5 activations at Comic-Con, including Netflix’s Gray Man Training Program
Activations — live events that use activities to immerse fans in beloved TV shows and movies — are an integral part of the ComicCon experience.
One such activation is The Gray Man Training Program by Netflix, which easily can be spotted from the smoke rising out of the ABM Parking Lot at the corner of First and Island Avenues.
In the Netflix action movie “The Gray Man,” which premieres today, a CIA operative (Ryan Gosling) uncovers secrets that get him targeted for assassination by an agent (Chris Evans) and his team of assassins. The film is based on the books by Mark Greaney.
The experience, unveiled outside of Comic-Con International on Wednesday, is meant to mimic a chase scene involving many different kinds of vehicles, stunts and gunfire in Prague.
A timed obstacle course, the activation is said to test “skill, strength and speed,” according to the organizers.
The Gray Man Training Program by Netflix is easily spotted from the smoke rising out of the ABM Parking Lot at the corner of First and Island avenues in downtown San Diego.
At the beginning, participants are given a medallion with a “data chip” inside. The first two tests take place within a crashed tram car, with just 30 seconds to pass each one. The last test occurs when participants are told to
run across the car roof and place their medallions into a container — and they’re presented with a video of themselves making that sprint to keep.
As the first in-person gets into full swing, the activation is one of a few to be found outside the San Diego Convention Center.
Here’s where to find some more. (Note: Some of these activations, while outside the convention center, may still require a Comic-Con badge.)
“The Gray Man Training Program” by Netflix
• When: Today-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Where: ABM Parking Lot at the corner of First and Island avenues.
“Severance” by AppleTV+
• What: Participants can experience what it’s like to have your work self separated from your personal life.
• When: Make a reservation at welcometolumon.com.
• Where: Hard Rock Hotel.
“Summer of Ghosts: Friend Zone” by CBS
• What: Fans of CBS original series “Ghosts” can connect with characters from the show at a campsite with archery activities.
• When: Today-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Where: Interactive Zone at Petco Park.
“House of the Dragon: The Dragon’s Den” by HBO Max
• What: Inspired by the forthcoming prequel to the “Game of Thrones” fantasy series, this activation allows attendees to view a dragon hatching ceremony.
• When: Today-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.4:30 p.m.
• Where: MLK Jr. Promenade.
“American Horror Stories,” “What We Do In the Shadows” and “Little Demon” by FX
• What: Participants will be able to walk through a labyrinth featuring scenes and activities inspired by the TV series.
• When: Today 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Where: Hilton Bayfront Lawn.