There’s been a lot of seismic activity in California as of late, and not just of the earthquake variety. There’s been quite a shake up at San Diego Comic-Con’s coveted Hall H as well, particularly where the big movie studio presentations are concerned.
For those unfamiliar, the breathtaking 6,500 seater that is Hall H has always been one of the bigger draws at Comic-Con International, most notably for movie fans because this is where many of the film industry’s biggest studios drop their biggest buzz-worthy sizzle reels. Some of the more high profile stuff over the past decade (i.e. Marvel, Warner Brothers, TWILIGHT, etc.) has even inspired thousands of eager fans (including yours truly) to camp out for hours (and in some cases, days) just to ensure seating.
Over the last few years, however, we’re definitely seeing a major shift from the major studio presence in Hall H to more television and streaming service presentations. No real surprise as that’s simply the way things are headed. A shame that the studios don’t look at the Con the way they once did, though, because, in the heyday of Hall H movie magic, this place was unmatched!
Point being, if you’re attending the Con this year and expecting the traditional high profile Warner Brothers panel as well as potential peeks at EPISODE IX, Walt Disney Pictures, Sony, Universal, etc., you’re in for a bit of a shock because aside from Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios, Hall H is going to be fairly light in the movie department this year.
All of that said, this is hardly a knock on the greatness that is this iconic convention. There’s still plenty to be excited about for those attending the 50th anniversary of the Con this year! Not only in Hall H but throughout the massive San Diego Convention Center. Over the course of 5 epic days, fans of comics, movies, television, games, and the arts, in general, will join together as one in their quest to basque in the glory of all that they hold dear.
Here’s a look at 5 Comic-Con 2019 presentations we find particularly noteworthy:
THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE
I can say with absolute certainty that there isn’t another presentation I’m more ecstatic about this year! This isn’t meant as an insult to all the greatness the Con is going to deliver over the weekend but rather a true testament to my pure, unadulterated love of THE DARK CRYSTAL in general.
THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE is a project that I never believed would ever actually come to fruition but thanks to Netflix, director Louis Leterrier, and those wonderful magicians at the Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, we are getting it…And in a very big way. I’d be lying if I said a little part of me wasn’t disappointed that we don’t get to see this project on the big screen, but the fact that this is a 10 part extended prequel series is more than a fair trade off.
It should also be noted that THE AGE OF RESISTANCE Hall H Comic-Con panel will be an epic 1 hour and 45 minutes long meaning that Team THE DARK CRYSTAL is going to be bringing some really special surprises to San Diego. What might those surprises be? Might attendees be treated to a whole episode? Cast members? Gelfling live on stage? All of the above?! Whatever the case may be, it’s safe to say that this is going to be one amazing presentation.
Friday July 19, 2019 3:30pm – 5:15pm
Hall H
“Netflix offers an exclusive sneak peek at the highly anticipated fantasy series THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE, based on Jim Henson’s groundbreaking 1982 feature film, THE DARK CRYSTAL. In this stunning new prequel, three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis’ power and set out on an epic journey to ignite the fires of rebellion and save their world. Realized using classic puppetry with cutting-edge visual effects, the cast and creators discuss all your burning questions about bringing Thra to life.”
MARVEL STUDIOS
Marvel Studios actually sat the 2018 Con out and while their upcoming scheduled appearance at Walt Disney’s D23 Expo in August had led to rumors that they might skip the 2019 Con as well, they will, in fact, grace Hall H with what should be a pretty epic affair. You see, Marvel doesn’t do small, particularly where Comic-Con is concerned. And while no one is quite certain what they’re going to share with wildly enthusiastic attendees, you can bet there’s going to be plenty of special guests and more than a few epic surprises.
Saturday July 20, 2019 5:15pm – 6:45pm
Hall H
“Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige and surprise panelists provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
CREEPSHOW
One benefit to a smaller showing of epic movie presentations in Hall H is that it’ll afford attendees an opportunity to do something they rarely get a chance to do: Venture outside of Hall H. As it turns out, Shudder will be hosting a CREEPSHOW presentation in one of the Convention Center’s smaller rooms and I couldn’t be any more excited! The legendary 80s George A. Romero/Stephen King collaboration that is CREEPSHOW is one of my all time favorite works of horror and when it was announced that Shudder, along with “The Walking Dead” make up effects genius and director Greg Nicotero, would be creating a series based on this brilliant movie, I was positively ecstatic. Nicotero and crew are expected to drop the very first look at the series at San Diego Comic-Con and there will be some very special guests along for the ride!
