From the moment the doors opened on a bright spring morning, Pioneer Signings’ team was ready to make waves at Toronto Comic Con—and by the time the weekend drew to a close, we’d secured one of our most coveted guest autographs yet: Karl Urban. From his legendary turn as Éomer in The Lord of the Rings trilogy to his modern reinvention of the iconic “Bones” McCoy in Star Trek, Karl Urban’s presence at Fan Expo Canada 2025 proved why he remains one of Hollywood’s most dynamic leading men. Below, we recap our adventure, share the highlights of Karl’s signing sessions, and offer a sneak peek at what’s coming next from Pioneer Signings.
A Weekend of Heroics and Highlights
Toronto Comic Con—better known to many as Fan Expo Canada—drew in tens of thousands of fans from April 18–20, 2025, all hungry for panels, cosplay spectacles, and those unforgettable autograph moments. For Pioneer Signings, this year’s event was about more than just photos and ink on cardstock. It was an opportunity to connect deeply with fans and bring home pieces of pop-culture history to add to our carefully curated collections.
Karl Urban’s Stellar Career: From Middle-earth to the Final Frontier
Why the frenzy for Karl Urban? It all starts with a filmography that reads like a roll call of genre-defining roles:
- Éomer in The Lord of the Rings (2002–2003): As the fierce marshal of Rohan, Karl stole scenes with his commanding presence and valor, cementing his place in cinematic history.
- Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy in Star Trek (2009) & sequels: Taking on one of sci-fi’s most beloved characters, Karl balanced sharp wit with heartfelt emotion, winning over both Trekkies and general audiences alike.
- Skurge the Executioner in Thor: Ragnarok (2017): A standout in Taika Waititi’s riotous Asgardian adventure, Karl infused humor and pathos into the reluctant warrior destined for redemption.
- Judge Dredd in Dredd (2012): In what many consider the definitive live-action take on the notorious law enforcer, Karl delivered a performance as taut and gritty as Mega-City One itself.
- Inspector Leidolf in Dune: The Sisterhood (2025): Stepping into Denis Villeneuve’s epic universe, Karl brought gravitas to the small-screen expansion of Dune, thrilling sci-fi aficionados worldwide.
- Billy Butcher in The Boys (2019–present): Perhaps his most daring role yet, Karl’s antihero has become synonymous with the show’s dark satire, earning him critical acclaim and legions of devoted fans.
These roles—and many others—form the backbone of Karl’s enduring appeal.
The Signing Sessions: Unforgettable Encounters
Across two packed sessions, Karl Urban greeted each person with his trademark charisma. Whether it was a young fan clutching a Star Trek Blu-ray or a veteran collector bearing a rare lobby card from Dredd, Karl took the time to personalize every signature.
Behind the scenes, Toronto Comic Con’ team coordinated logistics with precision. From pre-arranged wristbands to VIP “fast-pass” options, we ensured that lines moved swiftly.
What’s Next for Pioneer Signings—and You?
Beyond Karl, our calendar is filling up with other genre favorites—think legends from The Lord of the Rings, War of the Rohirrim, Star Wars… But we’ll always remember Fan Expo Canada 2025 as the weekend we brought Karl Urban’s signature autograph to his fans.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, Pioneer Signings invites you to explore our latest offerings. Sign up for our newsletter to get first dibs on future editions, and follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes videos, uncut signing sessions, and maybe even special discount codes.
Until next year’s Comic Con, keep your lightsabers charged, your tricorders at the ready, and your Billy Butcher one-liners locked and loaded—it’s going to be an epic ride.
