Comic-Con International San Diego has now announced its full programming schedule for the July 21-25 event. We’ll be offering our picks of the less humongous panels early next week, but here are some of the gigantic events that you’ll want to plan your day around if you want to get into them. There are going to be some major lines for these–last year’s Twilight panel was attended by a couple of thousand fans who’d formed a tent city, camping out overnight on the convention center’s lawn.
Grant Morrison: The rock star of comic book writers always draws a big, rabidly enthusiastic crowd, and always has entertaining things to say. Friday, 12:30-1:30 PM, Room 6DE
(More on Techland: Exclusive Interview: Grant Morrison: Batman Times Three)
The Green Hornet: Part of the Sony Pictures Entertainment showcase on Friday afternoon, this is the first look at Michel Gondry’s forthcoming 3-D superhero movie; both Gondry and star Seth Rogan will be present. Friday, 4-6 PM, Hall H
Green Lantern/Sucker Punch/Harry Potter: I’m guessing this Warner Bros. triple-header will have the single longest line at the convention: advance looks at three very, very eagerly awaited movies. Saturday, 11:45 AM-1:15 PM, Hall H
J.J. and Joss: Properly called “Entertainment Weekly: The Visionaries,” this sequel to last year’s Peter Jackson/James Cameron meeting-of-minds is a discussion between J.J. Abrams and Joss Whedon, moderated by EW‘s Jeff Jensen. Expect high-level conceptual talk more than previews of coming attractions. Thursday, 3:30-4:30 PM, Hall H
The Masquerade: The annual showcase for Comic-Con’s costumed attendees is always a treat. You’ll need to get a ticket, and those are passed out earlier in the day–see Comic-Con’s site for details. Saturday, 8:30-11:30 PM, Ballroom 20.
Penn & Teller: It’s not easy to get into the long-running magical duo’s shows in general; expect a mob for their 35-year career retrospective. Thursday, 7:30-8:30 PM, Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
RED: Warren Ellis doesn’t tend to put in a lot of time at Comic-Con, but he’ll be present for a panel and screening of unseen footage from the forthcoming movie based on the graphic novel he wrote some years ago. Also present: some combination of the film’s stars, which include Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren. Yes, Helen Mirren at Comic-Con. The world has already bowed to geek culture. Thursday, 2:15-3:15 PM, Hall H.
(More on Techland: Your First Look at Warren Ellis’ Red)
Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World: There’s going to be a ton of Scott Pilgrim-related things happening at Comic-Con; if you’re hoping to get into this panel, with creator Bryan Lee O’Malley, director Edgar Wright and thirteen of the movie’s stars… well, note that once you’re inside Hall H they usually let you stay inside, and the hall has its own bathrooms. Thursday, 6-7 PM, Hall H
(More on Techland: Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Book Club, Volume 2)
The Simpsons: How often do you get to see Matt Groening on stage? Saturday, 1:30-2:15 PM, Ballroom 20
Thor/Captain America: The official listing for this movie event only mentions producer Kevin Feige, but it’s not exactly a secret that there are likely to be some much bigger names showing up too. Saturday, 6-7 PM, Hall H
Tron: Legacy: When Patton Oswalt is your moderator, you know there’s a lot of star-power on display. The movie’s producers, directors and cast will be on stage, and they’ll be showing some clips, too. Thursday, 11:15 AM-12:45 PM, Hall H
True Blood: Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse books, has a spotlight panel of her own, but she’ll also be at this panel, which was very, very full last year. Also present: Anna Paquin, Alan Ball, Stephen Moyer, and many more. Friday, 5:15-6:15 PM, Ballroom 20
The Walking Dead: If you think fighting off zombies is tough, try getting into this panel. Robert Kirkman, various cast members, and–bless whoever thought of this–makeup artist Greg Nicotero will all be present to discuss the forthcoming AMC TV series based on Kirkman’s long-running zombie comic book. Friday, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, Room 6BCF
(More on Techland: Kirkman Talks Image United)
Techland Presents: Comics and Digital Piracy: We can’t help but plug our own panel here. Techland’s Douglas Wolk will moderate a conversation including comiXology’s David Steinberger, manga expert Deb Aoki, and Savage Dragon creator Erik Larsen, among others. Sunday, 10-11 AM, Room 25ABC