Saturday is typically the peak of Comic-Con, with blockbuster panels and huge crowds inside and outside the San Diego Convention Center, and 2024 was no exception.
A whole slate of fan-favorite TV show and movie panels took place, including announcements about the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe and a celebration of “Star Trek.”
Union-Tribune reporters were out looking for highlights. Here’s what they saw.
Keanu Reeves sighting
Keanu Reeves made an unannounced appearance at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday to promote a new game from Stern Pinball Inc. He was seen playing pinball at Booth #3721 as a crowd of cameras and cellphones followed him. The booth features props from the “John Wick” movies and other pinball games by Stern.
— Michelle Guerrero
Cosplayer repair station
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For the fourth time, the Central Library hosted a cosplayer repair station during Comic-Con in the IDEA Lab on the fourth floor. An organizer said dozens of people have come through each day to repair shoes, wigs, broken horns and other pieces of their costumes. The library provided sewing machines and shared supplies for cosplayers to take a mini repair kit with them. There are also activities, trivia and photo opportunities at the station. 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/cosplay-repair-station-389803
— Abby Hamblin
A massive devil cat
Standing over 21 feet tall in the Interactive Zone beside Petco Park is a replica of the flame-bearing Devil Cat from the newly premiered series, “Exploding Kittens,” on Netflix. Inside the furry creature, a group of staffers handed out Godcat and Devilcat plushies and “Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil” games to passing fans. Hailing all the way from Washington, the statue took staffers more than 10 hours to assemble on site.
— Jerry Wu
The ‘Abbott Elementary’ panel
“Abbott Elementary” made its first appearance at Comic-Con with producers and main cast members to discuss future plans for season four of the mockumentary sitcom series. Guests were able to view a full episode from the new season in the Indigo Ballroom before the show’s season premiere on Oct. 4. Moderated by Gerard Hall, the panel was able to reflect on the show and the growth of their characters on screen. Executive producers Quinta Brunson and Justin Halpern not only revealed that season four will have 22 episodes (with six episodes written so far) but they also revealed that there will be an exciting crossover to expect on the show this fall.
— Serena Neumeyer
Kim-Joy sighting
British baker and cookbook writer Kim-Joy returned to San Diego Comic-Con for a third year to promote her new graphic novel, “Turtle Bread.”
— Michelle Guerrero
The voice of ‘Courage the Cowardly Dog’
Marty Grabstein, best known for voicing the cartoon character Courage in “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” gave out autographs to fans in the afternoon. Shining a smile, Grabstein cracked jokes and at times, embraced his supporters when they came up to him.
— Jerry Wu
A costume from ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’
Catch a glimpse of the costume worn by Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa in the production of, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” at the Costume Designers Guild booth. The guild has partnered with media studios to present production-used costumes at the convention for the last 15 years. In a glass display, the leather jacket and goggles that Furiosa donned while traversing through rugged terrains is on full display for fans.
— Jerry Wu
‘Critical Roll’ live
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Cast members, Matthew Mercer, Laura Bailey, Liam O’Brien, Ashley Johnson, Marisha Ray and Travis Willingham took over Ballroom 20 on Saturday afternoon. The charismatic crew from “Critical Role” captivated fans with banter and authenticity. Sneak peaks were abundant, conversations were insightful and the interactions with fans were authentic.
— Michelle Guerrero
A ‘Jurrasic Park’ dinosaur
Want to bring Jurassic Park right to your doorstep? A life-size Tyrannosaurus Rex head, used in the movie’s production, is for sale this weekend. For a retail price of about $18,500, fans have the chance to bring home the original film prop.
— Jerry Wu
The Mojo Dojo Casa House
The Mattel Booth celebrated 65 years of Barbie with three miniature displays of Barbie’s DreamHouse, Ken’s Mojo Dojo Casa House and Barbie Land. Pretty in all pink, guests could view actual playsets inspired by the 2023 “Barbie” film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
— Serena Neumeyer
Star Wars-inspired droids
Star Wars-inspired droides R2-2D and RD-QD rolled around the convention’s exhibit hall Saturday. Wherever they went, a familiar ensemble of beeps and whistles followed. The owners said it took only a few months to assemble the pair in the middle of their living room. In front of a crowd, the drones each stuck out bionic arms, as if inviting on a handshake.
— Jerry Wu
The ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ cast
Saturday produced a celebrity sighting at the Paramount+ booth featuring “Star Trek: Lower Decks” cast members Tawny Newsome (left), Jack Quaid (center) and Jerry O’ Connell (right). Surrounded by props and wardrobe taken from different film sets of the Star Trek universe, the group posed for pictures and answered interview questions while guests passed on the convention floor.
— Serena Neumeyer
Artist Steve Leialoha drawing live
Comic artist Steve Leialoha attended his 51st Comic-Con and spent time drawing some his most iconic comic book characters, such as Spider-Woman. Throughout his career, he was a prominent artist for both Marvel and DC comics, bringing to life characters such Batman and Howard the Duck.
— Serena Neumeyer
‘Futurama’ panel
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The voice cast of “Futurama” attended a Ballroom 20 panel to promote Season 12, streaming on Hulu starting on Monday. The panel announced upcoming guest actors, including Danny Trejo, Renee Victor, Tom Kenny, Ana Ortiz, Cara Delevingne, Tim Gunn, Bill Nye, Kyle Maclachlan, LeVar Burton and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
— Michelle Guerrero
An epic balloon creation
City Heights resident Donald Tran showed off his balloon craftsmanship with a hat inspired by the characters Deadpool and Dogpool from the recently released Marvel film, “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Tran says the balloon project took him two hours to make before debuting it on the convention floor and has been a local balloon artist in San Diego for 17 years.
— Serena Neumeyer
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