San Diego Comic-Con 2024: A return to normalcy with a star-studded lineup
San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) is back in full swing for 2024, running from July 25-28. For the first time since 2019, the event will unfold without virtual components, pandemic protocols, or labor strike cancellations. This return to normalcy promises an electrifying experience for fans, with a lineup that includes major franchises like “The Penguin,” “Star Trek,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” and “The Boys.” Here’s a detailed look at the highlights and what attendees can expect.
Thursday, July 25: A day of animated adventures and epic tales
Transformers One: A star-studded panel
Kicking off the festivities at 11:45 am, Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment will present “Transformers One.” The panel will feature talent such as Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, and Keegan-Michael Key, along with director Josh Cooley and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura. Fans can expect exclusive footage and a lively discussion about the upcoming film. Watch the trailer.
Celebrating 25 years of SpongeBob SquarePants
At 1:00 pm, Nickelodeon will celebrate the 25th anniversary of “SpongeBob SquarePants” with a special panel. The voice cast, including Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), and Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy), will perform a live table read of the iconic episode “Help Wanted.” Moderated by Kel Mitchell, this panel promises to be a nostalgic trip down to Bikini Bottom. Watch the trailer.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: A divine debut
At 2:15 pm, Disney+ will bring “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” to Comic-Con for the first time. Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson), Leah Sava Jeffries (Annabeth Chase), and Aryan Simhadri (Grover Underwood) will share behind-the-scenes stories and answer fan questions. This panel is a must-see for demigods and mortals alike. Watch the trailer.
Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cowabunga, dudes!
Simultaneously at 2:15 pm, fans can join the voices of Leo, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey for an exclusive look at the new Paramount+ series “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Expect never-before-seen content and a lively discussion moderated by Claire Lim. Watch the trailer.
Friday, July 26: Superheroes, epic fantasies, and adult animation
The Boys: A post-season celebration
At 10:00 am, join showrunner Eric Kripke and the cast of “The Boys” for a celebration of the jaw-dropping fourth season. The panel will delve into behind-the-scenes secrets and favorite moments from the series. Watch the trailer.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: A journey into Middle-earth
At 11:05 am, the cast and showrunners of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” will provide an inside look into the highly anticipated second season. Fans can expect stunning visuals and thrilling surprises. Watch the trailer.
Adapting fan favorites: A conversation with Prime Video’s adult animation creators
At 1:00 pm, join executive producers Robert Kirkman (“Invincible”), Vivienne Medrano (“Hazbin Hotel”), and others as they discuss adapting popular comics and films into successful TV series. This panel will offer sneak peeks and exclusive news. Watch the trailer.
Saturday, July 27: Sci-fi spectacles and dark mysteries
The Star Trek Universe: A galactic gathering
From 1:45 pm to 3:15 pm, the “Star Trek” universe panel will feature back-to-back conversations with cast and producers from “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” and ”Star Trek: Section 31.” Expect reveals and surprises moderated by Justin Simien. Watch the trailer.
Batman: Caped Crusader: A world premiere
At 2:45 pm, join executive producer Matt Reeves and cast members Hamish Linklater, Jamie Chung, and Minnie Driver for the world premiere screening of “Batman: Caped Crusader.” The panel will include a Q&A session discussing key storylines. Watch the trailer.
The Penguin Panel: Continuing the saga
At 4:45 pm, the HBO Original series “The Penguin” will take center stage. Colin Farrell (Oz Cobb aka “The Penguin”), Cristin Milioti (Sofia Falcone), and others will discuss the series, which continues Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” epic crime saga. Watch the trailer.
Reflecting on the return to normalcy
As SDCC 2024 unfolds, it’s clear that the event is not just a return to normalcy but a celebration of the resilience and creativity of the entertainment industry. With a lineup that spans beloved animated series, epic fantasies, and groundbreaking new shows, this year’s Comic-Con promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans. Whether you’re attending in person or following along from afar, the magic of SDCC is back, and it’s better than ever.