Hello, FilmBuff’s! It’s that time of year again, when various forms of genre entertainment gather together in one giant celebration of science-fiction, comic books and video games. Yes, San Diego Comic Con is once again upon us. We here at FilmBuffOnline have put together a little primer of all the TV/Movie panels outside of Hall H that might catch your fancy (and have information about shows and films we might want to see). So, whether you are attending the con in person or simply living vicariously in the comfort of your own home, here is the whats and whens of what might interest you.

Thursday, July 25:

Spike and Mike’s All-Ages Festival of Animation

10:00am – 11:00am PDT, Ballroom 20

Best known for theatrically premiering works of Tim Burton, Brad Bird (Family Dog), Bill Plympton (everything), Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo), and Nick Park (Wallace and Gromit), the original, classic Spike & Mike show delivers once again, with hilarious and artistic award-winning films from around the world. “Spike and Mike’s Festival is a fun and irreverent one-of-a-kind festival,” according to George Lucas. Meet Spike in person. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

• Recommended for ages 12 and up? Not exactly all ages then, is it?

Todd McFarlane Talks Spawn Movie, Comics, and More!

12:30pm – 1:30pm PDT, Ballroom 20

Todd McFarlane gives an update on the Spawn movie, all upcoming comic projects, toys, and much more. Be the first with the inside scoop!

• The latest Spawn film has been in the works since at least 2018. So, any updates will be surprising and somewhat unlikely. This panel might just be come for the movie news (which will be it’s still in development) and stay as we show you some toys. However, it is worth paying attention to it in case major movement has been made on bringing the new film to the screen.

The Human Fly: 2024 Flight Path

1:00pm – 2:00pm PDT, Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor

The Human Fly Marvel Comics series, touting “The Wildest Super-Hero Ever—Because He’s Real!,” featured fun work by Bill Mantlo, Carmine Infantino, Frank Springer, and John Byrne. Now this “real-life” superhero is back for an updated foray into a new series of comics and a feature film. Stephen S. Campanelli (the director of the movie in development who has made movies with Clint Eastwood for 30 years) is joined by several writers of the new comics: Tony Babinski (partner, Human Fly International; author, Twenty Years Under the Sun), Jim Krueger (Eisner Award–winning Justice, Earth-X, Steve Aoki’s HiroQuest), and Dana Brawer (Agent Stoker, Steve Aoki’s Neon Future). Be the first to get a look at special issue #0 of the new IPI Comics/IFWG Publishing series The Human Fly, and catch details from Alan Brewer (producer, partner, Human Fly International) about the real Human Fly, who rode on the back of jet-planes and jumped 26 buses on a jet-cycle! Tommy Bechtold (host, New Rockstars) moderates.

• Like Spawn above, a Human Fly film has long been in development, going all the way back to 2012, with Babinski attached back then as a writer on the film albeit with a different director. Has movement been made to bring it out of development hell? Maybe?

First Look at Peacock’s Horror-Thriller Series Teacup

1:45pm – 2:45pm PDT, Ballroom 20

Executive producers James Wan and Ian McCulloch and stars Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, and Chaske Spencer offer an exclusive sneak peek at Peacock and Atomic Monster’s upcoming original horror series Teacup, a terrifying tale following a disparate group of people in rural Georgia who must come together in the face of a mysterious threat in order to survive. Moderated by Damian Holbrook of TV Guide magazine.

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

2:15pm – 3:15pm PDT, Room 6BCF

Cowabunga! From the studio that brought audiences the Mutant Mayhem film, the all-new Paramount+ original series Tales of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles explores the adventures of everyone’s favorite pizza-loving heroes as they emerge from the sewers and onto the streets of NYC. Join the voices of Leo, Raph, Donnie, Mikey, as well as series producers, for an exclusive panel featuring never-before-seen content moderated by host, writer, podcaster, and stand-up comedian, Claire Lim.

Jonathan Frakes Unveils Arthur C. Clarke’s Venus Prime TV Series

4:45pm – 5:45pm PDT, Room 6BCF

Be part of the first public discussion of Venus Prime, an upcoming TV series adaptation of the bestselling book franchise from sf legend Arthur C. Clarke and author Paul Preuss. The series revolves around an amnesic woman with biomechanically enhanced abilities who must uncover the truth about her past and her purpose while she escapes and evades the deadly forces trying to harness her talents to rule the galaxy. Hear from director/executive producer Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: The Next Generation), co-showrunners David Cormican (Shadowhunters) and Dwayne Hill (Mean Girls), executive producer Lucas Vivo (Insânia), co-CEO of Volume Global Christopher Harrington, and surprise guests as they reveal the intricacies behind making this ambitious scripted series a reality.

Twilight with Director Catherine Hardwicke

9:00pm – 10:00pm PDT, Room 28DE

Matt Ryan (moderatedbymatt.com) talks with groundbreaking director Catherine Hardwicke about the trials and tribulations of bringing the bestselling Twilight book series (160 million copies sold) to undead life. Ms. Hardwicke will reveal behind-the-scenes stories about preserving this cultural phenomenon for the big screen. Celebrate vampires, werewolves, and a director who was instrumental in shattering the Hollywood glass ceiling and paving the way for future women directors.

