This past weekend, Cincinnati Comic Expo held their yearly event, bringing exciting guests, artists, and more to fans. Saturday ramped up the nostalgia, as guests including William Shatner (Star Trek), Bonnie Wright (Harry Potter franchise), and Jack Dylan Grazer (It, Shazam!) participated in panels.
William Shatner
Shatner kicked off Saturday with his panel, which began with a mayoral proclamation naming the day “William Shatner Day” for the city. Afterward, Shatner auctioned off the document stating that proceeds would go to charity. When the panel was fully underway, he talked about his time on Star Trek including how he became involved and his general experience. Somewhat related, he discussed a bit about how his trip to space changed some of his perspective. Staying within the sci-fi sphere, he also shared some insight into his two Twilight Zone episodes, including how that nightmare fuel creature in “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” came to be. Beyond his film and television projects, he also discussed his albums.
Bonnie Wright
During Wright’s panel, she largely reminisced about her time filming the Harry Potter movies. She shared how grateful she was to work with actors like Helena Bonham Carter and the late Alan Rickman. She explained how she learned a lot about acting from them, as well as filmmaking in general, from being part of the movies. Wright also mentioned her surprise at being cast as Ginny Weasley. She felt it was challenging, but ultimately enjoyed her time as the character and loved being able to make Ginny her own.
Fans were able to ask questions as well. One memorable moment was a fan cosplaying Professor Trelawney, who, in character, asked if Wright would take her class (and Wright happily played along). Another asked her who her favorite sibling was. After a few moments, she chose Fred and George, largely because of her relationship with James and Oliver Phelps.
Along with the Potter talk, Wright delved a little more into her work with Greenpeace and environmental activism, including her book Go Gently. She spoke a bit about sustainability and her YouTube videos. She also shared that she is currently developing a series from her videos and book.
Jack Dylan Grazer
Grazer brought high energy to his panel, which began with him discussing skateboarding. Throughout the panel, he talked about his time on It and working with Finn Wolfhard and his other fellow cast members. He shared it was his favorite movie to work on because of how he and the cast bonded. He also discussed working on Shazam! and the upcoming sequel, and his experiences doing voice work for Luca and Ron’s Gone Wrong. Beyond film, he explained his passion for raising awareness of bullying, and praised his mom (who was in attendance) for being his biggest supporter.
Check out photos from Grazer’s panel below.
