When I first started typing this piece, I didn’t realize that this is my 5th time attending WonderCon. I’ve always had a blast at the convention, much smaller than Comic Con and not nearly as stressful. (Also the parking is decent) This year the schedule seems to be a bit lighter than normal, as is par for the course when movie studios don’t go, but there are some real gems among the selection this year. My full schedule selection is at the bottom of the post. I routinely double book myself so that I can have back ups if I miss a panel, but check out my top 5 anticipated panels!

5 Panels I’m Excited for at WonderCon

Trollhunters – Friday @ 1:15 pm

Following the epic first season of the Netflix original series DreamWorks Trollhunters, executive producers Marc Guggenheim, Rodrigo Blaas, and Chad Hammes share their favorite moments from season 1 and take you behind the scenes of this critically acclaimed series from Guillermo del Toro. The panel will be moderated by Josh Macuga of Collider.

I have been raving about this show since I decided to watch it on a whim in January. It’s mix of childlike wonder, brilliant plotting, and adult themes. Can’t wait to hear what the creators have to say!

The Psychology of Harry Potter: Houses of Hogwarts – Friday @ 3:30 pm

When J. K. Rowling’s popular series debuted, Potter fans clamored to find any evidence that they belonged in one of her imaginative Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house had its unique personality and signature, and soon, readers argued among themselves on why their houses were the best. The Sorting Hat not only opened a question that delved into our personalities, but also provided a deeper look into how we view ourselves, and how others view us. Jessica Tseang (founder of Little Geek Girls, owner of Girl on Geek) leads a frank discussion with Harry Potter experts Erik Amaya (Comic Book Resources, host of Tread Perilously), Adrienne Alwag-Aipia (founder of Los Angeles Dumbledore’s Army), Jim Thompson (Esquire, Comic Book Historians Group), Dina Kampmeyer (Lady Steam cosplay), Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy), and Dr. Travis Langley (Captain America vs. Iron Man: Freedom, Security, Psychology) on why J. K. Rowling’s houses are secretly genius, and what we can learn about ourselves along the way.

As a proud Slytherin, I am always excited to talk about what houses people are in and shade them if they are in Hufflepuff. There’s so much to be gleaned from which house a person is sorted into and it’ll be fascinating to have a frank discussion on it.

Midnight, Texas Panel – Saturday @ 11:45 am

Universal Television presents NBC’s new supernatural thriller Midnight, Texas. Welcome to a place where being normal is strange and only outsiders fit in. Based on the bestselling book series by Charlaine Harris (author of the novels that inspired True Blood), comes a journey into a remote Texas town where nothing is what it seems. Home to a vampire, a witch, an angel, and a hitwoman, Midnight is a mysterious safehaven for those who are different-a perfect place for anyone looking to hide from the outside world. That is, until the arrival of a powerful psychic and the murder of one of their own. As the town members fight off outside pressures from ever-suspicious cops, deadly biker gangs, and their own dangerous pasts, they band together and form an unlikely but strong family. Join your fellow “Midnighters” for an exclusive premiere of the pilot episode and a Q&A session with cast members François Arnaud (The Borgias), Dylan Bruce (Orphan Black), Parisa Fitz-Henley (Luke Cage), Arielle Kebbel (The Vampire Diaries), Jason Lewis (Sex and the City), and Sarah Ramos (Parenthood) and executive producers Monica Owusu-Breen (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and David Janollari (Six Feet Under).

I really dug the trailer that recently dropped and I am always down for supernatural shenanigans set in small towns. I hope this series hews close to the Harris books because when True Blood stopped doing that it fell apart.

Warner Bros Pictures Panel – Saturday @ 4:30 pm

Get a sneak peek at upcoming films from Warner Bros., New Line, and DC Entertainment Films, with special guests TBA.

I am 95% sure they are going to be revealing footage from a new horror film, so that’s exciting. I kind of like how Warner Bros has taken claim of WonderCon as a place to show off their material. The first WonderCon I went I saw footage from The Conjuring with the actual Warrens in the house. I have a feeling we might also see something relating to Wonder Woman.

Writer vs Fandom: TV Writer’s Rooms and Fan Interaction – Sunday @ 4pm

The dialogue between TV writers and their fans is a vital tool for many television shows—but one that can prove fickle. From producers, to staff writers and assistants, Alex Freedman and Nick Watson (Paper Team) invite people who work on some of your favorite TV shows to share their thoughts on this unique relationship. Panelists include Ray Utarnachitt (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Person of Interest), Sarah Hernandez (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), Tennessee Martin (Lucifer, Training Day), Diya Mishra (The Tick, Powerless) and Taylor Brogan (The Shannara Chronicles, Into the Badlands).

CHILE. I. CAN. NOT. WAIT. I know this panel is gonna get messy just by virtue of “vs” is in the title. None of these shows immediately come to mind when I think contentious fan battles, but I def want to hear about their experiences.