San Diego Comic Con Friday Brings Fun Panels

 

Jeri Jacquin

It is day three of San Diego Comic Con International and it was jam-packed filled with panels in Hall H. In the mix are a few of my favorite shows which makes being there epic in all aspects. So, let’s jump right in!

The panels begin with Prime’s THE BOYS which has become an amazing series and has a serious following. Jeffrey Dean Morgan jumps into moderate the panel as the cast is introduced. Jack Quaid, Erin Moriarty, Karen Fukuhara, Tomer, Chance Crawford, Laz Alonso, Jesse T. Usher, Susan Hayward, Valorie Curry, Claudia Doumit, Nathan Mitchell and Antony Starr.

Asking what his favorite scene he did for the season, executive producer and showrunner Eric Kripk says, “The shifter fight in the finale, that was awesome.” Morgan asks Laz how he felt to be in charge of THE BOYS and he replies, “a promotion!”. Erin got to play a villain this season and she says, “I got to embrace who I am. It was challenging and I am a person that likes to torture myself. It kind of makes it easier written as well as it was. That shifter part, and I am so grateful to get that opportunity. This show, anything can literally happen. Anything can happen.”

Asking what moment shocked him the most, Starr says, “I have got to be honest I have done a lot of strange things in my career but when breast milk was coming out. That was the realist thing because it wasn’t so much, we’ve done weird stuff, but it turned into a love scene.” Jack Quaid gets his moment when asked how the series started with his girlfriend exploding in his face. What is the big moments for him? “The material is so well written, the scene with Robin at the beginning tells everyone what the show actually is. This season, episode five when I had a wonderful moment with Simon Pegg, he is my hero. The fact that I got to say ‘you’re my hero’ and not act is going down as an all-time good thing for me.”

When Claudia started with the boys, she didn’t know what her storyline would be. She says, “they said were really excited to have me. I had no warning that I would have superpowers. I didn’t know, I was in the dark but when I found out I was absolutely thrilled”. Tomer says about his character, “I’m vulnerable and the best thing as an actor is first and foremost having the best showrunner and the amazing writers. It stretches each and every one of us to explore new worlds.”

Chance Crawford says of his season, “It was great, the fight scene with Ambrosia was good. I have a whole new respect for stuntmen. I got my butt kicked which was nice. I had an absolute blast and this was my favorite arc ever.”

Kripk says the work for the next season is still in the works. They introduce the hall to Jensen Ackles who refers to himself as an “itch that won’t go away”. He spent years as part of Hall H on Sundays with his series SUPERNATURAL and now a part of THE BOYS. It is announced that Soldier Boy will be a regular in Season 5. Also announced is a new series that is being created.

Next is another hit Prime series THE LORD OF THE RINGS: The Rings of Power. On stage are J.D. Payne, Patrick McKay who are the show runners and the exclusive trailer for the upcoming season is read to show the return of Sauron who is bringing darkness back to Middle Earth. Even thought has been cast out by Galadriel, The Rings of Power are being forges as Sauron (disguised) practices his manipulations to control all those in Middle Earth. This season includes a young Shelob, Barrow-wights, Hill-troll Damrod, a Sea Work and my favorite Ents!

For first time viewers, the show is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbitt and The Lord of the Rings books. The Rings of Power takes place thousands of years before Frodo and Samwise. This Middle Earth starts in peace but when evil comes back and darkness is spreading, it is time to come together and take back the peace.

On the panel are Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Maxim Baldry, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cordova, Charles Edwards, Trystan Gravelle, Sam Hazeldine, Ema Horvath, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Megan Richards, Charlie Bickers, Benjamin Walker and Daniel Weyman. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: The Rings of Power returns to Prime on August 29th.

Next up is DR. WHO but there is an announcement that has fans cheering wildly. Disney and the BBC are going to be bringing a Dr. Who spin-off called The War Between The Land and the Sea. It will be a five-part series starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Russell Tovey along with Jemma Redgrave and Alexander Devrient. The premise is that UNIT discovers that an ancient species has come from the ocean and said hello to humanity but causes an international crisis, ergo the war between land and sea.

“I’m so lucky to work with such a magnificent cast, this is a huge, muscular, thrilling drama which will shake The Whoniverse to its foundations”, says showrunner and producer Russell T. Davies. The series will stream on Disney+ once a release date is given.

Back in full swing is Chris Hardwick hosting the panel for AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD: Dead City. Producer Eli Jorne and stars Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan along with Gaius Charles and Zeljko Ivanek brought a n exclusive teaser for the upcoming series which is due next year.

