San Diego Comic-Con Preview: Iconic convention returns for 50th anniversary

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 insure 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 convention the way they once did, because in the heyday of Hall H movie magic, this place was unmatched!

Point being, if you’re attending the convention 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 convention this year! Not only in Hall H but throughout the massive San Diego Convention Center. Over the course of five epic days, fans of comics, movies, television, games, and the arts in general, will join together as one in their quest to bask in the glory of all that they hold dear.

Here’s a look at a few 2019 Comic-Con 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 convention 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.

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.
Friday July 19, 2019 3:30pm – 5:15pm
Hall H

Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios actually sat the 2018 convention 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 convention 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.

Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige and surprise panelists provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Saturday July 20, 2019 5:15pm – 6:45pm
Hall H

“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. Macchi 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 third. 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.

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.
Thursday July 18, 2019 4:45pm – 5:45pm
Ballroom 20Other noteworthy panels include “Terminator: Dark Fate,” Shudder’s “Creepshow” series, “Top Gun: Maverick,” 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 July 17–21. For detailed info regarding this iconic conference, click here.

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