Saturday, Hall H was a treat for us boys and girls lucky enough to be in that air-conditioned goodness! The Marvel Studios panel never seems to disappoint, and after a riveting light/hologram show (that we were not allowed to film…Sorry kids, but I follow orders!), Mr. Benedict Cumberbatch appeared mid-stage. Here’s the footage I caught from the press pit of the panel…
(Apologies if there are times where the focus messes up a bit. I’m 5’10’ 1/2 and still had to fight a few obstacles!)
For the first time, fans were introduced to the cast of DOCTOR STRANGE: Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Stephen Strange), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo), Tilda Swinton (The Ancient One), Rachel McAdams (Doctor Christine Palmer), Mads Mikkelsen (Kaecilius) and Benedict Wong (Master Wong) along with director Scott Derrickson and treated to brand new never-before-seen footage from the film.
DOCTOR STRANGE is in U.S. Theaters November 4, 2016
Another San Diego Comic-Con International has come and gone. This year was a great year for films, friends, and fun! Check out my Top 10 cinematic moments from this years con. Also, be sure to share your favorite moments from this year. I’d love to hear from you! Now, let’s get started!
10. BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE
Let me start off by saying that I have not been looking forward to this film. I’m not stoked on the new batsuit, and disagree with their casting of Lex Luthor, simply because I feel as though the character should be older. Having said that, this is the best trailer that I have seem thus far, and I really hope that they prove me wrong. Check out the all new trailer that debuted in Hall H and let me know what you think!
Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.
9. FANTASTIC FOUR
The FANTASTIC FOUR trailer was also released in Hall H, during the Fox panel on Saturday evening. In it, we see Dr. Doom’s powers and a young Reed Richards building a teleportation device in the garage. I’m a big fan of origin stories, so I’m curious to see the transformations of the characters. Plus, Miles Teller is an incredible performer. I’m excited to see what he can bring to a superhero.
Director Josh Trank’s FANTASTIC FOUR, a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team, centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways.
Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.
8. WARCRAFT
From Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures comes WARCRAFT, an epic adventure of world-colliding conflict based on Blizzard Entertainment’s global phenomenon. This movie has been in production for years, but this is the first time that they showed an eager Hall H crowd any clips of the film. Unfortunately, I cannot show you those because they have yet to be released. It was really neat too, because they opened up all of the curtains, so we were surrounded by video screens. You wouldn’t get the same effect from a YouTube clip. I can, however, show you these badass character posters that they showed us. Hopefully, they will release a trailer soon!
The peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilization faces a fearsome race of invaders: Orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonize another. As a portal opens to connect the two worlds, one army faces destruction and the other faces extinction. From opposing sides, two heroes are set on a collision course that will decide the fate of their family, their people and their home.
So begins a spectacular saga of power and sacrifice in which war has many faces, and everyone fights for something.
7. THE HIVE
Nerdiest Presents : THE HIVE had a pretty good run at Comic-Con this year. I sat down with Director David Yarovesky and stars Gabriel Basso, Gabrielle Walsh, Jacob Zachar and Steve Agee to talk about their film, and pick on each other a bit. Check it out here.
They also released the first trailer for the film. You should watch it. You might recognize someone’s name… [Cough… Cough… Me… Cough]
When Camp Yellow Jacket has fallen into chaos, teen counselor Adam wakes up in a boarded up cabin with no memory of who or where he is. His only clue as to what’s happening is the notes he’s scrawled for himself on the walls and the disturbing physical transformation he must overcome. The only memories he has aren’t his own, yet those memories may be the key to Adam’s survival.
6. SUICIDE SQUAD
See what it means to be a villain and what it means to be a hero in this first trailer, directly from Comic-Con 2015, for director David Ayer’s SUICIDE SQUAD. Not only did the cast take a break from filming in Toronto, but they blew Hall H away with this surprise teaser. People could not stop talking about Jared Leto as The Joker. In fact, the SUICIDE SQUAD trailer got way more buzz than BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE.
