SOFIA, Bulgaria — Fans of fantasy epics and comic book universes will soon get the chance to meet one of the screen’s most iconic villains.
Manu Bennett, the New Zealand-born actor who brought Azog the Defiler to life in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy, has been confirmed as a special guest at Aniventure Comic Con 2025, set to take place on July 5 and 6 at Sofia’s Inter Expo Center.
Bennett is widely recognized for his imposing performance as the CGI-enhanced Azog, a character originally meant to appear briefly in the film.
However, director Peter Jackson was so captivated by Bennett’s performance that the role was expanded, turning Azog into the primary antagonist of the trilogy.
Despite being digitally rendered, Bennett’s motion-capture performance left a lasting impression on audiences and solidified his place in the Hobbit legacy.
Beyond Middle-earth, Bennett has captured viewers’ attention with memorable roles in hit TV series. He starred as the gladiator Crixus in Spartacus, where he delivered a powerful and emotional performance over several seasons.
In the superhero world, Bennett is best known for portraying Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke, in the CW series Arrow, where he gained a devoted fanbase for his complex and charismatic villainy.
At Aniventure Comic Con, Bennett will share behind-the-scenes stories and insights from his varied career in television and film. Fans eager to meet the actor can purchase Meet & Greet tickets priced at 60 and 80 leva, available through Eventim and the official Comic Con website.
Joining Bennett at the convention will be an impressive lineup of guests from across the pop culture spectrum. Among them is Evanna Lynch, beloved for her portrayal of Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films, and Anthony Daniels, the legendary actor behind C-3PO in the Star Wars saga.
Another fan-favorite returning to the festival is the Marvel Impersonators group, known for their lifelike portrayals of superheroes including Tony Stark, Doctor Strange, Thor, Spider-Man, and Captain America.
Composed of professional actors and stunt performers, the troupe has become a staple of Aniventure Comic Con, delighting attendees with interactive performances and photo opportunities.
The event’s cosplay segment also gets a boost this year with the addition of Norwegian cosplayer Tine Marie Riis to the jury panel.
Riis, who began her cosplay journey in 2009, has earned international recognition through collaborations with top-tier companies like Riot Games and Blizzard Entertainment.
She currently runs her own creative agency and teaches cosplay art, bringing a wealth of expertise to this year’s competition.
Aniventure Comic Con 2025 promises an immersive experience for fans of fantasy, anime, manga, gaming, and comics. Organizers have hinted at more guest announcements in the weeks leading up to the event.
The festival is supported by major sponsors including A1 Bulgaria, Ozone, Coca-Cola, Nescafé 3in1, Happy Delivery, and Hyundai.
Tickets, including two-day passes, ULTRA, and special Meet & Greet packages, are now available through Eventim, OMV gas stations nationwide, and the official event website: https://comiccon.bg/tickets/.