Melissa’s COMIC-CON 2015 Picks

What a beautiful day. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping… and nerds everywhere are scrambling to get their suitcases packed because it’s everybody’s favorite time of year… COMIC-CON!

Now, I know that there has been a lot anxiety about what to expect since Marvel, Sony, and Paramount will not be holding any panels this year, but fear not. There will still be plenty of movie-related events and activities at this years hoedown of heroes! Below, up will find a list of things to get jazzed about at this years festivities!

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

This is a big one, but let’s not get our hopes up too high. Entertainment Weekly is reporting that there will be no new trailer or clips shown during the panel on Friday, where Lucasfilm president and producer Kathleen Kennedy, director J.J. Abrams, writer Lawrence Kasdan, and other special guests will discuss the film. Don’t get me wrong, this is still super exciting! I hope everyone is wrong about this! Even if there isn’t any new footage, it’s still going to be a great panel. Fingers crossed that Han Solo himself, Mr. Harrison Ford makes an appearance this time!

FRIDAY, JULY 10

• (5:30-6:30pm) Hall H : Lucasfilm – Lucasfilm president and producer Kathleen Kennedy, director J.J. Abrams, writer Lawrence Kasdan, and special guests provide a special look at Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2

The final film in The Hunger Games saga will be hitting theaters this fall, but for those of us that can’t wait that long, the cast will be making an appearance during their panel for the final installment on Thursday. They weren’t at Comic-Con last year, so this will probably be your final chance to see them all together before the film comes out. After all, Jennifer Lawrence is a very busy girl!

THURSDAY, JUNE 9

• (12-1:15pm) Hall H : THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2 – Lionsgate presents an exclusive first look at one of the studio’s highly anticipated films coming to theaters this fall. Get a sneak peek into the powerful final chapter of the epic The Hunger Games film franchise. Attendees will be shown exclusive, never-before-seen footage from Mockingjay: Part 2 and treated to a cast and filmmaker Q&A session revealing details on the big-screen finale.

THE HATEFUL EIGHT

Quentin Tarantino is back with his eight film, THE HATEFUL EIGHT, and is ready to tear Hall H up! Despite the rough start (such as a leaked script), Tarantino’s newest adventure is sure to be anything but ordinary! Filmed in Telluride, Colorado, this spaghetti western takes place roughly around a decade after the Civil War. Eight strangers find themselves stranded in a blizzard. They may survive the blizzard, but can they survive each other?

THE HATEFUL EIGHT features an amazing cast such as Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Madsen. Since it’s a Tarantino film, be ready for some next level gun slinging! This will definitely be a first look, so fingers crossed for a trailer! (Ignore all of the ones on YouTube. They’re fake.) I don’t normally camp out for Hall H, but I just may for this one.

SATURDAY, JULY 11

• (1:30-2:15pm) Hall H : QUENTIN TARANTINO’S THE HATEFUL EIGHT – Academy Award-winning writer/director Quentin Tarantino brings fans an exclusive look at his highly anticipated 8th film, The Hateful Eight. Followed by a Q&A session with the cast.

THE HIVE

Now this one has me excited for two reasons. Not only is THE HIVE the best horror film of the year, but it’s directed by my good friend David Yarovesky. Hooray!

THE HIVE is the twisted sci-fi/horror tale of Adam, a teen counselor at Camp Yellow Jacket and his mission to regain his memory after waking up in a boarded up cabin. His only clue as to what’s happening is the notes he’s scrawled for himself on the walls and the disturbing physical transformation he must overcome. The only memories he has aren’t his own, yet those memories may be the key to Adam’s survival.

David Yarovesky and stars Gabriel Basso, Gabrielle Walsh and Jacob Zachar will be appearing at several events, included an intimate panel where fans will be able to see clips from the film. I asked David about his thoughts on sharing footage of his film with audiences, and he said “I think people are gonna be really surprised by our panel. I can’t wait…”

FRIDAY, JULY 10

• (12:00-12:30pm) The Nerdist Conival at PetCo Park : Nerdist will be hosting a conversation with director David Yarovesky and the cast.

SATURDAY, JULY 11

• (1:00-2:00pm) Indigo Ballroom : The Nerdist Panel with Chris Hardwick – David Yarovesky will be joining Chris Hardwick and the Nerdist team.
• (3:30-4:30pm) Horton Grand Theater : Nerdist Presents THE HIVE – Director David Yarovesky and the cast host an intimate panel where fans will get a first look at the upcoming film.

ADULT SWIM

Tired of being indoors? Never fear! Adult Swim has you covered with some outdoor fun!

• Adult Swim On The Green : located behind the convention center at Convention Way and 5^th Ave Pier, Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. A brand new experience for fans, Adult Swim activities will include the Carnival Midway, free nightly screenings, Rick and Morty spaceship sighting, and the Meatwad Full Dome Experience. All events are free with RSVP at http://www.adultswimpresents.com, 18+ and a convention badge is required.

What are you guys excited for? Let me know below… and if you see me, make sure to stop for a hi-five!

Stay Fancy,

Melissa