In 2023, Hollywood mostly stayed away from San Diego thanks to the historic double strike that largely shut Hollywood down from May through November. Of course, the absence of so many entertainment giants turned out to be great news for the vendors on the main floor and the creators of Artists Alley (hopefully that success continues this year — go buy some stuff everyone). But obviously, there are massive incentives for studios and networks to come hard this year.

As always, Comic-Con international releases the SDCC schedule two weeks in advance. And don’t forget, it all starts with the annual Preview Night, happening this year on Wed. July 24.

If you’re among those with a full convention badge, you’ll get to walk the convention floor before it gets mobbed by the full 130,000+ attendees estimated to show, perfect for grabbing con-exclusives before they sell out. You’ll also get to check out screenings and other fun Preview Night events.

But even if the full schedule isn’t out yet, we already have some idea of what to expect once things get going properly on July 25.

Paramount Animation and Hasbro, for instance, landed the week’s first big Hall H panel at 11:45 a.m., featuring Chris Hemsworth and a lengthy look at “Transformers One.” And yes, Marvel Studios will be back for their usual show-stopping Hall H panel — most likely happening Saturday night (July 27) at 5:30 p.m. (We’ll keep you posted).

Meanwhile HerUniverse is celebrating its 10th anniversary, while Adult Swim and FX have big things planned for fans just offsite.

Read on for the can’t-miss events from San Diego Comic-Con 2024 — and yes we’ll be updating it daily.

Wednesday, July 24 (Preview Night)

Given that Wednesday is “preview night,” there won’t be any panels, but there will still be plenty to do.

This year’s Preview Night is packed with table top and video game demos — way too many to list here, but Gap Closer Games has by far the most slots. You can also check out free screenings of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer”, if you want to relive half of Barbenheimer summer. There’s also a screening of the 1988 Tom Hanks comedy “The ‘Burbs.”

We also recommend Teaching and Learning with Comics: An Interactive Workshop, happening at 3:30 p.m. at the San Diego central library.

But this is also the time to get the lay of the land on the show floor, which will be open for limited hours, the perfect way to get the drop on convention exclusives.

Thursday, July 25

HALL H

We’ll just cut to the chase and start by telling you what’s going on at SDCC’s biggest stage. Gird yourselves.

• Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment: “Transformers One” panel — 11:45 a.m., Hall H
• Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants” — 1-2 p.m. PT, Hall H
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians
  — 2:15 p.m. PT, Hall H
• What We Do in the Shadows’ Farewell Tour Kick-Off
  — 3:30 p.m. PT, Hall H
  
  You won’t want to miss this celebration of one of the greatest television gems of the last 20 years. The cast and producers will be on hand to share the world premiere of a new episode with fans.
• TBA — 6:00 p.m. PT, Hall H.
  
  Yes, you’re not seeing things, someone has staked out the last Hall H slot on the first proper day of Comic-Con but hasn’t yet announced (or perhaps even figured out) what it is. MYSTERIOUS!
  
  Why? We have no idea, but irresponsibly, we’ll speculate wildly. Could it be a “Deadpool & Wolverine” screening? We have no ideas! Could it be a special performance by an A-list star? Again, no idea! Could it be something utterly mundane and disappointing? Of course, anything’s possible. Again, we literally have no idea what this is about.

BALLROOM 20

This is typically where the biggest TV shows that aren’t camped out in Hall H rule the roost. Here’s what you’ll want to check out.

• Spike and Mike’s All-Ages Festival of Animation — 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. PT, Ballroom 20
  
  Things in the Ballroom kick off with one of SDCC’s best. Show up and see a collection of amazing animated shorts from all over the world.
• Marvel Rivals: The Story, Art, and Sound of the Game — 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20.
• Todd McFarlane Talks Spawn Movie, Comics, and More! — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Ballroom 20.
• “Teacup” First-Look Panel — 1:45 – 2:45 PM PT, Ballroom 20
• Behind the Action of Peacock’s Gladiator Epic “Those About to Die” — 3:00 – 4:00 PM PT, Ballroom 20.
  
  Featuring executive producer/director Roland Emmerich and stars Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Moe Hashim, Jojo Macari, and Dimitri Leonidas, this panel dives into this weird, frankly insane and wonderful drama set in the early Roman imperial era.
• Star Wars: Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away — 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20.
  
