Convention - Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show: a very pop culture-focused program for 2026 with Jason Isaacs and Emily Swallow

By Mulder, 09 march 2026

With more than fifty guests announced, dozens of activities, and several immersive worlds spread across Hall 7 of the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, the new edition of the Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show, scheduled for March 14 and 15, 2026, is already shaping up to be one of the major pop culture events of the spring in France. The organizers promise a particularly rich edition, combining cult French television, international franchises, competitive cosplay, and immersive experiences, continuing in the tradition of a show that, for several years, has struck a balance between a family convention and a must-see event for fans of cinema, series, manga, and science fiction. According to the official press release, this edition clearly aims to reinforce its hybrid identity, bringing together iconic figures from French television and actors from major international productions, while further developing themed areas and stage events.

Among the most eagerly awaited moments, the joint presence of Gérard Hernandez and Patrick Préjean is one of the most symbolic events of this edition, as it will be the first time that the two actors have appeared together at a pop culture convention. Both very popular with the French public, particularly thanks to the series Scènes de ménages, they will take part in autograph sessions, fan meetings, and a special conference scheduled for  Saturday, a format that has become essential in modern conventions where direct interaction with artists is now an integral part of the experience. This choice also illustrates an interesting evolution in French conventions, which no longer hesitate to mix international geek culture with iconic figures from national television, a strategy already observed in previous editions of Paris Manga and which significantly broadens the audience.

The Disney universe will also be in the spotlight with an exclusive presentation linked to Disney+, accompanied by a signing session and numerous activities planned throughout the weekend. The organizers have announced the presence of singers Marie Galey and Maeva Méline, known for being the French voices of The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel, who will take part in a special concert on Sunday as well as meet-and-greet sessions with the public. This type of musical entertainment has become a classic at French conventions, but here it takes on a special dimension with the stated aim of offering a true Disney immersion, including karaoke, themed cosplay, and the distribution of goodies, confirming the growing importance of family licenses at conventions that were once more focused on manga and science fiction.

Cosplay will also take center stage, with the arrival of international cosplayers Taryn and Fenix Fatalist, two recognized figures on the world stage who will participate in conferences and autograph sessions. Saturday will feature the national selection for the French Cosplay Cup as well as the French selection for the European Cup, proof that Paris Manga continues to establish itself as an important event for cosplay competition in France. This competitive dimension, which has been highly developed for several years, is helping to transform conventions into veritable artistic stages where performance, costume making, and staging have become as important as the mere presence of guest stars.

On the international film and TV series side, one of the major attractions will be the appearance of Jason Isaacs, known worldwide for his role as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter saga, as well as for his recent appearances in the series The White Lotus. Present only on Saturday, the actor will participate in autograph sessions, photo opportunities, and meetings with the public. There will also be an area entirely dedicated to the world of Harry Potter, with an exhibition of official film props and a replica of the famous Ford Anglia, an iconic element of the films, allowing visitors to extend the experience beyond simply meeting the actor. This type of immersive exhibition has become a key feature of modern conventions, where audiences are increasingly looking for authentic sets and objects rather than just a series of booths.

The Star Wars universe will be well represented with the arrival of Emily Swallow, who plays the Armorer in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, who will meet fans during autograph sessions, photo opportunities, and meet & greets. A Star Wars village covering more than 1,000 m² is also planned, bringing together several associations, immersive sets, and more than a hundred cosplayers, confirming the importance of this franchise in the very identity of the show. For several editions now, Paris Manga has made these themed villages a central part of its appeal, allowing visitors to spend several hours in a complete universe, rather than just wandering between stands. This evolution reflects a global trend in European conventions, where immersion and audience participation are becoming as important as the presence of guests.

Ultimately, the 2026 edition of Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show seems to want to take a new step forward by combining nostalgia, major international licenses, cosplay culture, and large-scale immersive experiences. With a lineup featuring Gérard Hernandez, Patrick Préjean, Jason Isaacs, Emily Swallow, Marie Galey, Maeva Méline, Taryn, and Fenix Fatalist, the show confirms its desire to remain one of the most accessible and diverse pop culture events in France, while continuing to evolve into an increasingly spectacular format, similar to major international conventions, but with a distinct French identity.

Practical information
Location: Parc des Expositions – Paris Nord Villepinte (Hall 7)
Dates and times:
Saturday, March 14, 2026: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 15, 2026: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reservation link: https://www.parismanga.fr/billetterie