Cosplay Roundtable: Local Costumers Respond to Filoni’s New Direction

When a studio shake-up upends your cosplay calendar: local costumers react

Last month’s Lucasfilm shift — Kathleen Kennedy stepping down and Dave Filoni stepping up, plus a freshly circulated list of new Star Wars projects — landed like a plot twist mid-build for cosplayers across the Atlantic region. For makers who plan wardrobes months ahead, coordinate panels with community groups, and schedule live-streams to debut new armor or fabrics, sudden creative pivots create real logistical headaches.

Why this matters to regional cosplayers and convention organizers in 2026

Cosplay is no longer just closet cosplay and photo ops. In 2026, it’s a hybrid of live performance, streamed reveals, micro-classes, and ticketed meet‑and‑greets. The recent Filoni-era project list — and the conversations it sparked about franchise direction — affects what fan creators prioritize for the next 12–24 months: which characters they’ll build, what panels will draw crowds at local cons, and how programming will allocate stage time for franchise-specific content.

Our roundtable: We hosted a hybrid roundtable — virtual and in-person — with six prominent costumers from Atlantic Canada and the US Atlantic seaboard (Halifax, St. John’s, Moncton, Portland ME, and Wilmington NC). They are active on panels, run maker workshops, and produce regionally popular livestreams. Their responses reveal how one industry shift ripples through local communities.

Top-line takeaways from the roundtable

• Short-term pivot to modular and multi-purpose builds. With uncertainty around which new characters or eras Filoni will prioritize, costumers favor adaptable pieces that can be repurposed for multiple looks.
• Panel topics are getting broader. Instead of single-character showcases, panels now emphasize technique, materials, and live problem-solving to stay relevant regardless of canon changes.
• Convention programming is more hybrid and monetized. Organizers are budgeting for livestreaming fees, ticketed virtual seats, and creator stipends. Many creators are looking at case studies on micro-popups and community streams to model revenue options.
• Local communities double down on original and indie characters. To avoid being at the mercy of franchise news cycles, many creators are investing in original IP cosplay that builds lasting local recognition.

What local costumers told us — real quotes and practical pivots

Below are anonymized, paraphrased highlights from the roundtable, edited for clarity. These voices represent makers with 4–12 years of convention experience and combined follower counts in the tens of thousands.

"We used to build a full hero suit for a single reveal at FanHarbor. Now we design a base kit: helmet, gauntlets, and a cape, then swap accents for whatever version of the character shows up in the news. It's faster and safer when canon is unpredictable." — R., armour specialist, Halifax

"Panels that teach 'how to 3D-print a weathered blaster in under two hours' actually outperform character history slides. People want tech and skills they can use regardless of which movie drops next." — S., prop maker, Moncton

"We’re seeing smaller regional cons adding ticketed livestreams. Last fall we tested a paid livestream workshop and made more than from the in-person class fee — that changed how I price my builds." — T., streamer and panelist, Portland ME

Actionable costume priorities for 2026

If you’re a cosplayer or a workshop instructor wondering where to invest time and money this year, here are specific, implementable strategies the roundtable champions.

1. Build modular, convertible costumes

Design a base silhouette and make interchangeable armor, insignia, and color panels. Prioritize attachment systems (magnets, dovetail tabs, quick-release buckles) so a single base can become multiple canonical variants. This saves time, materials and hedges against sudden franchise pivots.

2. Prioritize livestream‑friendly reveal mechanics

In 2026, audience attention is currency. Plan reveals with camera angles, quick-change mechanisms, and stage lighting in mind. Test transitions on a phone: can you go from construction-stage to photo-stage in 60 seconds? If not, iterate. To plan quick-change and mobile streaming, see the Mobile Micro‑Studio evolution playbook.

3. Invest in sustainable, cost‑effective materials

PLA and PETG remain the go‑to for 3D prints; combine with recycled fabric panels. Local makers in the roundtable reported a 20–30% cut in material costs by using offcuts and surplus markets. Sustainable choices are also programming-friendly: panels on low‑waste cosplay draw engaged audiences and sponsor interest. For pairing micro-events with sustainable merchandising, see Sustainable Gift Bundles and Micro‑Events.

