Stan Lee cancels, but Neil Patrick Harris joins Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo

CALGARY – Legendary comic book creator Stan Lee has cancelled his appearance at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo, but fans can look forward to the last-minute addition of Neil Patrick Harris.

Calgary Expo spokesperson Emily Expo said she’s extremely excited about Harris’ appearance—unique in that he “doesn’t typically do these shows, or hasn’t historically.”

“I have a wish list – he is somebody that is on that wish list,” said Expo. “We talk a lot about guests for the show and usually it’s followed up by, ‘Oh that’ll never happen’ … I said you know what? I can’t let us not trying be the reason that we don’t get guests to the show.”

“I think it’ll have a big impact for sure. I think there’s a  lot of people really excited about him, big fans of his, myself included.”

Harris will be attending on Friday April 17, signing autographs and taking photos with guests who pre-order on the Expo website. He’ll also host a panel at 7 p.m. at the Stampede Corral. The panel is included in the Friday admission, but organizers suggest going early in order to exchange your ticket for a wristband in the Agrium building and line-up prior to the panel.

Ninety-two–year-old Lee released a heartfelt video on Wednesday explaining that while he regrets missing the expo, he has a movie to complete.

“We’re finishing working on a motion picture project… I find that we need another week shooting,” said Lee in the video.

“I am so sorry, and all I can say is that next year I will move heaven and earth to be at your convention.”

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Sharknado actress Tara Reid announced on Wednesday that she too would be unable to attend the event, due to a family emergency.

The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo runs from Thursday until Sunday at the BMO centre.