Comic-Con International’s first big day Friday, July 26, will feature the cast of Amazon Prime’s wildly popular superhero spoof, “The Boys,” and a packed day in Hall H.

Likely to be the most sought-after event of the day, “The Boys” cast and executive producer will take over Hall H shortly after its season finale. Other big franchises showing up will be “Doctor Who,” “The Walking Dead,” which has two panels, and “The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power.”

The last time Amazon Prime’s Lord of the Rings show took over Hall H, it brought an orchestra and “The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert as moderator.

Another big draw is likely to be the latest “Alien” film from 20th Century Fox. The seventh film in the science fiction franchise, “Alien: Romulus,” will bring to Hall H some of Hollywood’s youngest and biggest up-and-coming stars: Isabela Merced, Cailee Spaeny and Archie Renaux.

Here are some highlights, with official descriptions courtesy of the folks at Comic-Con. All events are at the San Diego Convention Center unless otherwise noted.

For a complete schedule, go here.

‘DC Heroes United’

Genvid Entertainment will give an exclusive reveal of DC Heroes United with Jacob Navok (chief executive officer), including a never-before-shown scene, and present an update on “Borderlands: EchoVision Live”. “DC Heroes United” is a new interactive streaming series where the fans will determine how Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman work together and how they handle the challenges they face leading up to the formation of this earth’s Justice League. The panel will also feature Randy Ma (interactive creative director), Stephan Bugaj (chief creative officer), and Don Thacker (cinematics director), moderated by Nika Nour (head of partnerships, Genvid). Room 6DE, 10-11 a.m.

‘The Boys’

Showrunner and executive producer Eric Kripke joins the series’ stars for a postseason finale celebration. Hear from the cast and creator about the head-exploding, jaw-dropping fourth season, along with behind-the-scenes secrets, favorite moments, and thrilling surprises. Based on the New York Times bestselling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys is a fun and irreverent take on what happens when superheroes who are as popular as celebrities abuse their superpowers rather than use them for good. It’s the powerless against the super-powerful as The Boys embark on a heroic quest to expose the truth about The Seven. Hall H, 10-11 a.m.

TMNT

It’s the 40th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and IDW is celebrating in a big way. Join franchise co-creator Kevin Eastman along with Jason Aaron, Joëlle Jones, Tom Waltz, Sarah Myer, and Fero Pe for a presentation that will spill the secrets of IDW’s ambitious plans for the Heroes in a Half Shell. Moderated by ComicBook’s Chris Killian. Room 25ABC, 10-11 a.m.

Eisner Hall of Fame

Celebrate the 2024 Eisner Awards Hall of Fame inductees at this special ceremony! Trophies will be given out to 17 individuals selected by the Eisner Hall of Fame judges, along with 4 recipients selected by voters. Among those who will be on hand to accept their awards are Kim Deitch, Gary Groth, Don McGregor, Bryan Talbot, and Lynn Varley. Presentation by Eisner Awards HoF judges Karen Green and Alonso Nuñez. Room 29CD, 10-11:30 a.m.

McFarlane Toys

Get an exclusive first look at the latest and greatest toys and collectibles from McFarlane Toys and Todd McFarlane himself! Explore exciting brands like DC Multiverse, Marvel, Bleach, Spawn, and so much more. Join the McFarlane Toys team, along with other panelists, who will provide an in-depth look at these highly anticipated products. Plus, there will be some thrilling surprises and giveaways.  Room 6A, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Star Wars Collectibles

Lucasfilm’s Brian Merten invites you to come by and hear what’s happening in the galaxy of Star Wars high-end collectibles. You’ll get a look at some awesome items that will become available soon, as well as learn what drives the people who strive to make the items that provide a connection to the stories, characters, and artifacts that we all love. Room 7AB, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’

Return to Middle-earth with the series’ showrunners and cast as they give an inside look into the highly anticipated second season, premiering on August 29 on Prime Video. Expect thrilling surprises and unique insight. Hall H, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

‘Snowpiercer’

Fans will experience an exclusive advanced screening of an all-new episode of Snowpiercer (Season 4, Episode 2 “The Sting of Survival”) before it debuts on Sunday, July 28 on AMC and AMC+. Afterward, stars Daveed Diggs, Mickey Sumner, and Mike O’Malley will join executive producers Paul Zbyszewski and Christoph Schrewe to tease the series’ fourth and final season with a discussion and fan Q&A moderated by TV Guide Magazine’s Damian Holbrook. Ballroom 20, 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

‘Rick and Morty: The Anime’

Go further into the multiverse of Rick and Morty with the new series “Rick and Morty: The Anime” as it lands at Comic-Con. Writer/director Takashi Sano, producers Joseph Chou and Takenari Maeda, and Adult Swim’s head of action and anime Jason DeMarco will share details about the intergalactic adventure and show you the inner workings of the new series on Adult Swim. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 12-12:45 p.m.

