Boasting the largest amount of seats in the San Diego Convention Center, topping off at around 6,000, Hall H has grown into a synonym at Comic-Con, with attendees for massive presentations showcasing studios’ latest geek-friendly output, as "The Avengers" did two years ago with its star-studded cast announcement. Last year though, as studios found their Con marketing investments lacking compared to the advertised films' opening weekends, it compelled us to question if blockbuster presence would subside, but a slew of new Con announcements would argue otherwise, at least for now.
Marathon panels for the biggest upcoming films will pack into Hall H over the course of one day, July 14th, as planned events are scheduled to run over four hours. "Man of Steel," "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," "Pacific Rim" (all Warner Bros) and "Iron Man 3" (Marvel) will all take the stage to unveil new footage and take questions, and Marvel will end the onslaught at 6pm with its hour-long presentation as it's done in the past. Two days prior, Marvel's owner Disney will host its own hour-long Hall H panel on July 12, with "Frankenweenie," "Oz: The Great and Powerful," and "Wreck-It Ralph" all getting some exposure. There’s been no word yet on confirmed cast or crew appearances, but one can hope the content will match up to expectations, from 3D 48fps footage from “The Hobbit” to the first real glimpse at Guillermo del Toro’s latest.
Also getting the Comic Con treatment a full day before its airing on AMC, the fifth season of "Breaking Bad" will premiere in front of an audience also on July 14th, before a panel featuring Vince Gilligan and nearly every cast member involved in the show commences. While the single-day difference might not mean much on a calendar basis, it's a safe bet that watching the premiere in a room packed full of fans and friends, with the creators and cast hearing the immediate response, would be an experience in and of itself.
Check the events out for yourself when San Diego Comic Con International runs July 12 – 15. We'll have full coverage from the weekend once again. [Variety/Vulture]
