The Man Behind the Monster – Doug Jones is Coming to ThunderCon!

ThunderCon Announces Doug Jones as its first guest for 2025!

It takes considerable talent to stand out as a performer who has made over 150 appearances in film and television, but it takes incredible talent to do much of that while under several layers of makeup and prosthetics.

With several accolades for his work, actor, contortionist and mime artist Doug Jones has proven just that, and this fall he will be at ThunderCon’s very special Wibbly-Wobbly-Timey-Wimey 10th Birthday, September 20-21.

“For many of us in the ThunderCon family, having Doug as a guest is a dream come true,” says ThunderCon Chair Amanda Capar. “His incredible career of bringing amazing characters to life onscreen, along with his innate ability to bring joy to fans at conventions, makes him the ideal guest for ThunderCon.”

Last year, more than 3000 people came out to celebrate their fandoms, and for 2025, with the star power of Doug Jones, ThunderCon’s leadership team is looking forward to continuing the events’ year-over-year growth by setting new attendance records once again.

Jones’ fall appearance at ThunderCon will make him one of the most high-profile celebrity guests the event has hosted since its inception ten years ago. His film and television credits include several collaborations with director Guillermo Del Toro (Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, and The Shape of Water), Hocus Pocus, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Tank Girl, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek: Discovery, The Strain and much more.

More guests and attractions are set to be announced throughout the summer in the lead up to ThunderCon 2025.

Shut the front door! Sanguinet is coming to ThunderCon this fall

In half the time that ThunderCon has existed, actor Harlan Blayne Kytwayhat has quickly established himself as a talent within the film and television industry. Notably with roles that saw him facing off against everyone’s favourite extraterrestrial trophy hunter in 2022’s ‘Prey’ and playing an integral role as a player turned coach of the Sudbury Bulldogs in Crave TV’s critically acclaimed hit series ‘Shorsey’. ThunderCon, Thunder Bay’s premiere and longest running pop culture convention, is beyond excited to bring this champion of the NOSHO to OURSHO for a very special Wibbly-Wobbly-Timey-Wimey 10th Birthday September 20-21.

“Thunder Bay can’t get enough of hockey, and so many people in this city cannot help but tell you their favourite quote from the latest season of Shorsey,” says Chair Amanda Capar. “Harlan is a standout from that show, which has joined the ranks of so many revered Canadian-centric shows such as Degrassi, Trailer Park Boys, North of 60 and Shorsey’s predecessor Letterkenny.”

Kytwayhat’s fall appearance at ThunderCon continues the convention’s tradition of featuring guests who trigger nostalgia and are part of the zeitgeist of our collective culture. His other credits include: Tribal, Warrior Strong, Anywhere – A Metaphysical Love Story, and Die Alone.
With over 3000 attendees in 2024 and a hunger to showcase Canadian talent through Harlan Blayne Kytwayhat, along with the previous guest announcement of sci-fi, horror and fantasy icon Doug Jones, ThunderCon’s leadership team is optimistic about setting new attendance records in 2025.

Red Barrels’ Rosemarie Sarno, Developer Behind Outlast, Joins ThunderCon 2025 Lineup

Have you ever wanted to know what it is like to develop and promote a video game? How about a Canadian-made horror video game franchise? If you answer yes to either of these questions, then ThunderCon has someone you must meet, Rosemarie Sarno.

She is but one of a special few at Canadian game developer, Red Barrels, who have worked on the first-person survival-horror series Outlast, where you assume the role of a reporter investigating a psychiatric hospital which has become overrun by patients with homicidal tendencies and must sneak around to survive. Since its original release in 2013, the franchise has expanded to include a sequel, a prequel, and is currently being adapted for the big screen by Lionsgate Films.

A special treat will be a playthrough by Rosemarie of Outlast in the Gaming Lounge sponsored by Matt Carr. (This event is an 18+ activity due to the horror elements of the game)

Tickets are on sale now online at www.thundercon.ca or you can purchase them at select retail outlets in Thunder Bay.

Ink, Imagination, and The Night Spike—StudioComix Founder Alphonso Espinos Hits ThunderCon!

A starting point for many of the fantasy, horror, thriller or science fiction worlds we love is the page. Making his way to ThunderCon for the first time is one of those keeping that medium strong, Alfonso Espinos, creator of The Night Spike.

In addition to his work on the page, Alfonso is also the founder of StudioComix Press Ltd. A Kitchener-based indie comic shop that serves as a printshop for artists of all ranges and disciplines. Additionally, he is the executive producer of the documentary Heroes Manufactured, which follows the struggles of independent comic book artists as they try to break into the industry amid the rise of fandoms and comic conventions.

Meet Alfonso and learn what it takes to get into an art form that has limitless potential at ThunderCon’s Wibbly-Wobbly Timey-Wimey 10th Birthday, September 20th and 21st. 

Want to learn more about Alfonso and StudioComix Press? Visit www.studiocomix.com !

Prepare for Impact: Matt Cimone Lands at ThunderCon Again!

A Wibbly-Wobbly Timey-Wimey 10th Birthday wouldn’t be complete without a guest from the past. Which is why ThunderCon is very excited to announce that documentary producer and TREKtivism podcast host Matt Cimone will be returning to celebrate with us.

At the first ThunderCon, which took place what feels like a lifetime ago in 2015, Matt (who grew up in Thunder Bay) was the FIRST EVER GUEST and showcased his documentary Chasing Atlantis. He has returned several times since, including in 2024 with his co-producer, Paul Muzzin, and moderated the TREKtivism panel.

Tickets are on sale now online at www.thundercon.ca, or you can purchase them at select retail outlets in Thunder Bay.

Heartberry Moon Art Brings Culture, Colour, and Creativity to ThunderCon 2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Heartberry Moon Art to ThunderCon 2025!

Behind the paintbrush and needle is a dynamic husband-and-wife creative team: Jordan Beardy and Sarah Blekkenhorst.

Jordan and Sarah’s artistry is more than just visual — it’s an expression of healing, heritage, and hope. Both have navigated mental health challenges and found peace, grounding, and joy in creating. Together, they are raising two energetic 4-year-old boys in a beautifully blended family, both culturally and personally.

Jordan Beardy, or Piitaanahkwan — “storm clouds coming this way” — has roots in Sachigo Lake and Muskrat Dam. Inspired by the painting traditions of his father and uncle, Jordan now carries forward his gift through acrylic paintings rich in colour and meaning. Each of his works is signed in the syllabics of his spirit name, blending bright, modern energy with the timeless beauty of woodland-style artwork. His art draws inspiration from his Indigenous heritage, pop culture, and everyday life, and he’s always experimenting with new ideas and techniques.

Sarah Blekkenhorst grew up on a dairy farm just outside Thunder Bay, with Finnish and Dutch settler roots. She was introduced to beadwork by her friend at @beadedcreationsbykaija, and instantly connected with its meditative, meaningful process. Her creations — never repeated twice — often combine traditional Finnish embroidery and jewelry-making with Indigenous beading techniques, creating something truly unique and culturally rich.

Heartberry Moon Art’s work honours their ancestors while pushing creative boundaries. And this year, they’re crafting exclusive ThunderCon artwork that will only be available at the event!

🎟 Don’t miss your chance to meet Jordan and Sarah, learn about their art, and bring home a one-of-a-kind piece. Tickets are on sale now — secure yours and experience Heartberry Moon Art in person at ThunderCon 2025!

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