Wizard World Philly highlights – who and what to see

Starting Thursday, May 7 through Sunday, May 10 the Pennsylvania Convention Center (1101 Arch St.) will host the return of Wizard World, an expo celebrating arts, movies, wrestling, television with some geeky flavor.

For the die-hard fans, you'll want to splurg for a four-day pass. But for those who just want a one-day experience, previous WW visitors will tell you each day is full of action.

Here are some highlights for each day.

Thursday

Roman Reigns
WWE superstar and former muscle of wrestling group The Shield, Roman Reigns will be kicking off WW with autographs and pictures. Not only will guests have the opportunity to meet the star, they will also be able to interact in a discussion panel. Here's your shot to ask him how he feels about losing at Wrestlemania 31.

Rob Liefield
Learn what it's like to create a popular Marvel character as artist Rob Liefield will be dropping knowledge about his work. His portfolio includes the makings of Deadpool, Cable, Youngblood, and X Force. The artist also appears on Friday, and Saturday.

Joel Hodgson
Learn what it was like to be the brains behind sci-fi comedy series Mystery Science Theater 3000. Hodgson not only produced it, he acted in it, too! The creator will also be there Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

Friday

Dee Snider
Rock out with front man of popular '80s band Twisted Sister and get a memorable picture and autograph to frame in your bedroom. Dee Snider is also known for many television and movie appearances such as MTV's Rock the Cradle, ABC's Celebrity Wife Swap and horror film Stranger Land. Snider will also appear on Saturday.

Dolph Ziggler
Known as the "showoff," WWE superstar Dolph Ziggler makes his first trip to WW and will give out autographs and snap photos with fans. Want to find out what it's like jumping off a ladder? You can ask Ziggler about past matches during a question panel.

Charles Martinet
Meet the voice behind the famous Nintendo videogame, Super Mario. Charles Martinet played the voices of for Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi. Guests can bring Nintendo memorabilia to be singed, take a picture, and even receive a personalized shout-out in whatever character voice you favor. Martinet will also appear on Saturday and Sunday. 

Saturday

Burt Reynolds
Burt Reynolds graces Philadelphia with his first ever Wizard World appearance. The American actor brought major attention to himself in the early '70s with movie roles in Deliverance, The Longest Yard and White Lightning. Guests will have the opportunity to ask those "mustache" questions as well as take a memorable photo of the star.

Allen Iverson
Sports fans, especially Philadelphians, will be excited to hear that former NBA basketball player and Philadelphia 76er Allen Iverson will be on site. Guests can receive autographs, as well as snap a photo of "The Answer," throughout the convention.

Billie Piper & David Tennant
"Whovians" are in for a treat. Doctor Who actors Billie Piper and David Tennant will appear together at Comic Con for duel photo ops, as well as autographs. Both actors will also join a panel discussion.

David Tennant will also appear on Sunday.


Sunday

Hayley Atwell
Meet the woman behind Marvel Comics show Agent Carter as well as Captain America, The First Avenger, and Avengers: The Age of Ultron. Check out Hayley Atwell and what it's like to be a superhero during photo ops and an autograph session. Hayley also appears on Saturday. 

Katie Cassidy and Stephen Amell
Meet the stars from CW's hit series, Arrow, a take on DC Comic superhero Green Arrow. Katie Cassidy plays a female lead name Laurel Lance and Stephen Amell plays Oliver Queen, the rich boy who transforms into a hero with a bow and arrow. Photo ops, and autograph signings will be available throughout the event.

These aren't the only things worth checking out. Click here for the full list of appearances.

Wizard World is on Thursday, May 7 from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 8 from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.