Stars of some of the biggest TV shows and films will arrive in San Diego this month for the annual return of Comic-Con International.
From July 24 to July 28, the San Diego Convention Center will play host to special panels on everything from the history of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise to how to write, illustrate, create and publish a comic book for the first time. Some of the biggest names in TV and film will be featured on these panels or at special events happening inside or outside the massive pop culture event. And the history of this convention, there have been celebrity sightings all over the city in coffee shops, hotel lobbies, the airport and other local spots.
Here’s a look at who fans can expect to see in San Diego for Comic-Con. These are confirmed appearances, and more may be announced or take place as surprises during the convention.
Melissa Barrera: The “Scream” actress will be speaking at a panel alongside other iconic Hollywood movie stars for a “Collider Ladies Night” that celebrates women pursuing their passions in pop culture. Moderated by Collider senior producer Perri Nemiroff, Barrera will sit beside “The Mandalorian” actress Katy O Brian and “Mean Girls” actress Erika Henningsen to share their experiences navigating through the film industry as young women. 2 to 3 p.m. Friday. Ballroom 20.
Jason Derulo: The R&B and hip-hop singer known for hits like, “Talk Dirty,” and for posting wacky pranks and spoof videos for his nearly 60 million TikTok followers will headline a party thrown by Fandom. Derulo is no stranger to the comic book world, having released his co-written graphic novel, “Jason Derulo’s UZO,” in collaboration with Z2 Comics in 2021. 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday. Float, Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Fans can enter to win a ticket to the party here: gleam.io/neZ54/fandom-party-ticket-giveaway
Josh Gad: His playful voice is recognizable almost anywhere from his Disney role as Olaf in “Frozen” to his Broadway performance as Elder Arnold Cunningham in “The Book of Morman.” Now, Gad ventures into the world of comics in his recent collaboration with the Berkowitz brothers and Ariel Olivetti to bring comic book fans their new book, “The Writer.” Together, they will discuss in a panel on how different religions around the globe inspired the dark fantasy surrounding their fictional character Stan Siegal. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday. Room 6DE.
Chris Hemsworth: Well-known for his role as the god of thunder in the Marvel universe, Hemsworth will be making an appearance at Comic-Con for his upcoming movie “Transformers One” releasing on Sept. 20. Hemsworth will be joined by co-stars Brian Tyree Henry and Keegan-Michael Key, director Josh Cooley and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura for a panel discussion on the new movie. Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment will also be sharing exclusive footage from the film with fans for the first time. 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday. Hall H.
LiSA: The global K-pop sensation will be uniting Blackpink and anime fans together for an exclusive Crunchyroll concert experience. LiSA, best known for her theme song, “Gurenge,” from “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” will headline Friday night on the stage of the open-air music theater, The Rady Shell. Doors will open for Comic-Con badge holders at 5 p.m. and seats will be limited to a first-come, first-serve basis. 7:00 p.m. Friday. Jacobs Park.
Hugh Jackman: Since his last appearance as Wolverine in the 2017 movie “Logan,” the Australian actor will be bringing the X-men hero back to theaters in the new Marvel movie, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” coming out on July 26. Alongside his co-star Ryan Reynolds and Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige, Jackman will appear at a Marvel panel to commemorate the opening of their new film. The announcement was first published by Deadline. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Hall H.
Keegan-Michael Key: Originally from the iconic comedy duo Key & Peele, the comedian Keegan-Michael Key will take on a robotic role as the voice of Bumblebee in the first fully CG-animated Transformers movie. Key will share his process as a voice actor and his experience on the set of “Transformers One” at a panel discussion alongside his co-stars. 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday. Hall H.
Kel Mitchell: Actor Kel Mitchell, known by fans as “Good Burgers’” Ed, will be moderating Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants” 25th-anniversary panel. Voice actors such as Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy) and others will be there along with executive producers Marc Ceccarelli and Vincent Waller. 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday. Hall H.
Patton Oswalt: Rebels unite at a panel with the title, Star Wars: Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away, moderated by actor and comedian Patton Oswalt. This discussion will reveal upcoming games, comics and books from the Star Wars universe. The panel will include actors, artists and writers, along with the voice cast from “Star Wars Outlaws.” 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Thursday. Ballroom 20.
Jack Quaid: A special screening panel for the animated series, “My Adventures with Superman,” featuring Jack Quaid flies into Comic-Con. Fellow cast members Alice Lee and Ishmel Sahid will join him in answering questions about season two. Also, executive producers of the cartoon Jake Wyatt, Josie Campbell and Brendan Clogher will be on the panel to discuss the upcoming season three. 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Ryan Reynolds: Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds is making another cameo at Comic-Con. Hugh Jackman will also join him to promote the new “Deadpool & Wolverine” movie, which will be released in theaters the next day, and answer questions on a panel with Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios. Feige confirmed the three will be at Comic-Con via an interview with Deadline. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Hall H.
Ronda Rousey: Actress, former UFC and WWE champion and now comic book writer Ronda Rousey will be at Comic-Con this year promoting her debut graphic novel, “Expecting The Unexpected.” Rousey will be on a panel along with artist Mike Deodato, Jr., AWA Studios chief creative officer Axel Alonso and former WWE champion Dave Bautista, who will be the moderator. 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday. Room 6A.
Bella Thorne: Actress, singer, director and influencer Bella Thorne will be on hand as fans get a first look at her movie, “The Tower.” She will be on a panel for a film discussion along with co-stars Jack Kilmer, Cam Gigandet and director and writer Adam Sigal. Comic-Con’s description of the panel says the movie is a fantasy drama about a mermaid. 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Friday. Room 6A
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