Film & TV
Noon | Location: Sooner A
Retro Anime
Come along with us for a walk down anime memory lane with clips ranging from 1970 to 2000. We take a look at the evolution of anime's "golden era" over time, how styles have changed, and how the culture and world at the time influenced our favorite media. Embrace your inner nostalgia and bring questions you're dying to have answered about the early years of anime!
Moderator: Caleb Haldane
Panelists: Caleb Haldane, Chaz Kemp, Clinton Girkin, Evan T. Wardwell, Red Bard
Tracks: Anime, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
01:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Vault-Tec Welcomes You to the Future
Videogame adaptations for TV aren't new, but none capture our apocalyptic dreams like Fallout. The series is more accessible than ever. We love to leave our safe lives in the Vault and seek adventure in the wasteland.
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Lollalotus, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Sean Hinckley, Vivian Sloan
Tracks: Film & TV, Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Sequel or Reboot?
When properties like Bill & Ted, the Matrix, or Ghostbusters are redone, it ain't always a straight-on sequel. Is this process truly creative? Are such films inspired riffs or cynical milkings of the fanbase? What's going on? Are we running out of movies?
Moderator: FoxDaddy
Panelists: Evan T. Wardwell, FoxDaddy, James Hollaman, Kimber E Chessmore
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
Meet Noah Hathaway!
Ask your burning questions during this live audience Q&A featuring actor and producer Noah Hathaway. Whether you adored him as Atreyu and Boxey or follow him for his thriller roles, get to know Noah and his broad career in the entertainment industry.
Moderator: Noah Hathaway
Panelists: Noah Hathaway
Tracks: Film & TV
02:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
The Trek of Theseus
Philosophical thought experiment: Does an object that has had all of its components replaced remains fundamentally the same object? Apply the “ship of Theseus” concept to Trek or other franchises. How much can be changed before it's not Star Trek, Star Wars, Dungeons and Dragons, or another cherished nerd franchise?
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Daniel Erickson, Dara Fogel, PhD, Michael Cross
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction
03:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Greek Gods for the Modern Mortal
From Greek mythology to modern-day heroes, we explore the Percy Jackson series' impact on literature and pop culture. We celebrate its varied characters and imaginative storytelling. Join us for an exploration of Percy's enduring magic that will entertain.
Moderator: Chaz Kemp
Panelists: Alice-of-Hearts, C.C. Caldwell, Chaz Kemp, Mrs. Babb
Tracks: Fantasy, Film & TV, Writing & Publishing
03:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Disney Sing-along
Calling all sidekicks, villians, and royalty. Sing to some of your favorite Disney tunes.
Moderator: FoxDaddy
Panelists: FoxDaddy, Pallas the Librarian, Phoenix Noire BouRey
Tracks: Music, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Performing Arts
04:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Corsets Don't Work That Way: Myths About Historical Clothing
This just in! Experts confirm that you can breathe just fine in a corset. Join us to take a look at the historical inaccuracies about clothing in popular books, TV, and movies (ahem, Bridgerton). Learn about the modern-day workarounds used to present these onscreen, onstage, and in our wildest imaginations.
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Britt Alfred, Daniel Erickson, Demi Gray, Divine Creations Cosplay - Allison, Divine Creations Cosplay - Marlie
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, History, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV
04:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Making Magic
Some characters are born with magic, like Harry Potter. Others can learn or obtain it, like Fullmetal Alchemist. Panelist compare genetic and non-genetic magic systems and weigh the pros and cons of these different approaches to magic in storytelling.
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: A C Smart, Madilynn Dale, Michael "Gecko" Adams, Rhonda Eudaly
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, General Interest
04:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Jedi Librarian Storytime
Join a Jedi Master as they share a story from the Jedi archives.
Moderator: JediOKC
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, General Interest, Film & TV
08:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Cartoons and Cereal
Enjoy classic cartoons the way you used to: Saturday morning with a bowl of cereal. (Milk and cereal provided.)
Moderator: Joshua Coughlin
Panelists: Joshua Coughlin
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Meetup
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
They're a 10, But ...
How charming are the characters we know and love when their flaws are laid bare and they're only identifiable by their red flags? Can we really tell the differences between the heroes and their villains?
Moderator: Shay Griffith
Panelists: C.C. Caldwell, David Rike, Laura J. Underwood, Lollalotus, Shay Griffith
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma G
Essential Sci-Fi Television
This panel explores the iconic series, groundbreaking stories, and visionary filmography that have captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the sci-fi landscape. What is your favorite and why?
