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| Image: Gage Skidmore |
Written by Adam Mast
Comic-Con International 2015 begins in just a few days (July 8-12). In preparation for my 15th consecutive year at this legendary Con, I thought I’d highlight 7 must-see movie-related panels taking place at this San Diego staple.
BACK IN TIME (Friday, July 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Room 24ABC)
“Back to the Future” just celebrated its 30th anniversary, so expect a plethora of “Back to the Future”-inspired tributes and events throughout 2015. One of those tributes will come in the form of a brand new, comprehensive documentary called “Back in Time.” Join director Jason Aron and crew as they talk about the making of this doc and discuss the impact that this classic has had on the public for the last three decades.
As great as this documentary sounds, the big hook for me in regards to this panel is special guest Dean Cundey. This legendary cinematographer not only shot the “Back to the Future” trilogy, but he also worked on several films with John Carpenter and Steven Spielberg. Having an opportunity to listen to this icon share production stories in person is reason enough to attend what I’m sure is going to be a very insightful discussion about one of the greatest films of all time.
ASH VS. EVIL DEAD (Friday, July 10, 6-7 p.m., Room 6A)
True, this is a TV presentation, but this series is based off one of the most beloved big screen horror properties of the ‘80s. Director Fede Alvarez made a pretty big splash with his “Evil Dead” reboot a couple of years ago, and following that release, fans began to wonder if Sam Raimi would ever return to the property that put him on the map. Now we have our answer. Rather than giving us a follow-up to “Army of Darkness”—something Raimi has been hinting at for what feels like an eternity—this creative filmmaker and the Starz entertainment company are bringing “The Evil Dead” to the small screen. And yes, Bruce Campbell is back kicking some Deadite ass!
Will we ever get that “Army of Darkness” follow-up? Who knows? What I do know is that I’m just glad to have “The Evil Dead” back with Raimi and Campbell at the helm. As for the panel, no one works a crowd like Campbell, so expect this one to go over like gangbusters. If there’s one thing that I hate about the “Ash Vs. Evil Dead” presentation though, it’s that it’s happening at the same time as the Lucasfilm panel. How shitty is that?! Oh, the tough decisions we geeks are sometimes forced to make!
20TH CENTURY FOX (Saturday, July 11, 5:45-7:30 p.m., Hall H)
We know 20th Century Fox will have a huge presence in the 6,500 seat Hall H ballroom this year, and while the studio has yet to reveal what it will be showcasing, this much is certain: Bryan Singer will be there with a look at “X-Men: Apocalypse.” The filmmaker took to Twitter to make the announcement. What he’ll be bringing is anyone’s guess, but Singer isn’t shy when it comes to sharing early footage (he presented sizzle reels for both “Superman Returns” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past” well before their respective release dates). You can also expect cast member appearances.
We also know that author James Dashner will be on hand to talk about the upcoming big screen adaptation of his “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials,” so look for cast members and footage from that film as well.
Beyond that, Fox has a plethora of titles on the way in 2015 and 2016, including “The Fantastic Four,” “Deadpool,” “The Martian,” “Independence Day: Resurgence,” and a third “Wolverine” picture. The studio also has “War of the Planet of the Apes” and James Cameron’s “Avatar” sequels in development.
Whatever Fox decides to bring, expect the studio to end Comic-Con 2015 with a bang! They’re occupying a time slot usually reserved for Marvel but with that epic studio sitting the proceedings out this year, you can bet Fox will use their nearly-two-hour block more than wisely.
LEGENDARY PICTURES (Saturday, July 11, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Hall H)
Legendary Pictures will spotlight the big screen adaptation of the popular video game “Warcraft” from “Moon” director Duncan Jones. This movie has been in the making for quite some time, and while Legendary gave attendees a peak at this project at Comic-Con last year, “Warcraft” is far enough along now that Jones and crew should be able to give fans a more substantial sense of what to expect from this epic fantasy.
Legendary is also bringing out jovial fan favorite Guillermo del Toro to talk about his upcoming gothic ghost story, “Crimson Peak.” Buzz surrounding this picture is already at a fever pitch thanks in part to Stephen King’s high praise following a special private screening. Comic-Con attendees can expect an extended “Peak” at the film, and it’s also safe to assume that stars Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, and brillaint creature performer Doug Jones will be on hand for a Q & A.
Beyond that, Legendary plans on bringing us our first look at Michael Dougherty’s upcoming Christmas horror anthology, “Krampus,” and I couldn’t be anymore excited. If “Krampus” is even half as entertaining as Dougherty’s Halloween horror opus, “Trick ‘r Treat,” then we’re all in for something truly special this holiday season.
What else does Legendary Pictures have slated for 2016 and beyond? How about “Skull Island,” “Godzilla 2,” and a potential “Jurassic World” follow-up!
