Lyon; Producer: Paul Bales; and VFX Supervisor: Glenn Campbell.
7:30pm – 8:30pm The Panel with Kevin Smith, North 200A The world’s worst Kevin Smith salesman tries to sell you on Kevin Smith as a person, podcaster, pop culture commentator, writer, director, and general nuisance! Come hear and see a little Clerks III!
Saturday, April 2
10:00am – 11:00am Bringing Spider-Man and Batman to Life Through VFX, Room 207 Filmmakers from VFX studio Crafty Apes Andrew Kalicki (visual effects producer, The Batman), Bobby Tucker (visual effects producer, Spider-Man: No Way Home), Josh LaCross (visual effects supervisor, Moon Knight), John Brubaker (visual effects supervisor, The Batman), and Jon Balcome (CG supervisor, Spider-Man: No Way Home) provide fans with the ultimate experience by diving into the creation of iconic superhero films and taking the audience through a behind-the-scenes journey into the action.
11:00am – 12:00pm Empathy and the Antihero, Room 211 WonderCon special guests and other comic creators share their tips, tricks, and techniques for drawing readers in and making their characters shine. Panelists include Michael Cho (artist, Spider-Man), Skottie Young (The Me You Love in the Dark, Strange Academy), Amy Chu (Poison Ivy, Rick and Morty), Michael A. Stackpole (Star Wars, World of Warcraft), Michael Conrad (Wonder Woman, Tremor Dose), and Becky Cloonan (American Virgin). Moderated by Henry Barajas (Helm Graycastle).
11:00am – 12:00pm Behind the Scenes of The Quest, North 200A From Disney+, The Quest is a groundbreaking immersive series that drops eight teens into the fantastic fictional world of Everealm, where they must save a kingdom by fulfilling an ancient prophecy. Go behind the scenes with award-winning executive producers Jane Fleming (Lord of the Rings), Mark Ordesky (Lord of the Rings), Bertram Van Munster (Amazing Race), Elise Doganieri (Amazing Race), Michael Williams (Queer Eye) and Rob Eric (Queer Eye).
11:00am – 12:00pm Celebrate Extreme Studios 30th Anniversary with Rob Liefeld, Room 207 Comic book legend Rob Liefeld (creator, Deadpool, Cable, X-Force) celebrates the 30th anniversary of Extreme Studios (formed locally in Orange County), which launched the new era of comics.
12:00pm – 1:00pm Meet the Hardy Boys, Inc., North 200A Uncover the mystery with an exclusive sneak peek at season 2 of Hulu’s Emmy-nominated series and join stars Rohan Campbell, Alexander Elliot, Keana Lyn, Adam Swain, Riley O’Donnell, Cristian Perri, and Krista Nazaire, for a Q&A session about bringing the beloved boy detectives to life for a new generation.
1:00pm – 2:00pm Spotlight on Kevin Eastman, Room 207 Kevin Eastman talks TMNT, comics, and projects for 2022. Guest Appearance by Ciro Nieli (2012 TMNT animated series).
1:00pm – 2:00pm Naomi Special Video Presentation and Q&A, North 200A From Oscar nominee/Emmy winner Ava DuVernay and Jill Blankenship (Arrow), the DC drama Naomi follows the journey of a cool, confident, comic book–loving teenager as she pursues her hidden destiny. Join series star Kaci Walfall and additional members of the cast and creative team (participants to be announced) for a special video presentation, followed by a Q&A as they discuss what is in store for the rest of the season.
2:00pm – 3:00pm Superman & Lois Special Video Presentation and Q&A, North 200A See a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with the executive producer and series stars (participants to be determined) of Superman and Lois at their WonderCon debut.
2:00pm – 3:00pm Her Universe Fashion Show Update, Room 207 Ashley Eckstein (Her Universe founder) moderates a discussion with Ed LaBay (SVP, GMM, Hot Topic), Mandy Weaver (director of design), and the 2021 Her Universe Fashion Show winners: Skyler Barrett, Teighlor Johnson, and Vivien Lee. The group will discuss the winners’ process for designing the Jurassic World collection by Her Universe for Hot Topic. They will also announce more information on the upcoming Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con.
