Final Day of San Diego Comic Con 2025 is Historic

 

     

Jeri Jacquin

The final day is here and to once again say it all flew by so fast is an understatement. Packed with panels and activities, the final days is always a chance to catch up to things I didn’t get to see earlier in the week and spend a little time watching the kids come and explore as families have an opportunity for free fun. My own family did their part to participate with granddaughter Jaycie dressed as Coraline and daughter Jenise dressing as Other Mother. They were well received and spent a lot of time having their picture taken!

Me? Well, I was here for one thing and one thing only. The panel for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the last for Hall H. Everyone there wanted to be a part of something unique and iconic as George Lucas arrives to the loud cheer and love of fans. Trust me when I say 7,000 people is LOUD. Queen Latifah began his introduction saying, “he revolutionized film making, not just through spectacle but through a deeply human lens. His magnum opus STAR WARS has saved our lives for generations and taught us to trust our instincts. One person can change the course of history and the Force is always within us. His imagination has led the path for generations of fans and filmmakers alike – he’s the reason we are here today. Please welcome for the first time, ever, at Comic Con, give it up for the one, the only George Lucas!!

Of course, there were light savers everywhere and a warm welcome from Queen Latifah, Guillermo del Torro who is a board member for the Lucas Museum, along with illustrator and production designer Doug Chiang. He came to talk about the museum where so much of the work he has kept with him will finally have a new home for all of us to see opening in 2026 in Exposition Park on 11-acres which 81-year-old Lucas, himself, calls a “cultural fantasy”. The audience was treated to a tour of what it will look like inside and narrated by who else – Samuel L. Jackson. There will be works by Norman Rockell, Frida Kahlo, Jack Kirby and R. Crumb along with drawings from 1934 and Flash Gordon and original Peanuts sketches from the 50s and 60s. My favorite is a 1968 drawing of Iron Man and Black Panther.

Don’t think for a moment he forgot his loyal and generational Star Wars fans as there will be a Naboo starfighter and speeder bikes and I’m hoping THAT will be interactive because me on a speeder bike has to happen! The past 50 years, Lucas has collected quite a bit and says, “I’ve been doing this for 50 years now and it occurred to me, what am I going to do with it all. I’m not going to sell it. I would never do that. It’s not what art is … It doesn’t work that way. If you have an emotional connection, then it’s art.”

He continues, “I’ve worked with hundreds of illustrators in my life and they’re all brilliant, but they don’t get recognized for anything. This museum is a temple to the people.” There will be a section of the museum for science fiction artworks. “It’s one thing that this kind of art will celebrate because of science fiction. Science fiction is a myth, but we have made it real. Humans made it real because of science fictions books and art that makes people say, ‘Oh we could go to the moon’, and once that idea is implemented, then we believe we could do it.”

Reflecting on Lucas, Chiang says his own work will be in the museum halls as “George leads from the heart, and this museum is him. My hope is that it will inspire the next Rockell or Frazetta.” Del Torro spoke of the wildfires early this year in Los Angeles that came “frighteningly close” to his own at-home collection adding, “Now that the museum exists, a lot of it may go there. Comics were the first one to punch Nazis before movies” saying the political importance of comics has been their since the beginning.

I found myself being quite moved sitting so close to someone who changed my life and view of films in so many ways back in 1983 when STAR WARS hit theatres. The scope and visuals of what was on the screen, the depth of storyline and characters became engrained into my being and I passed that on to my family and grandkids. It must be said that my collection of ‘toys’ has not been altered one bit. Over the years, there have been additions and as more stories came to the little screen, my Yoda has a companion sitting next to him in Grogu. Since they all mean something to me, I suppose that means they are my art. The person responsible for that is George Lucas and I will forever be grateful to him.  

 

 

 

Saturday Brings Animation and Space from Comic Con 2025

 

Jeri Jacquin

It is day three of San Diego Comic Con 2025 and if animation is your thing, then Hall H and Ballroom 20 have plenty for you. The sun is shining; the weather is amazing so let’s get to it. Ballroom 20 has a total line up of shows including BOB’S BURGERS, FUTURAMA, THE SIMPSONS, AMERICAN DAD and FAMILY GUY. All the shows that are fit to test your funny bone to the max.

In Hall H this morning, more animation of familiar ‘faces’ comes with the film COYOTE VS. ACME. Coming the summer of 2026 from Ketchup Entertainment, the panel includes moderator Paul Scheer who is interrupted by Bill Pellicano (P.J. Byrne) yelling that he has ‘cease and desist’ papers claiming the movie is anti-ACME. Eric Bauza, Dave Green and Martha Kelly. The film is the legal push by Wile E. Coyote against Acme claiming he has suffered under their hands. Trying to capture the Road Runner and feeling ‘Hurt’ (thanks Johnny Cash), Wile sees a commercial for a personal injury attorney with the question, “Have you ever pulled the ripcord to your parachute and only silverware fell out?”

