SAN DIEGO — Marvel Studios is heading back to Hall H, and comic book and movie fans across the country are taking notice. The studio plans to use Comic-Con International in San Diego to drum up excitement for the December release of “Avengers: Doomsday” — while also trying to reignite audience enthusiasm for superhero films at a time when interest in the genre has been cooling.
The Marvel panel, scheduled for Saturday, is considered the most eagerly awaited event of the entire convention. Comic-Con officially gets underway Wednesday evening, and early arrivals can already hunt for exclusive merchandise, including a $25 “KPop Demon Hunters”-themed Hot Wheels Porsche 911 and a $60 “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” customizable Funko figure set.
Organizers expect more than 120,000 attendees over the four-day event. The convention traces its roots back to 1970, when a few hundred science fiction and comics enthusiasts gathered together — with Marvel legend Jack Kirby making an appearance in person.
Since those humble beginnings, Comic-Con has expanded into a massive cultural event featuring cosplay competitions, autograph sessions, obstacle courses, live concerts, and panel discussions on topics ranging from video games — including new titles spotlighting Wolverine and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — to movie poster art and even fencing. On Thursday, Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson and “Ghosts” actor Asher Grodman will take part in a panel called “Hollywood’s Love Affair With Fencing.”
DC Studios, which skipped last year’s Comic-Con along with Marvel due to publicity timing, is back this year to promote its HBO series “Lanterns.” The studio has set up a “training headquarters” activation in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and will host a Friday panel featuring stars Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler.
That presentation, just like Marvel’s, will take place inside Hall H — the convention center’s premier 6,500-person showcase space. While livestreams are not permitted inside, fan reactions shared online can quickly make or break a film or TV show’s future.
Fans of prestige television also have something to look forward to: cast members from “Widow’s Bay” are expected to appear at the bayside convention center on Saturday, as Apple TV marks the comedy-horror series’ 19 Emmy nominations.
Comedy lovers will also have plenty to celebrate. A Friday panel is dedicated entirely to “Spaceballs: The New One,” the long-anticipated sequel to Mel Brooks’ beloved 1987 parody. The upcoming film, due out next year, will bring back Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, and 100-year-old Mel Brooks himself, all reprising their original roles.
