That time is almost upon is. San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is almost here, and next week at this time, io9 will be among the 100,000-plus fans descending on San Diego for four days of pop culture excitement. All the best movies, TV, comics, games, toys, anime, you name it, and it’ll be at Comic-Con.
Which is both the best and worst thing about the convention. The worst thing is that there’s so much going on, there’s no way you could come close to seeing or doing everything you want to. The best thing, however, is that you can very easily tailor your entire experience to only the things that make you happy. For us, that’s in large part major movies and TV shows. And while Marvel Studios won’t be gracing Hall H this year, several other films and shows are doing just that, along with DC Studios and more.
So what’s cool? What’s worth looking forward to? Here are 15 panels we’re most looking forward to at San Diego Comic-Con 2025.
Sneak Peek: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
On the surface this one seems pretty basic. A tease of a museum? Who cares, right? Well, it’s George Lucas’ museum. About movies. And he’s on the panel, making his first trip to Comic-Con ever. And Guillermo del Toro is on the panel. And Doug Chiang. And Queen Latifah is moderating. Um, wow, what a package.
When and where: Sunday, July 27, 11 a.m. PT, Hall H
Coyote vs. Acme
First it was canceled. Then it came back. And now, for the first time ever, the general public is going to see what all the fuss is about. We cannot wait.
When and where: Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. PT, Hall H
Alien: Earth World Premiere and Q&A
In space, no one can hear you scream. But you can be damn sure 6,000 people in Hall H are going to be screaming when they get to see the first episode of the new FX Alien show along with the whole cast.
When and where: Friday, July 25, 1:25 p.m. PT, Hall H
Peacemaker Season 2
With Superman now in theaters, it’s time for DC Studios president James Gunn to move on to his next thing. And that next thing is Peacemaker. The character, of course, has a brief cameo in the new film, but this will be the full unveiling of how season two of the John Cena show will tie into this new DC Universe.
When and where: Saturday, July 26, 3:30 p.m. PT, Hall H
Predator Badlands
Disney isn’t sending Marvel or Star Wars to Comic-Con this year, but they’re sending two of the biggest sci-fi films it’s had in recent years. First up, Predator Badlands, a new live-action film from Prey and Killer of Killers director Dan Trachtenberg. If we hadn’t already seen a teaser trailer, this would be higher on the list. But we’re guessing we’ll see much, much more than that in Hall H.
When and where: Friday, July 25, 4:15 p.m. PT, Hall H
Tron Ares
Disney is also bringing Tron back to Comic-Con. The long-awaited follow-up to Tron Legacy (which was famously first announced at Comic-Con) also already has a teaser trailer, so we aren’t sure what else we’ll see or learn. But, either way, we’re pumped to return to the Grid.
When and where: Friday, July 25, 5:30 p.m. PT, Hall H
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
The video game adaptation about killer robots who live in an old arcade is back, and Blumhouse will unveil what it has in store for the first time at Comic-Con.
When and where: Thursday, July 24, 4:15 p.m. PT, Hall H
Project Hail Mary
One of, if not the, most anticipated sci-fi films coming in the next year, Project Hail Mary is going to be awesome. We think that because we saw a very, very long trailer only a few short weeks ago. What else could possibly be on tap beyond that, especially with the movie not out till next year? That uncertainty is the only reason why this panel in particular, for such a big movie, is further down on this list. But also, it has Ryan Gosling, Andy Weir, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, so what are we even thinking?
When and where: Saturday, July 26, 2:15 p.m. PT, Hall H
The Toxic Avenger
We thought this updated remake of the gross-out Troma cult classic may never see the light of day. But it’s coming to theaters in August, and it’s ready to burst out into the world at Comic-Con.
When and where: Thursday, July 24, 5:30 p.m. PT, Hall H
The Long Walk
From the director of multiple Hunger Games sequels comes this brand-new Stephen King adaptation, which felt like a surprise when it was announced for Comic-Con. But it does star Mark Hamill and an all-star cast of young actors who all must keep walking until only one is left alive.
When and where: Friday, July 25, 3 p.m. PT, Hall H
It: Welcome to Derry
The long-awaited, highly anticipated prequel series to the Stephen King films about a killer clown is finally coming out. And despite its very awkward panel time, we think it’s going to be one of the coolest shows released this fall.
When and where: Saturday, July 26, 9:15 p.m. PT, Room 6BCF
Directors on Directing
Comic-Con might be closing with George Lucas and Guillermo del Toro, but it’s opening with another pair of directing legends. Directors Rob Reiner (Stand By Me, The Princess Bride) and Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, Ghostbusters) will have a chat about their respective careers.
When and where: Thursday, July 24, 2:45 p.m. PT, Hall H
Marvel: Comics to Screen
Marvel Studios might not be bringing any new films or shows to Comic-Con, but one of its key creatives, head of visual development Ryan Meinerding, will join with comics editor-in-chief C. B. Cebulski to discuss some recent adaptations, including Fantastic Four: First Steps.
When and where: Saturday, July 26, 3 p.m. PT, Room 6A
Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios
It might not be live action, but a new Batman movie is debuting footage at Comic-Con. This WB animated film that translates to “Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires.”
When and where: Thursday, July 24, 3:30 p.m. PT, Room 6BCF
Smiling Friends Season 3
To be honest, I’ve never seen this Adult Swim show, but fellow io9 reporter Sabina Graves has. In fact, she’s moderating this one, so it had to make the list.
When and where: Friday, July 25, 2 p.m. PT, Indigo Ballroom