In the wake of the increasingly popular local iteration of Comic-Con, Prague’s growing profile as a destination for international pop culture events will expand later this month when the British convention For the Love of Fantasy stages its first Czech edition at PVA Expo Praha in Letňany on May 23-24.
The festival, which originated in the United Kingdom, combines celebrity appearances, fan panels, cosplay programming, autograph sessions, and themed attractions tied to major fantasy, science fiction, and genre franchises. Organizers say the Prague edition is intended to bring the format established at the event’s London gatherings to Central Europe.
The guest lineup includes actors associated with some of the most commercially successful fantasy and franchise productions of the past several decades, from Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings to Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, and The Vampire Diaries.
Veteran film and television actors headline Prague debut
Among the best-known guests is John Cleese, whose career spans film, television, and comedy over six decades. Cleese remains closely associated with the British comedy troupe Monty Python, as well as films including A Fish Called Wanda, Time Bandits, and the James Bond titles The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day.
Fantasy audiences, however, may know Cleese best for his role as Nearly Headless Nick in the first two Harry Potter films. His appearance in Prague is expected to be among the festival’s main attractions for local audiences, particularly those familiar with both his comedy work and franchise roles.
Another major guest is Sean Astin, internationally recognized for playing Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Astin has also appeared in fantasy and sci-fi projects including Stranger Things and The Goonies, giving him cross-generational appeal among convention audiences.
The festival will also host Jack Gleeson, known for portraying Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones, along with Adrian Rawlins and Geraldine Somerville, who played James and Lily Potter in the Harry Potter film series.
Additional guests represent a wide range of genre productions and fan communities. Actors from The Vampire Diaries and The Originals include Joseph Morgan, Daniel Gillies, Kat Graham, Michael Malarkey, Matt Davis, Michael Trevino, Zach Roerig, Riley Voelkel, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, and Persia White.
The lineup also includes James Marsters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Harry Shum Jr. and Matthew Daddario from Shadowhunters, Paul Anderson from Peaky Blinders, Alex Vincent from the Child’s Play series, and Zach Galligan from Gremlins.
Prague joins expanding European convention circuit
The Prague event arrives as fan conventions continue expanding beyond their traditional North American and British markets. Over the past decade, Central European cities including Prague, Vienna, and Budapest have increasingly hosted large-scale entertainment conventions linked to major studio franchises and streaming-era television hits.
According to organizers Monopoly Events, the Prague edition aims to recreate the atmosphere of its UK events while building connections with local and regional fan communities. The company’s conventions typically emphasize direct interaction between audiences and performers through autograph sessions, professional photo opportunities, live discussions, and themed entertainment spaces.
The Prague program will also feature cosplay activities, competitions, interactive fan zones, and an Artist Alley section dedicated to illustrators, designers, and independent creators selling original artwork and franchise-inspired merchandise.
The guest selection highlights the enduring commercial value of fantasy and genre entertainment for the convention industry. Many featured productions remain culturally influential years after their original release, while streaming services and franchise revivals continue introducing older titles to younger audiences.
For Prague, the festival further reinforces the city’s status as a regular stop for international entertainment events. In addition to its long-established role as a filming location for major Hollywood and European productions, the Czech capital has increasingly attracted festivals, fan gatherings, and industry events tied to global film and television culture.
For the Love of Fantasy will take place at PVA Expo Praha in Letňany on May 23-24. Organizers expect visitors from across the Czech Republic and neighboring countries, reflecting the broader regional appeal of contemporary fantasy and pop culture fandoms. More information about this year’s festival can be found at the official For the Love of Fantasy website.
Lead photo: Facebook / For the Love of Fantasy CZ
