Freddie from “iCarly” Has Grown Up: Teen Idol Nathan Kress to Visit Vilnius

The eighth next-generation entertainment festival “Comic Con Baltics 2026,” taking place on May 22–24, 2026, will shake Vilnius with another major announcement. Organizers have confirmed that American actor and director Nathan Kress, known to millions as Freddie Benson from the iconic series “iCarly,” is coming to Lithuania.

Nathan Kress: One of the Most Recognizable Faces of the Nickelodeon Generation

Nathan Kress gained worldwide recognition for his role as Freddie Benson in the Nickelodeon series “iCarly.” The character he portrayed, a technologically gifted, rational, and emotionally sensitive young man, became an essential part of the show’s success. “iCarly” became one of the most watched youth series in television history, and Kress himself was later recognized as an actor capable of subtly balancing comedy, romance, and character-driven performance.

The “iCarly” revival released between 2021 and 2023 not only brought back iconic characters but also allowed Nathan Kress to present a more mature version of Freddie. This new interpretation reflected both the character’s and the actor’s creative and personal development, allowing him to show greater emotional depth and professional maturity while maintaining a connection with long-time fans.

A Career Beyond Major Hits: Versatility in Television and Film

The actor’s career began in early childhood, appearing in commercials, film projects, and television. Among his early works was a voice role in the film “Babe: Pig in the City.” Later, he consistently worked in various television projects, appearing in series such as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “House M.D.,” “True Jackson, VP,” “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” and other US television productions.

In film, Nathan Kress appeared in “Into the Storm,” “Tell Me How I Die,” and “Breaking Brooklyn,” where he sought to challenge himself with more dramatic and psychologically complex roles, deliberately expanding his creative range.

These roles helped establish him as a mature television professional capable of working with complex themes and emotional depth. Critics and film industry representatives often highlight his ability to transition naturally from light comedy to serious drama while maintaining credibility and internal consistency.

Directing and Work Behind the Camera

In recent years, Kress has increasingly worked not only in front of the camera but also behind it. His experience as a director on various television episodes, including the 2021 “iCarly” revival, revealed a strong understanding of audiovisual structure and rhythm. His work on this revival best reflected his professional growth, as he returned not only as the creator of a more mature version of Freddie but also as a creative leader behind the scenes.

Working behind the camera allowed Kress to better understand the entire production process, from script interpretation to the final on-screen result. This strengthened his reputation as a versatile creator and opened new opportunities for future projects that now extend far beyond acting alone.

Comic Con Baltics 2026: Meetings with Film, TV, and Video Game Voice Actors

Five well-known actors have already confirmed their participation in the next-generation entertainment festival. Visitors will be able to meet voice actors Benjamin Byron Davis (Dutch van der Linde) and Peter Blomquist (Micah Bell) from “Red Dead Redemption 2,” as well as Tim Downie (Gale Dekarios) and Samantha Béart (Karlach) from the popular video game “Baldur’s Gate 3.” Actor Finn Jones, known for “Iron Fist” and “Game of Thrones,” will also attend the festival.

Festival visitors will have the opportunity to attend panels, hear actors share stories from behind the scenes of film and game production, ask questions during Q&A sessions, and take photos and get autographs. These moments will give fans a unique opportunity to get to know the actors who contribute to shaping popular culture.

“Comic Con Baltics 2026” is an eighth year next-generation entertainment festival that annually invites creators and actors from iconic films, TV series, comics, and video games to Vilnius. From May 22nd to 24th, visitors will be able to try the latest and already iconic video games and play them together with leading influencers in the “Baltics Gaming Expo” area.

The “Meet Lithuanian Film Industry” program promises meetings with Lithuanian filmmakers and presentations of the latest films. The festival will also host the now traditional international Cosplay and K-Pop Dance Contests. A separate “Family Area” will be set up for the youngest festival visitors.