  This panel is moderated by Patton Oswald, which guarantees it’s going to be fun and awesome no matter what. His guests include the voice cast from “Star Wars Outlaws” — Humberly Gonzalez (Kay Vess), Jay Rincon (ND-5), and Dee Bradley Baker (Nix, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: The Bad Batch). There will also be early looks at Star Wars books and comics from Justina Ireland (Defy the Storm; Mission to Disaster), Tessa Gratton (Temptation of the Force), and Cavan Scott (Star Wars: The High Republic: Children of the Storm).

OTHER GEMS

• “Gremlins: The Wild Batch” Panel — 2:15-3:15 p.m. PT, Room 6A
  
  Executive producers Tze Chun and Brendan Hay will be there along with Ming-Na Wen (voice of Fong Wing), Izaac Wang (voice of Sam), AJ LoCascio (voice of Gizmo), and Gabrielle Nevaeh (voice of Elle) for a preview of the upcoming season.
• “Avatar: Braving the Elements” – Live! with Janet Varney & Dante Basco — 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Room: 6BCF
  
  Featuring Janet Varney and Dante Basco, co-hosts of Nickelodeon’s companion podcast, the panel will feature special guests Greg Baldwin (voice of “Uncle Iroh”), Michaela Jill Murphy (voice of the original “Toph”), and Cara O’Neil (Dark Horse Comics).
• Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Panel — 2:15 – 3:15 PM PT, Room: 6BCF

More to come…

Friday, July 26

HALL H

• “The Boys” panel — 10 a.m. PDT, Hall H
  
  Featuring showrunner Eric Kripke along with the show’s stars.
• “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” panel — 11:05 a.m. PDT, Hall H
  
  Featuring the showrunner and main cast.
• Into the Whoniverse: A Doctor Who Panel — 12:30-1:30 p.m. PT, Hall H
  
  Showrunner Russell T Davies and stars Ncuti Gatwa (the Fifteenth Doctor) and Millie Gibson (Ruby Sunday) make this a must for fans.
• The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2 — 1:34-2:45 p.m., Hall H
  
  Moderated by SDCC pillar Chris Hardwick, the panel features showrunner and executive producer Eli Jorné  and “The Walking Dead” chief content officer and executive producer Scott M. Gimple along with stars and executive producers, Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and costars Gaius Charles and Željko Ivanek.
• The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon—The Book of Carol — 2:45-3:45 p.m. PT, Hall H
  
  Picking up right as the previous panel ends, Hardwick once again moderates this panel featuring showrunner and EP David Zabel, Gimple and EP and director Greg Nicotero, joined by stars and executive producers Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride, alongside costar Louis Puech Scigliuzzi.
• Directors on Directing — 4:00-5:00 p.m., PT, Hall H
• 20th Century Studios Alien: Romulus — 5:15-6:14 p.m. PT, Hall H
  
  The panel features director Fede Alvarez and stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu.

BALLROOM 20

• The 24th Annual Animation Show of Shows — 10:00-11:00 a.m. PT, Ballroom 20
  
  Start your day in the Ballroom with an hour of animated shorts suitable for children of all ages
• Snowpiercer: Exclusive Advanced Screening — 11:15\
• -12:30 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20
  
  See the world premiere of a new “Snowpiercer” episode before it airs, followed by a panel discussion featuring Daveed Diggs, Mickey Sumner, and Mike O’Malley alongside executive producers Paul Zbyszewski and Christoph Schrewe
• Entertainment Weekly’s Brave Warriors — 12:45-1:45 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20
  
  “A panel of actors discuss the thrill of playing iconic characters, the difference between their personas and real life, and the highs (and lows!) of their careers in Hollywood,” per the official description.
• Collider Ladies Night Live with Perri Nemiroff 2:00-3:00 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20
• TV Guide Magazine’s Fan Favorites 2024 — 3:15-4:15 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20
  
  A panel featuring a discussion with several TBA stars of genre television shows.
• Trailer Park — 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  
  Cleanse your SDCC palate with a full hour of new trailers.
• “Dexter: Original Sin” panel — 5:45-6:45 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20
• The Dragon Prince: Full Season 6 Screening — 7:00-11:00 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20

