Toronto was once again the center of the pop culture universe as Fan Expo Canada 2025 took over the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from August 21 to 24, drawing more than 135,000 fans to celebrate everything from comics and anime to gaming, film, and television. The four-day event buzzed with excitement as celebrities, creators, cosplayers, and fans came together for one of the largest fan gatherings in North America.
The guest lineup was as star-studded as ever. One of the biggest draws of the weekend was the emotional reunion of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, who marked the Back to the Future franchise’s 40th anniversary with a packed panel, photo ops, and a special ticketed event titled “An Evening with Marty and Doc.” They were joined by Mary Steenburgen and co-writer Bob Gale, who shared warm memories of bringing the beloved time-travel series to life. Nostalgia continued in full force with a Smallville reunion featuring Michael Rosenbaum, Tom Welling, Erica Durance and other cast members, while sci-fi legend William Shatner brought his usual wit and charm to the stage.
The convention also leaned into its younger fanbase with appearances by Hailee Steinfeld, who recently cemented her place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Kate Bishop in Hawkeye, and Ewan McGregor, fresh off his return to the galaxy far, far away in Obi-Wan Kenobi. The crowd also welcomed the stars of Netflix’s Wednesday—Joy Sunday, Georgie Farmer, and Isaac Ordonez—who offered fans behind-the-scenes stories from working with Tim Burton on the hit show’s second season. The celebrity roster even crossed into the sports world this year, with boxing legend Mike Tyson making a surprise appearance alongside pro wrestling icons like Sting and Trish Stratus, giving the weekend a truly eclectic energy.
On the show floor, the heart of Fan Expo Canada pulsed with creativity. Artists Alley featured some of the biggest names in comics, including Jim Lee, Jason Aaron, Dan Slott, Arthur Adams, and Lee Bermejo, who signed books, sketched for fans, and traded stories about the ever-changing world of superheroes. Panels and “Sketch Duels” turned into standing-room-only events, underscoring just how vital comics remain to the DNA of the expo.
Cosplay, of course, was everywhere. Elaborate builds from franchises like Star Wars, Final Fantasy, and Marvel filled the aisles and made the Cosplay Red Carpet a highlight of the weekend. The creativity on display was matched only by the enthusiasm of the fans cheering them on.
Gaming also carved out a major presence this year, with attendees getting hands-on previews of highly anticipated titles, including early looks at upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 releases like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Hades II, alongside fan favorites like Baldur’s Gate 3, whose voice cast also hosted a panel. Anime lovers weren’t left behind either—voice actors, screenings, and themed meetups kept that side of fandom well represented, while horror fans packed out special events curated by Dread Central, ranging from podcasting workshops to discussions about the future of genre storytelling.
Beyond the celebrity meet-and-greets and exhibitor halls, the after-hours programming brought fans together in a way that few conventions manage to achieve. From themed parties to casual meetups, Fan Expo Canada 2025 carried a communal energy that extended far past closing time each night, creating an atmosphere where newcomers and long-time attendees alike could bond over shared passions.
By the time the final day wrapped, it was clear that this year’s Fan Expo Canada had something for everyone, whether you came to see Marty and Doc together again, to get a rare sketch from a comic book legend, to debut a new cosplay, or to test out the latest in gaming. More than just a convention, it felt like a celebration of fandom in all its forms, proving once again why Toronto’s Fan Expo has become a cornerstone event for pop culture fans from around the world.
You can watch our Fan Expo Canada 2025 highlight video below: