NORWALK, CT – February 5, 2026 – ReedPop, the world’s leading producer of pop culture events, today unveiled the lineup of must-see programming for this year’s Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo’s (C2E2). Returning to McCormick Place from March 27 through March 29, fans will experience the best of pop culture with a slate of special guests, panelists, exhibitors, comic artists, anime voice actors, their favorite celebrities, and more.
This news comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement that Elizabeth Olsen (WandaVision),will be joining the 2026 lineup for Photo Ops, Autographs, and a panel. Elizabeth will join a roster of guests including Fantastic Four’s Michael Chiklis and Ioan Gruffudd, Clark Gregg (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,) Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who,) and many more to come.
With offerings for every corner of pop culture fandom, panel programming highlights for this year’s C2E2 include:
Exquisite Corpses: the game and beyond!
Join the Corpse Crew as they dive into Exquisite Corpses: The Game (based on the best selling comic). And chat about what is next for Exquisite Corpses!
Friday, March 27 at 1:45 PM in Room S403
Mortal Kombat 3 Tournament
A retro showdown featuring one of the most iconic entries in the MK franchise. Expect fast gameplay, classic combos, and big nostalgia energy.
Friday, March 27 at 2:00 PM, Show Floor in Side Quest
CB4K Awards
Annual CB4K awards! Who will win the awards this year? Join Mark and Michelle from ComicBooks For Kids and attend one of the most heartwarming and informative panels about the impact of comic books on children and others.
Friday, March 27 at 3:00 PM in Room S402
Emo Social Party
Did you get your first introduction to your favorite emo music through AMV’s on YouTube? Then the Emo Social Party is where you’ll want to be! The Emo Social Club will bring notable bangers from acts such as Panic! at the Disco, Paramore, Fall Out Boy and more.
Friday, March 27 from 8 PM to 10 PM, S406 Lobby
Jackbox @ C2E2
Join the team from Jackbox Games Friday and Saturday at C2E2 for games in The Yard and in panel rooms! Here’s some of the content you can look forward to:
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Jackbox House Party
It’s a party, and you’re invited! And what does every good house party need? Hilarious friends to play games with, of course. Join some of Chicago’s funniest friends as they play the Jackbox hits. Influence the outcome when you join the audience and vote on your favorite jokes, drawings, and more.
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Jackbox Party Panel
Ever wonder what would happen if the writing Quiplash answers were professional comedians? Now’s your chance to find out. Come join some of Chicago’s funniest folks for a night of laughter and competition. We need your help to decide who will reign supreme.
The Scarlet Witch and Beyond: Elizabeth Olsen In Conversation
Step into the multiverse for an unforgettable conversation with Elizabeth Olsen, the powerhouse actor behind the Scarlet Witch, in a live, in-depth interview hosted by Josh Horowitz (Happy Sad Confused). From redefining Wanda Maximoff across the Marvel Cinematic Universe to delivering some of the franchise’s most emotional and iconic moments, Olsen has helped shape one of Marvel’s most complex heroes. Expect behind-the-scenes stories from Avengers, WandaVision, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, plus candid talk about building a character fans around the world can’t stop debating, cosplaying, and quoting. With Josh’s signature mix of smart questions and fan-first energy, this is a must-see panel for Marvel fans who want to go deeper into the magic, the madness, and the making of the Scarlet Witch.
Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 AM, Main Stage
One Chicago Podcast Live Taping with Cast
NBC’s trio of “One Chicago” series have become a mainstay in the Chicagoland area. The City’s iconic streets and landmarks serve as a backdrop to these beloved shows, with fans regularly flocking to location shoots in hopes of meeting their favorite on-screen characters in real life. Join Chicago Fire‘s Hanako Greensmith and Jocelyn Hudon, Chicago P.D.‘s LaRoyce Hawkins and Benjamin Levy Aguilar, and Chicago Med‘s Jessy Schram for the first-ever live taping of Wolf Entertainment and USG Audio’sOne Chicago Podcast as they share stories from set that illuminate how the Windy City became the real star of these shows.
Saturday, March 28 at 12:30 PM in Room S404
Rooster Fighter Screening and Ep 3 Premiere
Be the first to watch the Rooster Fighter English dubbed Episode 3 premiere after catching up with Episodes 1 and 2! Witness Keiji as he pecks through demons to defend humanity in this action-packed anime. Fly on by to score exclusive rooster masks – perfect for ruffling a few feathers back home!
