Denise Gough Is Heading to Manchester Comic Con – And Yes, the ISB Will Be Watching

Denise Gough Is Heading to Manchester Comic Con – And Yes, the ISB Will Be Watching

If you’ve ever wanted to come face-to-face with the woman who could out-intimidate a room full of stormtroopers without raising her voice, now’s your chance. Denise Gough, who brought bone-chilling precision to the role of Dedra Meero in Andor, is confirmed to appear at Manchester Comic Con on July 27, 2025. So yes, the Imperial Security Bureau is officially on UK soil. You’ve been warned.

Dedra Meero Takes the Spotlight

Gough’s performance in Andor as Dedra Meero—a ruthlessly determined ISB officer climbing the imperial ranks—was nothing short of a masterclass in how to make audiences simultaneously terrified and captivated. Her calculated expressions, ice-cold interrogations, and disturbingly relatable ambition made Dedra one of the most memorable characters in the series.

It’s not every day you get the chance to meet the face behind one of the Empire’s most effective enforcers, and for once, you won’t be interrogated about your whereabouts during the heist on Aldhani. Instead, Gough will be offering autographs and photo ops for £31.50 each. Worth it, considering you’ll be immortalizing a meeting with one of the most nuanced villains in recent Star Wars storytelling.

Manchester Comic Con: Where the Empire (and Rebellion) Assemble

Taking place at the BEC Arena on the weekend of July 26–27, Manchester Comic Con is bringing in some galactic firepower. Besides Gough, the event also features appearances from Star Wars heavy-hitters like Hayden Christensen (yes, Darth Vader himself), Kyle Soller (Syril Karn, still chasing validation), and Manny Jacinto from The Acolyte. It’s shaping up to be a full-blown Star Wars convention disguised as a Comic Con.

Of course, the convention isn’t just about lightsabers and black leather boots. Expect plenty of cosplay competitions, exclusive merch booths, themed panels, and probably at least five people dressed as a Mandalorian version of Pikachu (don’t ask, just enjoy).

Why This Appearance Matters

Gough’s presence at Comic Con is more than a photo-op opportunity. It’s a celebration of the storytelling evolution in the Star Wars franchise. Andor isn’t just another lightsaber-flicking, Force-wielding fantasy; it dives into the political complexities and ethical dilemmas of life under Empire rule. And Dedra Meero? She’s the embodiment of how terrifyingly efficient that machine can be.

Her character stands out because she’s not evil for the sake of it—she believes in order, in structure, and in catching the “bad guys.” It’s the kind of grey morality that modern Star Wars has started exploring more deeply, and Gough’s portrayal brought that nuance to life.

Plus, meeting her in person lets you appreciate that she is, in fact, not actually looking to imprison you for suspicious activity on Ferrix. Probably.

Don’t Miss It (Unless You Want the ISB After You)

If you’ve been following Andor, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of its breakout performances. Whether you’re there for autographs, panels, or just to shout “Power doesn’t panic!” across a crowded convention hall, Manchester Comic Con is delivering a treat for anyone who’s been quietly rooting for the Empire’s HR department.

Tickets are going fast, and with a lineup that includes legacy Star Wars icons and new generation actors alike, the BEC Arena might as well be renamed the Galactic Senate for the weekend. Just try not to argue about who shot first while you’re there.


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