‘Doctor Who’

Hop aboard the TARDIS with Doctor Who stars Ncuti Gatwa (Fifteenth Doctor) and Millie Gibson (Ruby Sunday), along with showrunner and writer Russell T Davies as they discuss the latest season and its game-changing finale episode, which aired on Disney+ and BBC iPlayer. The trio will also share behind-the-scenes stories, fan surprises, and a special sneak peek. Moderated by Josh Horowitz (host, Happy Sad Confused podcast and MTV). Hall H, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Hasbro’s Marvel Legends

Hasbro and Marvel product experts offer exciting news about Hasbro’s ever-popular Marvel Legends product line. Attendees will also get a sneak peek at upcoming items, followed by a Q&A for your burning Marvel Legends questions. Room 5AB, 12:30-1:30 pm. 

Prime Video Adult Animation

Executive producers Robert Kirkman (Invincible), Vivienne Medrano (Hazbin Hotel), and Travis Willingham (The Legend of Vox Machina) discuss adapting some of the most popular comic books, crowdfunded gems, films, and more into successful television series, offer sneak peeks into upcoming seasons, and share exclusive news from each of their respective series. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1-1:45 p.m.

Image Comics Discussion

Geoff Johns (Redcoat, Rook: Exodus), Gerry Duggan (Falling in Love on the Path To Hell), Erica Schultz (Rat City), Sanford Greene (Bitter Root), and Wyatt Kennedy (Nights) have a freewheeling conversation about genre, storytelling, industry secrets, and tricks of the trade. Moderated by Jim Viscardi (Image Comics). Room 25ABC, 1-2 p.m.

‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’

The cast and executive producers discuss the upcoming second season of The Walking Dead: Dead City alongside the debut of an exclusive asset before the series returns next year on AMC and AMC+, moderated by Chris Hardwick. Confirmed panelists include Eli Jorné (showrunner and executive producer), Scott M. Gimple (The Walking Dead Universe chief content officer and executive producer), Lauren Cohan (executive producer, “Maggie”), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (executive producer, “Negan”), Gaius Charles (“Armstrong”), and Željko Ivanek (“The Croat”). Hall H, 1:45-2:45 p.m.

Solar Opposites

Solar Opposites returns to Comic-Con ahead of a new season packed with new family values, mayhem in the Wall, and some all-new Silvercops adventures. Executive producers Mike McMahan and Josh Bycel and cast members Thomas Middleditch (Terry), Mary Mack (Jesse), and Sean Giambrone (Yumyulack) have an advance screening of a never-before-seen episode, and a discussion of the hilarious and out-of-this-world first look at the upcoming fifth season premiering August 12 on Hulu. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 2-2:45 p.m.

Hasbro’s Star Wars Panel

Members of the Hasbro Marketing & Design teams discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line, including the Black Series and The Vintage Collection. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro’s latest action figure offerings from throughout the saga. Word on the Holonet is there may also be a few surprises. Room 7AB, 2-3 p.m.

“Mortal Kombat 1”

Ed Boon, chief creative officer at NetherRealm Studios and co-creator of Mortal Kombat, joins actors Erika Ishii (Starfield, Fallout 76) and Kaiji Tang (Jujutsu Kaisen, Detective Pikachu videogames), as well as NetherRealm team members Marty Stoltz (cinematic development director) and Joshua Slingerland (principal cinematic artist) for a discussion on the continuing story, future fighters, and new game features that will be added to Mortal Kombat 1 for its second year. Moderated by Kahlief Adams (CEO of Spawn On Me and The Spawnies). Room 6BCF, 2-3 p.m.

‘Gremlins: The Wild Batch’

After an action-packed first season filled with magic, mystery, and an adorable Gizmo, the next chapter of the hit Gremlins animated prequel series continues this fall on Max. Executive producers Tze Chun and Brendan Hay, Ming-Na Wen (voice of Fong Wing), Izaac Wang (voice of Sam), AJ LoCascio (voice of Gizmo), Gabrielle Nevaeh (voice of Elle), and others preview all the Mogwai mayhem in store for this upcoming season and unleash a few surprises. Room 6A, 2:15 p.m.-3:15 p.m.

“Like a Dragon: Yakuza”

Series lead member Ryoma Takeuchi, producers, a surprise A-list star from the cast, and a SEGA producer share an exclusive first look and delve into the creation of this series based on SEGA’s iconic second bestselling game. Room 5AB, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’

The cast and executive producers discuss the upcoming second season of “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” — The Book of Carol alongside the debut of the official trailer before it premieres on Sunday, September 29 on AMC and AMC+, moderated by Chris Hardwick. Confirmed panelists include David Zabel (showrunner and executive producer), Scott M. Gimple (The Walking Dead Universe chief content officer and executive producer), Greg Nicotero (executive producer and director), Norman Reedus (executive producer and “Daryl Dixon”), Melissa McBride (executive producer and “Carol Peletier”), and Louis Puech Scigliuzzi (“Laurent”). Hall H, 2:45-3:45 p.m.