It's off to court with attorney’s Avery (Will Forte) and Crane (John Cena) as the judge (Luis Guzman) hears the case. As a Road Runner-Wile E. Coyote fan since infancy, I love this twist and can’t wait to see how Wile’s court case comes out when the truth about Acme fires off like a rocket skate!

Later today, my granddaughter and I will be off to see THE BAD GUYS 2 from DreamWorks Animation. Until then, moderator by Kevin McCarthy, brings the voices of Sam Rockwell returning as Mr. Wolf, Craig Robinson as Mr. Shark, Marc Maron as Mr. Snack, Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha, and Awkwafina as Ms. Tarantula to the screen. Clips from the film get the actors to talk about the difficulties of doing voice over work. The new characters to the film are Natasha Lyonne as Doom, Maria Bakalova as Pigtail and Danielle Brooks as Kitty Kat, also knows as The Bad Girls! I think the best part was the cast letting the fans know this was their full trip to Comic Con and Hall H. Nothing like experiencing it all with 7,000 of your closest friends, right?

Star Trek Universe has a place in the big hall today as moderator Robert Picardo who played The Doctor in STAR TREK: Voyager and will be returning for STAR TREK: Strange New World and STAR TREK: Starfleet Academy, along with co-show runners and executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau. Always full of surprises, Hall H fans got a screening to an upcoming episode A Space Adventure Hour and an episode with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop puppets. The list was long for this panel of Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Paul Wesley and executive producers Akiva Goldsman who says, “We think of you all the time when we are in the writer’s room and what would the fans want and love”, Henry Meyers and Alex Kurtzman.  

A trailer for STAR TREK: Starfleet Academy gives fan a look at Holly Hunter as Chancellor Nahla Ake and Paul Giamatti as the evil Nus Braka. The cadets include Sandro Rosta, Karim Diane, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins and Bella Shepard. If you need something more of Star Trek, head over to the Gaslamp Quarter and step inside the immersive Strange New Spectacle and go into different worlds brought about by Strange New Worlds.  

The upcoming film PROJECT HAIL MARY brings directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, along with author Any Weird and THE MARTIAN screenwriter Drew Goddard to the panel in Hall H. Don’t think for a moment that last night lightshow was the one any only because galactic maps look absolutely stunning in the stretchy screens. The film tells the story of Ryan Gosling’s character Ryland Grace who is a school teacher who becomes an astronaut. Up in space, he suddenly wakes up on a space station and doesn’t remember who he is or what he is suppose to be doing. Twelve light years from Earth, he has to use duct tape and a table knife (figurately speaking) to do what needs done.

Gosling, who received a very loud reception by the audience and gives a shout out to Hall H, says the film is, “about a scared guy who doesn’t know what he’s doing and I was a scared guy who didn’t know what I was doing, trying to turn it into a movie.” It explains why he wanted Andy Weird as part of the project calling him the greatest science fiction writer, I’d blush! Amazon MGM Studios is set to release the film March 2026. As a fan of THE MARTIAN, I can’t wait to see how this looks on screen and plays out.

For Season 2 of HBOMax’s PEACEMAKER, moderator Josh Horowitz returns hyping up fans after we see a trailer. James Gunn’s universe brings the panel Tim Meadows, Frank Grillo, Steve Agee, Freddy Stroma, Jennifer Holland, executive producer James Gunn and, of course, John Cena who comes out in costume. After chugging a full bottle of water, Cena makes his apologies for any ‘mishaps’ that may follow warning he needed to stay hydrated. Meadows wanted to make it clear that he thinks the fans are so nice shouting “I love you too Mom” to a fan in the audience.

Cena says wearing a costume is what he is needed because it’s Comic Con! The crowd then goes wild when Horowitz mentions SUPERMAN as Cena gives a standing ovation next to Gunn. So, PEACEMAKER Season Two falls under the guise of the new DCU as Gunn explains, “The SUPERMAN leads directly to the show, the show happens a month after the events of Superman. A lot of the characters return from season one and there is a lot more as we go down the line. It is part of the DCU now.” When asked about working in the Gunn universe, Grillo says quite loudly, “It’s FUN!” Holland says, “The most unique thing for me is that James’ improv writes while we are filming so he is throwing improv lines while we are filming and he is laughing the whole time he’s doing it. It is a lot of fun.”

Gunn continues, “I like television shows where there is growth and sometimes regression. Peacemaker is a different guy this year, he is dealing with the demons and has uncovered from the first season and the world isn’t accepting him. They aren’t accepting him as a hero, he’s in love with Amelia Harcourt and she isn’t accepting him. He isn’t getting anything he wants so he discovers another universe and he thinks it’s the perfect universe and it goes from there.” Cena adds, “I’m doing great! Gosh, I applaud James for his ability to tell stories through super circumstances and make material we can all relate to is so important. When we watch these larger-than-life characters go through their journey, it needs to be something we can root for. I never want to tell the audience how to feel but what I see is someone going through a rough patch in life and thinks the grass is greener on the other side. I think people will enjoy that lane of the season.”