Moderator: Aaron Bossig
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Kent Cordray, Magician Michael Corley, Mrs. Babb, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Science Fiction, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, STEM
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Everyone Has a NeverEnding Story
Bastian, an artist and dreamer, is told to give up fantasy and face reality. Chased by bullies, he escapes into a bookstore where he finds a book that leads to adventure. Sound familiar? Some of us have never left Fantasia. What is YOUR NeverEnding Story? How does an escape to fantastic worlds empower us in the real one?
Moderator: Melinda LaFevers
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Dennis Spielman, Melinda LaFevers, Rook Riley, Sara Felix, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Film & TV, Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment
11:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma G
Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem in Audiobooks, Film, TV, and Podcasting
Dark, suspenseful, gritty. Some movies, podcasts and TV shows balance these elements masterfully to create an engaging and nail-biting experience. But how to align and synergize these various elements well? Does crime storytelling have a place in the world of horror and mystery? We'll discuss the narrative techniques that keep audiences riveted.
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: Caleb Masters, Crash Thunderpants, Mark Finn, Rhonda Eudaly, Stephen Patrick
Tracks: Film & TV, Horror, Writing & Publishing, Content Creation & Podcasting, Supernatural & Paranormal
11:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Star Trek Today
There's more Star Trek on TV today than ever before. Two animated series and three live-action series for 2024 and 2025. Hope and tolerance shown in many places and ways. What attracts us to space, the final frontier?
Moderator: Busty Springfield
Panelists: Busty Springfield, Evan T. Wardwell, Neal Hallford, Paul Carlson, Sally Hamilton, Tim Chessmore
Tracks: Science Fiction, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment
Noon | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
Stepping Back and Looking Forward: An Interview and Q&A with Noah Hathaway
Join us for an interview and Q&A with Noah Hathaway, the unforgettable Atreyu from 1984's The NeverEnding Story. Hear the former child star discuss his life, diverse filmography, and enduring love of storytelling.
Moderator: Martha Steele
Panelists: Martha Steele, Noah Hathaway
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
Noon | Location: Sooner A
Yoda, the Space Wizard: High Fantasy in the World of Star Wars
Even though it's set in space, Star Wars has its share of knights, damsels, magic, and monsters. Join us in a discussion about the fantasy elements of Star Wars.
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Carolyn Kay, Johnnie Johnson, Mrs. Babb, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Ted Pennella
Tracks: Film & TV, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing
02:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Separating Art from Artist ... or Author
Fans are bound to encounter beloved stories and art created by individuals whose personal actions or beliefs are disappointing. Is it possible to separate the art from the artist and continue to enjoy these works? While there are no easy answers, we aim to foster reflection and understanding of the complex relationship between creator and creation.
Moderator: Chaz Kemp
Panelists: Chaz Kemp, Dara Fogel, PhD, Julia S. Mandala, M. Scott Carter, Robert Daniels, Ted Pennella
Tracks: Art, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment
04:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
100 Years of Disney
In 2023, Disney celebrated its 100th anniversary. Explore the way Disney has grown and changed while reinventing itself to keep up with the times and keeping its magic.
Moderator: Ariel Monroe
Panelists: Ariel Monroe, Britt Alfred, FoxDaddy, Phoenix Noire BouRey
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, General Interest, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Culture & World Affairs
05:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Build a Sword and Sorcery Saturday Night
Soonercon's classic game-show panel. Panelists spin the wheel for wacky plotline components and actor combinations, and create an original Sword and Sorcery Saturday night feature.
Moderator: James Hollaman
Panelists: Dennis Spielman, James Hollaman, Julia S. Mandala, Scott Zrubek, Teddy Harvia, Trina Jacobs, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Art, Writing & Publishing
05:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Vampires Across the Ages
Long a staple of Urban Fantasy and other speculative fiction, the vampires of folklore are markedly different from Stoker's Count – even more so from Yarbro's noble St. Germain, or the sparkles from Twilight. We discuss the influences of those early roots, and look at the many changes in the Vampyre.
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: Adam J. Whitlatch, Jeff Provine, Sherri Dean, Steven E. Wedel, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing, Horror, Supernatural & Paranormal, Film & TV, Science Fiction, Comics, History
09:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+
Smash or Pass: Hear Me Out Edition
Get ready for a wild ride through the realm of unconventional attractions! Play "Smash or Pass" with notable NPCs and well-known characters of the fantasy genre and make some truly unpredictable matches. It's a game where anything goes, and you never know who might steal your heart! (18+ Adult evening programming.)
Moderator: Shay Griffith
Panelists: M. Scott Carter, Matt Cavanaugh, Shay Griffith, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Fantasy, Film & TV, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
Midnight | Location: Boomer A 18+
Hazbin Hotel & Helluva Boss Sing-along
Eat your heart out, Rodgers and Hammerstein – no really, this is Cannibal Town! Sing your favorite songs along with Hell's quirkiest characters. (18+ Adult evening programming.)
