“Star Wars Holiday Special” Animators Added to Fan Expo Canada Lineup

The saving grace of the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special is the animated sequence, which introduced the world to Boba Fett. Stylishly designed, it was authentic to the galaxy far, far away while also bringing something new.

Nelvana founders Michael Hirsh, Clive Smith, and Patrick Loubert will be in the Comic Creators section throughout the weekend. Their studio became a juggernaut in children’s animation, Millennial mainstays like Care Bears, My Pet Monster, Little Bear, Franklin, Droids and Ewoks, and Beetlejuice, as well as producing their more mature Rock ‘n Rule. The dominance in the industry also paved the way for other studios in the northern nation, establishing Canada as a hotbed of popular titles.

They presented at the Fan Expo Canada 2024, in conjunction with Hirsh’s autobiography Animation Nation. As an attendee, this was my personal highlight of the year, watching The Faithful Wookiee behind animation legend Smith (who was an audience member himself), hearing stories of the creation of the studio.

Fan Expo Canada runs August 27 to 30 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Tickets for the event can be purchased online.

Disney-related show partners include clothiers Spirit Jersey, RSVLTS, and Cakeworthy, watch company Citizen, as well as LEGO, and Hasbro.