Comic-Con 2012 is upon us, and we’re seeing TV networks and movie studios starting to really kick up their campaigns, with Marvel bringing Iron Man 3 to the convention and possibly revealing big upcoming films like Ant-Man and/or the now-confirmed Guardians of the Galaxy. It remains to be seen just how far DC/WB will go with promotion of The Dark Kight Rises while at the convention – though the Superman reboot Man of Steel has been confirmed.
With so many announcements coming at us so rapidly, it can be hard to keep track of which TV/Movie properties will be present, how “present” they will be, and when/where you can catch the panels, should you be in attendance. Luckily, we have a breakdown of all the events and panels that appeal to our Screen Rant crowd, including all the opening day festivities on Thursday, July 12th.
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COMIC-CON 2012 SCHEDULE: THURSDAY JULY 12th
10:15-11:15 TheOneRing.net: The Truth About The Hobbit— The Hobbit movie is imminent just at the book turns 75. With on-set visits, intrepid reporting, and the pulse of fans worldwide, the TORn staff shred rumors, answer questions, share New Zealand images-but not as part of the official publicity machine. Also featuring a special visual presentation from Weta Workshop and an account of Fandalf traveling the world and (all that is the tip of the iceberg!). Featuring Cliff Broadway (Ringers: Lord of the Fans) and Larry D. Curtis (Hobbit embedded reporter) and additional staff and guests. Room 6DE
11:15-12:00 DreamWorks Animation— DreamWorks Animation’s chief creative officer Bill Damaschke anchors a diverse group of filmmakers to demo and discuss the artistic ambition and technical innovation that goes into moviemaking at DreamWorks Animation. Moderated by Anthony Breznican from Entertainment Weekly. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
11:30-12:30 Trailer Park— A Comic-Con tradition comes home to Hall H! See the latest in trailers from your upcoming soon-to-be-favorite films, including some in that new-fangled 3D contraption (glasses provided, but please give them back as you exit the hall). Hall H
11:45-12:45 Stan Lee’s World of Heroes— The legendary Stan Lee introduces his new YouTube channel that tells the stories of heroes, villains, and the fans who love them. In this epic panel, Stan, Mark Hamill (Star Wars), Adrianne Curry (America’s Next Top Model), Peter David (The Hulk), Jace Hall (The Jace Hall Show), and Bonnie Burton (Star Wars Craft book) talk about their new shows, debut new episodes and trailers, answer questions from fans, and provide a few Stan Lee surprises. Room 6BCF
12:00-1:00 Cartoon Network and Dreamworks Animation: DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk— Picking up where the critically acclaimed feature film How to Train Your Dragon left off, this weekly animated series follows the continuing adventures of master dragon trainer Hiccup, his faithful dragon Toothless, and his friends on Berk. Dragon training reaches new heights as our heroes unlock secrets about their dragons, explore wild frontiers, and discover new dragon species, all while battling fierce enemies they never dreamed existed. Come get a first look at the series, which premieres this fall on Cartoon Network, and hear from some of the talented dragon trainers who helped bring it to life. Room 6A
12:00-1:00 Machinima: The Future of Entertainment— Machinima has become one of the most talked about entertainment destinations in the world. Serving over 1.6 billion video views a month, the network has established itself with quality content and passionate viewership and is now considered the leading brand for the gaming generation. Don’t miss out on this panel with exclusive footage from Machinima’s new channel, Machinima Prime, which focuses on thrilling episodic content, including the much anticipated tentpole seriesHalo 4: Forward Unto Dawn. Be a part of mind-blowing discussions on the next wave of content creation and the new development paradigm. Catch guests from Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, the Machinima Prime Channel, and the Machinima Network. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
2:45-1:45 MAD Screening and Q&A— It’s a MAD world, we just laugh in it. The magazine you tried to hide from your parents is an animated series on Cartoon Network. Now in its third season, this series from Warner Bros. Animation is inspired by the country’s bestselling humor magazine, MAD, and features animated parodies, crazy commercials, pretend promos, and classic gags. Take a peek behind the MAD curtain and learn what goes into bringing the funny to your television every week. Back to bring more laughs this year are series producers Kevin Shinick (Crank Yankers) and Mark Marek (Robot Chicken), along with Peter Girardi, senior vice president of series and alternative animation at Warner Bros. Animation. Join this hilarious panel for a sizzle reel recapping all the laughs from season two as well as a sneak peek at what’s in store for the show this season. MAD airs Mondays at 8:45/7:45c on Cartoon Network. Room 6DE