Tim Meadows (of SNL fame and other films) gets the call to be a part of the comic universe and says, “I was very excited and my manager said James wanted to facetime with me. I didn’t want to fan-boy out to hard but he explained to me the character and the arc and it was the easiest negotiating ever.” Gunn says, “we were desperate! We interviewed so many and none of them fit the character and I thought Meadows might be good. He came in day one and the role was written for him, he was perfect.” Grillo adds, “When James Gunn calls you and says ‘I got this’, it isn’t like ‘okay send me the script’, it’s okay – you don’t have to send me anything, just tell me where to show up. When that call comes, there is no question that you are going to do it. It is about the captain!”

Anne Rice has always been one of my favorite authors and my love affair with her world begin in 1976 and Interview with a Vampire before it ever became a film with Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Antonio Banderas. AMC has been on top of her work bringing INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE to the screen for its 3^rd season changing its name to THE VAMPIRE LESTATE as well as the return of MAYFAIR WITCHES, and now THE TALAMASCA: The Secret Order which premiers in October.

Sam Reid looks exactly like the Lestat in my head and is on his way to being a rock star and going on tour along with Gabrielle, Nicholas, Marius (oh goodness read his story!) and Magnus joining Louis played by Jacob Anderson, Armand and the rest of the gang in what can only be called vampiric need for therapy. Jennifer Ehle, Christopher Heyerdahl, Damien Atkins, Ella Ballentine is Baby Jenks and Jeanine Serrales takes on the role of Christine. Reid says in Season 3, that Lestat is, “living a rock star life in its hedonistic and most authentic way. Right now, he wants to be completely engulfed in the music and it lights a fire in him.”

Moderating is Damian Holbrook as Eric Bogosian has crossed over from Interview to Talamasca portraying writer Daniel Molloy, who is being summoned to speak with Louis once again. The stars include Nicholas Denton, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Celine Buckens, William Fichtner (be still my heart) along with showrunners John Hancock, Mark Lafferty and Mark Johnson. Since finishing up her long role on Downton Abbey, Elizabeth McGovern moves on to a role in the series and I’m so thrilled for her to be a part of this new world. If you don’t know anything about the Talamasca (and I highly suggest you read about them because its awesome), this secret group basically tracks witches and vampires all over the world. Another amazing bit of it all is that Anne Rice’s son, Christopher Rice will be part of showrunning the series.  

Can you believe it? One more day and San Diego Comic Con 2025 will be coming to a close. Tomorrow is a great time for families to bring the kids and explore all the fun things to see and do both inside the exhibit hall and outside behind the Convention Center and in the Gaslamp. I have one more stop in Hall H before bidding everyone adieu till we meet again in 2026!

 

Controversy and Laughs with Comedy Central Adult Animation

 

Jeri Jacquin

Hall H was packed late Friday afternoon for Comedy’s Central’s Adult Animation panel. South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone (their first time in 10 years), took the stage along with Beavis and Butt-Head creator Mike Judge and Digman! Star and co-creator Andy Samberg. Moderated by Josh Horowitz, excited fans were treated to stories, laughs and what is coming next for these beloved and iconic shows. It must also be said that fans were talking before the panel began about the recent South Park Season 27 with the teeny, tiny DJT character – oh hell, the whole episode had every recalling and laughing.

Horowitz addressed Parker and Stone with the unbelievable apology of “we’re terribly sorry”. Personally, I don’t think they have anything to apologize for since signing their $1.5 billion (with a b) deal with Paramount to continue South Park which means that neither writer is afraid of Oompa Loompas!

Samberg said South Park was a college get together, as well as Beavis and Butt-Head and it meant everything to him. Judge talks about how he thought he would be recognized for his work for Beavis and Butt-Head, but he wasn’t. Stone and Parker agree but also say that Comic Con fans are so nice. They also admit they may use their character voices from time to time.

Asking about their influences, Stone and Parker met over MONTY PYTHON’s Flying Circus on PBS on a Thursday night. Meeting in film school, the two guys were in classes and they were the only two that wanted to do comedy. “The internet was just coming out but it was the VHS that went ‘viral’ yet me and Matt were sleeping on couches to get to meetings”, says Parker.

Judge agrees that it was the PBS series and that Terry Gilliams animation was everything. He also mentioned National Lampoons Magazine saying the animation in the 80s was bad unless you went to creative festivals. A personal note, Judge does sound like Beavis! He tells the story of the Beavis-laugh inspired by a student crushing on a calculous teacher who was a former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader.

