Summary
Things are picking up on Friday atSan Diego Comic-Con(SDCC),with several huge panels from today’s biggest TV shows. Attendees will learn more about themost exciting upcoming animated TV shows in 2024 and beyond, as well as the research behind their favorite new sci-fi adventures and histories of comic book creation.There are a massive number of panels happening at Comic-Con on Friday, some featuring the cast and crew of a particular show,others a variety of creatives specializing in a similar genre.
Attendees may start to feel overwhelmed by their options — something those watching the recordings later on do not have to worry about. However,everyone at SDCC 2024 will likely be drawn to a specific franchise of which they are a particular fan,especially if that franchise’s biggest stars are going to be making an appearance. For instance, with the actors who play some of thebest characters inThe Walking Deaduniverse taking to the stage, fans of this franchise will definitely enjoy themselves on Friday.
SDCC 2024: 10 Biggest Panels On Thursday, July 25
Thursday at SDCC 2024 includes panels for major projects like Percy Jackson and Transformers One, as well as catering to some more niche interests.
All information about SDCC 2024 panels is according to the schedule viacomic-con.org.
10The Science Of The Three-Body Problem
11 AM | Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
3 Body Problem, based on the book series of the same name, depicts a confusing and intriguing scientific mysterywhere a new, seemingly impossible natural phenomenon or groundbreaking discovery happens every episode. Eiza González and Benedict Wong, among others, give strong performances of complete awe. TheGame of Thronescreators' new show received some mixed reviews, but has made a strong start with its spectacular cosmic events and highly advanced technology. However, maybe it is not all as ingrained in fiction as it appears.
Comic-Con has assembled a panel of various scientists from different research centers, companies, and universitiesto discuss what appears in3 Body Problemcould actually be possible. Truly dedicated sci-fi fans who adore the genre because of the possibilities it presents will doubtlessly enjoy this panel. Learning about these experts' theories now will make watching3 Body Problemseason 2all the more engaging.
9The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power
11 AM | Hall H
On the other end of the fantasy to sci-fi spectrum, the continuation of the original medievalist fantasy franchise is returning this year, warranting an appearance by the cast and crew. Unconfirmed showrunners and members of the cast will be on the panel;given the cultural status ofThe Lord of the Rings,Rings of Poweris likely to have an extensive lineup at Comic-Con. Following the literally explosiveRings of Powerseason 1 ending, the sophomore season will show Galadriel and her allies continuing to prepare Middle Earth to face Sauron.
As arguably the biggest traditional fantasy franchise of all time,Lord of the Ringsalways draws a crowd, with theories and questions at the ready.Among their queries may be what is in store for Elanor and the Stranger,who are not the focus ofRings of Powerseason 2’s teaser trailer. Additionally,Rings of Powerhas some competition this year, with Netflix’sTerminator Zeroanimated series also premiering on August 29.
8Adult Swim’s Rick And Morty: The Anime First Look
12 PM | Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Rick and Mortyisn’t over yet; the popular animated show is confirmed for another few seasons. However,while they wait out the hiatus, fans can enjoy Adult Swim’sRick and Morty: The Anime,which will premiere on August 15.Rick and Morty: The Animeseemingly stands apart from the flagship series, telling new stories with new twists but featuring the same characters and their typical humor. The teaser trailer is already prompting plenty of speculation about what may be in store.
The panel will only fuel further discussions and fan theories.Rick and Morty: The Animewriter and director Takashi Sano, producers Joseph Chou and Takenari Maeda, and Adult Swim’s head of action and anime Jason DeMarco will reveal exciting new detailsto their Comic-Con audience. The spinoff series is working hard to advertise itself, but a dedicated fanbase will certainly show up, eager for more adventures.
7Women In Comics: We’ve Come A Looong Way, Baby (Or Have We?)
1 PM | Room 32AB
The status of superheroines in the MCU is complicated, withBlack Widownot getting her solo movie until after the character had been killed off, andThe Marvelsbombing at the box office. However, how women contribute to and are represented in comics is a much broader, much more complicated discussion than just covering what is going on with the biggest comic book adaptation franchise in Hollywood.A panel of comic book experts will delve into this massive discourse on Friday,surveying the recent victories and setbacks for women in comics.
The far-reaching experience of the Women in Comics panel should provide a riveting discussion with many different perspectives.
The panelists are: Amy Chu (Carmilla: The First Vampire, Red Sonja) Katie Cook (My Little Pony, Nothing Special), Dr. Shamika Mitchell (a professor of English specializing in comics and the editor-in-chief ofWinC Magazineand creator of SalaamFandom), and G. Willow Wilson (Poison Ivy,Ms. Marvel issues). The far-reaching experience of the Women in Comics panel should provide a riveting discussion with many different perspectives. Additionally,the panel will be moderated by editor and journalist Heidi MacDonaldand will be hosted in a game show-style format.
6Adapting Fan Favorites: A Conversation With Prime Video’s Adult Animation Creators
1 PM | Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Epic and adult animation is one of themovie and TV show genres that has blown upin the last decade. While Netflix enjoys the success ofArcaneandBlue Eye Samurai, and is gearing up for bothArcaneseason 2andTerminator Zero,Amazon Prime has had its fair share of hit animated series with more mature content.Showrunners Robert Kirkman (Invincible), Vivienne Medrano (Hazbin Hotel), and Travis Willingham (The Legend of Vox Machina) will be sharing their experiences and expertise.
