We are exactly one week away from San Diego Comic-Con, folks! As per tradition, The Nerds of Color is going to be there on the ground, not only bringing you the latest and greatest from the panels, but also participating as panelists in some of them (Looking at you, Swara, you rock star!) So as you gear up and prep for the biggest nerd event of the year, we’re going to break down the best panels and events you can’t miss!
San Diego Comic-Con is a blast, but it can be incredibly overwhelming. There are a ton of things to do both inside and outside the convention. While there is glitz and glamor, there also are aspects that are chaotic and, sometimes, disappointing. The biggest draws typically require a lot of preparation and patience, including lining up or sometimes camping out overnight (though to be fair, Comic-Con has done a better job trying to limit this over the past few years), and often when you’re aiming to accomplish something, you have to sacrifice something else to do it. So plan accordingly and keep your goals realistic, as you pick and choose what’s a must, and what you may have to let go.
To aid with all of this, we’re going to sort through all of the must-sees and must-dos by day, so you can figure out what to add to your schedules, what to get excited about, and what everyone is going to be talking about throughout the weekend.
So without further ado, here is our 2025 NOC guide to SDCC:
WEDNESDAY — PREVIEW NIGHT
While the main events at Comic-Con typically run from Thursday to Sunday, Wednesday brings attendees Preview Night, which presents a fun opportunity for everyone to explore the exhibit hall and potentially grab exclusives and get the lay of the land that will be their home for the next five days.
Explore booths from Marvel, DC, Funko, Nickelodeon, Sony Pictures, Disney Television, Lego, Star Wars, Pokemon, and more!
Check out the exhibit hall map here:
THURSDAY
Thursday is when programming officially begins! Here are the major highlights for all the panels you gotta check out!
Comics, Spanish, Library Magic! – Thursday July 24, 10:00am – 11:00am PDT – Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
WHO: Robert Lanuza and Claudia Apodaca of the San Diego Public Library
WHAT: A session on how graphic novels can support Spanish language learning at any age.
In times like these we encourage folks to try and learn different languages. Comic books can be a gateway and a powerful tool for remembering that this country is a melting pot of cultures, and all languages are welcome.
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender 20th Anniversary – Thursday July 24, 10:00am – 11:00am PDT – Ballroom 20
WHO: Original voice cast members and the creators of the Avatar-verse.
WHAT: A 20th anniversary celebration of one of the most beloved animated series of all time.
The legacy of this series has persisted for 20 years. We’ve covered it extensively on the site and we love it dearly, along with many others. As such, expect this one to be incredibly popular, so it may be worth going straight to the Ballroom 20 queue first thing in the morning to line up.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Thursday July 24, 11:00am – 12:00pm PDT – Hall H
The first major panel to hit Hall H will be Percy Jackson — Season 2! Typically, you will have to line up the night before to get wristbands into the coveted Hall H. Take a look at this link to see the full details and prepare for battle!
WHO: Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn, and Daniel Diemer, alongside executive producers Jon Steinberg, Craig Silverstein, and Dan Shotz.
WHAT: A conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories and a deep dive into the new season, premiering this December on Disney+.
The first season was a surprisingly terrific adaptation. They even went further with POC casting by having Leah Jeffries play Annabeth and Aryan Simhadri playing Grover. And they crushed it! Now we are going to see an adaptation of The Sea of Monsters. The film series didn’t make it further than that, but I have a feeling this will be a stronger adaptation and we will likely see the story continue.
Critical Role on Prime Video: The Mighty Nein and The Legend of Vox Machina Cast – Thursday July 24, 11:15am – 12:15pm PDT – Indigo Ballroom , Hilton San Diego Bayfront
WHO: Executive producers and cast members Laura Bailey, Matthew Mercer, Marisha Ray, Liam O’Brien, Ashley Johnson, Taliesin Jaffe, Sam Riegel, and Travis Willingham
WHAT: An inside look at Critical Role’s expanding universe on Prime Video.
The Legend of Vox Machina was widely acclaimed and insanely popular among Critical Role fans. To get to see the whole gang talking about their incredible campaigns is sure to be a treat for D&D fans! And they’ll even be giving fans a sneak peek of their adaptation of The Mighty Nein campaign! This promises to be a chaotic good time!
