Comic-Con, the biggest gathering of the most devoted fans and entertainment providers, reigned in some of the biggest hypes — particularly within both the Marvel and DC Comics fandoms. This year, the San Diego Comic-Con delivered some of the greatest cosplay and newest footage for the 2016 film agenda. From exclusive trailers to in-depth conversations with actors, this was definitely the year that every entertainment fan should have traveled the galaxy for.
The “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” panel greeted fans with open arms and truly created an experience that no other Hall H panel could replicate. Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford (Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo respectively) came out to discuss their reunion for the newest galactic adventure alongside the fresh new faces of George Lucas’ universe, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson and Gwendoline Christie. This particular panel paid homage to the fans of the series.
This was exemplified when Kathleen Kennedy, film producer, stated, “I think a lot of people out there know that Star Wars is 100 percent dependent on the fans in this room and all over the world since 1976 … we want to say thank you to all of you.” Striving to create a Comic-Con moment that made all the Star Wars fans feel thanful, J.J Abrams, director, surprised them all with a secret Star Wars concert featuring the San Diego Symphony.
Moving down the Hall H panels, one of the most anticipated was the Warner Bros. panel. Its feature films, “Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Suicide Squad,” set to release in 2016, sent fans crazy in the room. Zack Snyder, director, said that this project is a, “dream come true,” and for any diehard comic book fan, how could it not be? Showing off the new trailer, never has the big screen seen such a unique universe. Snyder has created a realm where Metropolis (Superman’s domain) and Gotham City (Batman’s territory) are next-door neighbors. The 3-minute, 40-second clip shows fans the intricacy of the story plot. During the final fight scene of “Man of Steel,” when Superman and General Zod were battling, they had left Wayne Towers in shambles. This fuels a very interesting new take on the Dark Knight — the irate and vengeful Batman.
In this universe, Batman seeks to destroy Superman because he feels that he is a threat to the human race. Not to mention, this film introduces Wonder Woman and Lex Luthor (Gal Gadot and Jesse Eisenberg) into the DC film world. Not only will this movie be highly anticipated, but if it is successful, it could open the pathway for the introduction of many other DC Comics characters.
DC Comics also released another huge trailer drop with its 2016 film, “Suicide Squad.” The film’s director, David Ayer, yelled to the room moments before the showing, “DC Comics — best villains out there.” This film features DC’s most evil villains joining together as a suicide squad for the government including one of the most iconic comic book villains, The Joker.
Other highlights from Comic-Con 2015 included the first trailer for Marvel Comics’ “Deadpool.” This R-rated antihero was thrust to the big screen because of its dedicated fan base and Reynolds himself. Upon the first viewing, fans were in love with the hilarious, fourthwall breaking, violent Deadpool they have begged to see. Comic-Con comes around every summer, but after this summer, SDCC 2016 has a lot to live up to.