Kyle Chandler Secretly Roamed Comic-Con in Star Wars Disguise

Kyle Chandler revealed he secretly explored San Diego Comic-Con wearing a Stormtrooper helmet with his Lanterns co-star, calling the undercover adventure “amazing.”

Kyle Chandler Pulled Off a Comic-Con Surprise

August 06, 2026 – Kyle Chandler has shared one of his favorite memories from this year’s San Diego Comic-Con—and it happened completely under the radar. While promoting HBO’s upcoming DC series Lanterns, the actor revealed that he and co-star Garret Dillahunt secretly wandered the convention floor disguised as Star Wars Stormtroopers to avoid being recognized.

Speaking about the experience during a recent television appearance, Chandler explained that the pair initially wanted to explore Comic-Con like ordinary fans but were told they couldn’t freely walk the crowded convention floor because of security concerns. Instead of giving up, they came up with a creative solution that turned into one of the weekend’s most memorable adventures.

Credit: Kevork Djansezian/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

A Clever Disguise Saves the Day

According to Chandler, he and Dillahunt asked whether they could borrow masks to remain anonymous while exploring the convention. Organizers later provided them with full Stormtrooper helmets, allowing the actors to blend into the thousands of cosplayers filling the convention center.

With their identities completely hidden, the pair spent about an hour walking through Comic-Con without attracting attention. Chandler recalled the experience with enthusiasm, saying it was “amazing” to experience the event from a fan’s perspective rather than as celebrity guests attending promotional events.

Garret Dillahunt Shares the Fun

Garret Dillahunt later confirmed the undercover adventure by posting photos and video from their secret Comic-Con outing on social media. He jokingly credited Chandler with convincing him that the Stormtrooper helmets were essential, humorously suggesting he probably would have gone unnoticed even without the disguise.

The lighthearted post quickly delighted fans, who praised the actors for embracing Comic-Con culture in such a playful way. Many also enjoyed the irony of two stars from an upcoming DC series choosing Star Wars costumes to hide in plain sight.

Promoting HBO’s Lanterns

The Comic-Con appearance came as Chandler and his fellow cast members introduced audiences to Lanterns, HBO’s upcoming DC Studios series centered on Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Chandler stars as veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan opposite Aaron Pierre as John Stewart in the highly anticipated detective-inspired superhero series.

The cast participated in interviews, fan events, and panel discussions throughout Comic-Con, giving audiences an early look at what to expect when Lanterns premieres. Their undercover convention adventure provided an entertaining contrast to the more formal promotional activities taking place throughout the weekend.

Fans Love the Comic-Con Story

Comic-Con has long been known for celebrities disguising themselves in elaborate costumes to experience the convention alongside fans, and Chandler’s story quickly became another memorable addition to that tradition. His account reminded fans that even Hollywood stars sometimes want the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of the convention without being surrounded by cameras or crowds.

The playful mission also highlighted the fun atmosphere surrounding Comic-Con, where elaborate costumes often make it possible for famous faces to disappear into the crowd. For Chandler and Dillahunt, the Stormtrooper helmets created exactly the kind of anonymous experience they had hoped for.

A Comic-Con Tradition Lives On

One of the unique traditions of San Diego Comic-Con is seeing celebrities blend into the crowd by wearing elaborate costumes and masks. Over the years, numerous actors have embraced the opportunity to experience the convention anonymously, enjoying the same excitement as thousands of fans without drawing attention to themselves.

Chandler’s story adds another memorable chapter to that tradition. By choosing Stormtrooper helmets, he and Dillahunt were able to move through packed convention halls, browse displays, and take in the atmosphere without anyone realizing who they were. The experience gave both actors a rare chance to enjoy Comic-Con purely as attendees rather than featured guests.

Building Excitement for Lanterns

The lighthearted adventure also arrives at a time when anticipation for Lanterns continues to grow. The HBO series is one of the cornerstone projects in DC Studios’ new shared universe, bringing Hal Jordan and John Stewart together in a mystery-driven story inspired by crime dramas.

Kyle Chandler’s casting as Hal Jordan has generated significant excitement among DC fans, while Aaron Pierre’s portrayal of John Stewart marks the live-action debut of one of the franchise’s most beloved Green Lanterns in a leading television role. Comic-Con provided fans with one of their biggest looks yet at the upcoming series, making Chandler’s behind-the-scenes story an entertaining bonus.

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A post shared by Garret Dillahunt (@garretdillahunt)

Enjoying the Convention Like Everyone Else

Although Comic-Con is often filled with celebrity appearances, Chandler’s comments served as a reminder that many actors are fans themselves. Away from panels, interviews, and promotional events, they often enjoy exploring convention floors, discovering exclusive collectibles, admiring cosplay, and sharing in the enthusiasm that defines the annual event.

For Chandler and Dillahunt, the undercover outing became one of the highlights of their Comic-Con experience. Their playful disguise allowed them to enjoy the convention from a completely different perspective while creating a story that fans have enthusiastically embraced.

Final Thoughts

Kyle Chandler’s undercover Comic-Con adventure offered a fun glimpse behind the scenes of one of pop culture’s biggest annual events. By disguising himself as a Stormtrooper alongside Lanterns co-star Garret Dillahunt, the actor was able to experience the convention just like thousands of fans. As excitement continues to build for HBO’s Lanterns, the memorable story has only added to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming DC series.

FAQs

Why did Kyle Chandler wear a Stormtrooper helmet at Comic-Con?

He wanted to explore the convention anonymously without being recognized by fans.

Who joined Kyle Chandler on the undercover Comic-Con outing?

His Lanterns co-star Garret Dillahunt accompanied him while wearing a matching disguise.

What did Kyle Chandler say about the experience?

He described secretly walking around Comic-Con in disguise as “amazing.”

What series was Kyle Chandler promoting at Comic-Con?

He was promoting HBO’s upcoming DC Studios series Lanterns, in which he plays Hal Jordan.

Why is Lanterns generating excitement?

The series introduces Hal Jordan and John Stewart in a detective-style story that is expected to play a major role in DC Studios’ new cinematic universe.