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Fan Fusion Is Back, After a Two Year Hiatus
Phoenix Fan Fusion returned to Downtown Phoenix on May 27 after a COVID-19 hiatus. Despite the scorching temperatures, attendees and cosplayers celebrated its comeback. The convention ends on May 29.
Last Updated on February 26, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Fan Fusion Is Back After a Two-Year Hiatus
Phoenix, AZ — Friday, May 27 marked the long-awaited return of Phoenix Fan Fusion, bringing the Valley’s biggest pop-culture crowd back to Downtown Phoenix after a pandemic-era pause. From longtime comic and sci-fi fans to first-time attendees, the convention floor was packed with patrons of all ages — and a strong showing of creative cosplayers.
After COVID-19 shutdowns disrupted large events nationwide, Fan Fusion’s schedule shifted multiple times. Plans to hold the convention in May 2021 were pushed back, later moved to September, and ultimately delayed again as virus surges continued to impact public gatherings. This year, the event finally returned over Memorial Day weekend, re-opening at the Phoenix Convention Center and restoring a major annual tradition for Arizona’s fandom community.
Even with temperatures climbing above 100 degrees, the energy stayed high. Outside the convention center, organizers and attendees leaned on outdoor fans and portable cooling units to help keep cosplayers comfortable — especially those wearing heavy costumes, masks, and full-body suits.
More than anything, the weekend felt like a reset: a familiar Phoenix event back in its place, and a crowd that seemed genuinely relieved to have it back.
Phoenix Fan Fusion concludes Sunday, May 29.
More info: https://www.phoenixfanfusion.com/
Social clip: https://twitter.com/StmVlog/status/1530693800279961600?s=20&t=oqboxmuNz5zofKZJUTUsmQ
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The Best of Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025
Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 brought epic panels, record crowds, and a few hiccups—here are the best and worst moments from this year’s event.
Phoenix Fan Fusion
👥 Record-Breaking Attendance
This year saw a staggering 130,145 attendees—a new high for the event . That massive turnout speaks volumes about the guest lineup, community spirit, and post-pandemic resurgence.
Legendary Panels & Guest Moments
- The Lord of the Rings crew—Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd—dazzled with hilarious anecdotes and audience games .
- Simon Pegg delivered a masterclass in storytelling, offering behind‑the‑scenes glimpses into franchises like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible.
- Anthony Daniels (C‑3PO) meandered through the crowd answering fan questions, bringing warmth and surprise to his panel .
Community-Led Panels Shine
Fan-run sessions like the raucous Jar-Jarpardy (a Stars Wars–themed trivia panel) won praise for creativity and laughs .
The Not-So-Great
⏰ Panel Time Chaos
Hayden Christensen’s much-anticipated Q&A started an hour late. While some panels remained on schedule, this one left attendees waiting negatively .
🚶♂️ Overcrowded Vendor Hall
The surge in attendance made vendor aisles nearly impassable at peak times—great for sales, tough on foot traffic .
👮♀️ Security Tightening & Restrictions
Enhanced security measures limited cosplay props and banned food/drink items. The 18+ late-night parties, now with stricter checks, were less freewheeling and more controlled .
Mixed Bag Moments
Hayden Christensen Mania
Christensen’s debut appearance in Phoenix was a huge draw. But the set-up—separate ticketing, line-clearing between panels, and delays—created a mixed fan experience .
Heavy Panels Hit a Somber Note
Jonathan Rhys Meyers, present only on Friday, steered his panel toward serious topics like AI’s impact on film and personal reflections—a shift in tone after more light-hearted sessions .
Final Thoughts
Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 soared to new heights with record attendance, crowd-pleasing celebrity panels, and electrifying fan energy. But with that growth came growing pains—long waits, tight crowds, and tighter rules.
Final Grade:
Experience & guests: A+ Operations & logistics: B‑ Overall vibe: A
If history holds, 2026 will bring refinements—better crowd control, smoother scheduling, and more fan-focused fun. Until then, here’s to the highs, the quirks, and the memories made under the Phoenix convention center lights!
Related Links:
The GEEKiary: https://thegeekiary.com/phoenix-fan-fusion-2025-the-mostly-good-but-sometimes-bad/
Phoenix New Times: https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/arts/phoenix-fan-fusion-2025-best-and-worst-moments-21916657?
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
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May the 4th Be With You: Celebrating Star Wars Day 2025
This year’s Star Wars Day celebrations promise excitement following the Japan celebration. Local events in Phoenix include themed displays, meetups, special screenings, and community engagement. The festivities will unite Star Wars fans globally through shared experiences and storytelling.
Last Updated on May 4, 2025 by Daily News Staff
As a media producer and Star Wars enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share this year’s ultimate guide to Star Wars Day celebrations. Coming fresh off the heels of the groundbreaking Star Wars Celebration Japan, 2025’s May the 4th festivities are shaping up to be truly spectacular.
Breaking News from Japan: Last month’s Japan Celebration was a landmark event that set the tone for this year’s May the 4th celebrations. From the breathtaking Shogun Vader that dominated social media to the jaw-dropping announcement of Ryan Gosling joining the Star Wars universe in “Starfighter,” the convention proved that the Force is stronger than ever in 2025.
