I always look forward to their special editions and fan friendly or geek friendly as the case may be, ornaments.

Plus, their booth was always something fun to stop by and get sneak peaks at next years ornaments.

Sigh…

This is what Hallmark said:

We might not be attending any conventions this year, but you can still look forward to limited-edition fan ornaments this October! Exclusively available on Hallmark.com, fans can still celebrate their favorite fandoms with two designs that are available to preview right now.

There are a couple ornaments, one from Star Wars and one from Star Trek that will be available in October online only.

:/

Sorry to be the bearer of sad news!

The post SDCC Round Up! Hallmark Confirms That They Will NOT Be At ANY Conventions This Year! first appeared on Mike The Fanboy.

The Coverups to Headline Fandom’s Annual Party in San Diego on July 23

Ninth Annual Party Presented by XBOX’s Halo Universe

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – June 24, 2026 –  Fandom is headed back to San Diego for its annual event during one of the biggest fan conventions and this year rock band The Coverups, featuring Green Day’s frontman Billie Joe Armstrong will take center stage. The ninth annual Fandom Party – taking place at FLOAT at the Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday, July 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – is presented by XBOXs Halo: Campaign Evolved. Additional sponsors include official spirits partner Suntory Global Spirits’ -196 Vodka Seltzer featuring Lemon, Strawberry, Peach and Grapefruit fruit-forward flavors, and Z2 Comics, presenting the graphic novel and film …And Out Comes the Wolf.

The Coverups are a high‑energy cover band featuring Billie Joe Armstrong and longtime collaborators and friends. Formed in 2018 in California, the band offers intimate, playful performances of classic rock, punk, and alternative hits, paying homage to the songs and artists that shaped the band’s musical lives. With a lineup including Jason White, Chris Dugan, and Bill Schneider, The Coverups bring a spontaneous, fan‑friendly energy to every show, delivering legendary rock hits from Ramones and The Clash to David Bowie, The Cure, and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.

The Fandom Party has officially cemented itself as the ultimate convention-week celebration, bringing all types of fans – including industry partners, celebrities, and influencers – under one roof to celebrate the entertainment, gaming, and pop culture universes they love most. Fans should keep an eye on Fandom’s social channels for more details on how they can enter to attend.

To kick off convention go-ers experience right, Fandom has mapped out an immersive night at the center of fan culture, treating guests to a variety of activations:

• Step Into the Halo Universe: Dive into a dedicated Halo-themed play zone where attendees can get hands-on with Halo: Campaign Evolved starting the very night of the party, ahead of its official global launch on July 28. Fans can also step inside a custom Halo-themed photo booth to completely immerse themselves in the legendary gaming universe.

• -196 Freeze Point: Inspired by Japan’s beloved konbini culture, -196 brings an authentic taste of Japan to Comic Con where attendees can explore vibrant flavors, snap share-worthy photos, and enjoy real, fruit-forward refreshments.

• Custom Merch by Z2 Comics: Longtime pop-culture partner Z2 Comics returns to the party, offering attendees exclusive, custom-designed merchandise that celebrates the upcoming graphic novel and feature film, …And Out Comes the Wolf.

The post SDCC Roundup! Fandom Party Returns July 23 with The Coverups Headlining + Exclusive Fan Experiences! first appeared on Mike The Fanboy.

Check out the full box office chart below.

Until next time, happy movie going and be nice to each other! 

Recommended viewing: Small Soldiers 

1 Toy Story 5 $160,000,000 $160,000,000 Walt Disney Studios 

2 Disclosure Day $17,000,000 $78,283,500 Universal Pictures

3 Obsession $14,200,000 $215,834,620 Focus Features

4 Backrooms $7,311,311 $175,191,407 A24

5 Scary Movie $6,700,000 $97,563,273 Paramount Pictures

6 Masters of the Universe $5,599,541 $56,914,098 Amazon MGM Studios

7 The Mandalorian and Grogu $3,900,000 $171,764,990 Walt Disney Studios 

8 Leviticus $2,747,500 $2,747,500 Neon

9 The Death of Robin Hood $2,621,675 $2,621,675 A24

10 Michael $2,185,000 $367,915,197 Lionsgate

The post Box Office Breakdown! Toy Story 5 Goes To Infinity And Beyond! Disclosure Day Holds! And More! first appeared on Mike The Fanboy.