Stone says he loves animation because they don’t age. They last and it was a good creative decision for both Stone and Parker. “We got to create these characters and stick with them for a long time”, Stone says. Parker also admits that he has no idea what the next week episode is going to be and it’s “super stressful”. The timeline is admittedly unique and Judge says it has changed some and it takes time doing storyboards and vocals etc. “It’s getting a little faster”, he says. Parker says, “what is great for animators today is that it can all be done in one building so we can make changes. That’s the beauty of it”. Samberg did his at home which allowed him to make changes. “I think for us it was more about timing. SNL was people talking about it and over a period of time people would get a shirt that says “Making Copies!”. That’s why SNL did the same characters over and over. Digman!, my friend Neil Campbell wanted to do an animated show. I did Nic Cage impression on SNL but I wanted to keep doing it after so we reversed engineered it and went from there.” Asked if he was up to going to 25 to 30 seasons, Samberg replied, “Gawd, I would do anything to do that yeah. It is pretty amazing to be on here with my show but I’m going to roll with it.”

Stone says there is always competition with TikTok saying, “I’m jealous of how they can edit on their phone and what took us so much longer, people have these creative tools. It feels competitive, that’s something that keeps us going. Everyone is doing it.”

Horowitz asks if there is a keeper of the knowledge of South Park or Beavis and Butthead? And Parker points to the audience and says, “It’s them! We just go on the internet and see what people are saying and we can look at a fanbase and find out ‘oh yeah that’s who his mom is’ and the audience has said it”. Taking a break for Judge he says, “Not to bash on MTV, we had an ugly relationship for a while and we were doing too many too fast. There was no quality control but I loved doing it. I was relieved to be done but over the years I missed it. When we rebooted it, I did have all the model sheets and it was a good thing because no one else had them. I felt like I needed a break at the time but I did miss doing it and happy to do it again.”

The guests have maintained control of their projects, Parker says, “For us, we always like to think we were a band. It was like we go into a new season it’s like going into the studio together not knowing what was going to come out. WE have no idea what this album is going to sound like and every episode is a song. Even like last night, that show ended up a certain way and now we can react to that. When the season is done, okay, that’s a good album or not. It’s that creative thing. For us, we are either on or off. We have to have that energy otherwise we get lazy.”

Thoughts on being pitched live action for their characters? Judge says, “From the very beginning we were pitched and I’ve come close to wanting to do it. We did a casting session when the pandemic started, I’m open to it if something pops. There was one guy who did Beavis and it was funny. Then SNL did it with Ryan Gosling and I thought ‘that was pretty cool’ so many you never know.” Stone says they have never been approached but Parker says they have seen fan made things. Samberg believes, “In some ways the scale of things is so much less than live action which is what I like about it. It’s cartoon pace and it’s what we love and that’s why I think animation is so good for comedy. We are generation Sponge Bob now and that’s what people are coming up on. I like the jam of jokes and bigger, if it’s making us laugh, we will do it.”

Satirizing public figures over the years, Horowitz asks if each of them has a favorite? Somehow, I feel this is a loaded question but okay. Samberg believes its Nic Cage doing Nic Cage on SNL. Bringing up Matt Damon for Team America, Stone jumped in with, “Matt was super cool because he knows that all came from making puppets. They showed us the puppets and said that it didn’t look like Matt Damon. It looked like something was wrong with him! I just did the thing and oh well.”

Finally, who inspires these clearly creative geniuses? Stone was the first to chime in with, “YouTube, I will find a random person doing a random thing and it reminds me of high school and making all those movies. Chocco-dogger and I watch him eat for two hours.” Judge says, “There is a guy on TikTok who does an imitation of Tucker Carlson and it’s him reading Dr. Dre lyrics and it makes me laugh. I’m the same way; I find these funny people on Instagram etc.”

What is amazing is that the same things that make us laugh, like a dog eating sandwiches on YouTube are the very same things that make Samberg, Judge, Stone and Parker laugh. That might very well be the key to their success. The more twisted and unusual, the more we as a collective group of carbon-based units who are starving for hilarity, are going to watch their work religiously. Ren & Stimpy me started down the rabbit hole helping to look for magic nose goblins, followed by Beavis and Butthead and my teenagers (at the time) repeating lines and embracing Cornholio like the character was a member of the family! When The Simpsons aired, every t-shirt in the house had Barts face on it and gawd forbid the dryer cracked the applique or a kid would go nuts! South Park roped me in tight and Cartman felt like a brother from another mother because I felt it in my soul when he yelled, ‘you will respect my authoritaaaahhhhyy’ and gawd forbid the applique cracked in my nightshirt. Digman! keeps comedy animation moving forward alongside with the same laughs and shocks that has gently shoved me towards my Amazon cart to order a new nightshirt. Damn washer better not crack the applique!

Look, grasp that adults need their cool stuff too!

San Diego Comic Con Saturday Brings Marvel Back

 

Jeri Jacquin

It’s hard to believe that once again there is only one more day left of San Diego Comic Con 2024. That being said, we are going to start the morning with another superhero. Hall H comes together because nothing is better than an iconic superhero calling fans!

CW has brought the series SUPERMAN & LOIS to the first panel of the day. Tyler Hoechlin who plays Clark, Elizabeth Tulloch portrays Lois, along with executive producers Todd Helbing and Brent fletcher bring the talk about the cliffhanger left in Season 3 and what’s to come for Clark and Louis when you are a mom and dad but the world still needs saving. Finally making it to Hall H, there is a lot to talk about. When asked how to do Superman different, Helbing said, “You make it about family. I thought about it and it is the best way to do Superman. Married to Lois, he can’t get out of parenthood using superpowers”.

