10 things to watch at Comic-Con 2017
SAN DIEGO — For four very jam-packed days every summer, San Diego is the place to be as it hosts the largest pop culture gathering on the planet, the universe even.
Welcome to ComicCon International. Now in its 48th year, Comic-Con isn’t just about comics anymore. Hollywood, from blockbuster-producing studios to marquee TV networks, descend upon the San Diego Convention Center armed with their big wallets and high-wattage stars.
Here are 10 things to watch during the biggest intergalactic party of them all, today through Sunday.
“Justice League”: The biggest day of the convention has historically been Saturday, and this year promises to be a big one, too. Warner Bros. is expected to have a star-studded panel as it showcases “Justice League,” the Nov. 17 release that brings together the biggest superheroes in the DC Comics universe. Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) and Ben Affleck (Batman) are scheduled to attend, along with Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Ezra Miller (The Flash) and Ray Fisher (Cyborg).
“Blade Runner 2049”:
The Warner Bros. lineup will also feature “Blade Runner 2049,” the sequel to 1982’s “Blade Runner.” Stars Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford are expected to make an appearance, along with Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Lennie James and Mackenzie Davis.
Charlize Theron: The actress stars in and produces the action spy thriller “Atomic Blonde,” set for July 28 theatrical release, so it seems only fitting that she will be the
guest of honor at the Entertainment Weekly panel “Women Who Kick Ass.” “Thor: Ragnarok”:
Marvel Studios is expected to reveal some big surprises on Saturday. The roster of big-name Hollywood stars hasn’t been revealed. With signage all around town featuring “Thor: Ragnarok,” starring Chris Hemsworth, it would only make sense that the film with a Nov. 3 release date will be showcased at the Marvel panel. “Stranger Things”:
The phenomenon that is “Stranger Things,” from Netflix, makes its ComicCon debut Saturday. Fans can expect to see the series’ cast and creators, plus some never-beforeseen footage and a sneak peek at Season 2.
“Bright”: Netflix’s movie division has been busy, too, and one of its biggest offerings at this year’s Comic-Con is the fantasy film “Bright.” With a December release date, the film stars Will Smith, Joel Edgerton and Noomi Rapace. “The Defenders”: Four members of the Marvel universe, collectively known as The Defenders, get a prime spot Friday, when the Marvel-Netflix
series shows off Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist and Daredevil. The heroes, who all have their own shows on Netflix, finally come together in “The Defenders.” “Black Lightning”:
The latest offering in producer Greg Berlanti’s CW superhero universe, “Black Lightning” will get a big welcome when it joins an impressive slate of superheroes on Saturday, starting with “Supergirl” and ending with “Arrow.”
“Supernatural”: It’s not Sunday at Comic-Con without the Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean. Fans of the long-running CW series can expect a special video presentation, and maybe even a sneak peek at Season 13. Expect an appearance by Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki and the everpopular Misha Collins.
“Doctor Who”: With news that the next Doctor Who will be a woman — Jodie Whittaker’s set to portray the 13th Doctor — there should be a lot of buzz when the current Doctor (Peter Capaldi) is on a panel Sunday with Pearl Mackie (Bill), Matt Lucas (Nardole) and Michelle Gomez (Missy).