Comic-Con International 2004 in San Diego is taking place from July 22-25 and the day-by-day schedule has been posted at the official website. The Superhero Hype! staff will be at the events, but if you have news or reports from the convention you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to write in! Here are some of the big events…
Friday, July 23
12:30-2:00 Warner Bros.: Batman Begins and Constantine—Warner Bros. presents looks at two of the most eagerly awaited comic adaptations of all time! First up: Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight’s emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents’ murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high-tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city. Participating in the panel are actor Cillian Murphy (Dr. Jonathan Crane) and screenwriter David Goyer. They will also sign autographs in the DC Comics booth after the event. Second on today’s WB bill is Constantine, based on the DC Comics/VERTIGO black’> Hellblazer graphic novels and written by Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello. The supernatural thriller tells the story of John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), a man who has literally been to hell and back. When he teams up with skeptical policewoman Katelin Dodson (Rachel Weisz) to solve the mysterious suicide of her twin sister, their investigation takes them through the world of demons and angels that exists just beneath the landscape of contemporary Los Angeles. Caught in a catastrophic series of otherworldy events, the two become inextricably involved and seek to find their own peace at whatever cost. Appearing at this event are actors Keanu Reeves and Djimon Hounsou and director Francis Lawrence. Hall H
2:30-3:30 Disney/Pixar: The Incredibles—Pixar Animation Studios offers a sneak peek at its much-anticipated computer-animated feature The Incredibles (coming from Walt Disney Pictures on November 5), as it spotlights the career and creative genius of Brad Bird. Director Brad Bird (The Iron Giant, The Simpsons), producer John Walker, and moderator Mark Vaz (author of Art of The Incredibles, The Art of Finding Nemo, The Invisible Art: The Legends of Movie Matte Painting [co-authored by Craig Barron], Behind the Mask of Spider-Man: The Secrets of the Movie, etc.) will discuss the filmmaking process and present the world premiere of a scene from the film, along with other surprises. Those attending this presentation will receive an exclusive Comic-Con poster for The Incredibles designed by the legendary Mike Mignola. Mike and Brad will be on hand for a special limited signing immediately following the program. Room 20
5:00-6:00 Hellboy DVD—Hellboy writer/director Guillermo del Toro (Blade II, The Devil’s Backbone), creator Mike Mignola (Dark Horse Entertainment), DVD producer Javier Soto, and visual effects supervisor Blair Clark (Tippett Studios) participate in a panel discussion and presentation regarding the cutting-edge two-disc DVD set. Room 6CDEF
5:30-7:30 New Line Cinema/New Line Home Entertainment: Blade: Trinity, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, Cellular, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Extended Edition DVD—New Line Cinema presents a “first look” at Blade: Trinity that includes footage from the upcoming film followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with cast members Jessica Biel and Ryan Reynolds as well as director David Goyer. Also making an appearance will be the stars of the upcoming film Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, John Cho and Kal Penn. New Line Home Entertainment will also present a first look at The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Special Extended DVD Edition. This hour-long presentation will debut select clips from the extended version of the film and will include a panel discussion featuring key cast and crew members who were involved in the creation of the extended DVD. Program elements will include Peter Jackson’s scene selection process (his favorite moments, etc.) and stories from The Lord of the Rings co-producer Rick Porras and cast members David Wenham and Billy Boyd about the behind-the-scenes preparations necessary to deliver this extended version of the DVD. Beyond the making of the film, New Line Home Entertainment DVD executive Mike Mulvihill and DVD producer Michael Pellerin will discuss their collaboration with the cast and crew to create the extensive bonus features. All panel participants will recount their time spent being interviewed for the DVD bonus features and the experience of having additional cameras on-set during the entire filming process. Hall H
Saturday, July 24
2:00-3:00 Dimension Films: Sin City—Comic-Con attendees will be treated to an exclusive panel on Sin City, a feature film based on the series of comic books and graphic novels created, written, and illustrated by Frank Miller. Sin City is a series of stories of vengeance and redemption set in the grimiest, toughest city in the world. The film will incorporate storylines from three of Miller’s graphic novels including Sin City, which launched the long-running, critically acclaimed series as well as That Yellow Bastard and The Big Fat Kill. Confirmed guests include Frank Miller, director Robert Rodriguez, and cast members Jessica Alba, Jamie King and Rosario Dawson. Hall H
5:30-7:00 20th Century Fox: Alien vs. Predator and Fantastic Four—Alien vs. Predator: It’s our planet . . . and their war. Youll have the first look at scenes from the long-anticipated cinematic head-to-head of the iconic monsters. AVP stars Sanaa Lathan and Lance Henriksen and creature effects supervisors Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr. will be on hand to take your questions. Then: At long last, Fantastic Four is about to go into production next month. But before cameras begin rolling, 20th Century Fox is thrilled to bring the cast and filmmakers to Comic-Con to discuss Fox’s epic adaptation of the World’s Greatest Comic Magazine! Hall H
Hit the link above for the full schedule!
Source: Comic-Con International 2004