‘The Great North’

Embark on an exhilarating journey to Lone Moose with “The Great North.” Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of this animated comedy series that follows the quirky Tobin family as they navigate life together. Get to know the creative minds behind the series, including creators and executive producers Wendy Molyneaux, Lizzie Molyneaux-Logelin, and Loren Bouchard, and the voices behind the Tobin family including Dulcé Sloan, Paul Rust, and Aparna Nancherla. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 3-3:45 p.m.

Collider’s Directors on Directing

Two of the most successful action directors working in film today join Collider’s editor-in-chief for a conversation about their business and their craft. Antoine Fuqua (The Equalizer trilogy, Training Day, Olympus Has Fallen, and the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic) and Roland Emmerich (Those About to Die, Independence Day, Anonymous, White House Down) discuss their work (past, present, and future), the challenges of production, and their dueling White House invasion movies with Steven Weintraub — and that’s not all. Hall H, 4-5 p.m.

‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’

(1999, directed by George Lucas, starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, and Natalie Portman, PG) 25th Anniversary Screening: It’s Star Wars Day! Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn rescue Queen Amidala, ruler of a peaceful planet invaded by dark forces. During their escape, they discover nine-year old Anakin Skywalker, a child prodigy who is unusually strong in the Force. Grand 5, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 4-6:15 p.m.

Marvel Comics: Next Big Thing

Editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski, VP of digital media and creative strategy Ryan Penagos (ak.a. Agent M), and other Marvel guests are here for a glimpse into the future of your favorite heroes. The world-shaking ramifications emanating from Blood Hunt will last for years to come, and fans can look no further than this panel for an exclusive glimpse at the new status quo in the wake of the bloodiest Marvel event ever. Plus, attendees who stay until the end will receive an exclusive giveaway comic book. Room 6DE, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

First Look: ‘The Tower’ Starring Bella Thorne

Actors Bella Thorne (Divinity) and Jack Kilmer (Willow, Palo Alto), and Cam Gigandet (Twilight, The O.C.), director/writer Adam Sigal (Chariot, Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose), producer Clare Bateman-King (Chasing Chasing Amy) and other panelists come together for a talk about independent filmmaking and offer a first look at the upcoming fantasy drama “The Tower,” a tale of a mysterious mermaid trapped in a water tower and forgotten for years in a small southern town. Moderated by Legion M’s David Baxter. Room 6A, 4:45-5:45 p.m.

‘Alien: Romulus’

Director Fede Alvarez (Don’t Breathe, Evil Dead) and cast Cailee Spaeny (Civil War), David Jonsson (Agatha Christie’s Murder Is Easy), Archie Renaux (Shadow and Bone), Isabela Merced (The Last of Us), Spike Fearn (Aftersun), and Aileen Wu discuss the terrifying next installment from the iconic and beloved Alien franchise. Hall H, 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Tor Books

Tor Publishing Group publishes some of the greatest sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and horror books around. This panel will shine a spotlight on some of the exciting upcoming titles that Tor, Tor Teen, Tordotcom Publishing, Nightfire, and their newest imprint, Bramble, have to offer. The book lovers from the Tor teams — Laura Etzkorn (senior publicist), Giselle Gonzalez (publicist), Emily Honer (marketing associate), and Rachel Taylor (senior marketing manager) — share a sneak peek at new and upcoming books. Room 29CD, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

‘Dexter: Original Sin’

Cast, creator, and executive producers discuss the upcoming prequel to the fan-favorite series Dexter. Join them as they share what to expect from the new series and unveil a few exciting surprises. Ballroom 20, 5:45-6:45 p.m.

Hasbro’s Transformers Panel

The Hasbro Transformers Toy Development team takes you behind the scenes to unveil the latest character figures from across the iconic brand. Plus: a Q&A session filled with trivia and giveaways. Room 25ABC, 6-7 p.m.

Harley Quinn and Kite Man: Hell Yeah!

Featuring sneak peeks at unreleased “Kite Man: Hell Yeah!” scenes and a look at what’s in store for Harley Quinn’s upcoming fifth season, the cast and creators will talk about both Max Original adult animated series from DC and WB Animation. Seats will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Room 6BCF, 8:15-9:15 p.m.

‘Ultraman Blazar The Movie: Tokyo Kaiju Showdown’

See the official North American premiere of the live-action Blazar tokusatsu feature film! A wave of deadly Kaiju attacks Tokyo, prompting Capt. Gento and SKaRD to engage in relentless battle. As Ultraman Blazar rises to the challenge in his inimitable way, our heroes must solve the final mysteries of the Blazar series to find a key to stopping the giant monster onslaught. This is the excellent English-language simuldub. Hosted by Ultraman Connection and featuring voice actors from the film and live appearances by Ultraman and other Ultra Heroes. Room 6DE, 9:15-10:45 p.m.

Originally Published: July 12, 2024 at 12:16 p.m.