Comic-Con 2024: What to expect when the convention returns to San Diego

SAN DIEGO – SAN DIEGO (AP) – Comic-Con International, the comic book and pop culture extravaganza, is kicking off in San Diego. The convention, which attracts more than 130,000 fans annually, opens for a preview night on Wednesday and runs through Sunday.

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hollywood strikes Disrupting previous years of the convention, whether through outright cancellation or modifications to the way it operated, this year will be the most traditional Comic-Con since 2019.

Actors, filmmakers, comic book authors and illustrators, and fans are heading to the San Diego Convention Center and various official (and unofficial) event venues for a weekend packed with programming.

Here’s what to expect from the sprawling convention.

With the long-awaited release of “ Dead Pool & Wolverine”, Marvel should be a strong presence, from the costumes fans wear to the panels that draw the longest lines. The Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman-led film is the first and only Disney-backed Marvel film of the year. The panel promoting the film and celebrating its release on Thursday is expected to draw thousands of people to the convention’s famous Hall H.

Marvel is also expected to announce news teasing its upcoming titles in its “Phase 5” cinematic universe plan and beyond, with Marvel president Kevin Feige as the only confirmed speaker at its Saturday panel. He will be joined by special guests, which could include stars from upcoming Marvel titles such as “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts (asterisk)” and “ The fantastic Four.”

After their absence from the convention last year due to the actors’ strike, the stars are returning to the convention in full force to present upcoming series and films. While the Marvel panel schedule will likely remain under wraps until the event begins, several A-listers are confirmed to be attending the convention.

Chris Hemsworth, Keegan-Michael Key and Brian Tyree Henry will speak on a panel for “Transformers One,” the upcoming animated film with a star-studded cast that also includes Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm, Laurence Fishburne and Steve Buscemi.

The cast of August’s anticipated release “Alien: Romulus,” Cailee Spaeny, Isabela Merced and David Jonsson, will speak on a panel with writer-director Fede Alvarez.

Christian Slater, Lupita Nyong’o and cast members from “The Boys” and “Abbott Elementary” will also make appearances. And, of course, Reynolds and Jackman, who kept busy promoting “Dead Pool & Wolverine” will be there too.

In addition to the convention hall, San Diego will be buzzing with activities, brand activations, parties and events celebrating all things pop culture. Pop and R&Artist B Jason Derulo, Japanese singer LiSA and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra are scheduled to perform at parties throughout the weekend.

Although several parties and events are invite-only — including the notable Entertainment Weekly party that draws large crowds and several celebrities — visitors can keep an eye out for events and pop-ups throughout the city’s Gaslamp Quarter. The area around the convention center embraces the spirit of the weekend, with local businesses, restaurants and bars typically launching Comic-Con-specific products or menus.

Part of the draw for many Comic-Con attendees is the plethora of merchandise available for purchase on the exhibit floor. Booths selling collectibles from Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Lego, Hasbro, Sony, Mattel and dozens of other companies and franchises will occupy the sprawling venue. Visitors can also expect some free items and giveaways on the floor.

The “Artists’ Alley” in the exhibit hall also features dozens of up-and-coming creators selling fine art prints, comics, toys, books, collectibles and more.

Many attendees scramble on preview night and the first day of the convention to try to get their hands on exclusive event merchandise. Retailers big and small stock rare collectibles, and they sell out quickly.

Another highlight of the weekend for many is the inventive (and often realistic) costumes that participants wear. The expo’s main floor is a good place to see the best looks, but visitors can expect to see decked-out fans all over the city throughout the weekend.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the convention’s on-stage costume competition, “The Masquerade.” Organizers accepted entries from contestants in the months leading up to the convention and will award the best outfits with free passes for next year. Various costume companies and organizations will also reward your favorite looks with cash prizes and giveaways. The competition will take place in ballroom 20, with capacity for 4,000 people, on Saturday at 8:30 pm.