So many panels and events at Wondercon, so little time. But we're here to help! The Starwars.com team will be at Wondercon reporting about the latest news, toys, comics, celeb sightings and more. Be sure to check back on the Official Starwars.com Blog and the Official Starwars.com Flickr Photo Blog for ongoing WonderCon 2009 coverage!
Check out this handy link for the full list of WonderCon programs and panels. But to get you started, here's a listing of our picks of things not to be missed!
Real Archaeology of Indiana Jones
Friday, FEBRUARY 27
2:30-3:30pm
ROOM 236/238
Daryl G. Frazetti of the Department of Anthropology at Lake Tahoe Community College discusses the actual archaeology found in the Indiana Jones films. The world's most famous archaeologist may be fictional, but much of the archaeology mentioned in the films is oh so very real and just as exciting. Actual sites and actual mysteries are explored. Find out what is happening in biblical archaeology, explore the real Temple of Doom, go on the quest for the Holy Grail, and delve into the mystique of the actual crystal skulls. This discussion encourages participation in this presentation of real adventure and discovery.
Star Wars: Last Fan Movie Standing
Friday, FEBRUARY 27
8:00-9:30pm
Esplanade
Choose the last Star Wars fan movie standing at this friendly competition hosted by Lucasfilm's Mary Franklin. The Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge, now in its eighth year, honors promising moviemakers who do outstanding work, with the top prize each year chosen by Star Wars writer/director George Lucas. How do your movie tastes compare? Come and show your support for your favorites, and you just might take home a Star Wars souvenir from the event. Read about past Fan Film winners here.
R2-D2 Droid Building Basics
Saturday, FEBRUARY 28
12:30-1:30pm
ROOM 236/238
Chris James, Ryan Goff, Steve Simmons, and David Calkins share their experiences and demonstrate working droids. Topics range from materials, tools needed, basic electronics, and radio control information to make your own R2 come to life! Special guest Don Bies, former ILM model maker and Star Wars Episodes II and III droid wrangler.
Lucas Licensing Portfolio Review
Saturday, FEBRUARY 28
2:00-4:00pm
ROOM 214
Troy Alders, Art Director at Lucas Licensing, will conduct portfolio reviews, provide critiques, and offer tips for aspiring artists. Bring in a portfolio selection of your best work and see if you have what it takes to create art for the ever-expanding Lucasfilm galaxy. Read more about what Troy looks for here: Be a Star Wars Artist: Portfolio Review Tips.
Celebrate a Star Wars Decade. Where Were You in '99?
with Lucasfilm's Steve Sansweet and special guests.
Saturday, FEBRUARY 28
5:30-6:30pm
Esplanade
Ten years ago, Star Wars fans worldwide were reenergized with the launch of a new series of Star Wars movies, and in the process developed a community of life-long friends. In theater lines, toy stores, cons, and in the muddy byways of Denver's Celebration I, Star Wars passion was rekindled. The last decade has been filled with a galactic expansion of the Star Wars saga, a new generation of fans and fan activity, and an even stronger integration of Star Wars into popular culture. Where were you 10 years ago? Join Steve Sansweet and special guests who will look back at the past decade of Star Wars, as well as the on-going Saga's future. Don't miss an exclusive sneak peek of something very special from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, now airing on Cartoon Network.
The Fifth Annual WonderCon Masquerade
Saturday, FEBRUARY 28
8:30-11:30pm
Esplanade
The Masquerade, WonderCon's flashy and fun on-stage competition, features amazing costumes re-created from movies, TV, comic-books, video games, and anime, plus original designs inspired by fantasy, science-fiction, and more. Trophies and other prizes will be awarded to the most outstanding entries. The Master of Ceremonies is artist-writer Phil Foglio. No flash photography is allowed, and doors will open for audience seating beginning at 8:00pm. Special advance movie previews will be shown during the judging intermission.
Draw Star Wars at WonderCon
Sunday, MARCH 1
11:30am-12:30pm
ROOM 200/212
Learn to draw fun and whimsical Star Wars characters with Lucasfilm's Bonnie Burton and artist Katie Cook. Bonnie Burton is the author of the book You Can Draw: Star Wars (DK Publishing). Bonnie also works as the Lucas Online Senior Editor, editing the drawing tutorials and craft projects which can be found on Starwars.com. More of Bonnie's writing can be found at Grrl.com. Katie Cook (http://katiecandraw.com) has done licensed art for Star Wars DC, Marvel, Heroes, Lord of the Rings and other such nerdy things. She often dreams of being a Wookiee, which explains why she could use a haircut.
Lucas Licensing Portfolio Review
Sunday, MARCH 1
2:00-4:00pm
ROOM 214
Troy Alders, Art Director at Lucas Licensing, will conduct portfolio reviews, provide critiques, and offer tips for aspiring artists. Bring in a portfolio selection of your best work and see if you have what it takes to create art for the ever-expanding Lucasfilm galaxy.
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Carrie Fisher
(1307- Sat/Sun only)
Actress/author; Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy; her latest book is the autobiography Wishful Drinking.
Mark Hamill (1408)
Actor/producer/director, Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy, Comic Book Movie.
Daniel Logan (1410)
Actor, young Boba Fett in Star Wars Episode II
Ray Park (1410)
Actor, Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I, Toad in X-Men, Snake Eyes in the new G.I. Joe movie
Matthew Wood (M33)
Actor, Bib Fortuna, Ody Mandrell in Star Wars: Episode I, voice of General Grievous in Episode III and The Clone Wars, Academy Award-nominated sound editor for Wall-E.
David Acord (M33)
Voice actor, including numerous roles in Star War: The Clone Wars.
Get the full WonderCon schedule here.