12:45-1:45 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2— Summit Entertainment presents a sneak peek at the highly anticipated conclusion of The Twilight Saga films. This is a must-see for fans interested in the story’s final chapter. You will be shown exclusive footage from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2 and be treated to a cast and filmmaker Q&A session providing details on the epic finale. Hall H
1:00-2:00 Marvel: House of Ideas— Love having the best comics in the industry on your mobile devices? Want to know how Marvel stays on the cutting edge of technology while bringing you what you’ve come to love? Well, this panel is for you, True Believer! Get exciting news from chief creative officer Joe Quesada on what’s happening on the Marvel Comics App, Marvel Dot Com, and Marvel’s vast social media presence in this don’t-miss panel. Room 7AB
1:00-2:00 Voltron: Form Blazing Fans!— The classic animated TV series and toys that introduced the world to wild robot lions and a giant combining hero returns to SDCC. Celebrate Voltron memories with some of the Defender’s biggest fans, including Alex Albrecht (Diggnation, Project Lore podcast), Rob Bricken (ToplessRobot.com), Clare Grant with Team Unicorn (Geek and Gamer Girls), and other secret celeb guests. Plus an update on the live-action movie produced by Atlas Entertainment (The Dark Knight Rises); exclusive comic book reveals and announcements from VIZ Media with Traci Todd (senior editor, VIZ Media), Brandon Thomas (writer, Voltron, Dynamite Entertainment); and Voltron Classics toy info from Mattel’s Scott Neitlich (marketing manager, MattyCollector.com). Win big Voltron prizes, and “Form the Head” with Voltron and be ready to share your own Voltron story. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
2:00-3:00 DC Comics: Batman: Beyond the Night of Owls— Gotham City’s Night of the Owls may be over-but the fallout will affect Batman’s hometown for years to come! Find out what’s on the horizon for the Dark Knight and his crimefighting cohorts in this panel featuring Batman group editor Mike Marts, with Chris Burnham (Batman, Incorporated), Tony Daniel (Detective Comics), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Kyle Higgins (Nightwing), Gregg Hurwitz (Batman: The Dark Knight), Gail Simone (Batgirl), Scott Snyder (Batman), J. H. Williams III (Batwoman), and others. Room 6DE
2:00-3:00 Before and After: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Journey into High Definition— Star Trek: The Next Generation fans are finally getting their wish, with all seven seasons of the beloved series being retransferred into high-definition. Star Trek: The Next Generation-The First Season will be released on July 24, and the team behind the project will give fans an insider’s look at how the original film elements were transferred into high-definition and how the visual effects were painstakingly re-created from the source material to look better than ever before. Robert Meyer Burnett moderates the panel, which includes Roger Lay, Jr. (producer/director, Blu-ray), Mike and Denise Okuda (project consultants), David S. Grant (vice president, multimedia, CBS Television Distribution), Ryan Adams (director, multimedia, CBS Television Distribution), Craig Weiss (creative director, CBS Digital), Eric Bruno (lead compositor), and Wade Felker (film transfer technician). Room 7AB
2:05-3:05 Walt Disney Studios: Frankenweenie, Oz The Great and Powerful, and Wreck-it Ralph— Walt Disney Studios hosts a Q&A panel featuring the imaginative director of Frankenweenie, Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland); a special look at the world of Oz The Great and Powerful with director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man trilogy); and the illustrious voice cast of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wreck-It Ralph, including John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) and Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program), and director Rich Moore (Futurama). Hall H
2:15-3:15 USA Network’s Psych— Psych returns to Comic-Con for a fourth consecutive year, with a fan-focused event that will invite the audience to be not just viewers, but active participants. Psych-O fans can look forward to a hilarious and uncensored experience with the creative team behind the hottest fake psychic detective agency on TV. Psych stars James Roday (Shawn Spencer), Dulé Hill (Burton “Gus” Guster), Maggie Lawson (Juliet O’Hara), Tim Omundson (Carlton Lassiter), Kirsten Nelson (Chief Karen Vick), and Corbin Bernsen (Henry Spencer), along with Psych producers Steve Franks (creator/executive producer), Kelly Kulchak (executive producer), and Chris Henze (executive producer) will dedicate the afternoon to answering fan questions and interacting with the audience, sharing secrets & stories from the set in this “chat” with 4,250 of their closest fans. Attendees will see video clips produced exclusively for Comic-Con, a never-before-seen “first look” at the Season 7 episodes currently in production, and a taste of Psych’s milestone 100th episode, “100 CLUEs”. Ballroom 20
2:30-3:30 MTV’s Teen Wolf— Cast members Tyler Posey, Dylan O’Brien, Crystal Reed, Tyler Hoechlin, Holland Roden and Colton Haynes, along with executive producer Jeff Davis, present an exclusive first-look at a new episode, followed by a Q&A session. Stay for the don’t-miss world premiere trailer of MTV’s upcoming scripted comedy series The Inbetweeners. Room 6A
