Fan Expo Boston has kicked off with what organisers say is its biggest guest lineup to date, running from 7 to 9 August at the Thomas Michael Menino Convention & Exhibition Center. The three-day pop-culture convention, billed as a gathering point for comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming fans, is expected to draw record attendance as it returns to the city alongside similar events elsewhere on the East Coast that same weekend, including Big Lick Comic Con in Roanoke, Virginia.

Headline guests include Boston-born actor Chris Evans, who will hold a meet-and-greet ahead of his upcoming return as Steve Rogers in Avengers: Doomsday, and much of the original Lord of the Rings cast, who are set to appear together for a special evening event and fan breakfast. The convention will also feature a series of panels covering film, television, comics, anime and video games, with Collider's Steve Weintraub moderating several sessions across the weekend.