Two Star Wars legends lead the first guest list for New York Comic Con 2026. ReedPop announced the first wave of guests, creators and exhibitors ahead of general ticket sales, naming Hayden Christensen and Ian McDiarmid as headliners.
Christensen played Anakin Skywalker in the prequel trilogy and the Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka series. McDiarmid played Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars films for more than four decades.
TV reunions
Superman fans get two reunions at once. Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Erica Durance and Michael Rosenbaum from Smallville will appear together. Tyler Hoechlin, Bitsie Tulloch and Michael Cudlitz from Superman & Lois are also on the list.
Lena Headey (Game of Thrones, 300) and Jamie Campbell Bower (Stranger Things) round out the headliners. Cast members from Scream, Jurassic Park, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and RoboCop will hold signings.
Comics and books
The comic guest list leans on returning favorites. Frank Miller, Jim Lee, James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder, Stephanie Phillips, and Nick Dragotta are all confirmed. Bestselling authors Rick Riordan and Kami Garcia will represent the literary side.
Exhibitors
The first exhibitor list includes DC, Marvel and Boom! Studios. Dark Horse Comics is also back on the show floor after a short break from NYCC.
More to come
This is only the first wave. NYCC is a programming-heavy show, and many of its biggest guests arrive with panels announced later in the summer.
Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Headliners | Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid |
| Reunions | Smallville, Superman & Lois |
| Comic guests | Frank Miller, Jim Lee, James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder |
| Authors | Rick Riordan, Kami Garcia |
| Returning exhibitor | Dark Horse Comics |
| Show dates | October 8–11, 2026, Javits Center |
Frequently asked questions
Who are the headliners at NYCC 2026? Star Wars actors Hayden Christensen and Ian McDiarmid lead the first wave of guests.
Is there a Smallville reunion at NYCC 2026? Yes. Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Erica Durance and Michael Rosenbaum are all scheduled to appear.
Is Dark Horse Comics at NYCC 2026? Yes. Dark Horse is back on the exhibitor list after a short absence.