10 HIGHLIGHTS AT COMIC-CON 2017
What to watch for at the biggest intergalactic party of them all
SAN DIEGO— Welcome to Comic-Con International. Now in its 48th year, Comic-Con — for better or for worse — isn’t just about comics anymore. Hollywood, from blockbuster-producing studios to marquee TV networks, descends upon the San Diego Convention Center armed with big wallets and high-wattage stars.
Here are 10 things to watch for at the biggest intergalactic party of them all, which opens Thursday.
1. JUSTICE LEAGUE
The biggest day of the convention has historically been Saturday, and this year promises to be a big one. Warner Bros. opens the day with what’s expected to be 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). Attendees will also get a peek at Aquaman, expected to come out next year.
2. BLADE RUNNER 2049
The Warner Bros. lineup Saturday will also feature Blade Runner 2049, the Denis Villeneuve-directed sequel to 1982’s Blade Runner. This panel will bring out the big guns, too, with stars Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford expected to make an appearance along with Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Lennie James and Mackenzie Davis.
3. CHARLIZE THERON
The actress stars in and produces the Focus Features action spy thriller
Atomic Blonde, set for a July 28 theatrical release, so it seems only fitting that she will be the guest of honour at the Entertainment Weekly “Women Who Kick Ass” panel on Saturday.
4. THOR: RAGNAROK
Not to be outdone by DC Comics, Marvel Studios is expected to reveal some big surprises on Saturday afternoon. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige is scheduled to attend, but 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 will be showcased.
5. STRANGER THINGS
The phenomenon that is Netflix’s
Stranger Things makes its Comic-Con debut Saturday when the series’ cast and creators take over Hall H in the afternoon. Fans can expect to see some never-before-seen footage and a sneak peek at Season 2.
6. 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, directed by David Ayer and written by Max Landis. The film, which has a December release date, stars Will Smith, Joel Edgerton and Noomi Rapace. The film Death Note, based on Japanese manga, will also get some love.
7. THE DEFENDERS
Four members of the Marvel universe, collectively known as the Defenders, get a prime spot on Friday when Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist and Daredevil, who all have their own shows on Netflix, finally come together.
8. BLACK LIGHTNING
The latest offering in producer Greg Berlanti’s CW superhero universe,
Black Lightning will get a big ComicCon welcome when it joins an impressive slate of superheroes on Saturday, starting with Supergirl and ending with Arrow.
9. SUPERNATURAL
It’s not Sunday at Comic-Con without the Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean. The long-running CW series, which premiered Sept. 13, 2005, is a popular draw at ComicCon, and it has traditionally taken over Hall H on Sunday. Fans can expect a special video presentation and maybe even a sneak peek at Season 13. Expect appearances by Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki and the ever-popular Misha Collins.
10. DOCTOR WHO
With news this past weekend 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 show’s current Doctor (Peter Capaldi) appears Sunday afternoon. Chris Hardwick of Talking Dead will moderate the panel, which will also feature Pearl Mackie (Bill), Matt Lucas (Nardole), Michelle Gomez (Missy), writer and actor Mark Gatiss ( and showrunner Sherlock) Sherlock). Steven Moffat (