OTHER GEMS

• Adapting Fan Favorites: A Conversation with Prime Video’s Adult Animation Creators — 1 p.m PT, Indigo Ballroom
  
  Featuring Robert Kirkman (Invincible), Vivienne Medrano (Hazbin Hotel), Travis Willingham (The Legend of Vox Machina), and Kyle Hunter (Sausage Party: Foodtopia).
• “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” panel — 2:30 p.m. PDT, Room 5AB
  
  Featuring series star Ryoma Takeuchi, the producers “and a surprise A-list star.”
• Harley Quinn & Kite Man: Hell Yeah! Panel — 8:15pm – 9:15 p.m. PT, Room 6BCF.
  
  Join the casts and creators of “Kite Man: Hell Yeah!” and “Harley Quinn” for early looks and an expansive discussion. Lake Bell (“Poison Ivy”), Matt Oberg (“Kite Man”), James Adomian(“Bane”), Dean Lorey (EP) virtual, Justin Halpern (EP), Patrick Schumacker (EP) will be on hand.

More to come…

Saturday, July 27

HALL H

• Superman & Lois Special Video Presentation and Q&A — 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. PT, Hall H
  
  James Gunn told fans back in February he wouldn’t be at SDCC because “I will be shooting, so we knew a full-on “Superman: Legacy” panel was probably a longshot. But uh, the movie has been filming since February, so we assumed Warner Bros. would tease something from the last 5 months to get the hype started.
  
  But hell, DC Comics is far from WB’s only pipeline for big movies. And the first Hall H slot on Saturday has traditionally belonged to the company’s upcoming blockbuster slate. So surely, we thought, the company is planning something big.
  
  Whoopsie. Glad we didn’t place bets. And yes we’re as surprised as you are. We have no idea what’s going on, but then that’s probably why we don’t make the big bucks killing completed films for tax breaks.
  
  Anyway, “Superman & Lois” is a delightful show with a delightful cast, and this panel will likely be a low stress way to get your day in Hall H started, even if, again, all of this is really weird.
  
• “Star Trek” Universe Panel — 1:45-3:15 PM PT, Hall H
• The Penguin Panel — 4:45-5:45pm, Hall H
  
  Panelists include Colin Farrell—virtually(Oz Cobb aka “The Penguin” / EP), Cristin Milioti (Sofia Falcone), Rhenzy Feliz (Victor Aguilar), Matt Reeves (EP), Lauren LeFranc (Showrunner / EP), and Dylan Clark (EP). 
• Marvel Studios — 6:00-7:15 p.m. PT, Hall H
  
  The big one. The reason you camped out all night. Expect a whole lot to happen in a real short period of time.

Ballroom 20

• Ghosts — 10:00-10:45 a.m., PT, Ballroom 20
• Futurama — 11:00-11:45 a.m. PT, Ballroom 20
• The Simpsons — 12:00-12:45 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20
• American Dad! — 1:00-1:45 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20
• Family Guy — 2:00-2:45 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20
• Critical Role: Fireside Chat and Cast Q&A — 3:00-3:45 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20
  
  This panel features some legends of video game voice acting.
• “Silo” panel — 4:00-4:45 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20
  
  The acclaimed Apple TV+ show’s Comic-Con debut features a glimpse at the upcoming second season; participants include star and executive producer Rebecca Ferguson, star Common, creator and showrunner Graham Yost and executive producer Hugh Howey, plus surprise special guests.
• Anne Rice Universe: Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches — 5:00-5:45 p.m. PT, Ballroom 20
  
  If we’re being honest, while all of Saturday’s Ballroom 20 panels sounds delightful, this is the one we’re dying to see. Celebrate these beautiful, weird shows with Mark Johnson (Anne Rice Universe executive producer), Rolin Jones (Interview showrunner and executive producer), Sam Reid (“Lestat“), Delainey Hayles (“Claudia“), Assad Zaman (“Armand“) and Mara LePere-Schloop- (production designer). Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches confirmed panelists include Mark Johnson (Anne Rice Universe executive producer), Esta Spalding (Mayfair showrunner and executive producer), Alexandra Daddario(“Rowan“), Harry Hamlin (“Cortland“), Tongayi Chirisa “(Ciprien“), Ben Feldman (“Lark“), Jack Huston (“Lasher“), and Alyssa Jirrels (“Moira“).
• The Comic-Con Masquerade: The 50th Anniversary Event!
  