4. Learn one new tech skill each quarter

For 2026 that usually means one of the following:

• Resin finishing workflows for small parts
• AI‑assisted pattern drafting tools
• Basic Blender/Fusion 360 techniques for props
• Live-stream production with OBS and multi-camera setups

Panel ideas that work regardless of Star Wars canon

Rather than tying programming to a specific film announcement, create panels that teach, entertain, and scale. Here are tested formats that our roundtable favors:

Practical workshop formats

• Speedbuilds: 30–45 minute builds where presenters complete a small prop live. Great for livestreams and sponsorships.
• Modularity masterclass: How to design detachable elements for quick changes.
• Material deep dives: Sustainable textiles, resin finishing, weathering techniques.
• Repair & Stagecraft: Live Q&A on on-the-fly repairs for stage use.

Community and fandom panels

• Canon-proof creativity: Roundtables on original character building and IP-safe mashups that nurture local fan identity.
• Fan-collaboration showcases: Group projects like local cantina bands or small-group skits encourage community buy-in.
• Industry meets maker: Invite local prop houses, theater costume shops, or university design programs for cross-pollination.

Monetizable panel formats

• Ticketed livestream seats: Offer limited virtual front-row access with bonus Q&A. If you want a 30-day playbook to launch a paid stream, check Micro-Event Launch Sprint.
• Patron pre-shows: Early access for Patreon/Ko-fi supporters with behind-the-scenes content. Learn more about creator commerce approaches in the Creator‑Led Commerce playbook.
• Sponsored mini-segments: Local fabric stores or maker labs sponsor a 10‑minute segment for product demos. Sponsorship models often pair well with sustainable bundle concepts like Sustainable Gift Bundles.

How convention organizers should adapt programming in 2026

Organizers in the Atlantic region are already responding. The roundtable included two local con programmers who outlined the shifts they’re making — actionable for any regional organizer.

1. Rebalance stage time: technique over lore

Allocate at least 40% of fan programming to skills, repairs, and hybrid sessions that remain relevant regardless of franchise announcements. This protects ticket sales and stream viewership from the volatility of studio schedules.

2. Invest in scalable livestream infrastructure

Even small cons should plan for multi-camera streaming, a paid virtual ticket tier, and real-time chat moderation. Recommended stack in 2026: OBS for production, StreamYard for remote guests, Crowdcast or Hopin for ticketed webinars, and Vimeo/YouTube for archival VODs. Budget line items to include camera operators and a dedicated stream manager and basic field rig gear.

3. Formalize creator compensation

Set transparent stipends or revenue shares for high-profile panels. Creators told us that late 2025 saw a shift: regional cons that paid standard stipends attracted better talent and eased last-minute cancellations.

4. Partner with local maker spaces

Collaborations with universities and maker labs expand workshop capacity and reduce materials costs. They’re also fertile ground for sponsorships and cross-promotional programming. For hybrid maker spaces and small-scale production, see Hybrid Showrooms & Microfactories.

Monetization & creator tools: practical checklist

Creators at the roundtable shared a working checklist for monetizing panels, streams, and builds in 2026. Follow this checklist to move from passion to sustainable income.

1. Pricing model: Set tiered pricing — free livestream, $5–15 ticket for interactive virtual seat, $25–50 for recorded workshop + downloadable patterns.
2. Payment platforms: Use Stripe-enabled ticketing (Eventbrite, TicketTailor) and a creator page (Patreon, Ko-fi, Buy Me a Coffee) for subscriptions and one-off sales.
3. Merch and digital goods: Sell pattern packs, paint recipes, and exclusive how-to videos. For pricing limited-run merch tactics, see How Microbrands Price Limited‑Run Game Merch.
4. Sponsorship outreach: Approach local fabric shops, maker labs, and camera rental houses with clear sponsor packets — include audience metrics and sample ROI scenarios.
5. Livestream tech: Two-camera setups, a Lapel mic for presenters, an HDMI capture card, and a moderator to field chat and enable paid Q&A. For detailed field rig checklists, see the Field Rig Review.

Case study: Halifax cosplay collective pivots after Jan 2026

When the Filoni-era list circulated in mid-January 2026, the Halifax Cosplay Collective (HCC) had two months to reshape its spring con schedule. Their successful pivot offers a replicable model.

What they changed

• Replaced a single-character panel with a "Modularity in Practice" workshop.
• Converted one in-person ticketed masterclass into a hybrid event with a $10 virtual front-row seat.
• Partnered with a local maker space for a sponsored materials table, offsetting costs. Local maker partnerships often follow the hybrid-showroom model in practice: see examples here.

