If there’s one thing both filmmakers and fans are not particularly good at, it’s living in the moment. Thanks to sequels, reboots, and spoiler-heavy trailers, entertainment has become an intense waiting game with viewers pining for the next major hit and studios often willing to bait them. Look no further than next year’s Captain America: Civil War, which had already begun to monopolize the Interweb – and fan attention – before this summer’s Avengers: Age of Ultron even premiered.
Whether or not the early teases are examples of smart marketing, they certainly succeed at one thing: getting people excited – or at least, interested in upcoming projects. Enter: San Diego Comic-Con International, the granddaddy of premature hype. With less than a month until diehard fans and comic gurus converge on the uber popular event, studios and networks have begun releasing their line-ups so guests can start meticulously planning their weekend route.
Among the major film studios set to host a panel is Lionsgate, which will preview two of its hotly anticipated movies – The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 and The Last Witch Hunter – on Thursday in famed Hall H. Moderated by Conan O’Brien, the panel will include exclusive sneak peaks and Q&A sessions with the films’ cast members. Check out the full schedule details below.
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a premier next generation global content leader, will give Comic-Con 2015 attendees two exclusive looks at the studio’s most anticipated fall film releases, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” and “The Last Witch Hunter,” during a panel that will feature Q&As with the stars and filmmakers of both movies to be moderated by Emmy Award-winning comedian and talk show host Conan O’Brien. The star-studded Lionsgate panel and exclusive reveals will take place in Hall H on Thursday, July 9 from 12:00-1:15 p.m.
At the Lionsgate Booth (#4045), there will be talent and filmmaker signings, photo opportunities, promotional giveaways, AV and displays for an exciting slate of upcoming films. Among the numerous films being included are: “The Hunger Games” Mockingjay – Part 2” (November 20, 2015), “The Last Witch Hunter” (October 23, 2015), “Shaun the Sheep” (August 7, 2015), “American Ultra” (August 21, 2015), and “Sicario” (Limited – September 19, 2015).
Additional details regarding the panel:
Location and Time: Hall H (Thursday, July 9, 12-1:15pm)
Moderator: Conan O’Brien
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 – a must-see for all, this panel will provide a sneak peek into the powerful final chapter of the epic “The Hunger Games” film franchise. Attendees will be shown never-before-seen footage from “Mockingjay – Part 2” and treated to a Q&A session with the cast and filmmakers, who will reveal details of the big screen finale.
The Last Witch Hunter – Vin Diesel is “The Last Witch Hunter” and he is all that stands between humanity and the combined forces of the most horrifying witches in history. Join the cast as they preview exclusive footage from “The Last Witch Hunter” before its worldwide debut.
The inclusion of Mockingjay – Part 2 comes as no surprise, considering it serves as the closing chapter in the globally dominant Hunger Games franchise. Promising more action, greater emotion, and higher stakes than its space-filling predecessor, the finale is poised to break records at the box office and undoubtedly spark prequel (or reboot) rumors.
The Last Witch Hunter, on the other hand, lacks the appeal, fan base, and overall anticipation afforded by Mockingjay. Trailers and posters have painted the film as an intriguing blockbuster, blending dark fantasy, action-adventure, and Vin Diesel’s signature machismo. With his voice acting role in 2014 breakout hit Guardians of the Galaxy and his starring role in Furious 7 – the latter of which has destroyed box office records and grossed over $1 billion globally – Diesel currently stands as one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors. Lionsgate is most likely banking on this factor to attract audience members come October.
Overall, Lionsgate’s presentation will serve as a strong opening act before several of the other big hitters (read: DC Entertainment and Star Wars) take the stage in the days following.
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Comic-Con International 2015 will take place from July 9 – 12th in San Diego, CA.
