David Tennant, Jared Padalecki Among Highlights at Fan Expo Cleveland 2025

Fan Expo Cleveland returned in 2025 with one of its most stacked lineups yet, drawing big crowds and offering fans a weekend full of celebrity appearances, engaging panels, and nonstop fandom energy. From Friday through Sunday, the Huntington Convention Center buzzed with excitement as thousands of attendees packed the halls for one of the city’s most anticipated pop culture events.

This year’s expo raised the bar with a guest list that felt more like a dream cast reunion than a typical comic con. Headliners Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian, Breaking Bad), Jared Padalecki (Supernatural, Walker), and David Tennant (Doctor Who, Good Omens) anchored the weekend with packed panel sessions and long lines for photo ops and autographs.

For many fans, these panels were the highlight of the show. Charlie Cox discussed his return as Daredevil in the MCU, drawing loud cheers when hinting at what’s next for the character. Giancarlo Esposito delivered a masterclass in villainy during his panel, sharing thoughtful insights on acting and character work. Jared Padalecki was laid-back and genuine, connecting easily with his longtime Supernatural fans, while David Tennant had the crowd laughing with his quick wit and charming stories from his career across TV and film.

The crowd sizes this year were noticeably larger than past editions, signaling that Fan Expo Cleveland continues to grow in popularity. Lines were long, panels were full, and the convention floor was constantly bustling. That growth is exciting, but it also came with some growing pains. Navigating the show floor at peak times was a challenge, especially in areas where the aisles felt narrow and congested. More space—or at least better flow design—would go a long way in future editions.

The vendor hall was packed, but not quite as diverse as I would have hoped. While there were plenty of booths selling collectibles, comics, and Funko Pops, many seemed to offer similar inventory. A wider mix of artists, indie creators, and unique merchandise would have helped make the shopping experience more varied and exciting.

Cosplay, usually a major part of any con experience, felt more subdued this year. There were a few standouts—but the overall cosplay turnout seemed lighter than expected. Whether that was due to the weather, the crowd flow, or something else, it was a noticeable shift from previous years where cosplay was more prominent.

Still, despite those few drawbacks, the 2025 edition of Fan Expo Cleveland delivered where it mattered most. The energy of the crowd, the caliber of the guests, and the quality of the programming all made for a memorable weekend. Fan interaction remained the heart of the show, whether it was catching a moment with a favorite star, connecting with fellow fans, or just taking in the sights and sounds of a thriving convention.

Fan Expo has firmly cemented itself as a key event on Cleveland’s annual calendar. This year proved that it’s capable of bringing in A-list talent, managing big crowds, and giving fans a place to celebrate what they love. With some tweaks to the layout and a more diverse vendor lineup, next year could be even better.