It’s that time again where thousands of fans descend upon San Diego for the annual San Diego Comic Con. As the convention enters into its 43rd year, it has come a long way from its start in March of 1970. Where then, about 150 people attended, it now hosts over 140,000 every July. Whether you’re a fan of comics, movies, art, or video games, there is something here for everyone to get their “geek on” to.
Every year Hollywood uses the convention to test new shows, see the fans reaction, or preview new and upcoming movies and TV shows. This year is no different. I’ll highlight some of the best TV/Movie panels you shouldn’t miss if you are planning on attending Con this year.
In Ballroom 20
On Thursday July 18, at 1:00 PM comes the return for the fifth year running of cable TV’s best fake psychic detective series which is known for bringing its humor, pop culture nostalgia, and geeky flavor to Comic-Con. These panels are typically very fun and hilarious, the cast really knows their fans and brings their A-Game. This year it’s moderated by Psych guest star and ‘80s icon Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride). The Panel will feature stars James Roday, Dulé Hill, Maggie, Tim Omundson, Kirsten Nelson, and Corbin Bernsen.
On Friday July 19th at 1:45 PM Joss Whedon and Jeph Loeb will unleash Marvel’s new TV show based around the amazing Marvel Movie Universe with Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. No word yet as to what surprise guest stars will be in attendance at the panel itself. But I’m sure some or all of the cast will show up, maybe even an Avenger or two just because. One thing is for sure, this will be one of the hardest panels to get into, especially when they start showing footage. You will hear the cheers for this panel across the con floor.
Starting Saturday morning on July 20th at 10:15 to 11:45 is the combo of ABC’s Once Upon a Time and the new spin-off show Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. Co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz are here to show off their new show and talk about the upcoming season of the original. No guests announced yet for the Wonderland panel, but returning once more to Con for the Once Upon a Time panel will be the stars of the show: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Robert Carlyle, Josh Dallas, Emilie de Ravin, Colin O’Donoghue, and Michael Raymond James. This should be a very fun panel to see, and even if you’re in the room waiting for something else later in the day, this won’t be the worse thing to sit though.
At 12:00 PM to 2:30 Saturday July 20th is all the best nerdy animated shows in one block. Starting with Furtrrama and The Simpsons with the creators and most, if not all cast members there. This awesome block of panels ends with Seth MacFarlane and his crazy group of creators and cast members for his two shows: Family Guy and American Dad. This panel is nothing but sheer delight and comedy. If you only get to see one panel to laugh your ass off, try to fight your way into this one. You will not be disappointed at all.
HALL H
The dreaded HALL H has become somewhat of a nightmare in the past few years. With people sleeping out to be first in line, to the fighting with the “Twilight Moms” who have even caused a death in the past, HALL H is some series business. If you don’t mind waiting in the heat, HALL H can be very cool and fun. This year doesn’t have as much amazing things as usual, but what they do have is pretty damn cool. Here are some of the best things you should try to see if you can.
Friday July 19th at 10:00 AM is Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and director Edgar Wright bringing their third movie The World’s End to Con. This is will be a packed house for them. They are all amazingly hilarious and worth the wait. This will be a panel that will be talked about all weekend. All are the best of friends, having worked together for years, so the stories and making fun of each other and the audience will be worth it.
Right after the Simon Pegg panel starting at 11:15 AM will be the Veronica Mars Movie panel. Join cast members Kristen Bell, Francis Capra, Enrico Colantoni, Percy Daggs III, Jason Dohring, Ryan Hansen, Chris Lowell, Tina Majorino, and Krysten Ritter along with producer and director Rob Thomas. Fresh off the set of the film that was funded by over 90,000 devoted fans through Kickstarter, attendees will have an opportunity to see exclusive footage, hear details about the production, and ask the cast and producers questions about this upcoming movie. This will be awesome. The movie fans wanted and then went and paid for. As a fan of the show and someone who did give money, this will be a highlight of the weekend.
The biggest comic movie based franchise has always been the one panel with more surprises than any other. Sometimes Robert Downey Jr just shows up or all of the Avengers do. Either way, this year will be no different for the Marvel Studios panel. Starts at 6:00pm Saturday July 20th. The panel will be hosted by president and producer Kevin Feige with many surprise guests who will provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel cinematic universe. There is going to be a lot of talk about Thor and Captain America, so I’m sure Chris Evens and Chris Hemsworth will show up. But you never know with the Marvel panel, with so many secrets behind Guardians of the Galaxy I wouldn’t be surprised if that cast was to show up too, or news about Ant-Man. Who knows! But it’s the most coveted panel to try to get into.
And of course like every year, HALL H closes out Saturday with nerd icon Kevin Smith taking the stage for his normal rude, crude, hilarious panel. Should start at 7:15 PM….but in all the years I have gone and seen Kevin, he never starts on time. Not his fault though, everyone knows Comic Con tries to keep the schedule going but such as life, things always find away to cause time to run late. But Kevin is always worth the wait.
Sunday in HALL H used to be a dump for crap no one liked or studios that didn’t have any hope. But in recent years all that has changed. Now HALL H is alive and well on Sunday with its own set of rules and great panels. It always feels like Friday and Saturday are the movie days and Sunday is all about TV. There are some great panels this year that shouldn’t be missed.
Sunday Morning at 10:00AM is the return of the massively popular Supernatural panel. With Series stars Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, and Mark A. Sheppard. Along with executive producer Jeremy Carver to answer questions from the audience about what’s in store for the ninth season of this series. Fans will also be treated to an exclusive video presentation featuring series highlights. I have been to several of these Supernatural panels and I have never once been disappointed. All the guys are very funny and know each other really well, so lots of picking one another and not taking anything too seriously. Always a great time.
Sunday July 21st at 12:30 will be BBC America’s presentation of the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary panel featuring Doctor Who stars Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman, as well as award-winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat. This is going to be another of the hardest panels to get into. If you know what’s best for you, get there early and hope for the best. With Doctor Who celebrating it 50th year, I’m sure the BBC has some special surprises in store for the American fans, like shocking clips, maybe a special guest or two, or maybe, just maybe, they’ll tell us who number 12 is! So many things could happen! But lets be honest, it’s Doctor Who, so there’s really nothing left to say.
And last but certainly not least is Community at Comic-Con on Sunday at 1:50 PM, and the show is making its HALL H debut to celebrate the devoted Community fandom. Currently confirmed are cast members Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alison Brie, Jim Rash, and Ken Jeong, plus executive producers Dan Harmon and moderated by Chris Hardwick. This is a panel to get into. It will be damn funny and could be the best part of your Sunday. All these guys in one room at the same time, I honestly don’t know what could be a better way to end Con.