The action adventure brings DC Comics’ super villain team to the big screen and stars two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith as Deadshot; Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn; Oscar winner Jared Leto as the Joker; Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flagg; Jai Courtney as Boomerang; and Cara Delevingne as Enchantress.
5. THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2’s Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Willow Shields, Director Francis Lawrence, and Producer Nina Jacobson held a Press Conference after their Hall H panel at the Hilton Bayfront, and WAMG was there. Check out the press conference in its entirety below as Jennifer talks reality TV, Malibu, and playing such a strong character. Video is below… because, come on… there’s no other way to capture the essence of J-Law’s awesomeness!
With the nation of Panem in a full-scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow [Donald Sutherland] in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale [Liam Hemsworth], Finnick [Sam Claflin] and Peeta [Josh Hutcherson] – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.
4. VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
The award for funniest panel, by far, goes to VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN. James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe kept attendees in stitches, as the panel basically turned into one big dick joke. Chris Hardwick only added to the fun as moderator. Check it out below…
Written by Max Landis, when Dr. Victor Frankenstein (James McAvoy) and his trusted assistant Igor (Daniel Radcliffe) go too far in their noble attempts to aid humanity, Victor’s obsession turns to madness. He then unleashes his final creation –a monstrous figure that holds unimaginable terror for anyone its path.
3. THE HATEFUL EIGHT
Quentin Tarantino is back with his eighth film, THE HATEFUL EIGHT, and tore Hall H up! I was really excited for this, since I have yet to do a Tarantino film junket, and am a huge fan. Despite the rough start (such as a leaked script), Tarantino’s newest adventure is sure to be anything but ordinary! Filmed in Telluride, Colorado, this spaghetti western takes place roughly around a decade after the Civil War. Eight strangers find themselves stranded in a blizzard. They may survive the blizzard, but can they survive each other? Check out the video below!
THE HATEFUL EIGHT features an amazing cast such as Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Madsen. Since it’s a Tarantino film, be ready for some next level gun slinging! I don’t normally camp out for Hall H, but I got in there for this one. It was worth it!
2. STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
Fans at San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H were treated to a special look behind the scenes of Star Wars:The Force Awakens by director J.J. Abrams, producer and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan.
The filmmakers were joined on stage by cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford to the surprise and delight of fans.
At the end of the Hall H presentation, the entire Hall H audience of more than 6,000 fans were all invited to continue the celebration and join cast and filmmakers at a surprise Star Wars Fan Concert. The San Diego Symphony performed the classic Star Wars music from John Williams at the Embarcadero Marina Park South.
1. DEADPOOL
DEADPOOL was the icing on the Hall H cake. Audiences stood up and cheered “One more time!” after the trailer as Ryan Reynolds, and the rest of the cast were about to leave the stage. Unfortunately, the trailer has not been released, so check out these new images from the film. (Yes, I am aware that the trailer has been leaked online, but I’m not a jerk so you’ll just have to wait!)
Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.
What do you think? What was your favorite Comic-Con moment? Let us know below! Until next year kids…
Not only did CRIMSON PEAK make it’s stop at Comic-Con, but it will be making its way to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. Guillermo del Toro announced the news Saturday to a packed house in Hall H before being joined by stars Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, and Tom Hiddleston. Check out their panel below…
When her heart is stolen by a seductive stranger, a young woman is swept away to a house atop a mountain of blood-red clay: a place filled with secrets that will haunt her forever. Between desire and darkness, between mystery and madness, lies the truth behind Crimson Peak.
Hey there kids! Melissa here, back with some more comic-con goodness for you. This one was especially fun for me. Friday afternoon, I headed over to the Nerdist Conival to interview Director David Yarovesky and stars Gabriel Basso, Gabrielle Walsh, Jacob Zachar and Steve Agee about their film THE HIVE. Not only is it a fantastic film, it’s also great to see one of my good friends, David, succeed. Check out my interview with these crazy cats below! (You totally can’t tell we know each other…) Oh, and be sure to check out the all new trailer. You might recognize someone [insert wink here].