While everyone else was arguing about dragons, superheroes, and prestige dramas, this gorgeous, blood-soaked adaptation of Anne Rice’s beloved novels quietly delivered some of the best performances, writing, and chemistry on television. It was sexy, heartbreaking, terrifying, and occasionally so emotionally devastating that viewers needed a support group afterward.

Now, the series has transformed into The Vampire Lestat for Season 3, and after the first couple of episodes, one thing is abundantly clear:

Lestat has grabbed the spotlight, and he has absolutely no intention of giving it back.

Lestat Is Finally Telling His Side of the Story

For two seasons, we’ve mostly experienced events through Louis’ perspective.

And let’s be honest—Louis wasn’t exactly handing out glowing Yelp reviews of his ex.

Through Louis’ eyes, Lestat was a manipulative monster, a toxic lover, a walking red flag dressed in fabulous clothing, and occasionally the world’s most dramatic vampire.

Now it’s Lestat’s turn.

And according to Lestat? Louis may have left out a few details.

A few thousand details, actually.

Season 3 shifts its focus to Anne Rice’s second novel, The Vampire Lestat, allowing everyone’s favorite narcissistic vampire to tell his own story. Naturally, his solution isn’t to write a memoir or appear on a podcast.

No.

He becomes a rock star.

Because of course he does.

Somehow, Vampire Rockstar Lestat Works Perfectly

On paper, “immortal vampire starts a rock band” sounds like something that should have gone horribly wrong.

Instead, it feels like the most logical career move imaginable.

Lestat has spent centuries craving attention, admiration, and applause. Becoming a globe-trotting rock icon isn’t a personality change—it’s simply his final form.

The series fully embraces the concept, blending gothic horror, dark comedy, and rock-and-roll swagger into something that feels fresh while still honoring everything fans love about Anne Rice’s world.

It’s weird.

It’s stylish.

It’s gloriously over-the-top.

And it works.

Sam Reid Is Having the Time of His Life

If there were any lingering doubts about Sam Reid’s casting, Season 3 buries them six feet underground.

Reid has always been excellent, but The Vampire Lestat finally gives him permission to unleash every aspect of the character. He’s charming, hilarious, petty, dangerous, vulnerable, arrogant, and heartbreaking—sometimes all within the same scene.

Watching him command the screen is like watching someone who knows they’re the main character and is delighted that everyone else has finally caught on.

The performance feels larger than life while never losing sight of the loneliness and pain that make Lestat more than just a charismatic monster.

He’s impossible to ignore.

Which is exactly how Lestat would want it.

The First Episodes Feel Like a Shot of Adrenaline

One of the biggest surprises is just how much energy the new season has.

Not that the first two seasons were slow—they weren’t—but Season 3 feels like the show has kicked down a door and announced its arrival with a guitar riff.

The dialogue is sharper. The humor lands harder. The pacing feels more confident. The entire production seems energized by the shift in perspective.

Even longtime fans who know where the story is headed will find themselves grinning at how enthusiastically the show embraces Lestat’s outrageous worldview.

Everything is bigger.

Everything is messier.

Everything is more dramatic.

Which, again, is exactly how Lestat would want it.

Why You Should Be Watching

If you’ve somehow missed Interview with the Vampire, it’s time to fix that mistake.

The series offers:

• One of television’s most compelling queer romances.
• Stunning production design and cinematography.
• Smart, character-driven horror.
• Incredible performances across the board.
• Enough emotional damage to fuel several therapy sessions.
• A vampire rock star with absolutely no chill.