Results (measurable)

• 35% increase in total revenue from ticketed sessions vs. original plan.
• One-hundred new subscribers to the collective’s Patreon during the con weekend.
• Higher attendance at the "modularity" panel than the previously planned character spotlight.

Programming calendar and timing advice for 2026

With the franchise landscape in flux, timing and flexibility matter. Here’s a sample six-month cadence for costumers and organizers.

6–12 months out

• Plan modular builds and reserve maker-lab time.
• Open panel submissions with categories emphasizing skill-share and community.

3–6 months out

• Lock in livestream infrastructure and ticketing tiers.
• Recruit sponsor partners and finalize creator stipends.

0–3 months out

• Run technical rehearsals and livestream dress runs.
• Publish final panel descriptions emphasizing skills to attract broader audiences.

Top tools and resources for Atlantic-region creators (2026)

From design to distribution, these are the tools our roundtable found most useful in late 2025 and early 2026.

• Design & modelling: Blender, Fusion 360
• Print & fabrication: Prusa/SKYNET 3D printers, desktop resin printers, Cricut, Glowforge
• Streaming: OBS Studio, StreamYard, Crowdcast for paid sessions. For mobile and field streaming best practices, read the Mobile Micro‑Studio playbook.
• Payments & tickets: Stripe-enabled Eventbrite, TicketTailor, Patreon, Ko-fi
• Community platforms: Discord for pre-con meetups; localized Facebook groups and Mastodon servers for announcements

Future trends to watch in 2026 and beyond

Our roundtable highlighted three macro trends that will shape cosplay and conventions across the Atlantic region over the next 18–24 months.

1. Hybrid-first conventions

Expect small and mid-sized cons to permanently adopt hybrid models. Virtual front rows, paid VOD archives, and region-wide satellite meetups will become standard revenue streams.

2. Increasing demand for technique over canon

Panels that teach universal skills — pattern drafting, prop electronics, quick weathering — will outlast character-specific spotlights. This creates resilience for both creators and organizers.

3. Local original IP and community storytelling

To avoid dependence on studio schedules, more cosplayers will invest in original characters and local narrative events (e.g., maritime‑themed galas, region-specific skits) that strengthen the Atlantic fandom identity.

Actionable checklist: what you should do this month

• Audit your current builds: tag parts as "modular" or "single-use." Convert where possible.
• Reach out to one local maker space and propose a sponsored workshop. If you want ideas for sponsorship-friendly micro-events, check Sustainable Gift Bundles & Micro‑Events.
• Set up a paid livestream option for your next panel and run a tech rehearsal. Use the 30-day launch playbook at Micro-Event Launch Sprint.
• Create a short panel pitch emphasizing skills or modularity and submit to 2–3 local cons.

Closing thoughts from the roundtable

There’s a clear mix of apprehension and opportunity in the community. While uncertainty in the Star Wars slate can feel destabilizing, costumers and programmers see it as a catalyst for smarter design, diversified income, and stronger local storytelling.

"Studio news will always change the winds. What’s different now is we have better tools and more revenue options to adapt quickly. That means the local scene will get stronger, not smaller." — A., community organizer, Wilmington NC

Final takeaways: how to stay ahead

In 2026, staying rigidly tied to a single canon is a strategic weakness. Instead:

• Design for adaptability: modular builds and convertible reveals.
• Teach and monetize skills: craft panels that are evergreen. For pricing and merch ideas, see How Microbrands Price Limited‑Run Game Merch.
• Build local IP: original characters and region-specific events protect creative economies.
• Invest in hybrid tech: livestreams, ticketing and VOD turn single events into ongoing revenue. For practical field rig checklists, read the Field Rig Review.

Join the conversation — Atlantic cosplay roundtable invites

Want to weigh in? We're organizing a follow-up hybrid roundtable and a livestream workshop series led by the costumers in this piece. Submit your RSVP or a panel pitch and we’ll connect you with local organizers, maker spaces, and sponsor partners.

Take action now: If you run panels, teach workshops, or build costumes in the Atlantic region, submit a 150-word panel pitch to our events inbox by the end of the month. We’ll offer curated feedback and match high-potential pitches with technical mentors for livestream production.

Cosplay thrives on community — and in 2026, the smartest creators are the ones who build for more than a photo: they build for adaptability, for learning, and for local culture. See you at the next roundtable.

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