Friday July 19, 2019 5:45pm – 6:45pm
Room 6BCF
“Showrunner Greg Nicotero (“The Walking Dead”), author Joe Hill (NOS4A2), actor Adrienne Barbeau (1982’s CREEPSHOW, THE FOG), and other cast members share an exclusive sneak peek of their upcoming Shudder horror anthology series based on the iconic 1982 film, with a Q&A session moderated by Los Angeles Times film reporter Jen Yamato.”
COBRA KAI
THE KARATE KID is a movie that I hold very close to my heart. A lot of that is nostalgia but a lot of that also has to do with the fact that it’s simply a kick ass movie. THE KARATE KID PART 2 was pretty darn good too. The Youtube Premium series “Cobra Kai” catches up with 80s rivals Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny (William Zabka) nearly 35 years later and examines how that infamous karate match shaped their lives. While this series is reverent and holds true to the spirit of the movie that inspired it, there’s a lot of clever subverting going on here, too. Not only is Johnny fleshed out as a character but this charming, heartfelt, funny, and surprisingly poignant show goes in a handful of directions you might not be expecting. Macchio is terrific but Zabka is the real revelation in this series. Further props to an appealing supporting cast. “Cobra Kai” just closed out its second season and was just renewed for a 3rd. Show creators and cast members will be on hand to give a little insight into what direction this wonderful and most unexpected series might be headed.
Thursday July 18, 2019 4:45pm – 5:45pm
Ballroom 20
“Hear from the cast and creators of the hit YouTube Original Series Cobra Kai, which launched its second season last spring to another round of fanfare and critical acclaim. From its iconic roots in THE KARATE KID film franchise to the current YouTube series, fans can learn the moves it took to bring these popular characters back for a new generation—and try to wrestle free the surprises in store for its upcoming third season.”
TERMINATOR: DARK FATE
DEADPOOL Director Tim Miller and original TERMINATOR creator James Cameron are bringing the franchise back to its roots in what is purported to be a direct sequel to the first two films. I was fortunate enough to see exclusive footage from TERMINATOR: DARK FATE at CinemaCon back in April and admittedly, it looked pretty good. At the very least, the footage we were treated to looked considerably stronger than the trailer that would drop a month or so later. While the jury is still out on whether this movie will capture the spirit of the first two pictures, one thing is certain: The great Arnold Schwarzenegger knows how to work a crowd and since he’s scheduled to be on this panel, that’s one of many reasons fans will definitely want to attend. Also expected to attend: A returning Linda Hamilton. Yes, please!
Sidenote: Rumors continue to persist that TOP GUN: MAVERICK is going to have a presence at Comic-Con this year but thus far, nothing has formally been announced. I hypothesize that since TOP GUN hails from Paramount Pictures, the same studio hosting this TERMINATOR: DARK FATE panel, that fans might be surprised by a high profile Paramount twofer!
Thursday July 18, 2019 11:00am – 12:00pm
Hall H
“Paramount Pictures brings a TERMINATOR: DARK FATE panel discussion and footage presentation with talent and filmmakers.”
OTHER NOTEWORTHY PANELS:
Kevin Smith‘s JAY AND SILENT BOB reboot, THE BANANA SPLITS MOVIE, “Batman Beyond” 20th Anniversary, A Conversation with the Russo Brothers, Writing AVENGERS: ENDGAME, Enter the “Star Trek” Universe, “The Walking Dead,” “Game of Thrones,” GHOSTBUSTERS 35th Anniversary, ALIEN 40th Anniversary, “Veronica Mars,” “Rick and Morty,” “Preacher,” Screen Junkies, “Supernatural,” “Westworld,” “Family Guy,” “The Simpsons,” “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” with Bruce Campbell, and A Master Class With Guillermo del Toro.
The 50th anniversary of Comic-Con International takes place at the San Diego Convention Center from Wednesday, July 17 thru Saturday, July 21st. For detailed info regarding this iconic Con, click here.
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