After a subdued San Diego Comic-Con last summer, largely due to the actors’ strike, this year promises a resurgence with Marvel Studios making a highly anticipated return to Hall H, according to sources. San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) will take place from July 25-28.
Traditionally, Marvel Studios reserves the penultimate day of SDCC for their presentation, drawing immense crowds eager for the latest updates from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite their reduced presence last year, limited to a trade floor booth, a comic-book panel, and autograph sessions with renowned writers and artists, Marvel’s return to Hall H signals a significant uptick in excitement for fans and industry insiders alike.
This year’s SDCC coincides with the opening weekend of Marvel’s first R-rated Disney movie, Deadpool & Wolverine, which is generating buzz with projections of a potential $200 million opening. While Marvel has yet to disclose specific details about their presentation, the studio has a history of making major announcements and showcases at SDCC. Notably, in 2019, they unveiled their Disney+ and big screen crossover projects, and in 2022, they previewed their Phase 5 and Phase 6 plans.
As the event approaches, Marvel Studios’ plans remain tightly under wraps. However, there is speculation about surprise appearances from Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, given their starring roles in Deadpool & Wolverine. Marvel has a precedent for such star-studded reveals; for instance, in a memorable pre-pandemic event, they introduced the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy to an ecstatic Hall H audience.
Further anticipation surrounds the possible appearance of the newly cast Fantastic Four team, featuring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The film, slated for a July 2025 release, is set to begin shooting in December.
Attendees at CinemaCon have already had a glimpse of Captain America: Brave New World, starring Anthony Mackie, scheduled for a February 14, 2025 release. Fans can likely expect more footage from this and other upcoming projects like Thunderbolts, which features a lineup of anti-heroes including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour). The film, currently in production, is eyeing a summer 2025 release.
In addition to these projects, Marvel might showcase upcoming series such as Wonder Man and Ironheart, the latter featuring Dominique Thorne reprising her role as Riri Williams from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Both series have completed filming and are part of Marvel’s expanding TV slate.
Projects without footage, like the next Avengers film, are also generating interest. Directed by Shawn Levy and written by Michael Waldron, this film is expected to start production early next year. Additionally, fans are keenly awaiting updates on Blade, starring Mahershala Ali, which is currently seeking a new director.
Marvel Studios has not commented on their specific plans for SDCC, keeping fans eagerly guessing as the convention approaches.
