Marvel Studios and DC’s film studios, along with several actors, may be sitting out of this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, but that won’t stop the fans from showing up. As the sun rises over America’s Finest City, attendees are already lining up, eagerly anticipating their entrance to the trade-show floor on Wednesday night or Thursday. The outdoor tents and queues are set up outside the San Diego Convention Center’s Hall H lawn, ready to accommodate the enormous crowds that Comic-Con always attracts.
While some TV networks have scaled back their panels to screenings, the convention is still preparing for the usual excitement. The walkways along the Hilton side of Hall H, fenced off to control crowds, remain in place. Comic-Con is known for being a platform where studios make big announcements about superhero projects. It’s where iconic moments like the first assembly of the cast of The Avengers on stage and the debut of the Guardians of the Galaxy took place. It’s where Gal Gadot first captivated fans as Wonder Woman and where Tom Cruise surprised everyone with the announcement of Top Gun: Maverick.
Despite the absence of some actors due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, fans understand and support their fight for their rights. Levi Hirsch from San Francisco expressed his understanding, saying, “This is a fan event for us, and for them, this is their jobs and their livelihood. If they don’t fight for it now, they’re not going to get it.”
Danny Gomez, another fan from the Bay Area, sympathized with those who enjoy the panels and seeing the stars, saying, “I don’t go for the panels, but I do feel bad for those who do love going to the panels and seeing all the stars come through.”
This year’s Comic-Con promises exciting highlights, including panels for Paramount’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Collider’s Directors on Directing with Gareth Edwards and Justin Simien. Jamie Lee Curtis will also be discussing her new graphic novel, Mother Nature. Kevin Smith will be present to talk about Masters of the Universe on Netflix and the documentary Chasing Chasing Amy. There will be new footage from Peacock’s John Wick series, The Continental, and a 20th-anniversary panel for Lord of the Rings. A24 will also be showcasing their Sundance horror acquisition, Talk to Me.
While there may be a lack of star power this year, the streamers are making their presence known. Paramount+ has taken over the Hard Rock Cafe hotel and nearby buildings for their Lodge, featuring experiences from various projects. AMC has a live stunt from Anne Rice’s Immortal universe, allowing attendees to explore “The Street of Immortality” and visit iconic locations from Interview with the Vampire and Mayfair Witches.
Despite the absence of Disney and Marvel, Comic-Con remains true to its roots as a celebration of comics. Die-hard comic book fans like Hugo Gomez understand the significance of the event and are still excited to be a part of it.