2:30pm – 3:30pm 30th Anniversary celebration of X-Men: The Animated Series, North 200B Jessica Tseang (international comics historian/AMC Secret History of Comics) discusses with Eric Lewald and Julia Lewald (showrunners, X-Men: The Animated Series; authors, X-Men: The Art and Making of the Animated Series) why the show is so well-loved.
3:00pm – 4:00pm Mystery, Murder and Montana: The World of “Big Sky”, North 200A This panel for ABC’s crime drama series “Big Sky” was pre-recorded for WonderCon and will play during the designated time on location.
3:00pm – 4:00pm Hot Topic and Her Universe: First Look at the New Studio Ghibli Collection, Room 207
3:30pm – 4:30pm If Bigfoot is Out There, Meet the Team That Will Find Him!, North 200B The Expedition Bigfoot team of Bryce Johnson (expedition operations), Dr. Mireya Mayor (primatologist), Russell Acord (ex-military/survivalist), and Ronny LeBlanc (Bigfoot researcher) hold a serious and candid conversation on everything you need to know about the most famous and elusive cryptid, Bigfoot. Those in attendance will receive an exclusive giveaway and be among the first to get a sneak peek from the new season on Travel Channel and discovery+.
4:00pm – 5:00pm Prime Video: Undone, North 200A Series stars Rosa Salazar (Alita: Battle Angel), Angelique Cabral, and Constance Marie will be joined by co-creators/executive producers Kate Purdy and Raphael Bob Waksberg and director/executive producer Hisko Hulsingfor a special screening and Q&A ahead of Undone’s long-awaited second season.
4:30pm – 5:30pm AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead, North 200B The cast and creators of Fear the Walking Dead discuss what’s coming up, as well as share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, information about the upcoming season, and an exclusive clip from episode 709. This panel was pre-recorded for WonderCon and will play during the designated time on location.
5:00pm – 6:00pm Behind the scenes of The Boys Presents: Diabolical, North 200A Get an in-depth look at the animated anthology series set in the universe of the Emmy-nominated hit The Boys. Executive producer Simon Racioppa and supervising director Giancarlo Volpe will take part in a Q&A.
5:30pm – 6:30pm X-Men Fandom Panel, North 200B Creatives, podcasters, cosplayers, and more, celebrate all things X-Men! Larry Houston (producer/director, X-Men: The Animated Series), Steven E. Gordon (character designer/director, X-Men Evolution), comic artist Peter V. Nguyen, and cosplayers Michelle Waffle and Nerd Alert will come together to celebrate the ongoing legacy of the X-Men from the comics to the movies, to the animated series. Audience members will receive a WonderCon exclusive print by Marvel artist Luciano Vecchio. Co-hosted by House of X and X-Reads Podcast, the panel will be moderated by Dylan Carter and Chris Riley. Mutant and Proud!
6:00pm – 7:00pm Law of Peacemaker, Room 207 Taking an oath to kill any man, woman, or child in the name of peace is in no way legal. The HBO Max Peacemaker series goes way beyond murder to issues of whether one can have a bald eagle as a pet, use computer crimes to frame others for crimes, engage in bribery or vigilantism, and of course, conspire to kill a U.S. senator . . . who happens to be a butterfly. Attorneys Stephen Tollafield, Gabby Martin, Kathy Steinman, and Joshua Gilliland offer their legal analysis of the series. Brought to you by The Legal Geeks.
6:30pm – 7:30pm Z2 Comics: Back in Smoke – 50 Years of Cheech & Chong, North 200B In celebration of the beloved comedy duo’s 50th year of performing together, Z2 Comics has worked with legendary comedians Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong on their first-ever graphic novel. The book teams these larger-than-life personas with the best of comics talent for a fun look back at how marijuana charted the course for the history we know, through the stories we didn’t. Join Cheech and Chong themselves for a look back through 50 years and beyond in a once-in-a-lifetime program, hosted by SiriusXM Liquid Metal host Jose Mangin!
7:00pm – 8:00pm Bat in the Sun, Room 207 The team at Bat in the Sun discuss their award-winning show Super Power Beat Down along with their upcoming projects.