Brent has been with the show since the pilot so when did he know about the chemistry? “I knew from the pilot and all doubt was erased. We tried to make them the best couple on television and every time we wrote the script to that, they delivered. It kept improving. I honestly believe today that they are the best couple on television now.”

Hoechlin and Tulloch speak about their characters not only being parents but also being a loving couple to one another. Tulloch said, “That was what sold us. We were told that it was going to be grounded based on family dynamics.” Hoechlin said, “It was a bit of a jump. I think, for me, I was in a place in life that I wanted to do a show that focused on what I was feeling at that point in my life which is what is the most important thing. That is family, family is the core.”

Fan had the chance to ask their questions and it, as always, is informative and fun to listen to the actors explain the motivation of their characters without giving away what is to come. SUPERMAN & LOIS return to The CW on October 17th so catch the two-hour premier of the final season then!

The next panel up is especially awesome and you can imagine why. BRZRKR: The Immortal Saga Unleashed brings news (and its actual second panel of the day) and since its 2021 debut, Reeves’ BRZRKR is the story of a half-mortal half-god who battles through the ages. He is looking for answers to mysteries about who he is. It has been so successful that this is the talk about a new novel and a live-action film from Netflix!

The panel consists of writer Matt Kindt, artist Ron Garney, showrunner Mattson Tomlin and of course, Keanu Reeves himself to the thrill of the audience. Sidenote – Reeves also received an Inkpot Awards from SDCC given to him by Eddie Ibrahim for his contributions across comics and movies. The crowd goes absolutely wild because, as does I, we know he deserves it.  Reeves says, “Thank you so much for this honor, thank you man. In recognizing me here today, you are also giving recognition to everyone here. I’ve been really fortunate to work with some incredible artists and tell incredible stories, so thank you.”

Reeves makes very sure to give credit to the group around him and his humbleness show completely. The term ‘graphic’ in graphic novel should tell you a bit about the BRZRKR and I, for one, cannot wait to see what Netflix does with the character Reeves helped to create.

Big panels are something to be expected in Hall H during SDCC and the Star Trek panel is no different. There were so many announcements made during their time slot so let’s get all in shall we? First off, Paramount+ started out with a trailer for the new STAR TREK: Section 31 that stars one of my favorite actresses Michelle Yeoh in the role of Emperor Philippa Georgiou. Since starting in season 1 of the series, she is now with Section 31 and its time to come face to face with things that have happened. Also in the cast is Omari Hardwick, Kacey Rohl, James Hiroyuki Liao, Sven Ruygrok, and Sam Richardson.

STAR TREK: Starfleet Academy will begin filming next month and there are some notable returns like Tig Notaro, Robert Picardo, Holly Hunter, Gina Yashere, and Paul Giamatti, with some not-to-regulars Mary Wiseman and the every-so-handsome Oded Fehr. The show will follow new Starfleet cadets (as they should) learning what it takes to become officers all while discovering a new enemy going against the Academy and the Federation.

The new cadets include Karim Diane, Zoe Steiner, Bella Shepard, Kerrice Brooke and George Hawkins.

STAR TREK: Strange New Worlds has a while yet to come to the screen for its third season but the audience was treated to a few cool clips as Captain Pike, Christine Chapel, La’an Noonien-Singh, Nyota Hura and Pelia are given a, what I term, polyjuice potion (thanks Hermoine) that changes them into Vulcans! But, when you play with potions, they don’t always work the way you want them too!

The animated STAR TREK: Lower Decks is in its final season and a two-episode season opener on October 14th with the finale on December 19th. Watch this underdog crew take one last shot at trying to get to the above decks!

THE PENGUIN is coming in September with Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin. The panel was hosted by Josh Horowitz, Farrell made a Zoom appearance with producers Matt Reeves, Dyland Clark, showrunner Lauren LeFranc, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz and makeup designer Michael Marino.

Farrell says he was inspired by both the iconic Burgess Meredith and Danny DeVito’s versions of the Penguin while also excited to get into the world of Gotham. He also gives a major shout out Morino for the stunning prosthetics. Reeves believes that the show doesn’t have a hero, per se, but that even when these characters do horrible things, there might be empathy. Actors Feliz talks about getting use to seeing Farrell in all the makeup that turns him into the Penguin.

Not giving to much away, Reeves says that the ending will set up the Penguins role in THE BATMAN Par II. I’m thinking next year’s Comic Con is going to bring more about THAT. Of course, this year wasn’t without its surprises at The Penguin Activation met with a bit of excitement yesterday with a few flames that everyone, most likely, caught on their phones.

