Paranormal City: Chicago Con-Cast

I love chatting about the paranormal in front of a live crowd. It has never been my mission to convince others to believe or disbelieve in the unexplained, so much as I just enjoy geeking out about the stories, folklore and theories. So I've really been digging the "Paranormal City" panels I created and have been hosting at Wizard World cons lately. By assembling local personalities, we've been able to engage in fun conversation about what makes a town unique with its para-personality.

And the Chicago Paranormal City panel really nailed that. With the exceptional involvement of Dave Schrader, Chris Fleming, Ursula Bielski and Jonathan James, we spoke to a packed room about what makes the Windy City so spooky. 

Take a listen and let me know what you think!

-Aaron Sagers

Matt Smith Joins the Cast of "Terminator: Genesis"

Smith at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con,
courtesy Wikipedia

Deadline is reporting some pretty exciting news- The Doctor is taking on Skynet! Matt Smith is officially joining the cast of the new "Terminator: Genesis." His role is said to be in close connection with John Connor and will grow more important in the second and third installments of the franchise.

Smith will be joining fellow cast-mates Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke, Jai Courtney, and Dayo Okeniyi. Arnold Schwarzenegger will be reprising his role as the Terminator. The rebooted franchise has certainly got some powerhouse sci-fi performers in its ranks! Alan Taylor will be directing "Terminator: Genesis," and is set for a July 1, 2015 release date.

Stay tuned for the latest news on "Terminator: Genesis" and check out Paramounts official statement on Smith's casting!

Wizard World Chicago Presents: Bruce Campbell's Horror Fest

Within the past few years alone, the growth of horror conventions has been on the rise. Next year, the convention titans at Wizard World will be joining the horror-con realm with one of the biggest names in the genre, Bruce Campbell. "Wizard World Chicago Presents: Bruce Campbell's Horror Fest" will be hitting the windy city in March of 2015 and promises a weekend like you've never experienced before, with the man himself emceeing the ENTIRE weekend, in addition to signings, photo-ops and panels moderated by the horror icon himself. For more information, check out the press release!

Matt Smith To Make First Post-Doctor Who Con Appearance At Wizard World New Orleans

The Crescent City might as well be re-christened "Who Orleans" because Doctor Who's Matt Smith is heading stateside for Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con this February.

Announced today, Wizard World unveiled that the Doctor Who actor -- who exited the series in "The Time of the Doctor" Christmas Special which aired Dec. 25 -- would be attending their comic con event Feb. 7-8, held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La.

This is Smith's first post-show appearance on the comic convention circuit, and is also his first con appearance in America outside of San Diego Comic-Con International. According to a Wizard World press release, "Smith will greet fans, sign autographs, pose for photo ops and conduct an interactive Q&A during the event."

Wizard World's announcement comes just as the actor is riding high on his exit from the long-running British sci-fi series. Smith, who took over the lead role as the Doctor from David Tennant in 2010, has enjoyed an American wave of fan support surrounding the show. He also appeared in the series' 50th Anniversary Special in November. Both the anniversary special and the Christmas Special netted big numbers for BBC America, the latter of which led to the network's largest audience ever.

-Aaron Sagers