  It’s the 50th anniversary of one of SDCC’s greatest traditions. Don’t miss it.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

• The Legend of Kingdom Come: Documentary Preview
  
  Moderated by TheWrap’s Mike Roe, we very strongly recommend this great panel discussing The Legend of Kingdom Come, a new documentary about the groundbreaking 1990s comic miniseries, coming in the fall on Kickstarter.
  
  Attendees will get the new Kingdom Come film poster plus an exclusive look at the upcoming film. Panelists will take a deep dive into this iconic story that redefined the DC Universe in the 1990s! Featuring Kingdom Come writer Mark Waid, producer Sal Abbinanti, director/editor Remsy Atassi, and acclaimed writers Julie Benson and Shawna Benson. It’s a celebration of ’90s comics nostalgia—with timeless art and storytelling that feel even more relevant in 2024.

OTHER GEMS

• “Batman: Caped Crusader” Panel — 2:45 p.m. PDT, Room 6BCF
• “FROM” Panel — 6:45 p.m. PDT, Indigo Ballroom
• A Celebration of ‘Hazbin Hotel,’ Hosted by Hot Topic — 10:00 p.m. PDT, 6BCF

More to come…

Sunday, July 28

More to come…

Head here for all of TheWrap’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 coverage.

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Running Thursday July 25 through Sunday July 28 at the Fifth Avenue Landing (immediately behind the convention center), the over-the-top and unhinged carnival activation will be open to the public — so you won’t need a SDCC badge to defeat a charter school.

Once inside, fans can enjoy rides and attractions inspired by some of the funniest “Abbott Elementary” moments, including a look at Mr. Johnson’s Closet of Curiosities, Gregory’s Garden Goofballs, Principal Ava’s “Finest One in, First One Out” swing ride, Barbara’s “Blessed and Pressed,” Melissa’s MVP Showdown, Janine’s “Reach for the Stars” test of strength, and a chance to “dunk a white dude” and more.

But best of all, the activation will feature hourly live performances from the official Philadelphia Eagles Drumline — and an exclusive festival playlist curated by The Roots legend (and Ava’s former bandmate) Questlove.

Where: Fifth Avenue Landing – Parking Lot B (601 Convention Way, San Diego, CA 92101)

When:

Thursday 7/25 — 9:30am-7pm

Friday 7/26 — 9:30am-7pm

Saturday 7/27 — 9:30am-6:30pm

Sunday 7/28 — 9:30am-5pm 

To give you an idea of what to expect, enjoy some delightful artistic renderings:

Head here for all of TheWrap’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 coverage.

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But of course that’s not all. Prime Video is bringing a full magazine to the convention, with panels celebrating “Batman: Caped Crusader,” MGM+’s “FROM,” “Like a Dragon: Yakuza” and “Hazbin Hotel,” as well as the creators of Amazon’s adult animated programming.

San Diego Comic-Con runs from Wed. July 24-Sun. July 28. be sure and check back for TheWrap’s full coverage. And read on for Prime Video’s panel lineup.

The Boys
When: Friday, July 26 at 10 a.m. PDT
Where: Hall H
Social: Instagram, Facebook, X: @TheBoysTV

Per prime video, “Join showrunner and executive producer Eric Kripke and the series’ stars for a post-season finale celebration. Hear from the cast and creator about the head-exploding, jaw-dropping fourth season, along with behind-the-scenes secrets, favorite moments, and thrilling surprises. Based on The New York Times best-selling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys is a fun and irreverent take on what happens when superheroes, who are as popular as celebrities, abuse their superpowers rather than use them for good. It’s the powerless against the super-powerful as The Boys embark on a heroic quest to expose the truth about The Seven.”

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
When: Friday, July 26 at 11:05 a.m. PDT
Where: Hall H
Social: Instagram, X: @theringsofpower, Facebook: TheRingsofPower; #TheRingsofPower

As the official description put it, “Join the series’ showrunners and cast as they give an inside look into the highly anticipated second season, premiering August 29, 2024 on Prime Video. Get ready to experience stunning visuals, thrilling surprises, and unique insight into the darkness that has returned to threaten all of Middle-earth this season.”