Marvel hits Hall H once again as the MCU is most likely still celebrating the awesome numbers that DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE has brought in. Of course, it begins with a round of “Deadpools” & “Wolverines” for a bit of fun before Kevin Feige comes to start up what is to come in the MC Universe CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World brings footage and Giancarlo Esposito taking the role of King of the Serpent Society Sidewinder, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Tim Blake Nelson and Danny Ramirez as the new Falcon. Harrison Ford came to the stage and says, “Hello Comic Con, I am Thaddeus and I’m delighted and proud to become a part of the Marvel Universe. I have been watching fantastic actors have a really good time working in the Marvel Universe and I wanted a piece of the action. I’m proud to be in this film. I think it has turned out to be fantastic!” Ford portrays Thaddeus Ross who looks to Sam for help. He wants The Avengers back! The film is slated for release in February 2025.

Next is THUNDERBOLTS with director Jake Schreier, Sebastian Stan returning as Bucky Barnes, Wyatt Russell as John Walker and says, “Everyone is gonna f***ing love me!”, David Harbour plays Alexei (so happy to see him!), Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Florence Pugh plays Yelena Belova with early footage showing Yelena going up against Ghost. The film is slated for May of 2025.

If you were looking up into the Deadpool of night on Thursday, you perhaps might have seen a familiar circle with the number 4 right? That’s because the FANTASTIC 4 is due to start production soon and expected to be released July of next year…hopefully like the 4th of July which is always an awesome time to see a super hero movie. The film stars Pedro Pascal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn and Vanessa Kirby. The trailer shows a very nostalgic ‘60s (why am I saying nostalgic when that’s my era? lol) with old NASA blue and white spacesuits, banter about Johnny, Thing on a dating show and Glactus looking in a window (doesn’t he know that’s illegal on this planet?).

So, where would Marvel be without throwing a shocker in the mix eh? Straight from Marvel, “The Russo Brothers return to direct Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: Doomsday. Only in theaters May 2027.” What does the MAN that is cast for the role have to say about it all? Well, he was on the stage to tell the 7.000 screaming and deliriously happy fans of the MCU. In costume, he slowly reveals his mask and the cheering is deafening. Downey, Jr. says, “New mask, same task…What can I tell ya? I like playing complicated characters!”

Well, just another absolutely stunning and fantastic end to the second Marvel panel but then again would you expect anything less? Marvel can definetly be count on to bring some, then some more and then open the flood gates to give Comic Con fans what they wait every year for!

Tomorrow is the final day to wrap up another year of San Diego Comic Con International so, charge up the phones and cameras, soak the feet one more time and rest well, we will hit the ground running in the morning!

Sunday at San Diego Comic Con Brings the Familiar and the New!

Jeri Jacquin

Here it is, the final day, the day that I long for and at the same time the saddest day that it’s all ending. There is mileage on these feet to be sure and a case of uncomfortable seat-itis but at the same time knowing that all the people I only see once a year will again be gone.

This year was a little more enjoyable for me at a grandparent because I made time to see my dressed up in costume Batman (don’t say Batgirl – she doesn’t like it!) granddaughter seeing all her hero’s and the characters she adores. That would include the mixture of Peppa Pig and the awestruck when seeing her beloved PJ Masks in person. What totally wigged her out was seeing Batman again, and again, and again.

But, Naynay has a job to do so let’s jump in!

In Hall H, there is a feeling of crazy anticipation because it is Sunday at San Diego Comic Con 2018 and that can only mean one thing – Supernatural! There is something very special when the panel consisting of Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, and Alexander Calvert along with executive producer Andrew Dabb talking about their 14^th season of the show and reaching the historic 300^th episode.

What makes the Supernatural panel so much fun is the obvious chemistry between Ackles, Padalecki and Collins and the way they have also taken Calvert into their exclusive and humorous group. It is almost like watching brothers just rag on each other in the most biting and loving way possible. Of course this delights the 6,999 people that are in Hall H with cheers and even some egging on.

It’s going to get even darker (is that even possible?) in this season as fans are treated to a very eerie look at Jensen Ackles character Dean and his – well – transformation. There will also be a return of Kim Rhodes character of Jodi Mills and the Wayward Sisters. Is there more to the Rowena and Cas hint given?

Find out when Supernatural returns to the CW on October 11^th.

Riverdale comes to Hall H with a huge panel including Luke Perry, Skeet Ulrich, Camila Mendes, Casey Cott, Cole Sprouse, KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Madelaine Petsch Marisol Nichols, Mark Consuelos, Vanesa Morgan, Ashleigh Murray, Madchen Amick and executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and producers Jon Goldwater and Sarah Schehter. Moderated by Mrs. Mark Consuelos (aka Kelly Ripa), fans were teased with what is to come.

Ripa talks about her husband’s character and asks what is in store for his character. “His character is into everything. Right now he is focused in being a thorn in his daughter’s side. She is just as stubborn as he is so I think they are going to butt heads”.

I couldn’t have been more thrilled to see the next panel in Hall H – Mayans M.C. is the much anticipated spin off of the FX beloved series Sons of Anarchy. The panel started off with an ear splitting cheer for the shows creator Kurt Sutter (who I actually saw smile and it threw me off!) along with co-creator Elgin James.