When Camp Yellow Jacket has fallen into chaos, teen counselor Adam wakes up in a boarded up cabin with no memory of who or where he is. His only clue as to what’s happening is the notes he’s scrawled for himself on the walls and the disturbing physical transformation he must overcome. The only memories he has aren’t his own, yet those memories may be the key to Adam’s survival.
The film turns genre convention on its head to tell a story that taps into the anxiety and emotions we’ve discovered in a post-online world. In the same way George Romero sought to comment on consumerism in the 1970’s, Dave Yarovesky has found a parable for the digital age.
Upon the release of the trailer, music visionary and executive producer Steve Aoki said, “I love music because it connects people all over the world, making them feel the same shared feelings of joy or sadness or excitement. But music isn’t the only thing that connects us; a film can make us laugh at the same time, cry at the same time or… scream at the same time. “ Aoki continued, “I’m excited to make people scream with our new movie Nerdist Presents: The Hive. I’m an executive producer on the film and you can hear tracks from my album, Neon Future, in the movie.”
Adam Rymer, president of Nerdist Industries and Legendary Digital Networks, echoed Aoki’s enthusiasm saying, “The film’s balance of horror, comedy, sci-fi and romance is fresh and perfect for the Nerdist audience. We’re excited to share this unique film with the world in a way that only Nerdist Industries can. “
Coming to theaters and VOD platforms this fall, Nerdist Presents: The Hive is the next generation of horror film. Stay tuned to Nerdist.com for more from #TheHive.
Writer Gary Whitta (Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One) said on his Instagram page that Friday was, “seriously one of the best days ever in my life as a Star Wars fan.”
He and a multitude of fans at San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H were treated to a special look behind the scenes of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS by director J.J. Abrams, producer and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan.
The filmmakers were joined on stage by cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford to the surprise and delight of fans.
(L-R) Actors Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford at the Hall H Panel. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
(L-R) Moderator Chris Hardwick, producer Kathleen Kennedy, director J.J. Abrams, screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford at the Hall H Panel. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Disney)
Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac.
Actor Domhnall Gleeson at the Hall H Panel.
Check out the special look behind the scenes of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS.
At the end of the Hall H presentation, the entire Hall H audience of more than 6,000 fans were all invited to continue the celebration and join cast and filmmakers at a surprise Star Wars Fan Concert. The San Diego Symphony performed the classic Star Wars music from John Williams at the Embarcadero Marina Park South.
501st Legion member, Kevin Doyle
(L-R) Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and more than 6000 fans enjoyed a surprise `Star Wars` Fan Concert performed by the San Diego Symphony, featuring the classic `Star Wars` music of composer John Williams, at the Embarcadero Marina Park South on July 10, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Actors Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Actors Gwendoline Christie (L), Peter Mayhew.
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS IS IN THEATERS DECEMBER 18TH, 2015
The marketing team behind the new stoner comedy AMERICAN ULTRA might have picked the smartest way to spread their seed at San Diego Comic-Con… by offering members of the medical marijuana community a highly valuable product. Earlier today, the website www.theamericanultraprogram.net started circulating. From your mobile device, people were asked for their drivers license or state ID number and photo, along with their medical marijuana information (for verification). Once verified, a field agent contacts you and delivers a glass jar, rolling papers, a lighter, and a sample of their own special brand of premium kush. If you don’t have a medical marijuana card, don’t bother trying. You will fail.
Below, you can see what was delivered when I tried it out for myself… for science, of course! The goods come in a sealed envelope that says AMERICAN ULTRA on it. Inside, everything is branded with the same American flag, monster truck, and flames logo that can only be described as ‘bitchin!’
So, if you’re in the San Diego area, and have a medical marijuana card… enjoy the perks of being a Californian!
Award-winning artist Jim Evans (aka T.A.Z.), the designer behind hundreds of gig & movie posters including those for The Beastie Boys, The Wu Tang Clan, Rage Against The Machine, Pearl Jam, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Saw franchise, crafted the badass print featuring Jesse Eisenberg & Kristen Stewart.
