Convention - For The Love of Fantasy 2025 : The Shadowhunters Cast Enchants ExCeL London

By Mulder, London, ExCeL London, 17 august 2025

The weekend of August 16–17, 2025, saw London’s ExCeL transformed into a haven for fantasy enthusiasts, as For The Love of Fantasy 2025 returned with a lineup spanning beloved universes from Supernatural to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Yet, among the impressive roster, it was the reunion of the Shadowhunters cast that truly electrified the convention floor. On Sunday, August 17, Katherine McNamara, Dominic Sherwood, Matthew Daddario, and Luke Baines took to the stage, igniting a wave of cheers that made clear just how deeply this series continues to resonate with fans. Despite ending in 2019, Freeform’s adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments books has endured as a cultural phenomenon, inspiring cosplay, fanfiction, and entire online communities that still thrive years later. The panel was less about nostalgia and more about celebrating the shared journey of a fandom that refuses to let the Shadow World fade into memory.

From the moment the four actors appeared together, it was evident that the camaraderie they built on set had not diminished with time. Numerous fan videos and social media posts quickly circulated, showing Katherine McNamara, Dominic Sherwood, Matthew Daddario, and Luke Baines laughing and joking on stage, often finishing each other’s sentences and reminiscing with the sort of ease only forged by years of collaboration. One Instagram reel capturing them arm in arm drew thousands of shares, becoming emblematic of how the affection among the cast mirrors the devotion of their fanbase. The authenticity of their bond was part of what made Shadowhunters special when it aired, and at ExCeL London, that magic was alive again, sparking a feedback loop of warmth between the performers and the audience.

The stories shared during the panel deepened this connection. While official transcripts have not been released, reports from attendees paint a picture of an event filled with humor and heartfelt moments. Dominic Sherwood was said to have recounted the physical intensity of playing Jace Herondale, a role that required endless stunt training and left him with more than a few bruises. Matthew Daddario, meanwhile, touched upon the importance of Malec—the romance between Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood—as one of the first openly gay relationships to headline a mainstream fantasy series. This storyline had a profound impact on viewers, and fans in London were eager to show their appreciation for his sensitive portrayal. Katherine McNamara, who embodied Clary Fray, spoke about the responsibility of carrying a female-driven fantasy narrative and the way the show empowered young women to see themselves as heroes. For his part, Luke Baines reflected on the complexity of Jonathan Morgenstern, a character that challenged him to portray vulnerability within villainy. Together, their reflections reminded fans that behind every dramatic battle scene and romantic arc were actors deeply committed to telling stories that mattered.

What also stood out at For The Love of Fantasy 2025 was the way this panel exemplified the unique role conventions play in sustaining fandoms after a show’s conclusion. Unlike the carefully orchestrated press tours that accompany a release, conventions allow actors and fans to interact in an atmosphere of mutual celebration. Luke Baines, in fact, had posted a warm pre-event message on social media, inviting fans to attend and promising a memorable gathering. The audience at ExCeL reciprocated with unrestrained enthusiasm, chanting names, applauding story recalls, and lining up long after the session for photo ops and autographs. It was a shared acknowledgement that the Shadow World is still alive in the imaginations of its fans, not confined to the Freeform archives.

The endurance of Shadowhunters is not accidental. Since its debut in January 2016, the series has woven itself into pop culture through its mix of action, romance, and allegorical storytelling. Winning Teen Choice Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and a GLAAD Award, the show quickly transcended the mixed reception of its first season to become a rallying point for inclusivity in genre television. The For The Love of Fantasy 2025 panel underlined how those themes—identity, belonging, and the fight between light and darkness—still resonate in 2025. For the fans who grew up with Clary, Jace, Alec, and Magnus, the reunion was more than a trip down memory lane; it was a reminder of how art can shape and reflect formative years. Many attendees left not just with autographs or selfies but with renewed gratitude for a series that had helped define a part of their lives.

By the end of the event, one thing was clear: Shadowhunters remains far more than just a three-season fantasy drama. It has become a cultural touchstone, a narrative world that continues to inspire and empower its community long after its cancellation. The reunion of Katherine McNamara, Dominic Sherwood, Matthew Daddario, and Luke Baines at ExCeL London proved that the bonds forged on and off screen are still strong and that the Shadowhunters fandom is one of the most enduring in contemporary fantasy television. As fans dispersed from London’s ExCeL, they carried with them the certainty that the Shadow World will never truly fade, so long as passion for these characters and their stories continues to burn brightly.

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Synopsis :
In contemporary New York, humans are unaware of the demonic forces battling beneath their feet. Among them, Clary Fray discovers on her 18th birthday that she is not like other teenagers. Endowed with powers she does not yet understand, the young woman is brutally thrust into the dark side of our world, where Shadowhunters battle evil creatures. By joining forces with the other Shadowhunters, Clary fulfills her destiny, while uncovering one revelation after another. A series adaptation of the novels “The Mortal Instruments” by Cassandra Clare, which began in 2007.

Shadowhunters
Based on The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Developed by Ed Decter
Showrunners : Ed Decter (season 1), Todd Slavkin (seasons 2–3), Darren Swimmer (seasons 2–3)
Starring Katherine McNamara, Dominic Sherwood, Alberto Rosende, Matthew Daddario, Emeraude Toubia, Isaiah Mustafa, Harry Shum Jr., Alisha Wainwright
Opening theme This Is the Hun" by Ruelle
Composers : Ben Decter (season 1), Trevor Morris, Jack Wall
No. of episodes 55 (list of episodes)
Executive producers : Ed Decter, Robert Kulzer, Robert Shaye, Michael Lynne, McG, Mary Viola, Michael Reisz, J. Miles Dale, Matt Hastings, Todd Slavkin, Darren Swimmer
Producers : Don Carmody, David Cormican, Martin Moszkowicz
Production companies : Constantin Film, Wonderland Sound and Vision, Unique Features, Carteret St. Productions
Network : Freeform
Release January 12, 2016 – May 6, 2019
Running time : 39–60 minutes