Maggie and Negan traveled to Manhattan to find Maggie’s son and they are once again met with the evillest human beings and not just the dead. The city is, like the rest of the world, broken down and dangerous. In season two, those who want to control Manhattan find Maggie and Negan (and not for the first time) on opposite sides of the battle. The question remains, can them come together again or are they back to square one. It must be said that I love me some Negan and as bad as he was before, its nice to see a side that thinks things through first before going nuts. It’s Maggie’s turn to be doing that and I’m not a fan of her change.

Let’s see how this plays out shall we. Just know when you hear that whistle and the sound of a dragging bat that perhaps Negan has his beloved Lucille once again and that ain’t good folks!

There was also the casting announcement of Keir Gilchrist playing Benjamin Pierce, Dascha Polanco as Major Lucia Narvaez, Jake Weary playing Christos and Pooya Mohseni as Roksana.

But the dead aren’t finished! THE WALKING DEAD: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol is next for the flesh eaters. AMC has already announced there will be a third season for Norman Reedus (even before Season Two has aired) and that it will be set in Spain. Showrunner David Zabel, executive producer Greg Nicotero, cast Louis Puech Scigliuzzi, Melissa McBride and Norman Reedus sit for the panel. The third season follows Carol and Daryl as they try to make their way back home. As with all the journeys of the original group, there is going to be problems, struggles and issues that make their journey home even more difficult.

Season two of TWD: Daryl Dixon is set to premier on AMC September 29th (it’s too far away for me! I want it NOW! Just sayin’) and it’s a thrill to see Daryl and Carol sticking up for one another again. Reedus says,” I couldn’t wait for Melissa to show up. We’re partners in crime the two of us and to watch Melissa come to Europe and kick ass!” McBride says of working with Reedus, “I’m really appreciating the new challenges for Daryl and Carol being so far from all they’ve ever known and what that means for them. There’s still so much ahead to unpack in France for the coming season and the breathtaking finale!”

Don’t you hate when they tease? Yes, but I’m good with it too because Daryl and Carol are two of my favorite characters from The Walking Dead Universe and I have always felt like they were not given the storylines they deserved. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, these two actors get the opportunity to truly expand what we know about Daryl and Carol as only Reedus and McBride can do. Just don’t smell the flowers!

That wraps up day two for me as it means getting this write up to you! I can promise you tomorrow is going to be a mad house as Marvel takes up the evening hours in Hall H. It is a time for true Marvel fans to get a taste of what is to come in the MCU and personally; after seeing DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE, I wouldn’t mind it if the boys got together again right? I mean a girl can dream!

Hall H on Friday Brought Excitement and a Sad Goodbye

 

Jeri Jacuqin

Hall H is always the place to be for film and television and Friday’s panels are no exception. Beginning the morning with a huge surprise by Stephen Colbert opening the day and leading the way to Prime’s upcoming series LORD OF THE RINGS: The Rings of Power. With the unusual look of an orchestra on the stage, Colbert introduces musician extraordinaire Bear McCreary who plays the most intense music with choir right behind. It is stunning, beautiful and ethereal. That is exactly what LORD OF THE RINGS: The Rings of Power is.  

The cast is so large it took three different panels because the stage would be overcrowded if they all came at once. Showing trailer after trailer, the audience became more and more excited and, at times, bantered with Colbert on who knew more about Middle Earth and it was hilarious.

The panel included Patrick McCay, J.D. Payne and Lindsey Weber as they explained their love of Tolkien and how deep their feelings run. Making sure our trip back thousands of years before Frodo and the gang is as wonderful, trust me when I saw fans and even those who might just want to check it out will not be disappointed.

There will be more on this in another article because trust me when I saw there is so much to share.

AMC brings Chris Hardwick back to the stage to moderate The Walking Dead Universe and after receiving a wonderful welcome back from the crowd, Hardwick introduces a new show. TALES OF THE WALKING DEAD is the next journey with six stories into the dead universe at Scott Gimple comes to the stage.

The panel includes Showrunner and Executive Producer Channing Powell, Director Michael Satrazemis, Terry Crews, Danny Ramirez and Samantha Morton returning as Alpha. To best describe the show, Satrazemis says, “This is everything with amazing stories and new people. TALES OF THE WALKING DEAD feels exciting and we like what we have done”. Of course a trailer makes the audience cheer knowing that universe has many surprises.

Hardwick then moderates AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD for its final panel in Hall H at San Diego Comic Con. Speaking with a few people in the audience, they tell me it is a mixture of sheer sadness yet happiness to be in Hall H to be a part of saying goodbye. Hardwick, trying to keep it together himself, introduces the cast that includes the return of Scott Gimple, Angela Kang, Greg Nicotero, Melissa McBride, a very blonde Josh McDermitt, Ross Marquand, Seth Gilliam, Lauren Ridloff, Cailey Fleming, Michael James Shaw and, of course, Norman Reedus.

