The lineup for the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con has been unveiled, giving attendees – and those refreshing their browsers the entire weekend – a little less to look forward to but still plenty of panels, reveals and anniversary spotlights. The 2023 Comic-Con is a far more limited affair this year due to major players like Marvel, Sony, Universal, Disney, and more dropping out at least partly due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike. And with deadlines on the potential Screen Actors Guild strike quickly approaching, could only harm the event even more.
Here are some of the highlights of the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con:
THURSDAY, JULY 20th:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – “Paramount Pictures brings a panel discussion and footage presentation with filmmakers.”
Project K – “From the heartland of India emerges a unique tale that intertwines ancient mythology with cutting-edge science fiction, all within the captivating Spice Punk aesthetic. Welcome to Project K, the inaugural chapter of India’s most ambitious cinematic universe yet. Three of India’s biggest superstars, Kamal Hassan, Prabhas, and Deepika Padukone, along with director Nag Ashwin, unveil a glimpse into the future. Experience the convergence of global cinema’s superheroes as Project K marks the first time India takes the stage at Comic-Con.”
Twisted Metal – “Get an exclusive sneak peek at Peacock’s new original comedy series Twisted Metal. Based on the classic PlayStation game series, Twisted Metal is a high-octane action comedy based on an original take by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Deadpool) and written by Michael Jonathan Smith (Cobra Kai), about a motor-mouthed outsider offered a chance at a better life, but only if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The ten-episode series stars Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Thomas Haden Church, with Will Arnett and Joe Seanoa, and guest stars Neve Campbell and streams only on Peacock on July 27.”
Celebrating 1982: Greatest Geek Year Ever on the CW – “Go behind the scenes of Greatest Geek Year Ever: 1982, premiering this month on The CW, with an exclusive in-depth look at the making of this series spotlighting the incredible films of 1982, including Blade Runner, The Beastmaster, Star Trek: The Wrath Of Khan, Poltergeist, Firefox, First Blood, The Thing, Tron, Dark Crystal, Diner, Fast Times Forbidden World, and, of course, Megaforce. Film critic Scott “Movie” Mantz and producers Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, The Librarians, Castle), and Roger Lay Jr. (Aliens Ate My Homework, Remembering Rod Serling) take you back four decades and remind you that the good guys always win . . . even in the ’80s.”
Archer – “Get ready to party, folks! Archer, the hit animated comedy series, returns to San Diego for one last blow-out celebration in advance of its upcoming 14th and final season, premiering August 30 on FXX. The landscape of the spy world is changing, and The Agency is now finding its way with Lana at the helm. Her goal is to make money while also making the world a better place, but running a spy agency isn’t so cut and driy . . . Come for a can’t-miss exclusive screening of the season opener and additional surprises.”
FRIDAY, JULY 21st:
Tiny Toons Looniversity: “Congratulations, you’ve been accepted into ACME Looniversity! Join this panel of Tiny Toons Looniversity academics (a.k.a. cast and crew) as they take you on a “campus tour” of Cartoon Network’s newest entry into the Looniverse. Classes begin this fall, but panel attendees will be treated to a screening of the premiere episode! Plus, catch sneak peeks of the final batch of Looney Tunes cartoons and upcoming episodes of Cartoonito’s preschool Bugs Bunny Builders.Tiny Toons Looniversity is produced by Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Animation. Looney Tunes Cartoons and Bugs Bunny Builders are produced by Warner Bros. Animation.”
My Adventures With Superman: “It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman like you’ve never seen him before! Watch a new episode of Adult Swim’s newest comedy adventure and join the heroic cast and crew of My Adventures with Superman as they discuss familiar friends and foes, plus what else you will see in season 1 and beyond. My Adventures with Superman is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.”
Jamie Lee Curtis’ Mother Nature: A Candid Discussion of Her All-New Graphic Novel/Movie: “Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis makes a special appearance at Comic-Con to launch her new graphic novel, Mother Nature, which debuts exclusively at SDCC. This exciting eco-horror graphic novel is adapted from her script for the Comet Pictures/Blumhouse film. Co-writer Russell Goldman and artist Karl Stevens will be on stage with Jamie and Forbidden Planet TV’s Andrew Sumner to go behind the scenes of this unique project, ahead of the Mother Nature major motion picture (coming soon).”
