Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC), the region’s largest pop culture festival, has announced Mexican actor Iñaki Godoy – the star of the hit Netflix series One Piece – as the latest celebrity guest to join its star-studded lineup for 2024.
Iñaki, who plays Monkey D. Luffy in the live-action adaptation of the anime about the Straw Hat Pirates searching for the One Piece treasure, led the series to become one of the biggest trending shows on global streaming this year. The actor will be making his way to the convention in Abu Dhabi, being held from 9 – 11 February 2024 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The charismatic 20-year-old has not only helped Netflix debunk several of the stereotypes around anime adaptations with Season 1 of One Piece but has also emerged on the global stage as an immensely gifted actor who also nurtures strong ambitions to be a director and writer in the future. Iñaki was chosen by One Piece creator, Eiichiro Oda, himself during the auditions of the series, and the actor will be sharing his experience of the effort and the enormous emotions that went into his debut in One Piece with the audience in Abu Dhabi – an experience that has completely transformed his life.
Iñaki will be part of an all-star celebrity guest line-up of the 2024 edition of Middle East Film & Comic Con – joining Frank Welker, the voice behind Transformers, Megatron, Garfield and Scooby Doo. Joining Frank is Peter Cullen, the voice actors behind Transformers, Optimus Prime; besides Temuera Morrison, the man behind the iconic Star Wars character Boba Fett and the only star to portray both Boba and Jango Fett in the intergalactic franchise; Troy Baker, the American voice actor and musician, best known for his role as Joel in The Last of Us video game. The line-up will also include comic creators Mark Brooks, Carlo Pagulayan Stephen Segovia. Steve McNiven and Mikel Janin.
Boasting a stupendous 12-year legacy of celebrating film, TV, sci-fi, anime, manga, gaming, comics and collectibles, the convention is held in strategic partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
In 2024, it aims to create the ultimate fan experience in the UAE capital with fans spoilt by an abundance of attractions – ranging from Meet the Stars, where visitors can meet celebrities and create memories of a lifetime; the Comic Creators Club, where avid fans can get commissions; the Artist Alley featuring local and regional emerging and established artists showcasing and selling their latest work; and the Gaming Arena, where enthusiasts can level up with the latest challenges in gaming.
Fans from across the region looking to elevate their MEFCC experience and enjoy seamless visits to the convention can avail an exciting range of discounted stay offers from MEFCC partner hotels. The convention has teamed up with HotelMap and hotels in Abu Dhabi that are in close proximity of the venue to help fans enjoy the best experience while attending MEFCC. Fans booking their stay through MEFCC partner hotels will receive fantastic benefits such as best discounted rates, closest possible rooms to convention venue at ADNEC, the opportunity to geek out and make new friends with other Middle East Film & Comic Con attendees and enjoy the Ultimate Abu Dhabi experience.
