SAN DIEGO — Marvel Studios is returning to San Diego Comic-Con for its iconic Saturday night panel, which is expected to feature some big announcements and surprise guests.
What you need to know Marvel was absent from the convention last year due to a Hollywood strike that prevented writers and actors from speaking at panels, but anticipation for the session in Comic-Con’s famous Hall H is palpable among fans. The studio is expected to announce news that hints at upcoming titles from its “Phase 5” plan and beyond, confirmed only by Marvel president Kevin Feige. Feige will be joined by several special guests, which could include stars from upcoming Marvel titles such as “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts” and “The Fantastic Four.”
Marvel took over Hall H on Thursday for an electrifying panel celebrating “Deadpool & Wolverine,” with audience members treated to a full screening and a surprise guest appearance onstage alongside stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
Marvel was absent from the convention last year due to a Hollywood strike that prevented writers and actors from speaking on panels, but fan anticipation for the session in Comic-Con’s famous Hall H is palpable.
The studio is expected to announce news teasing its “Phase 5” plans and future titles beyond that, with the presenter confirmed to be none other than Marvel president Kevin Feige, who will be joined by several special guests, including stars of upcoming Marvel titles such as “Captain America: Brave New World,” “Thunderbolts” and “The Fantastic Four.”
Fans are speculating that Marvel will announce cast members and release clips and trailers for upcoming films and the Disney+ series.
Marvel already took over Hall H on Thursday for a high-energy panel celebrating “Deadpool & Wolverine,” where audience members enjoyed a full screening and a surprise guest appearance onstage with stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
The enthusiasm for the film at Comic-Con rippled across the country as fans flocked to theaters, and the film set a new record for Thursday previews for an R-rated film. The comic book movie sold an estimated $38.5 million worth of movie tickets during Thursday preview screenings.
The success of “Deadpool & Wolverine” woke up a sleepy year for Marvel and eased concerns about a lackluster box office performance in the second half of 2023. The superhero factory hit a record low in November with the release of “The Marvels,” which grossed just $47 million.
The idea of ”superhero fatigue” has been much talked about in the film world ahead of the studio’s latest opening, which is expected to see further record-breaking films.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” and Thursday’s packed panel dampened any discussion about audience disinterest in comic book movies.