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| Image: Gage Skidmore |
Written by Adam Mast
Every July, fans of comic books, movies, television, games, and the arts in general flock to San Diego for Comic-Con International. As you probably already guessed, movies are the hook for yours truly, and Comic-Con very seldom disappoints. The official 2015 Comic-Con International lineup will be revealed here in the next few days, so I thought I’d take an opportunity to highlight a few noteworthy films and television shows I hope will make an appearance at the Con’s massive 7000-seat Hall H in the San Diego Convention Center.
Firstly, it should be noted that Marvel Studios (“Captain America: Civil War,” “Doctor Strange,” “Avengers: Infinity Wars”), Sony Pictures (“Spectre,” “Spider-Man,” “Goosebumps”), and Paramount Pictures (“Mission: Impossible-Rogue Nation”) have officially decided to sit out the 2015 Comic-Con International, leaving room for plenty of other noteworthy studios and entertainment properties to make an epic splash at this iconic San Diego staple.
Warner Brothers has announced that they’ll be on hand, so expect a huge “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” push. It’s safe to say they’ll be bringing us a peek at “Suicide Squad” and info regarding “Justice League” as well.
In a complete mind scrambler, Lucasfilm has revealed that they’ll be at Hall H this year. It was speculated that they wouldn’t show because Disney holds their D23 Expo just a few weeks later. Clearly, Lucasfilm, director J.J. Abrams and the “Mouse House” realize, respect, and appreciate that every “Star Wars” film—dating all the way back to “A New Hope”—has had a big presence at Comic-Con International, and obviously they want to keep the streak alive.
While “The Force Awakens” will be well-represented by way of J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy, Lawrence Kasdan, and—from what we’re hearing—new footage, you can also bet that there will be news regarding the “Star Wars” anthology films. Perhaps even director Rian Johnson will show up and talk a little bit about “Episode VIII.” There’s also an outside chance of an official “Indiana Jones” announcement, as word of a reboot picked up a lot of traction earlier this week. Whatever the case may be, Lucasfilm is definitely going to be in Hall H with “The Force Awakens,” and you can expect this panel to be the hot ticket at the Con this year.
We also know that TV will be well-represented in Hall H. AMC has revealed that they’ll be bringing “The Walking Dead” and its spin off series, “Fear the Walking Dead.” It’s a forgone conclusion that “Game of Thrones” will be there as well.
So that leaves a countless films and television shows that might or might not make an appearance. So without further ado, here’s a look a five panels we hope will grace the legendary Hall H during 2015 Comic-Con International in July.
TWIN PEAKS
David Lynch at Comic-Con?! Yes, please! It’s been over two decades since “Twin Peaks” fans were bewitched by the mysterious death of Laura Palmer, and quite frankly, after 1992’s haunting (and awesome) big screen prequel, “Fire Walk With Me” came to a close, I don’t think anyone—myself included—ever thought they’d have an opportunity to spend time with these colorful characters again. In this day and age of re-visits, reboots, and sequels though, a return to “Twin Peaks” promises to be something unique. Why? Because it’s a David Lynch property, that’s why.
This project was brought to light earlier this year, but almost immediately, it hit a snag. After word surfaced that Lynch was leaving the project over budget concerns, there was a fan outcry. Fortunately though, the man who “Blue Velvet” star Dennis Hopper once called “the world’s greatest surrealist” quickly returned with great news: Not only was the show happening again, but it would return with twice the episodes than previously announced! Some might argue that a potential “Twin Peaks” panel is something more suited for Ballroom 20. Well, I’m here to argue with you. To see Lynch grace massive Hall H would be an unforgettable experience. The man is an icon, and I, for one, am giddy at the mere thought of what kind of questions attendees might throw his way.
THE X-FILES
The truth is out there, and how cool would it be to experience a little bit of that truth in Hall H at Comic-Con? As is the case with “Twin Peaks,” “X-Files” might be a potential panel one would expect to find in Ballroom 20, but this show has such a legendary reputation that a Hall H presentation would be more than warranted. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are currently in the thick of shooting this new, limited-run TV series with creator Chris Carter, but it would be quite a treat if they found time to break away and make a Comic-Con appearance. The smallest bit of footage would be a bonus, but a Q & A with cast and crew would be more than good enough for this “X-Files” fan.