3:00-4:00 Hotel Transylvania— Animation superstar and 12-time Emmy nominee Genndy Tartakovsky, who previously created Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Sym-Bionic Titan and Star Wars: Clone Wars, makes his directorial debut this year with Sony Pictures Animation’s Hotel Transylvania. Join Genndy for an exclusive sneak peek at footage from Hotel Transylvania and an exciting look behind the scenes of this very unique project, which boasts a hilarious voice cast. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
3:15-4:15 DC Entertainment-All Access: DC NOW!— At DC Entertainment, there’s never been a better time to be a comics fan. Come to this all-access panel and find out what some of DC’s top talent is looking forward to, with Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Geoff Johns (Justice League, Green Lantern, Aquaman), Rob Liefeld (Deathstroke, Grifter, Savage Hawkman), Scott Lobdell (Teen Titans, Superboy, Red Hood and the Outlaws), Francis Manapul (Flash), Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western), Scott Snyder (Batman, Swamp Thing) and others. Room 6DE
NEXT: LATE AFTERNOON / EVENING PANELS…
3:30-4:35 Beauty and the Beast— Stars Kristin Kreuk (Smallville) and Jay Ryan (Terra Nova), along with executive producers Jennifer Levin (Without a Trace) and Sherri Cooper (Brothers and Sisters), discuss the new CW fall show: a modern adaptation of the beloved fairy tale. The series centers on Catherine Chandler (Kreuk), a tough-minded NYPD homicide detective, who is haunted by witnessing her mother’s murder nine years before and the murderer’s quick demise at what she perceived to be the hands of a beast. After years of searching, Catherine finally discovers the beast is Vincent Keller (Ryan), a survivor of a military experiment that went disastrously wrong and left him in hiding to lead a secret life. Join the cast and producers for an exclusive viewing of the first episode, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dalton Ross (assistant managing editor, Entertainment Weekly). Ballroom 20
3:30-4:30 FUNimation Sneak Peek: Mass Effect: Paragon Lost and Coming Soon— A very special look at Mass Effect: Paragon Lost, a new animated feature based on the world of EA and BioWare’s Mass Effect games, in addition to some exclusive looks at new series coming soon from FUNimation, one of the North American leaders in anime. Room 24ABC
3:45-4:45 The Walking Dead— The bestselling, award-winning comic The Walking Dead has been a critical and commercial success — and its TV adaptation on AMC holds its own weight as a record-setting juggernaut. Join creator/writer Robert Kirkman and series artist Charlie Adlard for a rare sit-down, where they will discuss the past, present, and future of the decade’s most talked about zombie phenomenon. A Q&A will follow the conversation between the visionary collaborators. Room 6A
4:00-5:00 Wilfred: Screening and Q&A— Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings) stars as Ryan, a young man struggling unsuccessfully to make his way in the world until he forms a unique friendship with Wilfred, his neighbor’s canine pet, played by Jason Gann (The Wedge), who co-created and starred in the Australian version of Wilfred in 2007. While everyone else sees Wilfred as just a dog, Ryan sees a crude and surly man in cheap dog suit. Elijah and Jason join Wilfred co-stars Fiona Gubelmann (Don’t Trust the B** in Apt 23), and Dorian Brown (Roommates) as well as showrunner/executive producer David Zuckerman (Family Guy) and executive producer/director Randall Einhorn (The Office) to discuss bringing this unique live-action comedy to life. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
4:30-5:30 Marvel: Next Big Thing— The Marvel Universe is where the biggest comic stories happen-so wouldn’t you like to be the first to know what Marvel has planned? Get the latest news on Marvel’s plan for their biggest heroes and villains, with some surprises along the way! Editor Sana Amanat, editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, Marvel talent scout C. B. Cebulski, and others answer all your burning questions while giving you a sneak peek at the future of Marvel. Room 6DE
4:30-5:30 Masters of the Web — The annual gathering of some of the most prominent and influential film pundits on the web discuss the film industry, writing for film online, film fandom, and a whole lot more. Moderated by star of the new Lionsgate film Dredd, Karl Urban (Star Trek, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King), with special surprise cast members from the film. Panelists include Mike Sampson (ScreenCrush.com), Jen Yamato (MovieLine.com), Mali Elfman (ScreenCrave.com), Erik Davis (Movies.com), Steve “Frosty” Weintraub (Collider.com), Grae Drake (Fandango.com), Jenna Busch (Cocktails with Stan Lee), and Edward Douglas (ComingSoon.net), and hosted by John Campea (AMC Theatres). AMC is generously providing free movies passes to all attendees of the panel this year! Room 24ABC
