Convention - Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2024: Andy Serkis Wows Fans with a Captivating Panel at Villepinte

By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, 05 october 2024

The 36th edition of the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show kicked off in spectacular fashion today, October 5, 2024, at the Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte. This year’s event is expected to draw over 55,000 fans, and it has already lived up to its reputation as one of the largest pop culture conventions in France. Fans of science fiction, manga, and Japanese culture flooded the massive 50,000 m² venue for a weekend filled with celebrity panels, exciting exhibits, and a celebration of all things geek.

One of the most eagerly awaited moments of the event took place today: the panel featuring Andy Serkis, an actor, director, and pioneer of motion capture technology. Andy Serkis is known for his transformative roles as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Caesar in the Planet of the Apes reboot series, among many others. His appearance at the convention drew thousands of fans eager to hear about his career, both as a performer and filmmaker.

During the panel, Andy Serkis spoke extensively about his iconic roles, offering behind-the-scenes insights that had the audience hanging on his every word. He discussed his groundbreaking work in motion capture, a technique that revolutionized film acting. Andy Serkis shared how his portrayal of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003) was not only a technical achievement but also a deeply personal performance. His nuanced take on the character helped cement Gollum as one of the most memorable and tragic figures in cinematic history.

Fans were also treated to anecdotes from his work in other major franchises, including his portrayal of the mighty ape Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) and its sequels. Andy Serkis explained how the advances in motion capture technology allowed him to convey subtle emotions through Caesar, and how those innovations have shaped modern digital performances. His ability to bring depth and humanity to computer-generated characters has earned him critical acclaim, as well as multiple awards, including Empire and Saturn awards.

Andy Serkis’s career as a director was also a major talking point. He spoke about his journey from actor to filmmaker, starting with his directorial debut in Breathe (2017), followed by Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018), and most notably, Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021). During the panel, he hinted at his upcoming projects, including a new installment in the Lord of the Rings franchise, The Hunt for Gollum, which he will direct and star in. Set to release in 2026, the film will dive deeper into the character of Gollum, a role Andy Serkis has made legendary.

Unsurprisingly, Gollum was a major focus of the panel, with Andy Serkis reflecting on the character that catapulted him to worldwide fame. He spoke about the physical and emotional challenges of bringing Gollum to life, particularly the balance between the two personas of Smeagol and Gollum. Andy Serkis’s voice work and physicality in the role set a new benchmark for motion capture performances, sparking a debate in Hollywood about the legitimacy of awarding motion-capture actors for their work.

Andy Serkis emphasized how motion capture continues to evolve, allowing actors to immerse themselves in digital roles while still conveying raw, emotional performances. He credited advancements in technology for making characters like Caesar, King Kong, and Gollum possible, but also stressed the importance of storytelling and performance in bringing these characters to life.

Throughout the panel, Andy Serkis was warm, engaging, and often humorous, interacting with fans and taking questions from the audience. His openness about his career highs and challenges made the panel feel personal and intimate, even in such a large venue. Fans were delighted when Andy Serkis reenacted some of Gollum’s famous lines and provided insights into how he crafted the character’s distinctive voice.

The panel wasn’t just a showcase of Andy Serkis’s past achievements; it also offered a glimpse into the future of his career. He revealed that in addition to directing and starring in The Hunt for Gollum, he is working on other ambitious projects through his production company, The Imaginarium. The company, known for its cutting-edge work in performance capture, continues to push the boundaries of digital storytelling, and Andy Serkis’s passion for the art form was palpable throughout the discussion.

As the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show continues through the weekend, Andy Serkis’s panel will likely remain one of the most memorable highlights. His contributions to film, both as an actor and director, have reshaped the entertainment landscape, particularly through his pioneering work in motion capture. Fans left the panel with a deep appreciation for Andy Serkis’s dedication to his craft and excitement for what’s next in his storied career.

With its impressive lineup of guests, engaging activities, and immersive exhibits, the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show 2024 is once again proving to be an unmissable event for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the world of pop culture, this year’s convention offers something for everyone.

Filmography as director :
2017 - Breathe
2018 - Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle
2021 - Venom: Let There Be Carnage       

Filmography as actor (and actor voice) :
1994 - Prince of Jutland
1995 - The Near Room
1996 - Stella Does Tricks
1997 - Mojo
1997 - Career Girls
1997 - Loop
1998 - Sweety Barrett
1998 - Among Giants
1999 - Topsy-Turvy
2000 - Shiner
2000 - Pandaemonium
2000 - The Jolly Boys' Last Stand
2001 - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
2002 - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
2002 - The Escapist
2022 - Deathwatch
2022 - 24 Hour Party People
2003 - Standing Room Only
2003 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2004 - Blessed
2004 - 13 Going on 30
2005 - King Kong
2006 - Stormbreaker
2006 - The Prestige
2006 - Flushed Away
2006 - Longford
2007 - Extraordinary Rendition
2007 - Sugarhouse
2008 - The Cottage
2008 - Inkheart
2010 - Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll
2010 - Brighton Rock
2010 - Animals United
2010 - Burke and Hare
2011 - Rise of the Planet of the Apes
2011 - Death of a Superhero
2011 - Wild Bill
2011 - The Adventures of Tintin
2011 - Arthur Christmas
2012 - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
2014 - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
2015 - Avengers: Age of Ultron
2015 - Star Wars: The Force Awakens
2017 - War for the Planet of the Apes
2017 - Star Wars: The Last Jedi
2018 - Black Panther
2018 - Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle
2019 - Long Shot
2019 - Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
2020 - A Christmas Carol
2021 - SAS: Red Notice
2022 - The Batman
2023 - Luther: The Fallen Sun
2024 - Hitpig!

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Photos and Video : Copyright Boris Colletier / Mulderville