Most importantly, the show understands something many modern adaptations forget:

Being faithful to the spirit of a story is more important than copying it word for word.

AMC’s adaptation respects Anne Rice’s novels while finding exciting new ways to bring them to life.

And with The Vampire Lestat, the series has entered its boldest and most entertaining era yet.

After all, if you’re going to spend eternity as a vampire, why not become a rock star?

Lestat certainly thinks it’s a great idea.

For once, he might actually be right.

The post AMC’s Interview with the Vampire Has Become The Vampire Lestat — And It’s the Most Fun the Series Has Ever Been! first appeared on Mike The Fanboy.

Lisa Lisa and I headed over for some food, fun and photos!

First we went into the El Capitan theater and watched the live stream taping with Olivia Rodrigo, which was very cool. I might have had a lot of popcorn… I like popcorn what can I say?

After the taping we were ushered outside. Our first stop was to get a photo on the iconic Jimmy Kimmel Live set. That was super cool and very neat to sit behind Jimmy’s desk.

Then we took a glance at all the food trucks. There were tacos, pizza, BBQ, ice cream and some amazing chicken sandwiches.

We had to talk to Jimmy Kimmel first though. He literally did a receiving line and talked to everyone one on one. It was pretty cool, I’m not going to lie. He was very generous with his time and made sure everyone got their photo.

I might have had some fun with photo shop!

Then Guillermo was greeting people and he was happy to do a photo with us as well. So sweet! He was nice as could be!

Then we sat down to grub on some food trucks and drink some margs.

It was a super fun night!

Until next time kids…

The post Jimmy Kimmel Live FYC Event! Meeting Jimmy! Getting A Photo On The Set! And More! first appeared on Mike The Fanboy.

Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, in collaboration with Reigning Phoenix Music, today announced THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Celebration of Life Concert, a special live event taking place Thursday, July 23, at House of Blues San Diego during Comic-Con week. The concert is part of Hasbro’s “Apology Tour,” a playful, year-long campaign celebrating the 40th anniversary of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE and acknowledging the moment fans still haven’t quite recovered from.

Featuring music from THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE: THE SOUNDTRACK: THE REFORMATTED EDITION performed live by KNIGHTS OF UNICRON, along with a special performance of “The Touch” by Stan Bush, the concert pays tribute to the soundtrack that helped turn an animated movie into a cultural touchstone for generations of fans.

“I’m thrilled to be part of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Celebration of Life Concert and to celebrate this incredible film with the fans who have kept its spirit alive for four decades,” said Stan Bush. “It means so much to me that the music, especially ‘The Touch,’ still connects with people in such a powerful way. This anniversary is a tribute to the lasting impact of the movie, the memories it created, and the amazing TRANSFORMERS community that has embraced these songs for 40 years.”

The concert also features a powerhouse lineup of fan-favorite performers, including Vince DiCola, whose legendary score helped define the sound and spirit of THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE; Cold Slither, who returns to the stage after last year’s live debut at Comic-Con, bringing their loud and rebellious sound straight from the world of G.I. JOE; and Britta Phillips, the original singing voice of Jem from JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS, whose glitter, glam and truly outrageous pop flair makes every performance unforgettable. Together, these performers will turn the evening into a full-scale celebration of iconic Hasbro music and entertainment fandom that is… More Than Meets the Eye!

