Celebs Line Up for Philly Wizard World

More than 50 celebrities, representing many of the most iconic and popular movies, television programs and entertainment outlets, are scheduled to attend next weekend's Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, June 17-19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Among the leading stars to appear are Bruce Campbell, Adam Baldwin, Bill Goldberg, Pam Grier, Vivica A. Fox, Julie Benz and Billy Dee Williams.

Some of the most prominent franchises in movie and television history are well-represented among the wide variety of guests, including STAR WARS, SUPERMAN, SAW, “Batman,” “Desperate Housewives,” TERMINATOR, “The Incredible Hulk,” “Spider-Man,” “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” “The Walking Dead,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Baywatch” and “Jackass.”

Campbell (“Burn Notice,” ARMY OF DARKNESS) was a huge hit at last year's event, and will be appearing only on Saturday, June 18. Grier (“Smallville,” “The L Word”), Fox (KILL BILL VOL. 1 and VOL. 2, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Benz (“Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” “Desperate Housewives”), and Williams (STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, BATMAN) have also been popular guests at Wizard World events. Baldwin (FULL METAL JACKET, SERENITY) and Goldberg (WWE wrestler, THE LONGEST YARD) will be making their first appearances.

“Response to this year's celebrities has been massive,” said Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO. “Philadelphia Comic Con is bringing its most robust and diverse guest list ever. Fans are psyched, and they have let us know.”

Other featured Philadelphia Comic Con celebrity guests include Michael Biehn (TERMINATOR, ALIENS), Grammy Award winner Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels (Run-D.M.C), Alaina Huffman (“Smallville,” “SGU Stargate Universe”), Julia Benson (“SGU Stargate Universe, ROAD TO VICTORY), Adam West (“Batman,” “The Family Guy”), Burt Ward (“Batman”), John Schneider (“Smallville,” “Dukes of Hazzard”), Richard Roundtree (SHAFT, “Heroes), Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”), Margot Kidder (SUPERMAN, “Smallville”) and Peter Mayhew (STAR WARS). BOONDOCK SAINTS co-stars Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery will also reunite at the event.

In addition to Goldberg, stars of wrestling scheduled to attend include Tony Atlas, Maria Kanellis, Dawn Marie, Virgil, Nikolai Volkoff, Ryan Shamrock, Torrie Wilson, Brimstone and Candice Michelle.

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

Children and adult attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win special prizes in costume contests. Event-goers may also try their hand interactive product exhibits and shop for collectible comics, movie and television memorabilia, toys and games at more than 200 dealer booths.

Philadelphia Comic Con is the sixth stop on Wizard World's 2011 North American tour. Hours are Friday, June 17, noon - 8 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/philadelphia.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.