MIDNIGHT SPECIAL
Marvel is usually the talk of Comic-Con, but Warner Brothers is no slouch when it comes to delivering the goods, and aside from always bringing out amazing product reels, they also pride themselves on the appearance of A-list talent and bad ass presentation. As far as I’m concerned, their extended epic peek at “Fury Road” won the Con last year. This year, there’s a hype surrounding their big screen DC Comics properties (“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Justice League,” “Suicide Squad”), but I’m hoping the studio finds time amongst their high profile fare to give us a glimpse at Jeff Nichols’ November sci-fi release, “Midnight Special.”
Nichols is known for his expertly crafted, character-driven independent films. If you haven’t seen “Take Shelter” or “Mud,” they are both highly recommended. With the Joel Edgerton/Kirsten Dunst/Michael Shannon/Sam Shepard-headlined “Midnight Special,” Nichols tells the story of a father who hits the open road with his son after he learns that the little one has special powers. Nichols is a truly special talent, and his career path reminds me a bit of Rian Johnson, who eventually landed a “Star Wars” movie. “Midnight Special” has finished shooting, but at this point, no one has seen a lick of footage from it. Comic-Con International would be a great platform for our first official glimpse at what I’m pretty certain is going to be a great movie.
2OTH CENTURY FOX
With Marvel sitting out the convention, a Lucasfilm panel happening on Friday, and Warner Brothers expected to occupy its usual opening Saturday time slot, 20th Century Fox could prove to be quite an amazing Saturday night closer. Fox made a big splash a few years back when they surprised fans by marching the entire cast and director of “X-Men: Days of Future Past” out on stage. What’s more, director Bryan Singer was on hand with a “Days of Future Past” sizzle reel nearly a year before the film’s release. Singer did something similar with “Superman Returns” for Warner Brothers back in 2005. Suffice it to say, the “X-Men: Days of Future Past” cast appearance and exclusive footage reel brought the house down in a big way.
I suspect Fox will spotlight “X-Men: Apocalypse” in a similar fashion. The studio can easily complement this centerpiece with a look at its other upcoming fan-friendly superhero properties, including “The Fantastic Four” and the Ryan Reynolds-headlined “Deadpool.” In addition, Fox also has the much buzzed about Ridley Scott-directed sci-fi survival epic “The Martian,” starring Matt Damon. It opens this holiday season. Heck, if the studio really wanted to blow the roof off Hall H, they could even bring James Cameron out to dish on his upcoming “Avatar” sequels.
THE HATEFUL EIGHT
I love to brush up on other Comic-Con International speculation articles, and it’s strange to me that of all the Con previews I’ve read thus far, none of them have brought up the possibility of a “The Hateful Eight” panel. Surprising, because QuentinTarantino is a huge fan of Comic-Con. It was in Hall H that he broke the news that Kurt Russell would play Stuntman Mike in “Grindhouse.” Back in 2009, Tarantino’s buddy Eli Roth showed up to present a special advance screening of “Inglourious Basterds.” And just a few years back, the auteur popped up in Hall H to give attendees an amazing extended peek at “Django Unchained.”
“The Hateful Eight” has wrapped filming, and while Tarantino is busy with post production on the film, how cool would it be if he took a break, showed up at the Con, and gave fans eight minutes of bad ass footage from his upcoming holiday release?! Better still, how about an offsite presentation at one of San Diego’s local movie theaters, so we can see footage from “The Hateful Eight” in glorious 70mm?! Here’s hoping.
The entire Comic-Con International lineup is expected to be revealed in the next few days, and if any of the titles from my previous little wish list make the cut, I’ll be one happy camper. Even if they don’t make the cut, programmers had me at “The Force Awakens.” This is going to be the craziest Comic-Con ever, and you can bet we’ll be offering up plenty of coverage here at The Independent. Watch for it.
San Diego Comic-Con International will take place from July 8 to July 12. For detailed information, click here: http://www.comic-con.org/cci.