Additional special guests and performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Event Details – THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Concert

• Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
• Time: Doors at 7 PM | Show at 8 PM
• Venue: House of Blues, 1055 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
• Tickets: https://www.universe.com/events/the-transformers-the-movie-40th-anniversary-celebration-of-life-concert-tickets-VND0R2: 
  • General admission – $50.00 plus service charges
  • VIP packages – $100.00 plus service charges
• Merch: Exclusive show merch will be available day of

Fans can also continue the “Apology Tour” celebration with a lineup of new products and experiences inspired by the film:

• THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE: THE SOUNDTRACK: THE REFORMATTED EDITION, New Single Available Now: Fans can now listen to the album’s second single, “The Transformers Theme – Reformatted Edition,” on all major streaming platforms. Performed by KNIGHTS OF UNICRON and featuring vocals from power metal artist Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers), the track delivers an electrifying reimagining of the iconic theme song. Brittney comments, “I am incredibly honored to be taking part in this project. I have been a fan of Transformers for such a long time; I can remember sitting with my big brother while he watched the original animated series, and I would watch the reruns on YTV when I was in elementary school.  The whole franchise is just so rad and I’m beyond happy to have been able to put my spin on such an iconic theme song.” The full album arrives July 24, 2026, on major streaming platforms and in multiple physical formats, including limited-edition LPs.

• THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Cinema Screenings: In collaboration with Fathom Entertainment, TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE returns to theaters beginning September 17, 2026, in celebration of its 40th anniversary and TRANSFORMERS Day. The beloved 1986 animated film will be presented in 4K and will roll into theatres across the U.S. with a wide theatrical release through September 21 as a special limited-run cinema experience. For more information and to be among the first notified when tickets go on sale, please visit Fathom Entertainment.

• Hasbro’s THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE 40th Anniversary Lineup: Collect new waves of products celebrating the film’s milestone anniversary, including THE MATRIX OF LEADERSHIP premium electronic movie replica alongside new STUDIO SERIES additions featuring Shockwave, Skywarp, Wheeljack, Kranix, Sunstreaker, Astrotrain and Snarl, with additional reveals planned throughout the year. Pre-orders are now available on Hasbro Pulse and participating retailers.

For the latest information on “The Apology Tour”, visit our campaign hub.

For more on the TRANSFORMERS brand, including toys and entertainment, follow @TRANSFORMERS on Facebook and @TRANSFORMERSOfficial on Instagram and TikTok.

The post SDCC Roundup! Hasbro And Reigning Phoenix Music Bring The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Concert To Comic-Con! first appeared on Mike The Fanboy.

When a new celebrity guest gets added to a convention, it’s super exciting. And this one…

Guys… Kids… It’s Kurt Russell.

Now, I’ve met Kurt several times, I mean what… 10 times ish? He’s just a friggin’ legend.

He’s going to be heading out to FanX in Chicago and damn… That’s an impressive get. Maybe we can get Goldie Hawn to join? Ya think?

Plus, based on this pricing… I have to say, it’s not that bad considering.

249.99 for a photo… for someone who has done multiple iconic roles, Snake Plissken, Jack Burton, Wyatt Earp, R.J. MacReady, Stephen McCaffrey, etc..  Dang.

Plus, FanX Chicago also has several cast members from Lord of the Rings, The Boys, Star Trek, and more.

You can check out the link to FanExpo Chicago here!

The post FanExpo Chicago Adds Kurt Russell To Their Lineup! Plus, LOTR Stars, Lethal Weapon and More! first appeared on Mike The Fanboy.

Check out the full box office chart below.

Until next time, happy movie going and be nice to each other! 

Recommended viewing: Loaded Weapon (1993)

1 Scary Movie 6 $55,000,000 $55,000,000 Paramount Pictures

2 Masters of the Universe $29,308,000 $29,308,000 Amazon MGM Studios

3 Backrooms $25,942,933 $135,057,858 A24

4 Obsession $25,600,000 $152,131,930 Focus Features

5 The Amazing Digital Circus $11,580,000 $19,470,000 N/A

6 The Mandalorian and Grogu $10,000,000 $155,822,349 Walt Disney Studios 

7 Michael $7,700,000 $354,281,424 Lionsgate

8 The Breadwinner $3,400,000 $13,838,057 Sony Pictures 

9 Pressure $3,000,000 $11,152,540 Focus Features

10 The Devil Wears Prada 2 $2,800,000 $214,970,934 Walt Disney Studios

The post Box Office Breakdown! Scary Movie 6 Rockets To Number One! Masters Of The Universe Opens In Second! And More! first appeared on Mike The Fanboy.

