SFF Horizon 2026: Worldcon Partnerships, Cultural Deep Dives, and Industry Shifts

Los Angeles, CA – June 12, 2026 – The world of science fiction, fantasy, and horror continues its dynamic evolution, marked by significant partnerships, poignant remembrances, and critical industry developments. From the global stage of Worldcon to the intimate discussions of popular podcasts, and from profound historical fiction to the speculative frontiers of philosophy, the genre remains a vibrant cultural touchstone. This week’s news highlights a growing recognition of diverse voices, a re-evaluation of historical narratives, and a period of introspection for beloved franchises.

Main Facts – Unpacking Key Developments in SFF and Culture

This past week has seen a flurry of activity and announcements across the speculative fiction landscape, signalling both continuity and change. Worldcon, a cornerstone event for the genre, is set to amplify African voices, while a popular podcast offers a unique blend of culinary and cultural commentary. Literary criticism continues to shape perceptions of new SFF works, and historical perspectives shed light on the origins of modern media. Meanwhile, a prestigious literary prize challenges conventional narratives, and the entertainment world mourns beloved figures whose contributions spanned decades and genres. Simultaneously, a major science fiction television franchise faces an uncertain future, prompting fervent discussion about its path forward, while community arts initiatives seek vital support.

African Speculative Fiction Takes Center Stage at Worldcon

Worldcon, through its upcoming LAcon V iteration, has announced an exciting partnership with the African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS). This collaboration will culminate in the live announcement of the Nommo Awards shortlist during LAcon V’s virtual program. Beyond the awards, ASFS plans multiple panels, including a "Celebrating African Speculative Fiction" discussion, which will feature insights from nominees and explore the genre’s global impact and evolution. This move underscores a significant commitment to diversity and representation within the broader SFF community.

Podcasting Powerhouses Unite for Culinary Fandom

In a unique cross-podcast event, Scott Edelman’s renowned Eating the Fantastic welcomed John Coxon and Alison Scott, two-thirds of the Hugo Award-nominated Octothorpe team, for its 284th episode. Recorded during this year’s Eastercon, the episode blends gastronomic exploration—featuring Edelman’s first taste of peri-peri chicken at a Nando’s—with an in-depth discussion on fandom, podcasting, and the cultural nuances of British life. This collaboration showcases the burgeoning role of podcasts in fostering community and critical discourse within speculative fiction.

The Guardian Explores New Horizons in SFF Literature

Lisa Tuttle, a respected voice in literary criticism, has offered her latest "best recent science fiction, fantasy and horror" review roundup in The Guardian. Her selections span a diverse range of new releases, including Temi Oh’s Not With a Bang, Clare Cavenagh’s Tillinghast, Benedict Anning’s Atomic Coffin, Katherine Arden’s The Unicorn Hunters, and Mark Morris’s Bad Things Happen Here. This consistent coverage by mainstream outlets highlights the genre’s enduring appeal and literary merit.

Unearthing the Roots of Movie Tie-in Novels

SFWA’s Planetside publication has delved into the fascinating origins of movie tie-in novels, tracing their lineage back to the silent film era. The article, titled "Silent Movies Jump from Screen to Page in Movie Tie-In Novels," uses the 1913 serial The Adventures of Kathlyn as a prime example of early cross-media synergy. This historical exploration reveals how foundational marketing strategies for entertainment were established over a century ago.

Walter Scott Prize Honors a ‘Most Unusual’ Historical Fiction

The prestigious Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction has been awarded to Alice Jolly for her novel The Matchbox Girl. The BBC reports that judges lauded the book as potentially "the most unusual book you read this year," praising its "originality, innovation, ambition," and its "gripping tour de force" in confronting "a topic of immense complexity." Jolly’s work explores the life of Adelheid Brunner, a mute autistic patient of Dr. Hans Asperger in 1930s Nazi-occupied Vienna, challenging perceptions of historical figures and difficult ethical periods.

