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Depending of course whether this dreaded Coronavirus scares off most major studios away from yet another major event, in the same way it has SXSW, San Diego Comic-Con will be rockin’ the convention center on Harbour drive again this July.
As with most years, the Moviehole crew will be there to chat to the stars, preview footage, and dance away the nights with lofty 65-year-old mechanics all dressed as Thanos.
This year – again, if the studios don’t pull out due to this unfortunate health scare – we can expect a bevy of big film and TV projects to participate. While the official schedule won’t be revealed until a couple of weeks shy of the event, and we won’t know any of the dozens of film and television stars we’ll be interviewing until a week or so before, we do have a fairly good idea what attendees can expect to see this year.
10 Things to Expect at San Diego Comic-Con 2020 :
Indiana Jones 5
Depending on whether it gets underway in time (it’s been pushed back slightly from its original April kick-off date), Paramount will definitely take advantage of the prime promotional opportunity to stump the upcoming fifth “Indiana Jones” film. It would be a good chance to have James Mangold, who recently took over directing duties from series staple Steven Spielberg, to appear on a panel – with the cast – and win over the purists with his vision for the film. Paramount have always done a magnificent job of plugging their tentpoles at Comic-Con, so expect at least something “Indy” this year.
Bill & Ted Face the Music
With the highly-anticipated sequel due for wide release later that summer, expect not only Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter to make an appearance but possible hush-hush advance screenings of the film in the Gaslamp district too. Even if Orion Pictures doesn’t go all-out, they’re still to still try for a Keanu appearance – the actor does, after all, have two other upcoming blockbusters that’ll probably be pimped at this year’s Con.
The Matrix 4
Considering it’s prime Comic-Con fodder, not to mention the production lenses in nearby San Francisco, its almost a certainty that Warner Bros will fly in the cast of the upcoming sci-fi sequel – which includes the aforementioned Keanu Reeves, who also has “Bill & Ted” and “John Wick” sequels coming up – for a panel. It’s possible the first footage from the 2021 release will also be unveiled.
The 100
Much like the 2019 “Arrow” panel, which was a hot ticket because it coincided with the drama’s final season, The CW are certain to bring in the cast of the hit show for their final panel before the show wraps. And like the “Arrow” panel, unless you’re on queue for hours on end or have a media ticket, you likely will be hard pressed to get a seat. We will have all the dirt from it here, though – so no worries.
Dune
Being the only major sci-fi blockbuster of 2020 look for Warner Bros to plant some pretty heavy “Dune” action at the convention center. The all-star movie reboot will likely bring out the cast, some first footage and maybe even some kind of virtual experience if we’re lucky. Geez, I hope so, anyway. “Dune” is shaping up fo be the film of final quarter 2020.
Battlestar Galactica
With the Peacock launching their spin-off of Ronald Moore’s “BSG” sometime over the next twelve months, Comic-Con would seem like the perfect place to introduce the cast, do a panel, and win those devoted fans over, no?
Marvel, yes. Disney, no.
While we expect most studios to participate, it’s safe to say that Disney won’t be involved again this year. They seem to like to save their panels, and big-names, for their own con – d23 – these days. Still, Marvel will definitely be there – likely with some “Eternals” footage and a panel, some “Doctor Strange 2” stuff and maybe even “Thor : Love & Thunder”. Money is on appearances from Angelina Jolie, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Sam Raimi appearing, to name but a few.
Star Trek : Picard
The “Star Trek” panel last year, which used the opportunity to announce “Picard” (and it’s cast – including Patrick Stewart and Jeri Ryan, who were all on hand), blew the roof off of the convention center. With the series first season a ratings blitzer for CBS All Access, and a second season already on the way, expect the cast and crew to return this year to help keep the momentum going.
The Batman
If the cast of Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” – including Robert Pattinson, who plays the Caped Crusader – aren’t wheeled out on stage, and no footage is screened, I’ll eat my hat. This one is almost a certainty. Boy, it’s gonna be a hot ticket too.
The Conjuring 3
Warner Bros have traditionally used Wednesday night – preview night – as a chance to showcase their upcoming horror films. Last year, they had the cast of “It Chapter 2” (and host Conan O’Brien) on stage at the Speckles theater to yak with the media and show footage, expect a similar treatment for the latest “Conjuring” movie, which isn’t out until September.
Again, these are all predictions, based on what’s coming up post-Con and last years events, but don’t be surprised if the form guide lists many of the events above. And we’ll see you there for daiquiris at the Moviehole catch-up! We’ll let you know the date!