The Walking Dead Universe: “Fans will get exclusive, first-look access to all things The Walking Dead Universe.”
Entertainment Weekly: Brave Warriors: They may be fighters on screen, but that doesn’t mean they’re not lovers (of the craft). 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.
Peacock’s The Continental: From the World of John Wick: “The cast and executive producers Basil Iwanyk and Albert Hughes of Peacock’s three-part event The Continental: From the World of John Wick take an exclusive first look at the series. A prequel to the blockbuster action franchise, the series will explore the origin behind the iconic hotel-for-assassins centerpiece of the John Wick universe through the eyes and actions of a young Winston Scott, as he’s dragged into the Hell-scape of 1970s New York City to face a past he thought he’d left behind.”
Justice League: Warworld: “Be among the first fans to see Warner Bros. Animation’s all-new, feature-length film Justice League: Warworld at this world premiere screening. In this R-rated film, DC’s Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman find themselves in mysterious lands and precarious circumstances with no memory of how they arrived there and only vague recollections of their true selves. In addition to the screening, filmmakers and key cast members will hold a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Justice League: Warworld will be available to own on Digital, 4K Ultra HD, and Blu-ray on July 25.”
SATURDAY, JULY 22nd:
Legendary Entertainment: This is likely going to be one of the bigger panels, with the studio on the verge of releasing Dune: Part 2, The Toxic Avenger remake, Godzilla vs Kong 2, and much more. No news yet on who will be involved, but if any event generates a lot of Comic Con buzz, this will be it.
That ’70s Show 25th Anniversary: “Debra Jo Rupp (actress, That ’70s Show, That ’90s Show) and Kurtwood Smith (actor, That ’70s Show, That ’90s Show) discuss 25 years of the iconic show and its impact on their careers. Debra Jo and Kurtwood will engage in a fan Q&A session following the presentation.”
Futurama: “You won’t want to miss the world premiere screening of the beloved sci-fi animated series Futurama before new episodes debut on Hulu on July 24. After a 10-year hiatus, Futurama has sprung triumphantly from the cryogenic tube, its full original cast and satirical spirit intact. New viewers will be able to pick up the series from here, while long-time fans will recognize payoffs to decades-long mysteries, including developments in the epic love story of Fry and Leela, the mysterious contents of Nibbler’s litter box, the secret history of evil Robot Santa, and the whereabouts of Kif and Amy’s tadpoles. Meanwhile, there’s a whole new pandemic in town as the crew explores the future of vaccines, bitcoin, cancel culture, and streaming TV.”
X-Men: The Animated Series 31st Anniversary: “Ron Wasserman (X-Men/Power Rangers composer), Elliott S Maggin! (“Time Fugitives” writer), David McDermott (“Phalanx Covenant” writer), Brooks Wachtel (“Dark Phoenix” writer), and Steven Melching (“Weapon X, Lies Videotape”) discuss their behind-the-scenes experiences. Moderated by Larry Houston (X-Men producer/director).”
Star Trek Universe: “The fan-favorite Star Trek universe panel returns to Comic-Con, featuring exclusive content from Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”
William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill: “The icon himself, William Shatner, hosts an entertaining discussion about his illustrious career, spotlighted by his two most recent adventures: Legion M’s new documentary, You Can Call Me Bill, and the famed sci-fi captain’s real-life journey into space! Beam into Hall H for a lively chat between Shatner, doc director Alexandre O. Philippe (The People vs. George Lucas, Lynch/Oz), Legion M executives Jeff Annison and David Baxter, and some very special surprise guests. Publicist Gary Miereanu moderates the festivities.”
Of course, this is only a sampling of the events lined up for the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con. You can see the full schedule here. The 2023 San Diego Comic-Con will run from July 20th – July 23rd. Stay tuned for more coverage!
Are you attending this year’s SDCC? Which panels are you most looking forward to?