Actor Andy Serkis coming to Tampa Bay Comic Convention

Andy Serkis, the acclaimed actor behind some of the most memorable movie characters, will attend the Tampa Bay Comic Convention in August, a “precious” get for fans of the science fiction and fantasy films that have made use of his motion-capture performances.

From Gollum in “Lord of the Rings” to King Kong and Caesar in the “Planet of the Apes” movies, Serkis has been called “the greatest actor you’ve never seen.” He is known for bringing old-fashioned acting chops to high-tech fantasy filmmaking.

There were animators at work in those movies, but Serkis didn’t just voice his characters. For Gollum, he physically played the slimy ring-obsessed former Hobbit. The technology used in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” translated the performance of human actors into photo-realistic apes.

Actor James Franco, who starred as the scientist who raised Caesar, called Serkis “the undisputed master of the newest kind of acting.” He spelled it out in an essay calling for his co-star to finally get the Oscar he deserves.

The Tampa Bay Comic Convention will be Aug. 23-25 at the Tampa Convention Center. It will have artists, books, movies, panels, cosplay, gaming and a Lip Sync Contest.

But it is the celebrity lineup that draws the most interest, which this year includes Billy Dee Williams (”Star Wars”), Elijah Wood (”Lord of the Rings”) and Mary McDonnell, the president in “Battlestar Galactica.”

As an actor from some of the biggest blockbusters of all time, Serkis is generating extra excitement, said Dan Farr, Tampa Bay Comic Convention show producer.

“His movies and characters are beloved by fans of all ages and interests, and attendees are in for a special treat with the opportunity to meet Andy,” Farr said. As part of his appearance, he will team with Elijah Wood for a special “Lord of the Rings” group photo op, Farr said.

Tickets are $35 for a day pass to $299 for a three-day VIP pass. It costs extra to buy a photo opportunity or an autograph from one of the celebrities. Autographs run $25 to $100, cash only, and photos range from $40-$250 each and must be purchased in advance.

Go to tampabaycomicconvention.com for information, a schedule and tickets.