Adapting Fan Favorites: A Conversation with Prime Video’s Adult Animation Creators
Series: Invincible, Hazbin Hotel, The Legend of Vox Machina, and Sausage Party: Foodtopia
When: Friday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m. PDT
Where: Indigo Ballroom
Socials: Instagram, Facebook, X: @invincible.hq, @hazbinhotel, @lvmandm9onprime, @sausage_party

“Join executive producers Robert Kirkman (Invincible), Vivienne Medrano (Hazbin Hotel), Travis Willingham (The Legend of Vox Machina), and Kyle Hunter (Sausage Party: Foodtopia) as they discuss adapting some of the most popular comic books, crowdfunded gems, films, and more into successful television series, give sneak peeks into upcoming seasons, and share exclusive news from each of their respective series,” so says the official description.

Like a Dragon: Yakuza
When: Friday, July 26 at 2:30 p.m. PDT
Where: 5AB
Socials: Instagram, Facebook, X: @PrimeVideo

“Join series lead Ryoma Takeuchi, producers, and a surprise A-list star from the cast,” so goes the official description, “as they share an exclusive first look and delve into the creation of this adaptation based on SEGA’s iconic game loved by fans globally. Fans will walk away with an exclusive souvenir from the panel.”

Batman: Caped Crusader
When: Saturday, July 27 at 2:45 p.m. PDT
Where: 6BCF
Socials: Instagram, Facebook, X: @primevideo, @batman

As the official description explains, “Join executive producer Matt Reeves and cast members Hamish Linklater, Jamie Chung, and Minnie Driver for the world-premiere screening of the upcoming and highly anticipated series followed by a moderated Q&A where they will discuss their characters and tease key storylines in the upcoming season. From Warner Bros. Animation, Bad Robot Productions, 6th & Idaho, and based on DC characters, the series is a reimagining of the Batman mythology through the visionary lens of executive producers J.J. Abrams, Matt Reeves, and Bruce Timm. Batman: Caped Crusader executive producers also include Ed Brubaker, James Tucker, Daniel Pipski, Rachel Rusch Rich, and Sam Register.”

FROM 
When: Saturday, July 27 at 6:45 p.m. PDT
Where: Indigo Ballroom
Socials: Instagram, Facebook, X: @fromonmgm

For the curious, “MGM+’s FROM unravels the mystery of a nightmarish town that traps all those who enter. As the unwilling residents fight to keep a sense of normalcy and search for a way out, they must also survive the threats of the surrounding forest – including the terrifying creatures that come out when the sun goes down.”

And, according to the official description, at the panel, “Join executive producers Jeff Pinkner, Jack Bender, John Griffin and the stars of the series Harold Perrineau, Elizabeth Saunders, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Eion Bailey, and David Alpay for a sneak peek at the new questions and threats that await the townsfolk in Season 3.”

A Celebration of Hazbin Hotel, Hosted by Hot Topic
Series: Hazbin Hotel
When: Saturday, July 27 at 10:00 p.m. PDT
Where: 6BCF
Socials: Instagram, Facebook, X: @PrimeVideo, @hazbinhotel

“It’s a happy day in Hell! Join Hot Topic for a helluva fun celebration of Prime Video’s Hazbin Hotel with exclusive merch reveals, trivia and prizes, sing-along, and more! Dressing up as your favorite demon is highly encouraged. Plus, special guest appearances you do not want to miss,” so the official description explains.

Head here for all of TheWrap’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 coverage.

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First, on Friday, July 26, the Crunchyroll Concert Series will bring J-Pop artist LiSA for a free show open to all SDCC badge holders on a first come, first served basis. Details may change; more information can be found on Crunchyroll News.

Where: Radley Shell at Jacob Park, 222 Marina Park Way.
When: Friday, July 26; doors open at 5 p.m. but fans are encouraged to line up anytime before that.

Best known for several hit anime theme songs — including “Gurenge” from “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” and “Crossing Field” from “Sword Art Online,” LiSa is one of the most-streamed Japanese artists in the United States. Her upcoming concert film, “LiVE is SMiLE ALWAYS -LANDER-,” will come to the U.S. on Aug. 17.

