ICCCon Welcomes a True Star Wars Legend: Howie Weed – The Man Inside the Wampa!

Star Wars fans, get ready to step into the icy caves of Hoth like never before—because the legendary Howie Weed is coming to ICCCon!

If you've ever watched Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, you've seen Howie Weed's work up close. He's the talented artist and performer who brought the ferocious Wampa Ice Creature to life in those expanded, thrilling scenes. Yes, that's right—the snarling, arm-ripping beast that attacks Luke Skywalker and his Tauntaun! Howie was inside the suit, making those terrifying moments feel real on screen.

But Howie Weed's contributions to the galaxy far, far away go way beyond one iconic monster. As a veteran of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the legendary effects house behind the original Star Wars trilogy and beyond, Howie has been shaping cinematic magic for decades.

• He sculpted and helped perform creatures like Ketwol and Melas for the Special Edition of A New Hope.

• He worked as a digital model artist on Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, crafting Pod Racers and the massive Colo Claw Fish.

• His ILM career spans blockbuster effects on films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and even modern Marvel hits.

From practical creature suits in the '80s and '90s to pioneering digital modeling, Howie has been at the heart of some of the most groundbreaking visual effects in movie history. And now, he's bringing that insider knowledge, behind-the-scenes stories, and genuine fan passion to ICCCon June 19-21, 2026 at the Embassy Suites Nashville SE / Murfreesboro!

Imagine hearing firsthand:

• What it was like suiting up as the Wampa and filming those intense new scenes under George Lucas's direction.

• The challenges of building a massive creature suit in just weeks while juggling ILM deadlines.

• Stories from the model shop, creature fabrication, and the transition from practical effects to digital wizardry.

Whether you're a die-hard Original Trilogy purist, a prequel admirer, or just love hearing how movie magic is made, Howie Weed's panel and autograph sessions are going to be unforgettable.

At ICCCon, it's all about the fans—no big corporations, just pure sci-fi love, cosplay, collectibles, vendors, and stars who truly get what makes our community special. Join us for three days of adventure, June 19th–21st, 2026, and meet the man who made one of Star Wars' scariest creatures roar.

Tickets are on sale now—grab yours before they go faster than a Podracer! Check out all the details, guest updates, and more at iccollectorsconvention.com or follow us @ICCCNashville on X and Instagram.

May the Force be with you—and see you on the convention floor with Howie Weed!

Event Details:

Dates: June 19-21, 2026

Location: Embassy Suites and Convention Center Nashville SE 1200 Conference Center Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129