4:40-5:45 Cracking the Case with Sherlock Holmes and Watson: A Behind-the-scenes Look at CBS’s New Series Elementary— Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduced the world to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson over 120 years ago. This fall on CBS, the dynamic duo gets a modern-day makeover cracking cases in contemporary New York City. Brilliant investigator Sherlock, played by Jonny Lee Miller (Dexter), is a recent rehab graduate paired with his worst nightmare: sober coach Joan Watson, played by Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels). Together, Sherlock’s unique detective skills and Watson’s medical expertise make a formidable force capable of solving the NYPD’s most impossible cases. Be the first to see an exclusive sneak peek at the new television series, followed by a panel discussion with series stars Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu and executive producers Robert Doherty and Carl Beverly, moderated by Entertainment Weekly assistant managing editor Dalton Ross. Ballroom 20
4:45-5:45 The Expendables 2-Real American Heroes— Sylvester Stallone and the legendary cast of the sequel to 2010’s smash hit film preview the real-deal muscles, weapons, skills, and explosions that went into making a film even bigger and badder than the original. Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Arnold Schwarzenegger will join the panel discussion. Hall H
5:00-6:00 Archer: Screening and Q&A— This animated half-hour comedy revolves around the spy agency known as the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS) and the lives of its self-involved employees. Series creator Adam Reed (Sealab 2021) and the show’s voice actors discuss their daunting and enigmatic work of espionage, reconnaissance missions, wiretapping, and undercover surveillances-which are all actually unmitigated occasions for the ISIS staff to undermine, sabotage, and betray each other for personal gain. Panelists include H. Jon Benjamin (Bob’s Burgers) as the highly skilled yet incredibly vain master spy “Sterling Archer,” Aisha Tyler (The Talk) as Archer’s fellow agent and ex-girlfriend “Lana Kane,” Chris Parnell (Saturday Night Live) as the easily intimidated comptroller-turned-ISIS-agent “Cyril Figgis,” Judy Greer (Arrested Development) as the loquacious secretary “Cheryl Tunt,” and Amber Nash (Frisky Dingo) as the discordant director of human resources for ISIS “Pam Poovey.” Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
6:00-7:00 Nikita Q&A and Exclusive Video Presentation— Nikita stars Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible 3), Shane West (ER), and Lyndsy Fonseca (Kick-Ass) and executive producer Craig Silverstein (Bones) return to Comic-Con just days before they begin production on season 3. Find out what’s in store for our new powerful team of heroes consisting of Nikita, Michael, Alex, punk rock hacker Seymour Birkhoff, brilliant CIA analyst Ryan Fletcher, and ex-Navy SEAL Sean Pierce. From Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, the third season of Nikita debuts this October and will air Fridays at 9/8c on The CW. Nikita: The Complete Second Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on October 2. Room 6BCF
6:00-7:15 Showtime: Dexter (and Homeland Preview) — The gasps from last season’s finale can still be heard among Dexter fans as their worst fears were realized, Dexter got caught and by none other than Deb! What will he do? What will she do? What’s next for America’s Favorite Serial Killer? If the suspense is killing you, don’t miss this incredible panel, where you’ll be the first to see the Comic-Con exclusive first two minutes of the season premiere. Moderator Ralph Garman (KROQ Entertainment reporter) presides over a revealing interview and Q&A session with the stars and executive producers of Dexter. Featured panelists include series star/executive producer Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jennifer Carpenter (Deb), and special guest star Yvonne Strahovski (Hanna). Also appearing are executive producers John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Scott Buck, and Manny Coto. Plus Dexter fans will be the first to see the world premiere trailer of one of the hottest series on television, Homeland, presented by executive producers Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa. The new season of Dexter premieres September 30, at 9pm ET/PT only on Showtime. Ballroom 20
6:15-8:15 The Virtual Drive-In— Come with us again to those thrilling days of yesteryear where one of the few places you could see offbeat genre films was at your local drive-in, huddled safely in your car as the summer sky darkened around you. At least that was the germ of an idea that gave birth to this panel last year, and the reception by those fans who attended was so positive they’re doing it again. So, welcome to the second edition of the Virtual Drive-In, where you will preview three twisted tales by some talented filmmakers who will all be appearing on the panel to discuss their work and take your questions. Moderated by Robert Meyer Burnett. The featured films are:
- Branded — A dark and mind-bending journey into a surreal, dystopian society where mega-corporations have unleashed a monstrous global conspiracy to get inside our minds and keep the population deluded, dependent and passive. One man’s quest to unlock the truth behind the conspiracy will lead to an epic battle with the hidden forces that really control our world. Appearing on stage is director Jamie Bradshaw.