There were laughs, memories shared and nods to other cast members but also there were tears coming from so many people on the stage and in the audience. McBride, who had played Carol from the very first season, tries to speak and continually becomes choked up tries to express her feelings about the end of THE WALKING DEAD.

Everyone notices two cast members who were not present and that is because Maggie aka Lauren Cohen and Negan aka Jeffrey Dean Morgan had an announcement of their own to make. Seems Maggie and Negan are going to find their way to New York City in another break out show ISLAND OF THE DEAD. I don’t care what they call it because I am more interested in how Maggie and Negan end up in New York as all will be revealed.

As the cast says their final goodbyes both to the audience and each other, it gets very intense. Each of the cast tells the audience how much their support has meant and as much as we all love the show (and I am a huge fan, just ask my Sheriff Rick Grimes badge on my desk), they wanted the fans to know their feelings are equally returned.

As they exited the stage, Scott Gimple remained because an audience member earlier had asked about the movie that had been rumored to explain where Andrew Lincoln aka Rick Grimes had gone. Gimple starts to talk when he is drowned out by the audience going nuts as Danai Guiria aka Michonne and Andrew Lincoln aka Rick Grimes saunter onto the stage.

There big announcement is that instead of a movie, there will be six episodes on AMC+ (I’m sure their subscription is going to go through the roof now!) that will explain where Rick and Michonne have been and wrap up that part of the story…or will it? Lincoln makes a date with the audience for next years Comic Con to answer questions and I’m sure there will be plenty. Its not like we want these characters to ever go away.

The next panel kept everyone in their seats as the panel for BRZRKR, Keanu Reeves comic book character gets its first time in the very large Hall H. Along with Ron Garney, the book is about a half-man-half-god making his way through time. Moderator Coy Jandreau was geeking out a little speaking with Matt Kindt, Matt Gagnon, Eric Harburn, Mattson Tomlin and Stephen Christy.

Speaking about the character of B, Reeves says, “I had this idea of a character who can punch you through the chest and rip arms off who was cursed with violence trying to figure out who they are and reclaim their humanity.” Meeting with Boom! Studios, the idea was pitched and it took a few years to put it together.

Continuing to gush about the project, Reeves says, “The people at Boom! Curated my experience in a special way. They brought together a team that helped this be more enjoyable. But when the first issue was in my hand, I thought it was f**king Christmas. When I read it, I thought it was some of the best creative days of my life.”

Growing up with comic books in Toronto, it is clear that this project is something special by Reeves and his team so expect it to be epic.

But that isn’t all – Reeves returns to the stage letting fans know they were not going to get out of Hall H with empty hands. Giving out posters for JOHN WICK 4, fans (yes, I’m one) get an even bigger swag gift with a trailer to the film.

That is a day fill with excitement that can only be found in Hall H! Now comes Saturday, the day people have slept overnight for on concrete because who doesn’t want to go home with a story of their own to tell. It is going to be a feast for the eyes and senses because San Diego Comic Con in Hall H never disappoints!

  

Friday's Line-Up Include Zombies, a look at HALLOWEEN and a BUMBLEBEE

Jeri Jacquin

It's Friday and that means we are at the halfway point of San Diego Comic Con 2018 - yet it doesn't feel like it! That's a good thing because it's another early morning gathering up badges, laptops, phone (with extra charger) and water, water and more water.

Friday is also the day fans of the zombie world are hoping to get answers about their favorite characters but let us not jump ahead too much. The first panel of the morning is the DR. HORRIBLE'S SING-ALONG BLOG brings a reunion of Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Felicia Day and Maurissa Tancharoen back to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the show. To be honest, anytime Nat Fillion is on a panel I will be there with bells on, he's hilarious!

AMC brings a double dose of zombies with FEAR THE WALKING DEAD and the cast panel to talk about where the show left off midseason and the shocker that everyone is still talking about. Scott M. Gimple, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Dave Alpert and executive producer Greg Nicotero give fans teasers as the show prepares to return to finish out the season on August 12th.

There wouldn't be a FEAR THE WALKING DEAD without the next panel of AMC's THE WALKING DEAD with Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride and Jeffrey Dean Morgan with new executive producer Angela Kang. Let us hope the issue of Rick's coming or going will finally be put to rest in a room where 7,000 people won't misunderstand. Kirkman, who was on the IMDB boat with Kevin Smith earlier said about Lincoln’s departure, "It's looking that way. It does make the differences between the comic and the show more pronounced. But at the end of the day, it's about Andrew Lincoln. This is a human being. This is someone I have known for almost a decade, somebody that I love. He's been sweating in Georgia, away from his family, for so long."

