Comic Con Cape Town Welcomes Star Wars Legend Ian McDiarmid

Star Wars Legend to Attend Comic Con Cape Town: Celebrating All Things Star Wars

Comic Con Cape Town has announced Star Wars legend Ian McDiarmid will be attending the Cape Town festival in 2025! Fans will best know McDiarmid as having acted in the Star Wars saga, first as the Emperor in Return of the Jedi, and then later as both Emperor Palpatine and his villainous alter ego Lord Darth Sidious in the prequel films The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith. To make his appearance even more epic, he will be attending the festival on 3rd and 4th May, which of course includes international Star Wars Day, popularly known as “May the Fourth” on 4th May.

An award-winning Scottish actor, McDiarmid will be the fans’ opportunity to meet a legend from the Star Wars franchise. Fans will be able to purchase autograph signings and photo ops with the actor, as well as attend Q&A sessions with him on the Main Stage. This is an incredible opportunity to obtain first-hand insight into the films, and fans can learn a lot more about what is undoubtedly one of the most important sagas in the pop culture universe.

Carla Massmann, the festival’s Show Director says:

“Star Wars has had a significant impact on modern culture, with references deeply embedded in today’s popular culture. Phrases such as ‘Jedi mindtrick’ and of course ‘May the force be with you’ are common phrases that resonate with a wide spectrum of people. Star Wars helped to launch science fiction as a genre capable of producing blockbuster films, and its special effects are known to have been state-of-the-art. The films pioneered the launch of computer-generated imagery in film”.

Comic Con Cape Town is excited to be bringing McDiarmid to the show and even more so to celebrate May the Fourth with Star Wars fans and the South African community in the biggest way yet. The festival will be bringing the force to all fandoms on May 4th, with many Star Wars themed activities from casual Cosplay competitions to Star Wars quizzes. Vendors on the festival floor will be retailing Star Wars merchandise and collectables.

Rene Staack, the festival’s Content and Talent Director, added

“It is an honour to be able to host a true Star Wars legend like Ian McDiarmid on South African soil, and something we are excited to bring to our local Star Wars fans. We are looking forward to seeing festival-goers come out on May 4th to celebrate this acting titan and the Star Wars franchise like never before. As a cross-generational phenomenon, Star Wars unites fans of all ages and we look forward to thrilling them all”.

Secure Your Tickets Now!

General access tickets are now available from R210 for a day pass, and R650 for a four day pass, are available on Howler and selling fast! Kids 5 and under enter for free. No additional ticket purchase required but proof of age may be requested at door.

Thursday is a public holiday — why not make it a Comic Con long weekend? Don’t wait—this is your chance to be part of the action!

About Comic Con Cape Town
The five-day festival focuses on all elements of pop culture and brings international and local comic artists, film and TV celebrities, and Cosplayers to South African shores where they meet fans, sign autographs, and have photo ops. Packed with championships, competitions, super show specials, product launches, workshops, panels, Q&A sessions, screenings, activations, and interactive experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy whether you are a casual fan or a bona fide geek.