Local Phoenix Celebrations For our Phoenix community, several exciting events are happening:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is joining the celebration with Star Wars-themed displays as part of its modernization project
- Local fan groups are organizing meetups and costume contests
- Special screenings at local theaters
- Family-friendly events across the Valley
Visit AZ Family: https://www.azfamily.com/2025/05/02/celebrate-cinco-de-mayo-with-these-phoenix-area-events/
Entertainment Updates
- “The Mandalorian and Grogu” Season 2 footage revealed at Japan Celebration had fans cheering
- “Andor” Season 2’s emotional final panel showcased what’s coming on April 22
- The newly announced Darth Maul animated series promises to explore the iconic villain’s untold stories
Visit: https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/starwarscelebration
Community Engagement As someone who’s produced over 1,000 videos focusing on community storytelling, I can’t emphasize enough how Star Wars brings people together. This year’s celebration is particularly special as it bridges cultures, from the East to the West, just as we at STM Daily News strive to connect communities through our storytelling.
Ways to Join the Celebration
- Host a watch party featuring the original trilogy
- Share your Star Wars memories on social media using #MayThe4th2025
- Create themed content for your social channels
- Join online communities to discuss the latest reveals from Japan
Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated follower of the Force, May 4th, 2025, offers something for everyone. As we continue to see the franchise evolve and grow, it’s remarkable how Star Wars remains a powerful force in bringing communities together through storytelling.
Remember: The Force will be with you… always.
Related links:
https://www.azfamily.com/2025/05/02/celebrate-cinco-de-mayo-with-these-phoenix-area-events
https://www.starwarscelebration.com
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
And let your entertainment journey begin!
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Last Updated on June 30, 2024 by Daily News Staff
G FUEL to Energize New York’s Premier Anime Convention and Offer Limited-Edition Anime Collectibles
NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — Anime NYC today announced that G FUEL Energy is The Official Energy Drink Sponsor of Anime NYC 2023, taking place Nov. 17 through 19 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Center.
G FUEL, which offers officially licensed zero-sugar energy drink products based on such iconic anime franchises as Dragon Ball Z, Naruto Shippuden, Attack on Titan, and Mobile Suit Gundam, will be on-site at Booth #2107 with limited-edition anime Shaker Cups and will help energize the show with product giveaways, photo ops and much more.
“We’re always thrilled to welcome new sponsors into the fold that value our community as much as we do. G FUEL’s industry partnerships and line of anime-inspired products made them a perfect fit for us to welcome them as Anime NYC 2023’s official energy drink,” said Anime NYC Event Director MK Goodwin.
Anime NYC, powered by Crunchyroll and created by LeftField Media, celebrates the best in Japanese pop culture with three days of panels, exhibits, screenings, and appearances by some of Japan’s biggest animation and publishing luminaries today.
“Anime fans represent one of the most passionate fan communities in the world, so we’re excited to fuel that passion at Anime NYC as only G FUEL can,” said G FUEL Founder and CEO Cliff Morgan. “And with our expanding lineup of anime-inspired flavors – including DBZ Kamehameha, Naruto Shippuden Sage Mode, Gundam MS-M31-0N, and Attack on Titan Spinal Fluid – we’re looking forward to meeting new fans and introducing them to the Game-Changing Energy of G FUEL!”
G FUEL will also serve as the Official Energy Drink Sponsor of LeftField Media’s Anime Frontier, taking place Dec. 8 through 10 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
To shop G FUEL’s anime collection and to learn more about the company’s exciting collabs, visit GFUEL.com. For more information on Anime NYC, visit animenyc.com.
About G FUEL
G FUEL provides fans with a game-changing, performance-driven alternative to standard energy drink products. With an ever-expanding, sugar-free product lineup that includes a powdered Energy Formula, ready-to-drink cans, powdered Hydration Formula and Protein Puffs snacks, G FUEL has firmly established itself as a market leader in the energy drink industry.
With more than 352,000 5-star Shopper Approved Ratings, a shipping network that spans over 125 countries, a nationwide retail campaign, and a global social media footprint of over 1 billion followers, G FUEL maintains the industry’s largest and most passionate community of fans, customers, content creators, and partners. Content creators and partners include the likes of Ninja, NoisyButters, PewDiePie, Mikal Bridges, Michael Dickson, Activision Blizzard, SEGA of America, Capcom®, EA, Bethesda Game Studios, Warner Bros., VIZ Media, Crunchyroll, Toei Animation Inc., Rare Ltd., Disney, Sony Pictures, The Tetris Company and Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Join the movement today at GFUEL.com and follow us on social media @GFuelEnergy.
About Anime NYC, Powered by Crunchyroll
Anime NYC powered by Crunchyroll is New York City’s anime convention! A showcase of the best of Japanese pop culture in the biggest city in America, Anime NYC brings anime fans and publishers together for three days of unique exhibits, exclusive screenings, extensive panels, and appearances by some of the biggest creators in Japan. The next event takes place November 17-19, 2023 in New York’s Javits Center, and we invite you to join over 60,000 fans for a celebration of Japanese animation, manga, cosplay, fashion, food, games, toys, and more in the heart of NYC! For more, visit animenyc.com.
SOURCE G FUEL
https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/anime
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