• Remember when Twilight was the biggest thing in SDCC? With moms camping out overnight so their kids could get into the panel? Good times!

Friday, July 26:

Jokes and Jump Scares: A Conversation with Diablo Cody

10:00am – 11:00am PDT, Room 32AB

No one does humor and horror quite like Diablo Cody. The Oscar Award–winning writer and producer excels in reeling in an audience by infusing humor in her darker work, including Jennifer’s Body, Lisa Frankenstein, and a new project in this genre based on a hit WEBTOON webcomic. Join us for a conversation between Diablo Cody and Variety film reporter Katcy Stephan to hear how she consistently unlocks new levels of storytelling magic, balances the two genres, and keeps audiences on the edge of their seat—both scared to death and dying of laughter.

Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects First Look

11:00am – 11:45am PDT, Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

From executive producers Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, and creators Joe Bennett and Steve Hely, this comedic thriller follows two former high school lab partners who take on big pharma and government agencies as they try to bring a medicine that cures everything to the whole world. Co-creator Steve Hely and writer/director Sean Buckelew join the series voice cast—including Martha Kelly, Emily Pendergast, Joseph Lee Anderson, and Dave King—to discuss Common Side Effects.

Marvel Fanfare with C.B. Cebulski and Kevin Feige

3:00pm – 4:00pm PDT, Room 6DE

Marvel masters collide in an unprecedented meeting of page and screen! Marvel Comics editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski and Marvel Studios’ president Kevin Feige discuss their mutual love for all things Marvel Comics along with some special surprise creators. With decades of creative storytelling at the House of Ideas between them, there will be no shortage of insider insights and unheard comic book anecdotes that you can’t afford to miss. And if that wasn’t enough . . . following the discussion, fans will receive an exclusive giveaway comic!

• Marvel Studios news will probably happen in their Hall H presentation, but there might be some news here as well.

First Look: The Tower Starring Bella Thorne

4:45pm – 5:45pm PDT, Room 6A

Actors Bella Thorne (Divinity) and Jack Kilmer (Willow, Palo Alto), and Cam Gigandet (Twilight, The O.C.), director/writer Adam Sigal (Chariot, Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose), producer Clare Bateman-King (Chasing Chasing Amy) and other panelists come together for a talk about independent filmmaking and offer a first look at the upcoming fantasy drama The Tower, a tale of a mysterious mermaid trapped in a water tower and forgotten for years in a small southern town. Moderated by Legion M’s David Baxter.

Dexter: Original Sin

5:45pm – 6:45pm PDT, Ballroom 20

Cast, creator, and executive producers discuss the upcoming prequel to the fan-favorite series Dexter. Join them as they share what to expect from the new series and unveil a few exciting surprises.

Saturday, July 27

My Adventures with Superman Screening Presentation and Panel

10:00am – 11:00am PDT, Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

Executive producers Jake Wyatt, Josie Campbell, and Brendan Clogher and voice cast members Jack Quaid, Alice Lee, and Ishmel Sahid answer your burning questions from season 2. Plus, get the early scoop on all the action, comedy, and romance that await Clark, Lois, and Jimmy in season 3. Airing on Adult Swim, My Adventures with Superman is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.

Futurama

11:00am – 11:45am PDT, Ballroom 20

Neither snow nor rain nor cancellations nor pandemics nor Hollywood strikes can keep Futurama from blasting back into existence! Matt Groening, David X. Cohen, Claudia Katz, and Futurama superstars Billy West, John DiMaggio, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, David Herman, and Maurice LaMarche give a live sneak preview of the all-new season premiering July 29 on Hulu. They promise to spill the maximum legal dose of spoilers! Plus: the chance to walk away with debatably precious door prizes!

Everybody Still Hates Chris

11:15am – 12:15pm PDT, Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Inspired by Chris Rock’s experience growing up in Brooklyn during the late 1980s, Everybody Stills Hates Chris is a reimagined adult animated series coming to Comedy Central. Join the all-star voice cast for an exclusive first look at the series and panel discussion.

The Simpsons

12:00pm – 12:45pm PDT, Ballroom 20

The Simpsons creators give an exclusive spooky sneak preview of “Treehouse of Horror 35″–the scariest 35th Halloween Special ever! Panelists Matt Groening, Matt Selman, Rob LaZebnik, and Tim Bailey, along with special guest moderator Kevin Smith, and surprise terrifying guests, will be giving away original drawings, prizes, and more!

ABC’s Abbott Elementary Class in Session

12:30pm – 1:30pm PDT, Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Creator, star, and executive producer Quinta Brunson and stars Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, William Stanford Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph join executive producers Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker, Randall Einhorn, and Brian Rubenstein as they take fans back to school with a behind-the-scenes conversation about the award-winning comedy.