Then on Saturday July 26, it’s the “‘One Piece 25th Anniversary: Symphonic Voyage,” a live outdoor concert performed by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and produced especially for Comic-Con 2024 to celebrate the worldwide hit from Toei Animation and the franchise’s global 25th anniversary.

Where: Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way.
When: Saturday July 27 at 7:00 p.m.; doors open at 5:00 p.m. but fans are encouraged to line up starting at 4:00.

The show is also free with limited open seating for all San Diego Comic-Con badge holders, once again on a first come, first served basis.

Accompanying the show from 5:00 p.m. until 9:30, attendees can check out “One Piece”-inspired activations such as the “Gum-Gum Punch Challenge with Luffy”, a photo op with Nami, and a chance, per Crunchyroll, to “tickle the ivories with Brook and his piano.” 

Toei Animation and Crunchyroll also have booths on the convention floor. Visit Toei at booth #3635 and see Crunchyroll at #4135. If fans aren’t able to make it to Crunchyroll’s events this year, worry not. They’ll be posting highlights on their social media channels.

Head here for all of TheWrap’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 coverage.

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Fans will also enjoy an interactive slow-motion video inside SpongeBob’s home that will give the opportunity to “virtually pump weights to prepare for the big job interview,” a photo opportunity inside the Krusty Krab Mast, a game inside the Krusty Krab that gives fans the experience of feeding hungry anchovies, a Barg’N-Mart shopping area, character appearances, and autograph signings with the show’s cast and crew as well as with the hosts of the “Avatar: Braving the Elements” podcast.

Nickelodeon will also host two panels during the Comic-Con: “Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon’s ‘SpongeBob SquarePants'” and “Avatar: Braving the Elements — Live! with Janet Varney and Dante Basco.”

The first panel will be moderated by Nickelodeon alum Kel Mitchell and will be attended by cast members Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton). The cast will be joined by executive producers Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller and additional guests.

In addition to Varney and Basco, the “Avatar” panel will also feature Greg Baldwin (voice of Uncle Iroh), Michaela Jill Murphy (voice of the original Toph) and Cara O’Neil of Dark Horse Comics.

“SpongeBob SquarePants” has claimed the title of most-watched animated series since its debut in 1999. The show is seen in more than 180 markets, translated into more than 30 languages, and averages more than 90 million viewers per quarter.

Head here for all of TheWrap’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 coverage.

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The panel discussion and exclusive footage presentation from the movie will also have Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry and Keegan-Michael Key, along with director Josh Cooley and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura in attendance. The film is the fist animated “Transformers” movie in nearly 40 years.

The Hall H panel will kick off the convention on Thursday, July 25, at 11:45 a.m. PT. Fans who attend the panel will receive an exclusive poster. 

Paramount was the only motion picture studio to host a panel last year with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.”

The animated movie recently screened at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival. TheWrap’s Drew Taylor wrote: “It is exactly what it has been described as — an origin story for how two young robots went from being besties to mortal enemies, ultimately known as Optimus Prime and Megatron. The animation style previewed in the early trailer; a kind of painterly, 1980s lunchbox aesthetic, is very much present in the final film — all vibrant colors and shiny surfaces.”

Additional cast includes Scarlett Johansson, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm.

“Transformers One” will open in theaters on Sept. 20.

Deadline first reported the news.

Head here for all of TheWrap’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 coverage.

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The “Adult Swim Pirate Parrrty” takes place 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. From Thursday, July 25 through Saturday July 27 on the green space at 5th Avenue Landing and Convention Way, right across the street from the convention center. And it’s fully open to the public, no SDCC badge required.

Attendees will be able to take part in special giveaways, play custom games based on Adult Swim properties, DJ sets as well as special nighttime events:

AEW x Adult Swim “Battle for the Booty” Wrestling Tournament.
Happening Thursday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m., the event features a tag team tournament between AEW wrestlers versus “famous Adult Swim faces for a no-holds-barred event as each competitor vies for the chance to win the ‘Battle for the Booty’ title,” according to Adult Swim.