After promising that Rick Grimes' end will be extremely satisfying, he continues with, "He [Lincoln] cares about his fans. He cares about the show deeply. He wants to do something special on the way out. We have something amazing planned. I wouldn't want to spoil anything, but anybody who has been a fan of his journey, who loves Rick Grimes, who loves the world of THE WALKING DEAD; you're going to want to see what we do."

I have a feeling there will be tons of questions for the cast and those in the know but trust me when I saw that after all the years of covering THE WALK DEAD panels - they give nothing away, are very vague and relish in watching us all become grumpy at not getting answers. That being said, it is still fun!

To lighten the zombie mood a little, CBS's hit show STAR TREK: Discovery brings of journey of the U.S.S. Discovery. The cast and producers bring the panel to talk about what to expect for the next season.

Universal Pictures is bringing two of the most anticipated films to their block with M. Knight Shyamalan's GLASS and David Gordon Green's HALLOWEEN. In GLASS, Bruce Willis, James McAvoy and Samuel L. Jackson return in the characters that have been destined to meet up and I am thrilled beyond reason to see how it all plays out. HALLOWEEN reunites Laurie Strode with Michael Meyers and how it plays out forty years later. I'm going to bet Laurie is much tougher and wiser than Michael could ever imagine, plus I think Jamie Lee Curtis is awesome!

Paramount Pictures brings an early Christmas with BUMBLEBEE along with director Travis Knight and star Hailee Steinfeld and the story of the most adorable and probably slightly more famous than Optimus Prime - the yellow wonder that is Bumblebee.

The evening continues with Sony Pictures first bringing VENOM and Tom Hardy playing the title role means that fans will be flocking to see how he plays the role of duality. Speaking of duality - the creator's of Spiderman will be bringing their wisdom to fans who want to know so much more about their webbed icon and a look at the upcoming animated movie with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

AMC has the final say of the evening with the hit series PREACHER and a panel of stars including Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, Joseph Gilgun as well as the show's producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. It's time to talk season 3 and what direction is the story going to take for another season.

In Ballroom 20, ComicCon wouldn't be the same without a peak inside THE BIG BANG THEORY Writers' Room where fans can get a sneak peek are some of the highlights of season eleven and prepare for the series return for season 12 this fall. Perhaps you are looking for something more, well viking-ish? Then the History Channel happily brings you the hit series VIKINGS along with Kathryn Winnick, Clive Standen, Alexander Ludwig, Alex Anderson, Georgia Hirst and Michael Hirst who is the creator/writer of this amazing show. Of course I am a little partial being a huge fan of the show (p.s. I miss you Ragnar!)

One of the most anticipated events at ComicCon is the Hulu World Premier Screening of CASTLE ROCK. This is a collaboration of J.J. Abrams and Stephen King hometown horror. After the screening is the panel including executive producers Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason along with the amazing cast of Sissy Spacek, Bill Skarsgard, Melanie Lynskey and Jane Levy to talk about this small American town full of disturbing events.

Marvel Television brings Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Emma Lahana, Ally Make and Joe Pokaski and their new series MARVEL'S CLOAK & DAGGER. Bringing footage and panel discussion, Marvel fans have another show to be thrilled about.

At the Indigo Ballroom Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Cartoon Network brings the best to celebrate 10 years of ADVENTURE TIME. Another fan favorite, THE VENTURE BROS. takes questions from fans about there seven seasons on air. My personal favorite, ROBOT CHICKEN is back for it's always hilarious return to ComicCon with Seth Green, Matthew Senreich, Douglas Goldstein, Tom Root, Breckin Meyer and Tom Sheppard. This panel is always unexpected and hilariously entertaining.

More hilarity follows as BOB'S BURGERS brings some of my favorite voices to panel with H. Jon Benjamin (also of ARCHER fame), Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Larry Murphy and David Herman bright never-before-seen footage and a panel that always has me laughing to the point of tears. Following hot on its comedy heels is ARCHER and H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter, Chris Parnell, Amber Nash and Lucky Yates to make sure that when it's all said and done, our funny bones will never be the same.

The 30th Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards overlooks 31 categories to recognize comic creators for their work. Also presented are the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award, Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Writing, and the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award. It's going to be a fantastic evening of celebration!

The evening, for me at least, is topped off with a trip to the Horton Grand Theatre for a 25th Anniversary showing of Tim Burton's THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS screening.

Now it's time to rest up as Saturday means more panels, more presentations and more people flocking downtown with their families to have an amazing experience like no other. This is as it should be because San Diego Comic Con is an adventure that has now ventured outside the Convention Center and spilled into the streets in such an awesome way that I constantly tell people to put on their comfy shoes, water up, hop the trolley and make an amazing weekend out of this.

Till Saturday!