Even if Legendary just opts to focus on “Warcraft,” “Crimson Peak,” and “Krampus,” this should be a terrific presentation.
WARNER BROTHERS (Saturday, July 11, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Hall H)
With all due respect to Marvel, Warner Brothers won the Con last year with a bad ass look at “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Furthermore, it should be noted that of all the major studios, Warner Brothers consistently dominates in the showmanship department (their stage set up is never short of amazing). I expect this year will be no different.
Content wise, WB recently revealed that “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” will be a major part of their presentation this year. No surprise there. Look for director Zack Snyder and stars Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill to be on hand to field questions from what is sure to be a rabid Comic-Con crowd. With any luck, we’ll be treated to exclusive footage as well. I’m fairly confident some “Justice League” info will be thrown into the mix too.
WB will also spotlight “Pan” starring Hugh Jackman, as well as “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” starring Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer.
As expected, the studio promises a few surprises too. Here’s hoping they give us some “Suicide Squad” footage. I’m actually more excited for this DC all-star villain actioneer then I am for “Batman v Superman.” How cool would it be to see Jared Leto in person…in his Joker get-up?! We can dream, right?
It would also be a pleasant bonus if the studio brought out cast members and footage from July’s updated take on “Vacation” and Ryan Coogler’s upcoming “Rocky” spin-off, “Creed,” starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone.
My biggest hope though is that Warner Brothers gives us a peak at Jeff Nichols’ upcoming sci-fi flick, “Midnight Special.” If you’ve seen Nichols’ “Take Shelter” and “Mud,” then you know he is a special talent, and quite frankly, I can’t wait to see what he does with a bigger budget. It sure would be amazing to see “Midnight Special” co-star Michael Shannon at the Con too!
THE HATEFUL EIGHT (Saturday, July 11, 1:30-2:15 p.m., Hall H)
I was ecstatic to learn that Quentin Tarantino would be on hand this year to give attendees an early look at “The Hateful Eight.” A few years ago, the legendary auteur brought the house down with his “Django Unchained” panel, and I suspect “The Hateful Eight” presentation will be even cooler. Why? Have you seen the cast in this sucker? The idea of a panel with Tarantino, Bruce Dern, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael Madsen, Tim Roth, and Samuel L. Jackson has me frothing at the mouth. It’s probably too much to hope for that they can figure out a way to screen footage from “The Hateful Eight” in 70mm (Hall H simply isn’t built for that), but no matter. This panel is sure to be a 2015 Comic-Con highlight.
LUCASFILM (Friday, July 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Hall H)
With Walt Disney’s D23 Expo taking place in the L.A. area only a few weeks after Comic-Con, fans were convinced that Lucasfilm was going to skip the Con, and Marvel’s decision to sit out the proceedings looked like the final nail in the coffin. But then—much to the delight of “Star Wars” fans all around the world—Lucasfilm announced that they would, in fact, have a presence in Hall H. A good thing too, because every “Star Wars” film has had a presence at Comic-Con, and it would have been a damn shame if the streak came to an end now.
Director J.J. Abrams, producer Kathleen Kennedy, and screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan will all be on hand and that’s epic enough. The thing is, Lucasfilm is also promising “special guests.” Hmmm…”Special guests.” How cryptic. Might we see Luke, Leia, and Han in person? It sure would be amazing, wouldn’t it?
The big question is, will we be treated to new “Episode VII” footage? “Star Wars Fan Celebration” in Anaheim got the brand new trailer back in April, so I think it’s safe to say that Abrams and crew are going to give Con attendees something. Could it be a new trailer? Perhaps. Maybe if we’re really lucky, we’ll even get a little something extra.
Beyond that, Lucasfilm is about to start production on “Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One,” so maybe director Gareth Edwards will be on hand to give us some updates.
Might Rian Johnson show up to dish on “Episode VIII”? Given that “Episode VII” isn’t even out yet, that’s doubtful, but it’s always a possibility. Maybe Lucasfilm will even take the opportunity to name-drop director Josh Trank’s replacement on the second “Anthology” film.
Finally, there’s all this business regarding a new “Indiana Jones” movie. Personally, I’m not particularly down with an Indy reboot, but that’s just the snobby purist in me. Regardless of my feelings on the matter, this reboot is going to happen. Could Lucasfilm use this presentation as a platform to make an official announcement? Again, doubtful. Too early in the game. Plus, this is only an hour-long panel, so expect the focal point to be “The Force Awakens.” And that’s fine with me, because I’m ready to get my FORCE on! In the end, I suspect this is going to be one of the most buzz-worthy panels in the history of Comic-Con International!
For detailed 2015 Comic-Con International information, visit http://www.comic-con.org/cci.