Remembering SFF Luminaries: Tributes and Farewells

The SFF and entertainment communities pause to remember several influential figures. Michael Swanwick penned a heartfelt tribute to the prolific author Jane Yolen, who passed away this year at 77. The entertainment industry also mourns Ronnie Schell, the beloved actor known for Gomer Pyle: USMC and various genre roles, who died at 94. Additionally, Margaret Kerry, the iconic live-action model for Tinker Bell in Disney’s Peter Pan and a versatile voice actress, passed away at 97, leaving an indelible mark on animation history. Finally, a birthday remembrance honored Irwin Allen, born June 12, 1916, whose pioneering work profoundly shaped early science fiction television.

The Future of ‘Doctor Who’ in Question and Under Discussion

A wave of concern has swept through the Doctor Who fandom as The New York Times reports the series has entered an "indefinite hiatus." With production company Bad Wolf and showrunner Russell T. Davies departing, and no new episodes planned beyond a preschool animated series, fans are grappling with what has been dubbed "the Wilderness Years 2.0." Amidst this uncertainty, author Charlie Jane Anders has offered a thoughtful blueprint for the show’s potential return, advocating for more complex and independent companions.

Community Initiatives and Philosophical Inquiries

Beyond the mainstream, community efforts and intellectual explorations continue to enrich the cultural landscape. The Soapbox, a vital community print shop and zine library in West Philadelphia, has launched an urgent fundraiser to support its relocation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by independent arts organizations. Concurrently, a paper by philosophers Eric Schwitzgebel and Jeremy Pober, published in Phys.org, posits that consciousness is "likely not unique to earthlings," exploring the concept of "substrate flexibility" and broadening our understanding of intelligent life.

Chronology – A Timeline of Recent and Historical Events

The events of this week, both contemporary and historical, underscore the rich tapestry of the speculative fiction world and its broader cultural impact.

• Early 20th Century (1913-1914): The genesis of modern media tie-ins can be traced back to this period, with silent film serials like The Adventures of Kathlyn pioneering cross-promotion through novelizations and newspaper features. This era laid the groundwork for how entertainment franchises would be marketed for decades to come.
• 1916-1992: The life and career of Irwin Allen, born June 12, 1916. His significant contributions to science fiction television began in the 1960s with series like Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1964-1968), Lost in Space (1965-1968), The Time Tunnel (1966-1967), and Land of the Giants (1968-1970). His influence continued with later projects like The Return of Captain Nemo (1978) and a star-studded Alice in Wonderland musical (1985).
• 1929-2026: The lifetime of Margaret Kerry, the iconic live-action model for Tinker Bell, who passed away this year at 97. Her career spanned from early film roles in the 1930s to significant voice work in the 1950s and 60s, including Clutch Cargo and Space Angel.
• 1931-2026: The lifetime of Ronnie Schell, the versatile character actor, who passed away this year at 94. His extensive career included memorable SFF roles in television shows like Mork & Mindy and Phil of the Future, and genre films such as The Shaggy D.A.
• 1939-2026: The lifetime of Jane Yolen, whose passing at 77 prompted a tribute from Michael Swanwick. Yolen’s prolific output, encompassing hundreds of books, left an indelible mark on children’s and speculative literature.
• 1930s Vienna: The historical setting of Alice Jolly’s Walter Scott Prize-winning novel The Matchbox Girl, which sensitively explores the complexities of Dr. Hans Asperger’s work amidst Nazi occupation. The narrative is deeply informed by historical documents unearthed in 2018, which shed new light on Asperger’s controversial past.
• 2005: The year Russell T. Davies relaunched Doctor Who, ushering in a new era for the beloved British sci-fi institution. This reboot is now a benchmark against which the show’s current "indefinite hiatus" is being measured by fans.
• 2023: Russell T. Davies’ most recent return to Doctor Who as showrunner, a tenure that has now concluded, contributing to the series’ current uncertain status.
• Recent Past (This Year’s Eastercon): The setting for Scott Edelman’s Eating the Fantastic podcast recording with Octothorpe hosts John Coxon and Alison Scott, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of a major SFF convention.
• This Week (Wednesday): Bad Wolf, the production company behind the recent Doctor Who era, announced its departure via Instagram, intensifying fan discussions about the show’s future.
• Currently (June 2026): Lisa Tuttle’s latest SFF review roundup published in The Guardian, offering a contemporary snapshot of the genre’s literary output. Worldcon (LAcon V) is actively planning its events, with the full schedule expected in August 2026, including the much-anticipated Nommo Awards shortlist announcement. The Soapbox community print shop is urgently fundraising for its move.
• Last Month: Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical, notably addressing the dangers of artificial intelligence and using the term "algorithm" 19 times, highlighting the contemporary relevance of a word with ancient roots.

