Horror and special effects enthusiasts will gather at the Pasadena Convention Center this weekend as Monsterpalooza brings together some of Hollywood’s most celebrated monster-makers, actors and directors for three days of panels, screenings and presentations.
The convention, which focuses on horror films, practical effects and monster culture, will feature appearances by “Hellboy” star Ron Perlman, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” villains Juliet Landau and Clare Kramer, and “Terrifier” creator Damien Leone, among dozens of other industry professionals.
Friday evening kicks off with a presentation on “Terrifier 3,” where Leone and star David Howard Thornton will discuss the record-breaking third installment in the horror franchise, which follows Art the Clown’s Christmas Eve rampage through Miles County. The panel, moderated by Trevor Shand, runs from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday’s programming begins at noon with “She’s Alive! The Bride of Frankenstein at 90!” Author Julian David Stone will present research from his upcoming book about the 1935 Universal monster classic, joined by web series host Antonia Carlotta for a discussion about the film’s enduring legacy.
“This presentation will delve into all the fascinating details of how this amazing film came together, resulting in the addition of the first, and greatest, female monster to the Universal horror cycle,” according to the convention program.
The “Hellboy” panel follows at 1 p.m., featuring Perlman and Doug Jones alongside the special effects team from Spectral Motion who helped bring director Guillermo del Toro’s vision to life. Mike Elizalde, Steve Wang and Mark Setrakian will discuss the technical challenges behind the 2004 film’s practical creature effects.
At 2 p.m., “The Bad Girls of Buffy” brings together Landau, who portrayed vampire Drusilla, and Kramer, who played god-like villain Glory, to share behind-the-scenes stories from the cult television series.
“This will be a fun and informative immersion into the Buffy-verse, whose ongoing legacy continues to grow with audiences of all ages,” the program notes.
Saturday concludes with “The Specter of Christmas” at 3 p.m., showcasing director Joel Harlow’s latest short film in his “Old Time Radio” series of comedy-horror productions. Before the screening, attendees can watch the transformation of actors into their characters at the Stan Winston School booth on the convention floor.
Sunday’s schedule features previews of upcoming horror films, beginning with “Slay” at 1 p.m. Writer-director Kyra Gardner, actor Jimmi Simpson and special effects artist Tony Gardner will present a teaser trailer for their film about a teenage influencer whose life unravels after her friend’s murder.
The convention continues at 2 p.m. with “Don’t Let the Cat Out,” described as “an original, audacious horror film with a deliciously campy edge” about a house-sitter kidnapped by homeowners who want to resurrect their dead cat. Stars Cerina Vincent, Edy Ganem and Jordan James Smith will discuss the production alongside director Tim Cruz.
Monsterpalooza concludes at 3 p.m. Sunday with “The Making of Screamboat,” offering attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the horror-comedy with writer-director Steven LaMorte and producer-star Amy Schumacher.
“From reimagining an iconic mouse to crafting the movie’s wildest kills, hear firsthand stories about the practical effects, twisted humor, and blood-soaked mayhem that made Screamboat one of the year’s most talked-about horror films,” the program promises.
While the convention brings together some of the genre’s biggest names, it also serves as a showcase for upcoming talent and independent productions in the horror community, establishing Pasadena as a hub for fans of practical effects and monster movies.
For horror enthusiasts or those curious about the craft behind their favorite frightening films, Monsterpalooza offers a rare opportunity to interact with the creative minds responsible for some of the genre’s most memorable moments.
EVENT DETAILS:
-
- What: Monsterpalooza horror convention
- When:
- FRIDAY 10:00PM – 11:00PM
- SATURDAY 12:00PM – 12:55PM
- SATURDAY 1:00PM – 1:55PM
- SATURDAY 2:00PM – 2:55PM
- SATURDAY 3:00PM – 3:55PM
- SUNDAY 1:00PM – 1:55PM
- SUNDAY 2:00PM – 2:55PM
- SUNDAY 3:00PM – 3:55PM
- Where: 300 E GREEN STREET, PASADENA, CA 91101
- Highlights: Panels with Ron Perlman, Juliet Landau, Clare Kramer; presentations on “Terrifier 3,” “Hellboy,” “The Bride of Frankenstein”; previews of upcoming horror films
- Information: Additional details on ticket prices, venue location, and parking information were not available at press time. Interested attendees should watch for updates on the official Monsterpalooza website.
- Day, Date, and Time ● Friday (time: 10:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.) for Terrifier 3 panel ● Saturday (times: 12:00 p.m. – 12:55 p.m., 1:00 p.m. – 1:55 p.m., 2:00 p.m. – 2:55 p.m., 3:00 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.) for various panels ● Sunday (times: 1:00 p.m. – 1:55 p.m., 2:00 p.m. – 2:55 p.m., 3:00 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.) for final day panels
- Address ● 300 E GREEN STREET, PASADENA, CA 91101
- Contact Information ●Website https://www.monsterpalooza.com/
- Ticket Information ● https://www.monsterpalooza.com/tickets