AMERICAN ULTRA is a fast-paced action comedy about Mike (Jesse Eisenberg), a seemingly hapless and unmotivated stoner whose small-town life with his live-in girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart), is suddenly turned upside down.
Unbeknownst to him, Mike is actually a highly trained, lethal sleeper agent. In the blink of an eye, as his secret past comes back to haunt him, Mike is thrust into the middle of a deadly government operation and is forced to summon his inner action-hero in order to survive.
Written by Max Landis the film also features Connie Britton, Topher Grace, Tony Hale, John Leguizamo, Bill Pullman & Walton Goggins.
HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS, STAR WARS FANS… Because we have a treat for you!
Fans at San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H were treated to a special look behind the scenes of Star Wars:The Force Awakens by director J.J. Abrams, producer and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan.
The filmmakers were joined on stage by cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford to the surprise and delight of fans.
At the end of the Hall H presentation, the entire Hall H audience of more than 6,000 fans were all invited to continue the celebration and join cast and filmmakers at a surprise Star Wars Fan Concert. The San Diego Symphony performed the classic Star Wars music from John Williams at the Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Stay connected with StarWars.com and the official Star Wars app. All Star Wars, All the Time, Anywhere.
Attending Comic-Con? Watch your step – a gruesome Sinister Sighting could be lurking around any corner! SINISTER 2 will be taking over San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter with a slew of sinister projections from Thursday, July 9th until Saturday, July 11th between 8PM-1AM. Share a photo of the projection that you spot and then post it to Instagram or Twitter with #SinisterSightings for a chance to win a trip to LA with a friend and receive VIP access to Six Flags Fright Fest.
Find one of these exclusive collectors cards in Comic-Con or follow @SinisterMovie to get more information on the sweeps, and learn where you can find the next Sinister Sighting. See Official Rules http://bit.ly/1BT2xCl
Stay tuned for the brand new SINISTER 2 trailer premiering on Fandango this Friday, July 10th at 9am PST.
The sequel to the 2012 sleeper hit horror movie. In the aftermath of the shocking events in “Sinister,” a protective mother (Shannyn Sossamon of “Wayward Pines”) and her 9-year-old twin sons (real-life brothers Robert and Dartanian Sloan) find themselves in a rural house marked for death as the evil spirit of Bughuul continues to spread with frightening intensity. The film also stars James Ransone and Lea Coco.
Directed by Ciarán Foy (“Citadel”) and written by Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill (“Sinister”), SINISTER 2 opens nationwide from Gramercy Pictures on August 21st, 2015.
This morning, Ryan Reynolds and the cast of the upcoming film from 20th Century Fox, DEADPOOL, announced their appearance at this year’s Comic Con in San Diego with a nod to The Merc’s favorite TV Show, The Golden Girls, by tweeting the theme song. Below, find all the tweets from the DEADPOOL cast in order:
Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.
DEADPOOL is from director Tim Miller.
The cast includes Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, and Gina Carano.
What a beautiful day. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping… and nerds everywhere are scrambling to get their suitcases packed because it’s everybody’s favorite time of year… COMIC-CON!
Now, I know that there has been a lot anxiety about what to expect since Marvel, Sony, and Paramount will not be holding any panels this year, but fear not. There will still be plenty of movie-related events and activities at this years hoedown of heroes! Below, up will find a list of things to get jazzed about at this years festivities!
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
This is a big one, but let’s not get our hopes up too high. Entertainment Weekly is reporting that there will be no new trailer or clips shown during the panel on Friday, where Lucasfilm president and producer Kathleen Kennedy, director J.J. Abrams, writer Lawrence Kasdan, and other special guests will discuss the film. Don’t get me wrong, this is still super exciting! I hope everyone is wrong about this! Even if there isn’t any new footage, it’s still going to be a great panel. Fingers crossed that Han Solo himself, Mr. Harrison Ford makes an appearance this time!