Supporting Data – Deep Dives and Contextual Information

The various news items provide rich layers of detail that illuminate broader trends and historical contexts within SFF and the wider cultural sphere.

Nommo Awards and African Speculative Fiction

The Nommo Awards, presented annually by the African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS), are a crucial platform for recognizing outstanding works by African writers and those in the diaspora. These awards not only celebrate literary excellence but also play a vital role in elevating voices and narratives that have historically been underrepresented in global speculative fiction. ASFS’s partnership with LAcon V, a Worldcon event, signifies a growing integration of diverse SFF communities into mainstream genre conventions, leveraging virtual programming to ensure global accessibility. This collaboration is a testament to the increasing influence and quality of African SFF.

The Art of Podcasting and Fandom Engagement

Scott Edelman’s Eating the Fantastic is known for its unique premise: conversations with SFF luminaries over a meal. Episode 284, featuring Octothorpe‘s John Coxon and Alison Scott, offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of fandom, personal history, and the craft of podcasting. The choice of Nando’s for the meal provides a cultural anchor, as Nando’s peri-peri chicken holds a distinct place in British casual dining. The discussion delves into Octothorpe‘s unexpected genesis during COVID-19, their deliberate choice of podcast over traditional fanzine, the importance of listener interaction ("letters of comment"), and candid advice for aspiring podcasters, all while navigating the delicate balance of commenting on fandom from within. The fact that both podcasts are Hugo Award-nominated underscores their critical acclaim and influence within the SFF community.

Movie Tie-ins: A Century-Old Marketing Strategy

The SFWA Planetside article on silent movie tie-in novels offers a compelling look at the origins of cross-media marketing. The Adventures of Kathlyn, a 1913 serial, exemplifies how studios and publishers collaborated to maximize audience engagement. Kathlyn Williams, the film’s star, was a pioneering action heroine, famous for performing with big cats—a talent fully exploited in the serial’s plot of jungle adventures, mythical kingdoms, and daring rescues. Harold McGrath’s novelization, complete with movie stills, and coordinated newspaper features (like those in the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times) created an immersive transmedia experience, proving that sophisticated marketing strategies are far from a modern invention. This historical precedent highlights the enduring appeal of extending narratives across different platforms.

The Walter Scott Prize and Historical Re-evaluation

Alice Jolly’s The Matchbox Girl is not merely a historical novel but a profound ethical inquiry. Its focus on Adelheid Brunner and Dr. Hans Asperger during the Nazi era forces a re-evaluation of historical figures, particularly those whose legacies are intertwined with atrocities. Dr. Asperger, renowned for identifying "Asperger syndrome," faced revelations in 2018 that he sent child patients to the Am Spiegelgrund clinic, where they were murdered by the Nazi regime. Jolly’s novel grapples with this dark complexity, not by excusing, but by exploring the motivations and struggles of individuals caught in an "evil storm." Her emphasis on Asperger’s "forgotten colleagues" and their efforts to maintain research and principles in impossible circumstances adds a crucial dimension, challenging simplistic good-vs-evil narratives and showcasing the power of historical fiction to confront uncomfortable truths.

Legacies in Entertainment: From Animated Pixies to Sci-Fi Architects

The passing of Ronnie Schell, Margaret Kerry, and Jane Yolen, along with the birthday remembrance of Irwin Allen, underscores the diverse ways individuals shape the SFF and entertainment landscape. Ronnie Schell’s extensive career, bridging comedic roles in mainstream sitcoms like Gomer Pyle: USMC with appearances in Mork & Mindy and voice work in Jetsons: The Movie, exemplifies the versatility required in Hollywood. Margaret Kerry’s role as the live-action model for Tinker Bell in Peter Pan offers a unique insight into the animation process, where human performance directly informed animated character design. Her meticulous work on a "great big soundstage," imagining reactions and movements, brought one of Disney’s most iconic characters to life. Jane Yolen’s literary output, spanning hundreds of books including the celebrated Owl Moon, demonstrates not just prolificacy but also a dedication to craft, with some of her seemingly simplest works undergoing "a few hundred" drafts. Irwin Allen, often dubbed the "Master of Disaster," was a pivotal figure in 1960s sci-fi television, creating enduring franchises that defined the era’s imaginative scope and spectacle. His work, from Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea to Land of the Giants, established blueprints for adventure-driven genre series.