Saturday, March 28 at 2:45 PM in Room S404
You Have Failed This Panel: The Cast of Arrow
Suit up and head back to Star City with Stephen Amell, David Ramsey, and Emily Bett Rickards for a fan-celebration of Arrow, the series that launched the Arrowverse and redefined superhero TV. From Oliver Queen’s first night on the streets to the team’s most emotional victories and losses, this panel dives into the moments that made Arrow a global phenomenon. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, on-set memories, favorite episodes, and plenty of laughs as these three reflect on the show’s legacy, its impact on DC television, and the fans who stayed with them for every twist, turn, and trick arrow. Whether you’re Team Arrow, Team Olicity, or just here for the salmon ladder, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Saturday, March 28 at 3:00 PM, Main Stage
MOSH UDON: The Ultimate After-Party Experience
MOSH UDON is more than just a party. Fusing the driving beats of K-Pop, the iconic soundtracks of legendary Anime and full on club party classics, the night provides a space fans can dance, socialize, and celebrate their favorite fandoms in a safe, upbeat environment.
Saturday, March 28th from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM in the S406 lobby
Truth, Justice, and Family: The Cast of Superman & Lois
Join Tyler Hoechlin, Bitsie Tulloch, and Michael Cudlitz for a special conversation celebrating Superman & Lois, the series that redefined the Man of Steel by putting family, heart, and heroism front and center. From epic battles and emotional twists to the quieter moments that made Clark Kent and Lois Lane feel more human than ever, this panel dives into what made the show such a standout in the DC TV universe. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, favorite episodes, and candid reflections on building these iconic characters across the show’s most unforgettable arcs. Whether you came for the superhero action, the Smallville drama, or the powerful performances, this is a must-see panel for fans who believe the “S” stands for more than just Superman.
Sunday, March 29 at 12:00 PM, Main Stage
It’s Clobberin’ Time: The Cast of Fantastic Four
Go back to where Marvel’s first family hit the big screen with Michael Chiklis and Ioan Gruffudd for a special celebration of Fantastic Four. From bringing Ben Grimm’s heart (and rocky exterior) to life to redefining Reed Richards for a new generation, these two helped introduce the Fantastic Four to movie audiences around the world. Expect behind-the-scenes stories from the set, memories of building these iconic characters, and reflections on what it was like to step into Marvel history before the superhero boom took over Hollywood. Whether you grew up quoting “It’s clobberin’ time!” or just love revisiting early Marvel movie eras, this panel is a must for fans of the original big-screen Fantastic Four.
Sunday, March 29 at 1:30 PM, Main Stage
Rocket League Tournament
A high speed, high skill soccer with cars showdown. Accessible for newcomers, thrilling for veterans, and always a crowd pleaser.
Sunday, March 29 at 2:00 PM on the Show Floor in Side Quest
BAD IDEA: The C2E2 Panel
The next wave of BAD IDEA comics continues right here! Join mastermind Derek Kolstad, creator and writer of the JOHN WICK franchise of movies, New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti, and BAD IDEA impresarios Dinesh Shamdasani, Peter Stern, and Siena Fallon for an exclusive look at BAD IDEA’s biggest slate yet! Witness brand-new art from WARBIRD, THE HAB, MEGALITH, GOAT, THE ODDBALL’S ODYSSEY and much more! Plus, special guests AND a convention exclusive giveaway!
Sunday, March 29 at 4:00 PM in Room S403
Cyanide & Happiness: A Sexy Game Show
Come join the minds behind Cyanide & Happiness as they play a live play-through of their card game, Master Dater! A SEXY match-making game with all of the Cyanide you could ask for. Who knows, you might even find love there too!
Friday, March 27 from 5:15 – 6:00 PM in Room S401ABC
Cyanide & Happiness: Stuff We Shouldn’t Draw
Join the crazy minds behind Cyanide & Happiness as they draw live in front of you using the audiences suggestive prompts and topics. Think you know funny?
Saturday, March 28 from 6:30 – 7:15 PM in Room S402B
At this year’s C2E2, fans will have the chance to connect with award-winning comic creators, anime voice actors, authors, and beloved celebrities while reveling in the best pop culture has to offer and discovering unique merchandise. Fans can explore the Show Floor, attend a variety of panels, stop by Artist Alley to discover favorite and new creators, and meet their favorite on-screen talent in real life. Details on Artist Alley and Writers Block participants will be revealed in the coming weeks. The C2E2 Show Floor will also feature Exhibitors across a broad range of merchandise, comics, and more, including Bad Idea, Boom!, CGC/JSA, Tiny Onion, Bushiroad, Bubblegum Kids, 100% Soft,The Field Museum/Pokémon Exhibit, and more.
Tickets for C2E2 2026 are on sale for the general public, with multi-day and single-day options available. Fans who purchase a C2E2 Superfan Membership will also have digital access to the event. As Superfans, members also receive premium access to purchase Select Autographing sessions, Photo Ops, and exclusive merchandise throughout the year for $99 annually, in addition to exclusive onsite perks at C2E2 such as Fast Pass lines for Autographing and Photo Ops.
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