FRIDAY, JULY 10
(5:30-6:30pm) Hall H : Lucasfilm – Lucasfilm president and producer Kathleen Kennedy, directorJ.J. Abrams, writer Lawrence Kasdan, and special guests provide a special look at Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2
The final film in The Hunger Games saga will be hitting theaters this fall, but for those of us that can’t wait that long, the cast will be making an appearance during their panel for the final installment on Thursday. They weren’t at Comic-Con last year, so this will probably be your final chance to see them all together before the film comes out. After all, Jennifer Lawrence is a very busy girl!
THURSDAY, JUNE 9
(12-1:15pm) Hall H : THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2 – Lionsgate presents an exclusive first look at one of the studio’s highly anticipated films coming to theaters this fall. Get a sneak peek into the powerful final chapter of the epic The Hunger Games film franchise. Attendees will be shown exclusive, never-before-seen footage from Mockingjay: Part 2 and treated to a cast and filmmaker Q&A session revealing details on the big-screen finale.
THE HATEFUL EIGHT
Quentin Tarantino is back with his eight film, THE HATEFUL EIGHT, and is ready to tear Hall H up! Despite the rough start (such as a leaked script), Tarantino’s newest adventure is sure to be anything but ordinary! Filmed in Telluride, Colorado, this spaghetti western takes place roughly around a decade after the Civil War. Eight strangers find themselves stranded in a blizzard. They may survive the blizzard, but can they survive each other?
THE HATEFUL EIGHT features an amazing cast such as Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Madsen. Since it’s a Tarantino film, be ready for some next level gun slinging! This will definitely be a first look, so fingers crossed for a trailer! (Ignore all of the ones on YouTube. They’re fake.) I don’t normally camp out for Hall H, but I just may for this one.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
(1:30-2:15pm) Hall H : QUENTIN TARANTINO’S THE HATEFUL EIGHT – Academy Award-winning writer/director Quentin Tarantino brings fans an exclusive look at his highly anticipated 8th film, The Hateful Eight. Followed by a Q&A session with the cast.
THE HIVE
Now this one has me excited for two reasons. Not only is THE HIVE the best horror film of the year, but it’s directed by my good friend David Yarovesky. Hooray!
THE HIVE is the twisted sci-fi/horror tale of Adam, a teen counselor at Camp Yellow Jacket and his mission to regain his memory after waking up in a boarded up cabin. His only clue as to what’s happening is the notes he’s scrawled for himself on the walls and the disturbing physical transformation he must overcome. The only memories he has aren’t his own, yet those memories may be the key to Adam’s survival.
David Yarovesky and stars Gabriel Basso, Gabrielle Walsh and Jacob Zachar will be appearing at several events, included an intimate panel where fans will be able to see clips from the film. I asked David about his thoughts on sharing footage of his film with audiences, and he said “I think people are gonna be really surprised by our panel. I can’t wait…”
FRIDAY, JULY 10
(12:00-12:30pm) The Nerdist Conival at PetCo Park : Nerdist will be hosting a conversation with director David Yarovesky and the cast.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
(1:00-2:00pm) Indigo Ballroom : The Nerdist Panel with Chris Hardwick – David Yarovesky will be joining Chris Hardwick and the Nerdist team.
(3:30-4:30pm) Horton Grand Theater : Nerdist Presents THE HIVE – Director David Yarovesky and the cast host an intimate panel where fans will get a first look at the upcoming film.
ADULT SWIM
Tired of being indoors? Never fear! Adult Swim has you covered with some outdoor fun!
Adult Swim On The Green : located behind the convention center at Convention Way and 5th Ave Pier, Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. A brand new experience for fans, Adult Swim activities will include the Carnival Midway, free nightly screenings, Rick and Morty spaceship sighting, and the Meatwad Full Dome Experience. All events are free with RSVP at http://www.adultswimpresents.com, 18+ and a convention badge is required.
What are you guys excited for? Let me know below… and if you see me, make sure to stop for a hi-five!