ABC’s The Rookie

1:45pm – 2:45pm PDT, Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Executive producer and star Nathan Fillion and stars Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O’Neil, Eric Winter, Jenna Dewan, Shawn Ashmore, and Lisseth Chavez discuss the evolution of the action-packed drama ahead of its seventh season.

Family Guy

2:00pm – 2:45pm PDT, Ballroom 20

Celebrate 25 years of laughter, satire, and iconic moments with Family Guy! This milestone event will bring together fans, the iconic cast including Alex Borstein, Seth Seth Green, Jennifer Tilly, Gary Cole,and Mike Henry, and executive producers Rich Appel, Alec Sulkin, Steve Callaghan, and Kara Vallow, to honor a quarter-century of hilarity, irreverence, and unforgettable moments in Quahog. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the Griffin family’s antics, this is the ultimate event to honor one of television’s most beloved and enduring animated series.

World Premiere Screening and Q&A Panel of Prime Video’s Batman: Caped Crusader

2:45pm – 3:45pm PDT, Room 6BCF

Executive producer Matt Reeves and members of the cast discuss key storylines from the upcoming and highly anticipated Batman: Caped Crusader series and treat you to a world-premiere screening of the new season. The series is a reimagining of the Batman mythology through the visionary lens of executive producers J.J. Abrams, Matt Reeves, and Bruce Timm. Batman: Caped Crusader executive producers also include Ed Brubaker, James Tucker, Daniel Pipski, Rachel Rusch Rich, and Sam Register.

Tracker

3:00pm – 4:00pm PDT, Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Series star and executive producer Justin Hartley (This Is Us, Smallville) and showrunner and executive producer Elwood Reid (Big Sky, The Bridge) discuss what made Tracker this season’s #1 series and tease what’s next for Colter Shaw, the lone-wolf survivalist who roams the country as a reward seeker, using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement solve all manner of mysteries while contending with his own fractured family. The hit CBS series is based on the bestselling novel The Never Game by Jeffrey Deaver.

DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot

4:00pm – 5:00pm PDT, Room 6BCF

The filmmakers and stars of DreamWorks Animation’s breathtaking new feature film, based on the bestselling literary phenomenon by Peter Brown, unveil the groundbreaking artistry and creativity behind the adaptation of this beloved story. Attendees are invited to discover the wild places inside themselves during this in-depth panel conversation with Oscar Award–nominated writer and director Chris Sanders, Oscar Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, and Heartstopper’s Kit Connor.

Anne Rice Universe: Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches

5:00pm – 6:00pm PDT, Ballroom 20

The cast and executive producers of the Anne Rice Universe discuss the second season of Interview with the Vampire that aired recently and the new season of Mayfair Witches ahead of its return on AMC and AMC+ next year, alongside the debut of new assets for both series, moderated by TV Guide Magazine and TV Insider’s Damian Holbrook. Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire confirmed panelists include Mark Johnson (Anne Rice Universe executive producer), Rolin Jones (Interview showrunner and executive producer), Sam Reid (“Lestat”), Delainey Hayles (“Claudia”), Assad Zaman (“Armand”) and Mara LePere-Schloop- (production designer). Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches confirmed panelists include Mark Johnson (Anne Rice Universe executive producer), Esta Spalding (Mayfair showrunner and executive producer), Alexandra Daddario(“Rowan”), Harry Hamlin (“Cortland”), Tongayi Chirisa “(Ciprien”), Ben Feldman (“Lark”), Jack Huston (“Lasher”), and Alyssa Jirrels (“Moira”).

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

6:30pm – 7:30pm PDT, Room 6BCF

Aniplex of America invites you to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba at Comic-Con! The panel welcomes the stars of the series Zach Aguilar (Tanjiro Kamado), Abby Trott (Nezuko Kamado), Aleks Le (Zenitsu Agatsuma), and Bryce Papenbrook (Inosuke Hashibira), for a captivating discussion hosted by Aiko Makino (Aniplex of America).

From Season 3 Sneak Preview

6:45pm – 7:45pm PDT, Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

From unravels the mystery of a nightmarish town that traps all those who enter. As the unwilling residents fight to keep a sense of normalcy and search for a way out, they must also survive the threats of the surrounding forest—including the terrifying creatures that come out when the sun goes down. The cast and creative team take a sneak peek at the new questions and threats that await the townsfolk in season 3.

Hellboy: The Crooked Man First Look

6:45pm – 7:45pm PDT, Room 6DE

The cast of the upcoming film—Hellboy himself Jack Kesy (Deadpool 2), Jefferson White (Yellowstone), Adeline Rudolph (Resident Evil)—director Brian Taylor (Crank), and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola will talk about the challenges and rewards of translating a comic book series to film in a panel moderated by Coy Jandreau (Reel Rejects).

Sunday, July 28

Star Trek: Prodigy

10:00am – 11:00am PDT, Room 6DE

CBS Studios invites you to a special screening of an episode from season 2, followed by an exclusive conversation with Star Trek legend and voice actor Kate Mulgrew and executive producers Kevin and Dan Hageman to discuss the new season currently streaming on Netflix in the United States and select countries.