The panel was filled with the new Mayan motorcycle club including JD Pardo as Ezekiel EZ Reyes, Clayton Cardenas, Sarah Bolger, Michael Irby, Carla Baratta, Antonio Jaramillo, Raoul Max Truillo, Danny Pino, Richard Cabral and the beloved Edward James Olmos.

The premise of the series is in the three year aftermath of Jax Teller and the Sons when EZ Reyes is released from prison and becomes a prospect for the Mayan MC. His older brother is already a member and shows his brother the ropes with a charter that is located on the California-Mexico border. Olmos is their father who owns a business and knows that the club is a difficult life.

JD Pardo may have a familiar face to some, but to Twilight fans he forever engrained in their hearts as part of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: Breaking Dawn Part 2. He has also done his time in television with the series S.W.A.T., The Messengers as well as Blood & Oil.

Another familiar cast member is that of Richard Cabral who most recently played the psychotic burglar Duncan in the film BREAKING IN. He has also had his share of television roles including the outstanding characters of Hector Tonz/Isaac Castillo/ Sebastian De La Torre in the absolutely excellent series American Crime.

The one actor on that panel who needs no introduction because the sound of the fans cheering drowns out hearing his name is that of Edward James Olmos. Playing the role of Felipe Reyes in Mayans M.C., this actor is never far from the big screen or small. He has produced, directed and starred in some of the most beloved shows and memorable movies. I am excited to see the life he brings to this character.

Sutter also talks about the loose language and explains that the f-word is part of the world we live in now. “I’m not quite sure where the shift happened, but there is a lot more freedom in terms of language and we will be able to say ‘f**k’ on FX.” He also tells the fans with humor, “I always do a ‘f**k’ inventory at the end of every script and go, ‘oh, that’s way too much.’”

The creator was also asked if there would be any cross over between Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C. (you could hear a pin drop in that room waiting for the answer). “I’m really protective of that mythology and the way it ended and letting fans, whether they enjoyed it or not, to have that experience and for that idea of how that club continued. I really want to leave in the minds of the fans. Right now there’s no intersecting stories that will interfere with that, but Sons is a big world and there was a lot of peripheral players so there will be those kind of intersections.” I take that as an answer non-answer which can always be found with the cryptic Sutter.

Thank you FX from the bottom of this fans heart for bringing the anticipation for the new series which is set to premier Tuesday September 4^th at 10 p.m. on FX.

Finally in Hall H, FX is hardly done with us as the break out his series by creator Noah Hawley LEGION bringing its panel of stars including Dan Stevens, Aubrey Plaza who plays Lenny, Navid Negahban as Farouk, writer/producer Nathaniel Halpern and executive producer John Cameron.

The panel started out quickly when Halpern was asked if he could tell the fans anything about Season 3. A quick and decisive ‘no’ was heard and that was that. Stevens, who plays David Haller, admitted to the audience, “I know that Lenny is obviously gonna have a part to play in it. We’re off together in some form. Syd’s a bit mad. But I don’t know very much at this stage.”   

Then added, “If you know the comics at all, you know there’s the potential for this guy you have sympathy for to turn into one of the greatest villains in the universe!” It is Negahban who says, “I have never played a villain in my life. I think every villain looks at himself as a hero.”

It seems what the panel could agree upon is that they are confused and that, to me, is an amazing way to keep the fans guessing about the upcoming third season which returns to FX in 2019. Until then, keep the theories coming because I’m always interested to discover whether or not others see the series as I do and if they don’t, well, that can be fun too!

And with that, my reader friends, comes the end of the panels for me at San Diego Comic Con 2018. It is time for me to put the recorder, camera, pencil, pen, paper and anything else work related into my awesome Edna Mode bag and leave the hallowed room also known as Hall H.

It is time for me to go out and enjoy the rest of the day seeing Comic Con 2019 through the eyes of my granddaughter who can not get enough. I love what I do to be sure but it is also good to get a fresh perspective and see it all through the excited eyes of a kid in a Batman outfit with flashing tennis shoes and a cape that reads, “I’m Batman – not Batgirl!”

So until next year Comic-Con’ers – I hope your journey home was a safe one and that TSA didn’t give you too much trouble with the tons of goodie bags I know you left San Diego with!

Saturday at Comic Con 2018 Has Super Heroes, Characters and Panels Oh My!

Jeri Jacquin

Saturday’s at San Diego Comic Con 2018 is no different than any other Saturday at San Diego Comic Con – meaning there is something for everyone badge or no badge! Saturday’s bring a flood of people who just want to see and experience everything that is fun with weather that cooperated beautifully.

Outside at every turn there were things to see and so from AMC’s The Walking Dead zombie sausage making, Southpark’s gang with their own bit of fun, FX rumbled out their fantastic motorcycle for the new series MAYANS M.C. and the parking lot of Petco Park had a shark of a tale to share. That’s just a minute portion of everything to be found.