Symbiote Studios Brings Largest Ever Transformers Plush Lineup and Exclusives to San Diego Comic-Con 2026

Symbiote Studios, the global leader in original and licensed plush toys, will be returning to San Diego Comic-Con July 22-26, bringing with them their largest ever assortment of Transformers plush toys, pins and apparel that fans won’t want to miss! Officially licensed by Hasbro, Symbiote Studios’ Transformers plush toys bring to life the iconic characters that fans have loved for decades in bold and colorful designs. These all-new Transformers plush toys will be available in the Symbiote Studios booth (#5629) while supplies last. Grimlock G2 plush (show exclusive): Building upon Symbiote Studios’ fan-favorite lineup of Transformers Dinobots plush toys, a show exclusive version of Grimlock with his blue-forward G2 color scheme will be available in limited quantities. [$29.99] Soundwave X Catnip Bravo t-shirt (show exclusive): Soundwave is indeed supreme, and he’s teaming up with Symbiote Studios own mascot Catnip Bravo in this show exclusive t-shirt featuring original artwork. [$24.99] Ravage magnetic plush (premiere): Symbiote Studios’ first-ever Ravage plush is sure to be a popular sight at the Con, as it includes a magnetic attachment on its base that allows it to securely on your shoulder or hat. The magnetic plush will make its premiere at Comic-Con and will also be available from the Symbiote Studios online store starting July 22 at 5:30pm PT. [$24.99] Transformers Dinobots pins (premiere): A new assortment of pins featuring the Transformers Dinobots will premiere at the show. The pins are approximately two inches wide and showcase the Dinobots in their G1 designs. [$14.99 each or three for $30] Those who have visited the Symbiote Studios booth in previous years know that a highlight of the show is the Catnip Bravo Rock-Paper-Scissors fan competition, which will return again this year. Beat Catnip Bravo in this ultimate game of skill to win a free pin! Competitions will take place each day of Comic-Con, with specific times to be announced in the coming weeks. Catnip Bravo fans will also have a new way to take him home with them this year with Symbiote Studios first-ever blind box bag charms [$19.99]. Each box will contain one of three unique Catnip Bravo designs, with one rarer than the others. In addition to the many plush toys available for purchase, the Symbiote Studios booth will be the only place to get a first look at never before seen plush toys that will debut later this year, featuring new Transformers and My Little Pony plush toys. Keep up to date on all of Symbiote Studios San Diego Comic-Con plans through its official website or by following on YouTube, Instagram TikTok and X.

The post SDCC Roundup! Symbiote Studios Brings Largest Ever Lineup of Exclusives to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 first appeared on Mike The Fanboy.

Check out the full box office chart below.

Until next time, happy movie going and be nice to each other! 

Recommended viewing: Infinity Pool

1 Backrooms $81,456,295 $81,456,295 A24

2 Obsession $26,400,000 $104,757,650 Focus Features

3 The Mandalorian and Grogu $25,000,000 $137,368,604 Walt Disney Studios 

4 Michael $11,700,000 $339,903,243 Lionsgate

5 The Breadwinner $7,500,000 $7,500,000 Sony Pictures 

6 The Devil Wears Prada 2 $5,900,000 $209,351,594 Walt Disney Studios 

7 Pressure $5,750,000 $5,750,000 Focus Features

8 The Sheep Detectives $4,632,804 $54,536,613 Amazon MGM Studios

9 Passenger $2,600,000 $15,269,276 Paramount Pictures

10 Mortal Kombat II $2,000,000 $77,767,462 Warner Bros.

The post Box Office Breakdown! Backrooms Hits Number One! Obsession Holds! And More! first appeared on Mike The Fanboy.