Adult Swim’s Night of New.
Set for Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m., the event treats fans to the first-ever screenings of the full-length premiere episodes of “Common Side Effects,” “Rick and Morty: The Anime,” “Invincible Fight Girl,” and “Women Wearing Shoulder Pads,” as well as other never-before-seen Adult Swim content.  It will also be livestreamed on Adult Swim’s YouTube Channel.

Fun with Zach and Michael.
“Smiling Friends” co-creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel will be holding a live-drawing session and sitting for a fan Q&A at this event, happening Saturday, July 27 at 7:30.

For fans who like coming away from SDCC with some swag, the first 1,000 “Pirate Parrrty” attendees who show up at 1pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday will receive an exclusive giveaway. More details can be seeing here on the official site.

Adult Swim is also bringing the Rickmobile and Mortymobile back to San Diego ahead for the launch of the 9-city “Anime-rican” tour in support “Rick and Morty: The Anime.” Starting in San Diego, the tour finishes in Atlanta.

In San Diego, Fans will have the chance of a photo-op with the Mortymobile at “Pirate Parrrty,” and the Rickmobile will be driving around San Diego’s Gaslamp District with giveaways for fans.

And of course there are Comic-Con panels as well:

On Friday, July 26 at 11 a.m. in the Indigo Ballroom, it’s Adult Swim’s “Common Side Effects” Series First Look. The panel features a look at the show, from executive producers Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, and creators Joe Bennett and Steve Hely, about two former high school lab partners who, per the network, “take on big pharma and government agencies as they try to bring a medicine that cures everything to the whole world.” Panel guests include cocreator Steve Hely and writer/director Sean Buckelew and voice actors Martha Kelly, Emily Pendergast, Joseph Lee Anderson and Dave King.

In the same room an hour later, it’s Adult Swim’s “Rick And Morty: The Anime” Series First Look, which features writer/director Takashi Sano, producers Joseph Chou and Takenari Maeda, and Adult Swim’s head of action and anime Jason DeMarco discussing the show in depth.

And on Saturday at 10 a.m., also in the Indigo Ballroom is the “My Adventures with Superman” Screening Presentation and Panel. Executive producers Jake Wyatt, Josie Campbell, Brendan Clogher, and voice cast members Jack Quaid, Alice Lee, Ishmel Sahid, and Kiana Madeira will talk about Season two and dish the first details about the third season.

Head here for all of TheWrap’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 coverage.

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Sadly, you won’t be able to sample Carmy’s changes-every-day menu or eat an old school beef sandwich. But you will get to feel up close and personal with the show — and get some swag in the process. Which sounds pretty cool.

“FX’s The Bear Restaurant Pop-Up” is an immersive recreation of the interior of restaurant at the center of the show where, per FX, “fans will be served up a daily chef’s special featuring exclusive merch, while supplies last.”

Alongside “The Bear,” FX is also bringing three other beloved network mainstays to San Diego.

The “FX Fearless Hellevator” gives fans “a ride through twelve spine-chilling moments from the American Horror Story universe,” along with a brief “glimpse into the world of Grotesquerie, the new Ryan Murphy horror series premiering this fall.”

Meanwhile, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – Paddy’s Pub lets fans [ose for photos outside The Gang’s beloved bar.

And finally, ahead of the show’s 6th — and criminally, final season — “What We Do in the Shadows – Vampire Residence” gives fans another chance to visit the coven’s Staten Island mansion “for a spooky photo op complete with props from the series.”

As always, #FXSDCC happens at the Hilton Bayfront Lawn immediately east of the San Diego convention center. Times and dates are as follows:

Thursday, July 25 – 11am-6pm
Friday, July 26 – 10am-6pm
Saturday, July 27 – 10am-6pm
Sunday, July 28 – 11am-4pm

Be sure and check back for all of TheWrap’s coverage of San Diego Comic-Con 2024.

Head here for all of TheWrap’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 coverage.

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The company has “Deadpool and Wolverine” opening that weekend as well, and with the film is eyeing a record $200+ million opening, they’ll have something to celebrate.

The studio, which has always given convention-goers flashy first looks at upcoming movies and shows, currently has multiple productions underway or almost done such as “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts*” and “Fantastic Four.”

Back in 2022 post-pandemic, Marvel Studios threw a much-needed Hail Mary at Comic-Con with a return to the Hall H stage, where the company announced not one but three phases of the MCU. Kevin Feige ran a tight ship in his usual role as rockstar showman while the creatives and casts from various projects trotted out one-by-one with announcements.

