The FanX celebrity lineup keeps getting bigger
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FanX is bringing a galaxy's worth of stars to Salt Lake this weekend, with a guest lineup that has fully escaped niche-fandom containment.
Why it matters: The appearance of more Hollywood A-listers is broadening the notion of "fandom" at FanX beyond tight-knit, sometimes-elitist communities that recite deep cuts and debate the limits of "canon."
Driving the news: This year's guests include rock star Gene Simmons, action hero Kiefer Sutherland, Jane Seymour of 1980s miniseries fame, and ubiquitous generational icons like Ann-Margret and Alec Baldwin.
Catch up quick: The guest list has grown exponentially since the first convention in 2013, when William Shatner and Stan Lee were the only truly legendary household names.
Zoom in: These days you can expect to find fans of pretty much any pop culture artifact that is broadly liked.
Yes, but: Even the megastar guests of previous years typically were celebrated for roles that generated their own intense fan cultures.
- When fans pay for a photo-op with Geena Davis, "Beetlejuice" is the likelier connection than "The Accidental Tourist," which won her an Oscar.
Between the lines: It's unclear what fictional realm Gene Simmons represents — but Kiss is nothing if not fantastical.
Who else is coming: Helen Hunt, Hayden Christensen, Molly Ringwald, Bryce Dallas Howard, Giancarlo Esposito and Mr. T. Also:
- Utah fantasy author Brandon Sanderson.
- The voice actors behind Disney princesses Ariel, Belle and Jasmine.
- Cast members from "Critical Role."