Moderator: Sentinelbait
Panelists: Amber Hanneken, PrincessPineapple, Sentinelbait, TattedSith Cosplay
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
The Last Days Are Upon Us
Good Omens is a celestial journey and a successful blend of fantasy, humor, and cosmic intrigue. Explore a fresh perspective on the age-old battle between Heaven and Hell. Admire the partnership of the angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley as they take on the impending apocalypse and beyond! Whether you're a newcomer, a fan of the TV series, or a devout fan of the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, you're sure to be swept away.
Moderator: Tracy S. Morris
Panelists: Court's Cosplay, Magician Michael Corley, Okie Space Queen, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Fantasy, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
The NeverEnding Story of the '80s
Step back in time to the neon-soaked '80s and discover why this decade continues to captivate audiences today. From iconic music and films to fashion and pop culture, the '80s left an indelible mark that persists in the collective consciousness.
Moderator: Mike Kennedy
Panelists: Evan T. Wardwell, Michael Cross, Mike Kennedy, Sherri Dean
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, History, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: University B
Hollow Humanism?
Some happy futures like Asimov’s projections or Star Trek assure us that eventually we'll all get along and be polite. Does this square with humanity’s nature? Would material prosperity, a healthier climate, and better collaboration bring peace to the world?
Moderator: Brian A. Hopkins
Panelists: Brian A. Hopkins, Craig Wolf, Joshua Caudill, M.A., M. Scott Carter, Neal Hallford, Paul Carlson
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Comics, Film & TV
Noon | Location: Noble
Build a Mandalorian Gauntlet
Build a Mandalorian armored gauntlet with construction paper and straws, and possibly make paper rockets to fire from it!
Moderator: JediOKC
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV
Noon | Location: Sooner B
Nerf Herding/Saving Grogu
Kids will face various Star Wars characters (such as Han or Darth Vader) and target practice to save Grogu!
Moderator: JediOKC
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Meetup, Film & TV
01:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Neurodivergent Characters in Fantasy and Anime
We shine the spotlight on characters who are coded as neurodivergent in media. We explore characters like Frieren, L, Violet Evergarden, Radical Edward, Steris, Shallan, and more. How do these characters challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive narrative? We'll highlight the importance of authentic representation, the impact it has on audiences, and the vital role these characters play in storytelling.
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Clinton Girkin, Dara Fogel, PhD, Madilynn Dale, Rook Riley
Tracks: Anime, Culture & World Affairs, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
01:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
It Was The Best of Times, It Was The Worst of Times: Fantasy Movies of the 80s
The decade gave us Conan the Barbarian, but also gave us Conan the Destroyer. Not to mention Krull, Ladyhawke, Legend, Red Sonja, Beastmaster, and a whole host of other fantasy movies that are somehow both Not Good and Deeply Beloved. Join us in a discussion of the highs and lows in 80s fantasy films, and how they shaped our ideas of the genre, for better or for worse.
Moderator: Mark Finn
Panelists: Jacob Blackmon, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Julia S. Mandala, Mark Finn, Neal Hallford, Sara Felix
Tracks: Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
02:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Oklahoma in Fandom Media
Echo. Star Trek. Wolverine. Twister (of course). Ghostbusters. Asgard? Oklahoma is featured in fandom more than you might think! What's your favorite Okie shout-out?
Moderator: Mike Kennedy
Panelists: Demi Gray, Jamie Hardison, Karen Thrower, Kimberly Cross, Mike Kennedy, Tim Frayser
Tracks: Comics, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Regeneration: More Than Cheating Death?
James Bond, Spider-Man, Batman, Sherlock Holmes, Superman … these and others change actors all the time, and nobody bats an eyelid. How would Doctor Who be different if the actor changed every few years without fanfare? Is “regeneration” core to Whoniverse?
Moderator: Evan T. Wardwell
Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Evan T. Wardwell, Julie Barrett, Michael Cross, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Film & TV, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
Q&A with Noah Hathaway
Calling all film and television enthusiasts! Join us for an insightful Q&A panel featuring the dynamic Noah Hathaway. Hear firsthand experiences from the world of acting, from landing roles to navigating the industry in other creative positions. Whether you're an aspiring actor, a curious cinephile, or simply enjoy a good story, this panel promises to illuminate the artistry and dedication behind your favorite on-screen performances.
Moderator: Noah Hathaway
Panelists: Noah Hathaway
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
02:00 PM | Location: University B
Kaiju Reign Supreme
With Godzilla Minus One and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire on the big screen and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on the small screen, our favorite giant lizard has never been more accessible and popular. We discuss what made kaiju worth our admiration.
Moderator: Mark Finn
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Caleb Haldane, Dawn Frost Cosplay, La Blanke, Mark Finn
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction