2016 COMIC-CON IN SAN DIEGO IS ONLY ONE WEEK AWAY!

Article By Adam Mast

Comic-Con International in San Diego is one week away and with the entire schedule unveiled,  you know what that means? It means attendees are feverishly putting their epic Con plans together. In case you weren’t already aware, our team is all about the movie panels and through the years, the Con’s massive Hall H has always been the place to be. Granted, here in the last couple of years, Hall H has seen a dramatic shift from high profile movie presentations to high profile t.v. presentations. This year, that trend continues.

As expected, there are a handful of studios that opted to sit Hall H out. We already knew that 20th Century Fox (no APES and no DEADPOOL 2!) and Sony (no PASSENGERS and no SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING!)  would forgo epic studio presentations and we all assumed that Disney would, once again, skip the event (after all, the Mouse House hosts its own convention every other year), but the absence of Universal and Paramount (to be fair, Paramount is hosting an outdoor STAR TREK BEYOND Imax premiere during this year’s Con) seems to further suggest that this is the beginning of the end when it comes to movie studio domination in Hall H.

The absence of Lucasfilm is particularly disheartening. Last year, J.J. Abrams and crew dazzled STAR WARS fans with a joyful FORCE AWAKENS panel and a live classical concert at a venue behind the convention center, and many of the faithful hoped that the relationship between STAR WARS and Comic-Con would continue this year by way of a look at the much anticipated ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY. Alas, it isn’t happening. Some are siting  the recent (and much exaggerated) turmoil surrounding the production as the primary reason for ROGUE ONE not making the trip while the majority claim it’s simply because “Star Wars Fan Celebration” is taking place in Europe a week before the Con. Whatever the case may be, this is hugely disappointing news.

There are other noteworthy exclusions, too. I thought for sure Edgar Wright would be bringing us a peek at his upcoming BABY DRIVER as the man behind the Cornetto trilogy is a Comic-Con staple. For whatever reason–perhaps the ANT-MAN incident took a lot out of him or perhaps he’s simply be too busy in post on BABY DRIVER–this fan favorite doesn’t look to be making the trip to San Diego this year.

Of course why dwell on what few high profile presentations we’re not getting when there’s a ton of badass panels that we are getting; Panels that have the potential to bring the house down in a monumental way! The always spectacular Marvel Studios is making a much welcome comeback after sitting the 2015 Con out. Fan favorite Warner Brothers is back, too, with what should be an awesome display of pure showmanship. Also on tap: A special 30th anniversary ALIENS panel with cast and crew on hand to discuss the making of James Cameron’s much-beloved 80s action film. Also, the creative minds behind STAR TREK will present what I’m sure will be an incredibly insightful “50 Years of Trek” presentation. Beyond that, there are plenty of noteworthy panels happening inside and outside of Hall H. And to top it off, Comic-Con 2016 is going to be big on offsite advance movie screenings!

Here’s a look at some of the Con events that we’re most excited about:

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20TH

“Preview Night” is generally known for giving fans their first glimpse at the merchandise floor but it’s also known as a launching pad for television series pilots. This year, “Preview Night” will give fans advance looks at “Riverdale,” “Powerless,” “People of Earth,” “Frequency,” “Time After Time,” and “Teen Titans Go!” As great as these shows sound (most notably “Frequency” and “Time After Time”), I think I’ll be attending something else on “Preview Night”…

PARAMOUNT’S OUTDOOR ‘STAR TREK BEYOND’ IMAX PREMIERE!

That’s right! Paramount Pictures is offering up a first; An outdoor Imax movie screening! Not only that, but this will be a full blown red carpet premiere with cast and crew in attendance! If that weren’t grand enough,  a full orchestra will be on hand to perform Michael Giacchino’s STAR TREK BEYOND score live. For those of you who attended Lucasfilm’s live STAR WARS concert at last year’s Con, this looks to be similar…Only times 10! Furthermore, this should be a wonderfully heartfelt tribute to the late Anton Yelchin. How does one get tickets to this epic premiere? That’s the big question. For your answer, CLICK HERE!

THURSDAY, JULY 21ST

DREAMWORKS ANIMATION THEATRICAL

DreamWorks Animation invites you to find your happy place with a special Trolls presentation moderated by Chris Hardwick featuring Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, director Mike Mitchell, co-director Walt Dohrn and producer Gina Shay.

MUSICAL ANATOMY OF A SUPERHERO

From the ominous horns of Jaws signaling fear to the inspiring theme for Star Wars, music has always been an important supporting character in movies. This panel offers a behind-the-scenes look at the music of today’s biggest superhero film and TV projects with unreleased film clips and never before heard music. Participating composers include Henry Jackman (Captain America: Civil War, Kick Ass 2), Tom “Junkie XL” Holkenborg (Deadpool, Batman v Superman), John Ottman (X-Men: Apocalypse, X-Men: Days of Future Past), and Blake Neely (Supergirl, The Flash). Moderated by George S. Clinton (Mortal Kombat, Austin Powers).

SNOWDEN

Open Road Films presents Oliver Stone’s Snowden, featuring never-before-seen footage and a live conversation with legendary filmmaker Oliver Stone, in his first visit to Comic-Con, and actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Zachary Quinto, and Scott Eastwood.

VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS

MOANA: ART OF STORY

Legendary directors Ron Clements (Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, Treasure Planet, Princess and the Frog) and John Musker (Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, Treasure Planet, Princess and the Frog) lead a panel of artists as they give a behind-the-scenes look at Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming animated comedy-adventure Moana, a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. Once on her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

FERAL AUDIO LIVE WITH DAN HARMON

From Starburns Industries (Animals,Anomalisa, Rick and Morty), comes a Hall H live podcast recording of unparalleled precedent! Podcast pioneer Dan Harmon (Harmontown, Community) brings to the stage some of his best known pals from the fiercely independent Feral Audio network, including Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher (Put Your Hands Together, Take My Wife), Johnny Pemberton (Twisting the Wind, Neighbors 2), Steve Agee (Uhhh…, Adventure Time), My Favorite Murder hosts Georgia Hardstark (Slumber Party) and Karen Kilgariff (Mr. Show), Alie Ward (Slumber Party, Cooking Channel), Doughboys Mike Mitchell (The Birthday Boys) and Nick Wiger (Comedy Bang! Bang!), Jeff B. Davis (Harmontown, Whose Line Is It Anyway?), the smooth men of Beyond Yacht Rock, and more, including a special appearance live via phone by Chelsea Peretti (Call Chelsea Peretti, Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Feral Audio’s General Manager/Creative Director Shawn Kittelsen will moderate the proceedings. Podcast fans, come make Con history with us!

SAUSAGE PARTY

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have been the masterminds behind some of the world’s most outrageous, inventive, and hilarious comedies, and now they are going into the world of animation for Sony Pictures and Annapurna Pictures’ Sausage Party: the world’s first R-rated CG animated comedy. The film is about a group of supermarket products on a quest to discover the truth about their existence and what really happens when they become chosen to leave the grocery story. Not only will you hear all about it as Seth and Evan lead a conversation, you can see the movie for yourself. Following the conversation, stay for the pre-party and screening at Horton Plaza.

LUKE CAGE 

The cast of the upcoming Netflix original series Marvel’s Luke Cage make their first-ever appearance, answering questions and giving fans a look at exclusive footage from the highly anticipated series, ahead of its September 30 global debut on Netflix. Moderated by Jeph Loeb (executive producer and Marvel’s Head of Television).

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW

Let’s do the Time Warp Again! Executive-produced by Lou Adler, Gail Berman, and Kenny Ortega, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an all-new star-studded reimagining of the cult classic, which is celebrating 40 years of theatrical distribution, longer than any other film in history, for broadcast television! Sweethearts Janet (Victoria Justice) and Brad (Ryan McCartan) stumble upon Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s (Laverne Cox) bizarre abode. Frank-N-Furter, a sexually ambiguous, flirtatious alien mad scientist, with the help of his faithful servants Riff Raff (Reeve Carney) and Magenta (Christina Milian), is holding an annual Transylvanian science convention to showcase the birth of Rocky Horror (Staz Nair), a fit, attractive man created solely to fulfill Frank’s desires. Join cast and producers for an exclusive first look at the two-hour event premiering this fall on FOX.

‘DON’T BREATHE’ SCREENING

Director Fede Alvarez (the beloved madman behind the EVIL DEAD reboot) trades in the gleeful in-your-face gore of his previous effort for the kind of nail biting suspense that would make Alfred Hitchcock proud. In DON’T BREATH, a handful of inexperienced criminals quickly realize you should never judge a book by its cover. They learn this lesson the hard way after targeting a house owned by a badass blind man (played by the great Stephen Lang.) This movie has garnered a steady stream of positive buzz since screening at South By Southwest earlier this year, and we can’t wait to experience it with a raucous Comic-Con Crowd.

Thursday, July 21st, 10 PM
Horton Plaza

FRIDAY, JULY 22ND

CON MAN

Alan Tudyk (Firefly, Powerless, Star Wars: Rogue One) and Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog), along with P. J. Haarsma, Felicia Day, Nolan North, Mindy Sterling, and many more, discuss their wild ride with Comic-Con HQ on season 2 and the amazing friends and unforgettable fans who made season one possible. You can expect plenty of surprise guests, giveaways, and one very special sneak peek! Moderated by Nathan Fillion.

THE WALKING DEAD

Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, Chandler Riggs, Sonequa Martin-Green, Michael Cudlitz, Josh McDermitt, Ross Marquand, Christian Serratos, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan join executive producer and showrunner Scott M. Gimple, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer Dave Alpert, and special effects makeup supervisor and executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist,Talking Dead). The panelists will discuss the shocking finale of season 6 and a sneak peek into season 7, debuting in October on AMC.

GAME OF THRONES

SOUTH PARK: SEASON 20

‘THE WOODS’ SCREENING

Lionsgate is giving Comic-Con attendees an advance screening of the new Adam Wingard/Simon Barrett horror flick, THE WOODS, nearly 2 months early! Buzz on this one is strong! For more information, CLICK HERE! 

Friday July 22nd, 7 PM

SHOUT! FACTORY AND SCREAM FACTORY

BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE

SCREENJUNKIES

SATURDAY, JULY 23RD

WARNER BROTHERS PICTURES

The entire panel will feature Conan O’Brien as moderator for a star-studded event, featuring:

• “Wonder Woman” stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Connie Nielsen and director Patty Jenkins.
• “Suicide Squad” stars Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Scott Eastwood, Cara Delevingne, Adam Beach and Karen Fukuhara, along with writer/director David Ayer.
• Director Chris McKay and star Will Arnett from “The LEGO Batman Movie.”
• Charlie Hunnam, who plays the title role in Guy Ritchie’s epic actioner “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword,” from Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures.
• Stars Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, John Goodman, Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell and director Jordan Vogt-Roberts of Warner Bros.’ and Legendary Pictures’ “Kong: Skull Island.”
• Director David Yates with stars Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller and Colin Farrell from “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

Saturday July 23, 2016 11:30am – 1:30pm
Hall H

STAR TREK

ALIENS: 30TH ANNIVERSARY

MARVEL STUDIOS

THE FINAL GIRLS & THE FUTURE OF MIDNIGHT MOVIES

ASH VS. EVIL DEAD

KEVIN SMITH

TROMA ENTERTAINMENT 

SEASON 2 WORLD PREMIERE OF ‘ASH VS. EVIL DEAD’

Get a first viewing of the season 2 premiere episode of the STARZ Original Series Ash vs Evil Dead. with introduction by cast and executive producers.

Saturday July 23, 2016 10:00pm – 11:00pm
Room 6DE

MIDNIGHT SCREENING OF ‘THE FINAL GIRLS’

For our thoughts regarding this outstanding love letter to slasher films,  CLICK HERE!

SUNDAY, JULY 24TH

 SHERLOCK

‘PRISON BREAK’ AND ’24: LEGACY’

Be sure to check out the Official Comic Con site and the Unofficial Comic Con site for more info daily.

And as always, check back here at Cinemast.net throughout the Con for our extensive coverage.