Jeremy Renner punches back in ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ action scene
Appreciate the editing skills. Jeremy Renner got in on the action as Mike McLusky in “Mayor of Kingstown.” The battle marked Renner’s return to action.
Motor City Comic Con is happening May 16-18, 2025, in Novi, Michigan.In addition to comic book artists and a multitude of collectibles, the event will feature celebrities posing for photos and signing autographs.
Motor City Comic Con will turn Novi’s Suburban Collection Showplace into the center of the pop culture universe during its May 16-18 run.
It’s like the Mount Olympus of southeast Michigan fan gatherings, the Met Gala red carpet of Midwest cosplay fashions and the Mall of America of Oakland County collectibles shopping.
Did we mention it’s also the Tonys, Emmys and Oscars combined of metro Detroit celebrity spotting?
Here are 10 of the starriest stars expected to appear (as of May 13) for photo ops and autographs at what’s considered one of the top events of its kind in the country.
A full list of comic book artists and other celebrities who’ll be in attendance is available at the Motor City Comic Con website.
Best real-life superhero: Jeremy Renner
From a psychologically wounded soldier in “The Hurt Locker” to Hawkeye in “The Avengers” franchise, Renner portrays characters who endure extreme danger and come back for more. But his most courageous mission has been his amazing recovery from the 2023 snowplow accident that left him with nearly 40 broken bones.
Most likely to save the world: Bill Nye
The longtime science educator helped teach young people of the ‘90s with his “Bill Nye the Science Guy” show and guested on “The Big Bang Theory.” Nye now uses pop culture as a platform for fighting the existential threat of climate change. In early January, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his works.
Least likely to enjoy staff meetings: Leslie David Baker
For nine glorious seasons, Baker was a staple of NBC’s classic sitcom “The Office.” As grumpy salesperson Stanley Hudson, Baker tolerated no nonsense and stared down supervisor Michael Scott when necessary.
Like most longtime employees of small branches of bigger corporations, Stanley was so over it. Put him in the cubicle hall of fame!
Edgiest IMDb credits: Christina Ricci
The actress got her break playing Wednesday in 1991’s “The Addams Family” and has tackled unusual roles ever since, from a pig-nosed woman in the rom-com “Penelope” to Lizzie Borden in a Lifetime movie. She now plays Misty Quigley, the now-adult survivor of a plane crash that left a group of teen girls stranded in Showtime’s “Yellowjackets.”
Most likely to take the red pill: Carrie-Ann Moss
As Trinity to Keanu Reeves’ Neo in “The Matrix,” Moss is a fierce warrior against disinformation who’d never use a blue pill to live a soothing lie. And in her black leather bodysuit and black sunglasses, she gives Catwoman some competition as a blockbuster fashion icon.
Worst choice to maintain law and order: Thomas Lennon and Cedric Yarbrough
Police officers Lt. Dangle (Lennon) and Deputy Jones (Yarbrough) help put the incompetence in “Reno 911!,” the “Cops” parody that originally ran on Comedy Central, and has been revived by Quibi and the Roku Channel and spun off into movies. Whether its success is because of Dangle’s micro-shorts or Jones’ joie de vivre, “Reno 911!” is the place to call for subversive comedy.
Best equipped to fight a dinosaur: Bryce Dallas Howard
Why is Bryce Dallas Howard, the daughter of mega-director Ron Howard, so believable at evading prehistoric creatures as Claire Dearing, the dinosaur park operations manager in the hit “Jurassic World” movies? Because she’s a good actor and, perhaps, because she has the ability to run in high heels.
Most likely to pose with a handmaid cosplayer: Bradley Whitford
While some remember him best as White House staffer Josh Lyman from “The West Wing,” Whitford has gone from lovable civil servant to autocratic leader in Hulu’s dystopian drama “The Handmaid’s Tale.” He’s riveting as Commander Joseph Lawrence, the leader whose ambitions collide with his realization that Gilead is thoroughly corrupt and evil in its subjugation of women.
Best singing captain: Anson Mount
As Captain Christopher Pike, Mount brings a very Shatneresque twinkle to his acting in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.” But what has really impressed viewers is his flair for singing, as demonstrated in the second season’s ninth episode, “Subspace Rhapsody,” which turned the sci-fi adventure into a musical. Anyone else for Mount boldly going to Broadway?
Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds at jhinds@freepress.com.
Motor City Comic ConMay 16-18Suburban Collection Showplace46100 Grand River Ave., NoviNoon-7 p.m. May 16, 10 a.m.-7 pm May 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 18For tickets, schedule, guest appearances and full information on photo ops and autographs, go to the Motor City Comic Con website.