7:30pm – 9:00pm Lumpia with a Vengeance WonderCon Premiere Screening, North 200B A double serving of Lumpia, from movie to comic book. Patricio Ginelsa (writer/director), Lawrence Iriarte (producer), April Absynth (Blindspotting), Katrina Dimaranan (Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2021), Earl Baylon (Tomb Raider), Edward Baon (Lumpia), Gerald Pilare (illustrator), and A.J. Calomay (producer/editor) discuss the seven-year journey crowdfunding the award-winning indie feature (starring UFC fighter Mark Muñoz and Danny Trejo) and companion indie comic book series. Includes free print giveaway by BayaniArt. Moderated by Winston Emano (mano Y mano Media), followed by screening and cast/crew Q&A.
8:30pm – 11:30pm The 2022 WonderCon Masquerade, North 200A Our annual big on-stage costume competition returns, featuring amazing, beautiful, and imaginative costumes crafted by our talented and creative attendees. Trophies are bestowed by a panel of guest judges, along with $500 in cash plus other prizes presented by representatives from companies and organizations. The master of ceremonies will be writer/artist Phil Foglio (of Studio Foglio.com). Additional entertainment during the judging intermission is provided by the Saber Guild performance group and The Corps Dance Crew. Doors will open for audience seating at 8:00 but the line for choice seating will start forming earlier.
Sunday, April 3
10:00am – 11:00am The Bob’s Burgers Movie, North 200A Bob’s Burgers creators and cast come together for this first look at the Belcher family’s jump to the big screen. During the panel, they will share never-before-seen footage and answer fan questions.
10:00am – 11:00am Rhapsody PR’s 14th Annual Behind-the-Music panel, Room 207 Composers give you a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating the scores to some of today’s most popular series and films. Featuring panelists Sean Callery (Halo), Jeff Russo (Star Trek: Picard), Sherri Chung (Kung Fu), Kurt Farquhar (The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder), Dominic Lewis (BulletTrain), and Joseph Shirley (The Book of Boba Fett). Moderated by Mary Chieffo (Star Trek: Discovery).
11:00am – 12:00pm First Look At Tom Swift, North 200A Cast members of the new CW show Tom Swift provide an exclusive first look at the series, which follows the sci-fi adventures of the title character and his friends after the shocking disappearance of his father. This panel was pre-recorded for WonderCon and will play during the designated time on location.
11:30am – 12:30pm Spotlight Panel with Skottie Young!, Room 208 Comic book creator Skottie Young is here for your questions and whatever you all would like to chat about!
12:00pm – 1:00pm Woke, North 200A See an advance screening of the Hulu original comedy series Woke season 2 premiere episode, followed by a Q&A with series stars Larmone Morris, T. Murph, and Blake Anderson and co-creators/executive producers Keith Knight and Marshall Todd, along with executive producer/showrunner Anthony King. [3/24/22 UPDATE] JB Smoove will also be a panelist.
1:00pm – 2:00pm Kung Fu Special Video Presentation and Q&A, North 200A Join the cast (participants to be determined) for a special video presentation, followed by a Q&A as they discuss the thrilling new season.
2:00pm – 3:00pm TV Guide Magazine’s 2022 Fan Favorites: Warner Bros. Television Showrunners Edition, North 200A The publication that loves TV and the studio that loves to make TV team up to bring together an epic group of showrunners from some of your favorite series. From Warner Bros. Television Group, panelists will swap behind-the-scenes stories, dish about everything that goes into putting these shows on the air, and tease what’s to come. TV Guide Magazine senior writer Damian Holbrook moderates.
2:30pm – 3:30pm It’s Morphin’ Time: Celebrating 29 Years of Power Rangers, North 200B Celebrate 29 years of Power Rangers mania with some of your favorite actors from the franchise, including Jazz Baduwalia and Abraham Rodriguez (Beast Morphers), Brennan Mejia (Dino Charge), Cameron Jebo (Super Megaforce), and Ciara Hanna (Super Megaforce).
These are just some of the highlights of the many panels that will take place at WonderCon this year! Click here for the full programming schedule for WonderCon 2022, or if you’d like to see the complete schedule, which includes games, anime screenings, and more, click here!
We also recently posted an article on what you should know about WonderCon 2022, so if you missed it, click here!
