Andy Serkis New Orleans Appearance Headlines FanExpoNOLA!

Major Get for Lord of the Rings Fans!

Following Last Year’s Hobbits Reunion…

Award-winning actor Andy Serkis is set to make his first-ever New Orleans convention appearance at FAN EXPO New Orleans, which will run January 10-12, 2025, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Known worldwide for his remarkable performances as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Caesar in the Planet of the Apes series, Serkis will offer fans a unique opportunity to meet one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers.

For the Nola Nerd Family, this is one of our dream celebrity appearances at any con, and we get to have it in our own backyard. Of course we are major Lord of the Rings fans. We just finished rewatching all of the Peter Jackson movies spurred on by season two of Rings of Power. I have started listening to the amazing work Serkis has done on the audiobooks.

But we are fans of Mr. Serkis for more than just Lord of the Rings. In fact, we think Marvel made a huge mistake by killing his amazing villain, Ulysses Klaue, too early. He dominated the screen in all of his scenes. Also, if you have followed us for any length of time, you know how big of a Star Wars fan we are. Besides playing Snoke, he showed how great of an actor he is without capture motion in the Andor series, my personal favorite of all Star Wars television. Kino Loy gave the series the heart it needed. Watching him slowly realize the truth of the situation is a master class in acting. And the last scene he is in is as haunting as Star Wars gets. It is a performance for the ages, and one that I feel doesn’t get enough credit.

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, fans can look forward to personal interactions with Serkis through autograph sessions and professional photo opportunities. Additionally, the acclaimed actor will host a spotlight panel where he’ll share stories from his extensive career, including his recent roles as Supreme Leader Snoke in the Star Wars sequel trilogy and Alfred Pennyworth in The Batman.

More Stars from More Fandoms!

Doctor Who and Smallville Stars Join the Lineup

Adding to the weekend’s star power, the convention welcomes an impressive Doctor Who contingent featuring Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, and Catherine Tate. Smallville fans will be thrilled to meet their favorites during a special reunion featuring Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Kristin Kreuk, Erica Durance, and Laura Vandervoort.

Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Celebration

In a special tribute to pop culture history, FAN EXPO New Orleans will host an impressive Back to the Future reunion. Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Tom Wilson lead an extended cast gathering that includes James Tolkan, Claudia Wells, and several other beloved supporting actors from the trilogy.

Comic Creators and Artists

The convention’s Artist Alley promises to be a hub of creative energy, featuring industry leaders such as Mitch Gerads (Batman: The Brave and the Bold), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons, Futurama), and Marc Guggenheim (Arrowverse). Talented artists, including Michael Golden, Freddie Williams II, and Larry Houston, will offer autographs, commissions, and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Additional Celebrity Guests

The star-studded guest list continues with Firefly’s Alan Tudyk, Star Wars icon Anthony Daniels, and The Mandalorian’s Giancarlo Esposito. Superman & Lois stars Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch, along with Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s James Marsters, round out an impressive lineup of television and film personalities. Plus, there will be voice actors there, including Shameik Morre from Spiderman. Check out the full guestlist!

Event Information and Tickets

As 2025’s first major pop culture event, FAN EXPO New Orleans offers various attendance options, from single-day passes to VIP packages.

For complete event details, including Andy Serkis’s and other celebrity appearance schedules, photo op pricing, and general admission information, visit fanexpohq.com/fanexponeworleans/. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to meet one of Hollywood’s most accomplished actors in the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans.

While you’re here, be sure to check out our previous coverage of Fan Expo and our Comic Con 101 series.