As the panel’s title suggests,one of the topics they will be discussing is adapting beloved source material, namely comic books.However, this is also a rare opportunity to find out more about what is in store regarding each creator’s specific show. Those who can’t wait forHazbin Hotelseason 2 orInvincibleseason 3 should definitely be paying attention.
10 Shows Like Hazbin Hotel To Watch While You Wait For Season 2
While fans are waiting for Hazbin Hotel season 2 to release, they can enjoy similar shows like Good Omens, Invader Zim, or Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.
1:45 & 2:45 PM | Hall H
The Walking Deadis taking over Hall H on Friday. Two back-to-back panels are happening over two hours, featuring Lauren Cohan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Norman Reedus, and Melissa McBride. The first panel, starting at 1:45pm, will be forThe Walking Dead: Dead Cityseason 2.Following the season finale, things are more complicated than ever between Maggie and Negan,something that will certainly be addressed by the panel.
Meanwhile, Daryl and Carol are leading their ownWalking Deadspinoff, which is expected to return much sooner.The panel starring Reedus and McBride will also debut the trailer for the new season,which will premiere September 29.The Walking Deaduniverse has become an expansive franchise, with the veteran characters from the original show scattered around the world, storming through new adventures as they continue to fight for survival. It is only fitting thatThe Walking Deadbecomes its own mini event within Comic-Con.
4Bob’s Burgers
4 PM | Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Comic-Con offers even long-running TV shows a chance to celebrate the hard work of their cast and crew. While the novelty ofBob’s Burgersis long gone, fans will still be treated to an hour of the hilarious cast discussing the new season.Bob’s Burgersseason 15 is also releasing on September 29,constituting another round of wacky shenanigans for the Belcher family.
The fullBob’s Burgerslineup is appearing on the panel, comprising cast members H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman, Dan Mintz, and Larry Murphy, as well as creator Loren Bouchard, executive producers Nora Smith and Holly Schlesinger, and supervising director Bernard Derriman. Like with most cast panels, there will be time for questions from the audience. Perhaps there will even be some news about the rumoredBob’s Burgers Movie 2.
320th Century Studios Alien: Romulus
5:15 PM | Hall H
The highly-anticipatedAlien: Romulushasa fresh new cast of up-and-coming stars and Ridley Scott’s endorsement(viaVariety). As a standalone movie,Alien: Romulus’storyseems vaguely reminiscent of the originalAlien, focusing on a group of people coming into conflict with a terrifying monster they do not understand. Depending on how isolated this group is, and what previous knowledge they have of Xenomorphs, it could be loosely repeating the original scenario.
Director Fede Alvarez will be joining the cast to shed some light on what is next for the Alien franchise.
Meanwhile,theAlien: Romuluscast has collectively been in so many recent hit movies and TV showsthat it is unsurprising they are garnering attention. This includesCivil WarandPriscilla’s Cailee Spaeny,Agatha Christie’s Murder Is Easy’s David Jonsson,Shadow and BoneandUpgraded’s Archie Renaux,The Last of Us’Isabela Merced,Aftersun’s Spike Fearn, and new star Aileen Wu. Director Fede Alvarez will be joining the cast to shed some light on what is next for theAlienfranchise.
2Dexter: Original Sin
5:45 PM | Ballroom 20
Patrick Gibson is inheriting the notorious Dexter Morgan from Michael C. Hall in the new prequel show,Dexter: Original Sin.As it suggests, the series will follow a young Dexter as he becomes the serial killer people know fromDexter. The panel is expected to include cast members, showrunners, and producers, although individual names remain unconfirmed. However,the newDextercast is very promising,and fans are likely to come out in droves on the off-chance that their favorites will turn up.
Namely,Sarah Michelle Gellar and Patrick Dempsey will be playing main characters inDexter: Original Sinalongside Christian Slater as Harry Morgan. It has been more than 10 years sinceDexterended, whileDexter: New Bloodonly ran for a year in the early 2020s.Dexter: Original Sinhas the potential to be an incredible new chapter or an unnecessary continuation of the story; the Comic-Con may reveal additional promising (or disappointing) details.
For The First Time In 16 Years, I’m More Excited About DC’s SDCC Panel Than Marvel’s
San Diego Comic-Con 2024 will be huge for both DC and Marvel, but for the first time in almost two decades, I’m more excited about the former’s panel.
1Battle Of The BookTok Tropes
7 PM | Room 9
The BookTok Tropes panel sounds especially fun and unique, whereseveral authors of popular BookTok books will debate which of the most frequently-seen tropes is the best.Enemies-to-lovers, underground rebellions, and long-lost heirs are likely to come up. At the end of what will probably be a very animated discussion, audience members will be called to vote for their favorite trope. Despite the absence of their respective authors, it is a safe bet that books like theGrishaverseand theShadowhunters Chronicleswill come up.
The full panel is: Lily Anderson (Scout’s Honor), Trish Lundy (The One That Got Away with Murder), Caitlin Schneiderhan (Medici Heist), LaDarrion Williams (Blood at the Root), Aiden Thomas (Celestial Monsters), and Tricia Levenseller (The Darkness Within Us). ManyYA books would be completely different if written today, due to certain tropes falling out of favor.Cultural shifts like this is one of the reasons BookTok Tropes will be one of the most interesting panels on Friday,despite being one of the smaller ones atSan Diego Comic-Con.