- Crave — Aiden (Josh Lawson) fantasizes about a better life away from his gruesome job as a crime scene photographer working alongside his detective friend Pete (Ron Perlman)-a heroic life where he falls in love with the perfect woman and dispenses justice on the hard streets of Detroit. When he meets the alluring young Virginia (Emma Lung) and steals a gun from a crime scene, the line between his darkest fantasies and reality begins to blur, with deadly consequences. This visually arresting psychological noir begins its festival run with its world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival and continues on to other festivals around the world. Appearing on stage: Josh Lawson (House of Lies) and director Charles de Lauzirika, with other guests to be announced.
- Coldwater — “Make sure the past isn’t watching you.” Andre agrees to help out his friend Robert by taking over a housesitting job at an unusual house nestled in the heart of Coldwater Canyon. As the day turns into night, Andre experiences strange things that lead him to believe he is not alone and that someone or something is watching him. Appearing in person are writer/director Dave Parker (The Hills Run Red) and star Ivan Djurovic (24).
Hall H
6:30-7:30 Comedy Central: Workaholics— Comedy Central’s hit series Workaholics features three friends, Adam, Blake, and Ders, who work together from 9 to 5, live together from 5 to 9, and party together 24/7. Whether they’re getting ready to rage at a Renaissance Faire or take the stage as their gangster rap alter egos “The Wizards,” the guys find trouble wherever they go. Stars, co-creators, writers, and executive producers Blake Anderson, Adam Devine, Anders Holm, and Kyle Newacheck take fans behind the scenes and give a sneak peek into upcoming new episodes, including a few special guests that are guaranteed to be “Tight Butthole.” Fans will also be able to compete for a chance to have their name written into a future episode. S’Go! Room 24ABC
8:00-11:00 Hall H and Ballroom 20 Thursday Panel Playback— Didn’t get into either Hall H or Ballroom 20 today? We feel your pain! In this three-hour block, Comic-Con will rebroadcast some of the day’s popular panels from those two giant rooms. Best of all, those in attendance will get to vote on what they want to see. It’s democracy at its finest AND it’s a second chance to see these panels. (Please note: these playbacks will include only the panel discussions. None of the film clips or footage shown at the live events will be shown here.) Room 25ABC
8:30-10:00 Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog Sing-Along— Join the fun as the California Browncoats screen Internet sensation Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog-coming back with call back sheets so you can play along during the screening. Enter our costume contest: horrible prizes awarded to the best version of each character from the show. DO NOT BOUNCE. Room 6BCF
8:30-10:30 Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope— San Diego Comic-Con premiere screening of the ultimate fanboy documentary from executive producers Stan Lee, Joss Whedon, Harry Knowles, and Thomas Tull. Q&A to follow with director Morgan Spurlock (Warrior Poets) and special surprise guests. Ballroom 20
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Be Sure to check back to Screen Rant’s Comic-Con Coverage Page for the latest news about the convention – and all the juicy things we learn while our reporters are scouring the halls of the ‘Con.
The 2012 San Diego Comic-Con takes place between July 11 – 15th, in San Diego, California.