The ‘Doctor Who’ Conundrum: A Franchise at a Crossroads

The "indefinite hiatus" for Doctor Who following the departures of Bad Wolf and Russell T. Davies marks a significant moment for the long-running series. The New York Times report and fan reactions, coining the term "Wilderness Years 2.0," harken back to the 16-year gap between the classic series (1989) and the 2005 reboot. This period of uncertainty leaves the franchise at a creative and production crossroads, with only a preschool animated series confirmed. Charlie Jane Anders’ insightful suggestions for the show’s return offer a roadmap, advocating for a return to "unusual" companions, drawing parallels to characters like Captain Jack Harkness or even Inigo Montoya, moving beyond companions solely defined by their relationship with the Doctor and giving them more independent narrative arcs.

Supporting Independent Arts and Questioning Consciousness

The Soapbox community print shop and zine library serves as a vital hub for independent media and artistic expression in West Philadelphia. Its urgent fundraiser highlights the precarity of many community arts organizations, which often rely on dedicated volunteers and grassroots support to provide accessible creative resources and preserve alternative print culture. Simultaneously, the philosophical paper on "substrate flexibility" by Schwitzgebel and Pober pushes the boundaries of scientific and philosophical thought. By questioning the biological constraints of consciousness, the paper opens up profound implications for astrobiology and artificial intelligence, drawing inspiration from speculative fiction examples like the alien in Project Hail Mary to illustrate the potential for non-biological forms of intelligence.

Official Responses – Voices from the Front Lines

The announcements and developments this week have elicited direct statements from the organizations and individuals involved, providing crucial insights into their perspectives and intentions.

The LAcon V organizers expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to be partnering with the African Speculative Fiction Society at LAcon V!" They further elaborated on the scope of ASFS’s involvement, noting, "ASFS presents the annual Nommo Awards, which honor outstanding works of speculative fiction by African writers across the continent and diaspora. This year, ASFS will be announcing the shortlisted works live at LAcon via our Virtual Program!"

Regarding the Eating the Fantastic podcast, Scott Edelman’s description highlights the unique confluence of two award-nominated shows and the informal setting: "Two Hugo Award-nominated podcasts collide in the fifth and final episode of Eating the Fantastic recorded during this year’s Eastercon. John Coxon and Alison Scott, two-thirds of the award-winning team behind Octothorpe […] took me on walkabout to a nearby Nando’s so I could experience its peri-peri chicken for the first time — and we recorded not just our meal, but the hikes there and back again."

The Walter Scott Prize judges offered profound praise for Alice Jolly’s The Matchbox Girl: "The Matchbox Girl may be the most unusual book you read this year… For its honesty, power and storytelling dexterity, our 2026 winner will also be one of the most important." They also commended the book’s broader literary merits: "Judges praised the originality, innovation, ambition of Jolly’s work which confronts a topic of immense complexity in a gripping tour de force." Alice Jolly herself reflected on her motivations, stating, "I remain constantly troubled by that age of old question as to how people who were certainly not wholly ‘evil’ nevertheless found themselves drawn into appalling crimes," and "My book started with the simple question – who was Dr Asperger?" She later found herself "obsessed with bringing them [Asperger’s forgotten colleagues] into the light and celebrating the ways in which they struggled to hold onto their research, and their principles, despite finding themselves in the eye of the most evil storm of the 20th Century."

Bad Wolf, the production company, made its departure from Doctor Who known via an Instagram reel, though specific public statements regarding the hiatus are scarce. The New York Times article, however, noted their departure, confirming