COMIC-CON 09

Early Comic-Con 2009 Buzz: Who and What to Expect!

by Alex Billington
June 15, 2009

The 2009 San Diego Comic-Con kicks off in 37 more days (on July 22nd). That means geeks everywhere are starting to get very excited and we've started planning our coverage. While it's expected that Comic-Con won't officially announce all of their panels and presentations until sometime in July, we've heard some early details on who might show up. For those who thought it might not have been a good year - just wait until you see what could be there! There may only be one superhero movie next summer - Iron Man 2 - but that doesn't mean Hollywood isn't bringing some of their other highly anticipated movies to San Diego!

Remember: unless otherwise specified, most of this is unconfirmed. We'll let you know once it's official!

» It has already been confirmed (by the NY Times) that Peter Jackson will be in attendance this year in support of District 9 with director Neill Blomkamp as well.

» Producer Frank Marshall mentioned that Miyazaki's Ponyo will have a big presence at Comic-Con. But does this mean the master filmmaker himself, Hayao Miyazaki, will be at Comic-Con? We hope so!

» Disney will be bringing Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time as their centerpiece. It's also likely that Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland will show up and that Pixar will bring Toy Story 3.

» Word leaked out earlier this year that Disney would debut an official Tron 2 trailer at Comic-Con.

» Warner Brothers' presentations will include Sherlock Holmes with Guy Ritchie and Robert Downey Jr. as well as our first look at Jonah Hex with Josh Brolin and probably Megan Fox.

» In addition to Sherlock Holmes, Downey Jr. will also be helping Jon Favreau promote Iron Man 2. They'll be back again to blow away fans with what could end up the most exciting panel this year.

» We've heard that Fox may be going all out with Avatar. So if you're attending, this is where you'll be the first to see any footage from the movie (in 3D) and it's likely James Cameron will show up as well.

» Donnie Darko director Richard Kelly confirmed already via MySpace that he'll be there to show off his new movie The Box with Cameron Diaz and James Marsden most likely in attendance as well.

» Sony's presentation will definitely include 2012 and maybe Phillip Noyce's Salt (so claims the LA Times, although it's not official), which means we could see John Cusack and maybe Angelina Jolie.

» We haven't heard anything from Universal, but it's likely they'll have another panel on The Wolf Man, since it was delayed until November, and we hope they bring Edgar Wright's Scott Pilgrim as well.

» Word is that Mike Dougherty's Trick 'r Treat will be screening to kick off its road show.

» We've heard that James McTeigue's Ninja Assassin may also be screening early (via SlashFilm).

» Zack Snyder will be in attendance to do a Blu-Ray Live showing of Watchmen one of the nights.

» Derrick Comedy's feature film Mystery Team will not only be screening one of the nights, but the entire cast will be part of a Ballroom 20 panel with Paper Heart and they'll have a booth on the show floor.

» We've heard there will NOT be anything from Michel Gondry's Green Hornet, Martin Campbell's Green Lantern, or Christopher Nolan's Inception. But there could be things from Where the Wild Things Are.

So there you have it! As I said, this is looking like a great year, even if there aren't that many big comic book movies due out in 2010. I already can't wait to get down to San Diego. Comic-Con is one of the greatest times of the entire year and for five days straight we all get to live and work in geek heaven. Not only are there screenings and presentations and panels but there are plenty of parties and meet-ups and other great events. It all kicks off on July 22nd and runs through July 26th. Unfortunately I think all of the passes are sold out, however you can check the website for more information. See everyone down in San Diego soon!

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Related categories: Comic-Con 09, Hype, Rumors