Comic-Con 2009: Preview

Each year, the last full weekend of July sees hordes of sci-fi and fantasy fans and a ton of the industry elite descend on San Diego’s massive convention centre for a four-day film and television extravaganza. What started out as a small sci-fi fan convention in the ‘70s has, thanks to the presence of stars and studios alike, turned into one of the most highly anticipated media events of the year. Fans (and press) are given the chance to get front row seats and sneak peeks at some of Hollywood’s biggest films - and let’s not forget the actors and directors The buzz going into the convention is huge – stay tuned for our coverage of the Comic-Con 2009 higlights to see what lived up to the hype. Stay tuned for our coverage of the highlights of Comic-Con 2009.

Here’s just a taste little of what’s on tap for lucky attendees:

• Thursday sees the convention kick off with a bang! First up, there’s Disney’s 3D preview panel, showcasing brand new footage from A Christmas Carol, Alice In Wonderland and, perhaps most awesomely, Tron with special guests Robert Zemeckis and Tim Burton. But Disney’s not the only one with some 3D footage to show off though as both Sony and Warner Brothers are coming to San Diego prepped to show footage of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and The Final Destination, respectively. There’s also a special panel featuring the entire voice cast behind Sony’s 3D foodie adventure including Anna Faris, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Bobb'e J. Thompson, and directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord. That panel might find itself drowned out by the masses of screaming fans next door who have, unsurprisingly, been lined up overnight for a chance to get a spot in the audience for the Summit Entertainment panel. The studio’s showcase will give everyone a first glimpse at scenes from the wildly anticipated Twilight Saga sequel, New Moon, as well as a very first look at Astro Boy. Speaking of anticipated...Thursday will also see the very first public showcase of James Cameron’s Avatar. The film marks Cameron’s first trip behind the camera in 14 years and the hype surrounding the screening is insane. On an equally exciting note, Terry Gilliam will be screening scenes from his film The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus. The movie, which premiered at Cannes in May, stars Heath Ledger – in his final role – as well as Colin Farrell, Jude Law and Johnny Depp. Gilliam plans to follow up the screening with a lengthy panel discussion, so stay tuned for a wrap up of comments from the imaginative director.

• Friday turns it up a notch! The second day’s schedule sees Warner Brothers debut some of their most highly-anticipated films of the fall, including Where The Wild Things Are, The Book of Eli, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Box, Jonah Hex, and Sherlock Holmes. You can bet that one’s going to be standing room only! Then they’ve got director Robert Rodriguez on hand to chat about his upcoming sci-fi family film Shorts. Look for the director to also get pelted with questions concerning the new Predator movie and what he plans to do with the franchise. And, because you can never have too much Tim Burton, there’s a second panel with the amazing director, this time in producer mode, where he’ll be discussing Focus Features' film 9. They will preview the post-apocalyptic animated movie along with director Shane Acker, Timur Bekmambetov, and actors Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly. If you can recognize the newly-slim Peter Jackson, then look for him on Sony’s District 9 panel. The preview will mark Jackson’s first appearance at Comic-Con, a huge milestone in an already extremely distinguished career. Jackson will also sit down with fellow director James Cameron to talk about the ins and outs of movie-making in what is set to be an amazing one-time only discussion. And now for something completely different! Fans of Mystery Science Theatre (and its various television, film and online incarnations) are in for a treat as the comedians, known for adding their own hilarious audio tracks to films, get together for a panel which that just might feature some live film riffs of their very own. What I wouldn’t give to be there for that one!

• Saturday brings with it a view of the future…and it doesn’t look good! Sony Pictures will present two futuristic survival films - Zombieland and 2012. But have no fear, the future is safe in the hands of Tony Stark! Perhaps the biggest ticket over the four-day event, we’ll finally get a first look at Iron Man 2 on Saturday with both director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr. on hand to get the party started.

• But it’s not all about movies! Cast and crew from TV’s "Lost", "True Blood", "Doctor Who", "24", "Bones", "BSG", "The Mighty Boosh", "Fringe", "V", and "Dollhouse" among many others, will be on hand to preview material, hold Q & A sessions with press and fans, and even give an autograph or two. The whole shebang ends Sunday evening with a back to vampire basics big-screen sing-along showing of Joss Whedon’s excellent "Buffy The Vampire Slayer: musical episode "Once More, With Feeling". You better believe fans will be lining up for that one too…only this time less screaming and more singing.

Stay tuned for more from San Diego!