The standouts of course were the emotional trailer for “Wakanda Forever” — we cried for Chadwick Boseman and cheered for Tenoch Huerta’s Namor — and the announcement of “Avengers” 4 and 5. But the whole thing was the end-of-day thrill ride fans have come to expect.

A lot has happened since then, Disney CEO Bob Iger came back to Disney, Johnathan Majors was dropped as MCU villain Kang, and most recently filmmaker Yann Demange amicably departed “Blade.”

Deadline first reported the news.

Marvel Studios declined to comment.

Head here for all of TheWrap’s San Diego Comic-Con 2024 coverage.

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Thanks to Hollywood’s first double strike in 60 years, neither stars nor studios had any meaningful presence. That made Hall H, normally the site of the convention’s biggest crowds, largely half-empty. It also caused the cancelation of SDCC’s biggest party, the annual star-studded bash EW throws atop the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.

But as it turns out, the fans didn’t need famous faces to justify swarming San Diego. If things seemed quieter on the city’s streets, they were anything but inside the convention center itself. In fact, for the annual event’s many artists and vendors normally overshadowed by Hollywood, it was their best con in years.

If you took the train down to San Diego from Los Angeles, it was hard not to think you were in for a very underwhelming five days. TheWrap’s reporters took the 11 a.m. Surfliner to San Diego on Wednesday, a trip that in a normal year is just one of several standing-room-only parties. This time it was a sea of empty seats punctuated by the occasional person, and eerily quiet as if chatting to one of the few other passengers would provoke violent shushing. It was a lot like being in church.

By now, you know that this was in some ways a sign of things to come, at least in Hall H which, as has been endlessly discussed, was for the first time in more than 15 years not SDCC’s center of gravity.

Instead, lacking the usual studio-driven spectacle to draw their attention, fans flocked to the convention floor instead. And that was great news for the people in Artists Alley.

Once upon a time, Artists Alley — the rows of booths where creators of all stripes but especially indie cartoonists chat with fans and (hopefully) sell some stuff — sat close to the middle of the main floor, making it an impossible-to-ignore symbol of why Comic-Con even exists.

Comic-Con International eventually relocated Artists Alley to the far eastern side of the main floor. Right on the other side of a wall from Hall H. Fans still visited but as one vendor told TheWrap on Saturday, it felt like being relegated to a “bargain bin.” With major brands hogging the prime real estate in the middle, it got harder and harder to make a profit, let alone break even for Artist Alley creators.

As for 2023? Rachel Reed, who operates Reed’s Custom Crafts, smiled like a Cheshire cat when asked how things have been this week.

“Nothing has been better for Artists Alley than the strike,” she told TheWrap. Reid acknowledges that this might just be because SDCC passes are too expensive for most fans to discard if the celebrity lineup isn’t good. Nevertheless, they showed up, and Reid joked, “I can pay my mortgage this month” as a result.

Artist Nikki Ward had a similarly bullish account of her week. “This year I had to make $2200 to break even,” she said, “and I did that on the second day.”

One artist we spoke with, Bryan K Turner, who said he also had a great week, speculated that the lack of big flashy panels sent people back to the showroom floor looking for something to do.

He also said there was another benefit too, as he was told more than once that people had attended smaller panels they might have otherwise skipped. All of them, he told us, “ended up having a great time.”

The convention floor was packed on Sunday, drawing a Saturday-sized crowd, an almost unheard-of phenomenon at Comic-Con and easily the most people TheWrap’s reporters have ever seen on the last day of SDCC. It’s plentiful evidence that despite what people have come to expect, Comic-Con itself is still the draw.

“Comic-Con was more crowded than ever before,” one film producer told TheWrap. “The floor was more crowded than ever before. There were still multiple events and parties packed to capacity.”

Despite the pullout of nearly every major studio, from Marvel to Warner Bros., fans still flocked to San Diego Comic-Con and by TheWrap’s account, were unbothered by the lack of major stars.

“If there is one single summation,” the producer continued, “it would be that Comic-Con is now too big to fail, and that Hollywood needs Comic-Con more than Comic-Con needs Hollywood.”

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