Of course I am on the inside looking out for panels and people to find out what and who is visiting our city so lets get to it because it was a long day!

In Hall H the morning began with Warner Bros. and a lot of unexpected surprises for the fans who had been waiting all night. Aisha Tyler handled the job as mistress of panel with Eddie Redmayne and the cast of FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM: The Crimes of Grindelwald. What came next send Hall H into a wave of tizzy.

As Tyler utters the name Grindelwald the hall goes dark which gave us all the opportunity to view the bracelets given upon entry glowing. The next thing we all see is Grindelwald himself (aka Johnny Depp) who announces “My brothers, my sisters, my friends, the great gift of your applause is not for me but for yourselves. Therefore applaud yourselves. It has been said that I hate the non-magic – the Muggles – I do not hate them, I do not. I say the Muggles are not lesser, but other.”

He continues slowly, “Not worthless but not of value, magic blooms only in rare souls. It is granted to those who live and what a world we would make. For all of humanity, all of humanity, we who live for freedom, for truth, the moment has come to rise up and take our rightful place in the world.”  The crowd took it in and ate it up.

Of course WONDER WOMAN 1984 was given its moment in the hall but it was the cast of the upcoming AQUAMAN that sent another wave of fun through the crowd. The panel included writer/director James Wan, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and, of course, the very hard to miss Jason Momoa.

The trailer fans were shown is of Mera and Aquaman having a go at one another with Momoa telling the crowd that “Mera’s a very strong, strong character” giving a thumbs up to Heard.

Following the long AQUAMAN panel which the crowd absolutely didn’t mind one minute of, The 19^th Annual Animation Show of Shows gave the crowd a few moments to sit back and recover.

RZA: Movies, Music & Martial Arts was the next panel to talk about his movie CUT THROAT CITY. Part of the Wu Tang Clan, RZA (or Robert Fitzgerald Diggs) makes a film about a robbery in New Orleans that stars Terrence Howard, Wesley Snipes, T.I. Harris, Eiza Gonzalez, Rob Morgan, Kat Graham, Demetrius Shipp Jr. and Denzel Whitaker.

EW: Women Who Kick Ass had a full panel this year with moderator Jessica Shaw speaking with DOCTOR WHO’s Jodie Whitaker, Regina King, Chloe Bennet, Camila Mendez and THE DARKEST MIND’s Amandla Stenberg.

For those who haven’t seen DEADPOOL 2 (and if you haven’t don’t tell me or you have to be summarily erased from my Christmas card list!), Hall H was the chance to make that right in your life.

The day in the hall ended with AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH who seemed to be working overtime. He could also be found at the IMDB boat interviewing celebs from the panels all over Comic Con. Fans of Smith’s were doing everything humanly possible to get a seat to see Smith.

Indigo at the Hilton Bayfront spent the day hosting to some of the most popular television shows. Beginning with Steven Universe, the morning continued with NBC’s The Good Place, Kypton, Manifest, Legacies, Cosmos: Possible Worlds, and The Orville. TV Guide brought the TV Guide Magazine’s Fan Favorites which is always fun.

The afternoon ended with Deadly Class, The Magicians and a delight to my senses Twin Peaks and the Revival of the Classic. Nothing made my year more than the successful return of Agent Cooper and last years return of Twin Peaks: The Return. This was a chance to hear from the cast about also returning to the iconic show.

One of the spookiest characters that still haunts my brain in the return series was actor Robert Broski’s portrayal of a man I still can’t figure out but has brought new meaning to the line “Got a light?”

Creator David Lynch wasn’t in attendance but I would expect nothing less of him to find a way to be there in some form. I wasn’t wrong. Sabrina Sutherland, executive producer, read a note that said “I am working with Phillip Jefferies to see if I can get there. Twin Peaks fans are the best fans. I got my days mixed up and I’m going to be there yesterday if not sooner. It’s slippery in here. In the red room, Special Agent Dale Cooper has already won the Emmy.”

Adding her own sentiments, Sutherland gave credit to the fans for making it possible for Twin Peaks to return. I couldn’t agree with her more! That leads to the big question – will we see more of Agent Dale Cooper and the motley crew of the town known as Twin Peaks? The answer is still floating out there in Lynch’s universe because they certainly didn’t give up anything at the panel.

That’s okay, we will all be here when (not if) it’s time to go to our favorite town – and we always have pie to keep us company.

Back in Ballroom 20, the day there was no less hectic. The panels consisted of Black Lightening, The Simpsons, American Dad! and Family Guy (I mean really, how can you have Comic Con without them?), The Gifted, Supergirl and Arrow. The crowd became really excited as DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and The Flash.

The evening in Ballroom 20 ended with YouTube’s Origin Presents The Comic-Con International Masquerade.

Of course these are just tidbits of the adventures waiting to be had at the Convention Center and all places surrounding San Diego Comic Con 2018. There will be more in depth information in the weeks to come but for now – we have one more day of panels and tomorrow is family days!

Stay tuned!