Those planning to attend either July’s San Diego Comic-Con or next month’s WonderCon — or both — can rest easy knowing that both events are still on despite increasing concerns about the coronavirus. For now, at least.
“Comic-Con is working with local officials as it pertains to the COVID-19 situation and continues to monitor developments closely,” Comic-Con International said in a statement to TheWrap Tuesday. “At this time both shows, WonderCon Anaheim and Comic-Con in San Diego, are moving forward as scheduled. As always, the safety and security of all our attendees is of utmost importance. Please rest assured that these concerns are being taken very seriously and we will not make any decisions regarding the rescheduling of shows without weighing all considerations carefully.”
WonderCon runs Friday, April 10, through Sunday, April 12, and is held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. SDCC 2020 is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26, and takes place at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California, as well as numerous other locations around the city.
Last year, more than 135,000 con-goers attended SDCC’s 50th annual event, which included panels presented by Marvel Studios, AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” HBO’s “Westworld” and “Game of Thrones,” and numerous other eagerly anticipated films and popular TV shows.
Comic-Con’s statement comes four days after the city of Austin canceled the 2020 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival after the Texas city’s mayor declared a “state of emergency” due to COVID-19.
Numerous other events have been impacted by coronavirus fears over the last few weeks: Fox News Channel, A+E Networks and AMC Networks have all canceled their upcoming upfront presentations to advertisers; several studios have pushed the theatrical release dates of multiple films; and there are now talks that the Coachella (April 10-19) and Stagecoach (April 24-26) festivals will be delayed or canceled.
Here is TheWrap’s running list of what Hollywood, tech, sports and media events have been canceled or postponed so far.