The 2015 San Diego Comic-Con is underway, and it’s shaping up to be another weekend filled with big reveals and star-filled appearances for some of the most anticipated projects in movies and on TV.
There are over 1,000 panels spread out over the four-day convention, but the majority of the hype (and lines) will surround about a dozen high-profile projects.
From “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” to “Game of Thrones” and “Outlander,” the properties with the most hardcore fans will timeshare the San Diego Convention Center — and diehards will line up days in advance in front of Hall H and Ballroom 20 to attend panels that promise at least a few surprises.
Here are nine things you shouldn’t miss this year:
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” (Thursday at 12 p.m. — Hall H)
This is the Comic-Con swan song for Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson as they unveil a look at the final film in Lionsgate’s mega-franchise. Conan O’Brien will moderate, with a possible appearance from co-star Julianne Moore. Also expect tributes to and reflections on the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, whose performance in the finale required digital assistance to complete after his death.
“Fear the Walking Dead” (Friday at 1:00 p.m. — Hall H)
“The Walking Dead” makes its triumphant return to Hall H ahead of its sixth season premiere, but equally as intriguing is its spinoff, which premieres in August with the promise of a slightly less zombie-filled zombie drama.
“Game of Thrones” (Friday at 2:30 p.m. — Hall H)
Is Jon Snow alive? That’s the question on everyone’s minds after that shocker of a Season 4 finale, so fans must be expecting some answers at the panel. “Game of Thrones” always brings a large, starry contingent of its sprawling cast.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (Friday at 5:30 p.m. — Hall H)
Lucasfilm president and producer Kathleen Kennedy, director J.J. Abrams and writer Lawrence Kasdan will give a much-anticipated look at “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and have invited an excruciatingly vague group of “special guests.” Truly anyone from the expansive old guard and new cast could show up, including Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o and John Boyega. Word is that no footage will be screened from the vapor-locked film, but anything could happen.
“Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” (Saturday at 10:30 a.m. — Hall H)
Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter and Jesse Eisenberg will all be on hand to hype Zack Snyder’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Frankly, it’s one of the photo ops we’re most excited for. And Warner Bros. is promising to show additional footage and possible cast appearances from “Pan” (Hugh Jackman, Rooney Mara) and “The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (Cavill and Armie Hammer).
“The Hateful Eight” (Saturday at 1:30 p.m. — Hall H)
Quentin Tarantino’s controversial Western comes to life, as the director will offer an exclusive look at the movie and sit for a Q&A with the cast, which includes Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
“Outlander” (Saturday at 4:00 p.m. — Ballroom 20)
Fan girls are sure to swoon as stars Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, as well as showrunner Ronald D. Moore and author Diana Galbadon, make their first appearance in San Diego for the Starz hit. They’ll preview what’s ahead for Jamie and Claire in Season 2. And since the show is already in production, expect some the early footage.
Warner Bros TV’s Superhero Saturday Night (Saturday at 8:00 p.m. — Hall H)
The DC TV adaptation universe includes not only “Arrow” and “The Flash” but spinoff “Legends of Tomorrow,” featuring characters who’ve previously appeared on the CW superhero dramas, and “Supergirl,” who will be making her debut on CBS. There’s also “Gotham” on Fox. So it’s no wonder that this is a must-attend destination for the Comic-Con crowd.
Fox (Saturday at 5:45 p.m. — Hall H)
The studio won’t divulge precisely what’s in store at its presentation, but its megawatt titles include “The Fantastic Four” and “The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” and next summer’s “X-Men: Apocalypse.” Expect something big.