DC All In: What’s Next – Thursday July 24, 11:30am – 12:30pm PDT – Room 6DE
WHO: Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Mark Waid, DC executive editor Chris Conroy and DC group editor Paul Kaminski.
WHAT: An in-depth look at what’s ahead for DC Comics!
DC has had an amazing year. Between Hush 2 and the Absolute interpretations of the characters, fans and critics alike have loved what we’ve seen so far! And it’s going to get better under geniuses like Scott Snyder, Josh Williamson, and Mark Waid! These are some of the best writers and creators in all of comics, and have redefined these characters both in canon and outside it.
Star Wars: Andor: From Resistance to Rebellion – Thursday July 24, 12:00pm – 1:00pm PDT – Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
WHO: Psychologists Drea Letamendi (Lattes with Leia, The Arkham Sessions, Aliens Expanded), author Jendia Gammon (Atacama, Doomflower, The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern), rhetoricist Robert Dagnall, and American Indian Studies professor Desmond Hassing. Hosted by James Floyd (Star Wars author, Star Warsologies podcast co-host).
WHAT: A dive deep into the popular show Star Wars: Andor, especially season 2.
I, for one, would love to listen to what these panelists have to say, not only about how Andor is the best thing to come from Lucasfilm in years, but also how the events of the series hit home harder after the invasion of Los Angeles by Trump, ICE, and the unsanctioned and unapproved involvement of the National Guard.
The Frights and Delights of Queer Horror Comics – Thursday July 24, 12:00pm – 1:00pm PDT – Room 5AB
WHO: Creators James Tynion IV and Tate Brombal, comic industry directors Jazzlyn Stone and Courtney Menard.
WHAT: An in-depth conversation about LGBTQ+ representation in horror comics.
Representation in horror is absolutely necessary. Oftentimes POCs and LGBTQ+ characters don’t make it out alive. This is why we need things like queer horror to redefine and reestablish what standards in horror can be. I’m a huge fan of what James Tynion IV has done with Batman in the past few years, but also his work on Something is Killing the Children.
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias & Jo Koy Panel – Thursday July 24, 12:15pm – 1:15pm PDT – Hall H
WHO: Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and Jo Koy
WHAT: A takeover in Hall H with a live Q&A and giveaways!
I mean, c’mon. How much more iconic can you get in the world of POC standup? As a Filipino I take pride in Jo Koy’s comedy and success. Fluffy is hands down one of the funniest people on the planet. I remember even loving him in later seasons of All That. Take an afternoon just to enjoy a free comedy show in Hall H!
Spotlight on Jim Lee – Thursday July 24, 12:45pm – 1:45pm PDT – Room 6DE
WHO: Jim Lee!
WHAT: A catch up with the renowned artist and his latest projects at DC.
If you’re a Batman fan and you’re not reading Hush 2 right now, you’re not living a full life. Jim Lee and Jeph Loeb’s continuation has been incredible so far, and I just want to know what happens next. Furthermore, Lee is one of the greatest comic book artists who ever lived. Who wouldn’t want to pick his brain about the future of DC and his stellar work?
Black Animation Execs Talk Shop – Thursday July 24, 1:30pm – 2:30pm PDT – Room 10
WHO: Shabrayia Cleaver (DreamWorks Animation), Neil Wade (Nickelodeon), John Agbaje (Bad Robot), Jordan Askins (Warner Brothers), and Cory Gaddis (Netflix executive).
WHAT: A Q&A about their careers and breaking into the entertainment industry.
If anyone knows how to work past the gatekeeping in the industry, it’ll be these professionals from the Black animation community. Hear what they have to say, and learn from the best to find out what it takes to make it as a POC in entertainment!
TOKYOPOP: Manga for Everyone – Thursday July 24, 1:00pm – 2:00pm PDT – Room 28DE
WHO: TOKYOPOP Creators and Writers.
WHAT: An in-depth look at projects coming out of TOKYOPOP this year.
Here’s a chance to hear about manga projects from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ creators, and how they are able to contribute to the legacy of TOKYOPOP.
Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios (Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires) – Thursday July 24, 3:30pm – 4:30pm PDT – Room 6BCF
WHO: Members of the cast and the creative team of the highly-anticipated animated movie Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios.
WHAT: A panel for the upcoming film Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios (Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires), an adaptation of Batman in an Aztec context.
This one sounds incredibly fascinating, and speaks to the universality of Batman. Whenever we see Batman stories done with different POC perspectives, like the Batman Ninja films, captivating things happen.
The Blerd Panel – Thursday July 24, 4:00pm – 5:00pm PDT – Room 7AB
WHO: Yvette Nicole Brown (actress/director, Community), Malcolm Barrett (Average Joe, Timeless), Marc Bernardin (Picard, Fatman Beyond), Kevin Avery (comedian/writer, The Great North), Ubah Mohamed (producer, The Handmaid’s Tale), Lamont Magee (Ghost Machine), Jay Washington (actor/comedian/wrestler), and Dan Evans III (creative executive), with moderator Dr. Jason Johnson (MSNBC).
WHAT: An exploration of what it means to be a Black nerd in the industry
At Comic-Con, we’re all nerds. Hear what being a Black nerd means to some of our favorite names in entertainment, and remember how much we all have in common, especially at Comic-Con!
Women of Afghan History Through Comics: Detective Sanazu – Thursday July 24, 4:00pm – 5:00pm PDT – Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
WHO: The Flowers for the Future Team
WHAT: An international panel will share with the fans the process of creating and designing a comic book for a global audience while also safely collaborating and distributing to a population facing gender apartheid.
The chance to gain perspective on Afghan history at SDCC shows the power of comics to tell stories in a cost-effective and cost-efficient way, allowing people to take risks and infuse cultural histories in storytelling through art!
Blumhouse’s Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 – Thursday July 24, 4:15pm – 5:15pm PDT -Hall H
WHO: The filmmakers and stars of Blumhouse’s Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
WHAT: An inside look at the sequel to the Blumhouse phenomenon Five Nights at Freddy’s.
Five Nights at Freddy’s is a phenomenon. The first film did insane business theatrically in 2023, while also simultaneously being on Peacock. It helps that the video game has such a dedicated fan base. Expect it to be a big draw, so plan accordingly!
The Her Universe Fashion Show 2025 – Thursday July 24, 6:00pm – 8:00pm PDT – Seaport Ballroom, Manchester Grand Hyatt
WHO: Ashley Eckstein (actress and Her Universe founder) and Michael James Scott (Broadway star)
WHAT: The 2025 Her Universe Fashion Show brought to you by Universal and Her Universe.
Like the Masquerade, the Her Universe Fashion Show is a Comic Con tradition. This year, Ahsoka voice actress Ashley Eckstein will be showcasing the latest line of geek clothing and merchandise for the coming season. I actually own quite a bit of Our Universe merchandise. If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable way to cosplay or cosbound, grab a hoodie from them based on your favorite character, and get snug!
Asian Representation in Comics and Media – Thursday July 24, 7:00pm – 8:00pm PDT – Room 29AB
WHO: Desmond Chiam (actor, Joy Ride, Falcon and Winter Soldier), Alpha Takahashi (actress, Marvel Rivals, Cyberpunk 2077), Pornsak Pichetshote (writer, The Good Asian, CW Arrowverse), and Michelle Sugihara (executive director/CEO, CAPE-Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment)
WHAT: A rousing conversation about AAPI representation in the industry, and what it takes to make it.
We absolutely love supporting our CAPE friends, especially when they boost up Asian representation in the entertainment and comic industry. I’d love to hear their insights about their experiences in genre storytelling and breaking into entertainment.
FRIDAY
The Black Panel – Friday July 25, 10:00am – 11:30am PDT – Room 5AB
WHO: Vanessa E. Williams (Candyman, New Jack City), Kevin Grevioux (Underworld, Young Justice), Mr. Jay Washington (Netflix Is a Joke: Showtime’s American Gigolo), Hannibal Tabu (Bleeding Cool, The Sundering: The Nation Beneath Our Feet), Quinn McGowan (Project Wildfire, Noir Is the New Black), Keithan Jones (Black Comix Day, The Power Knights), MD Marie (Top Cow’s Vindication), Rodney Campbell (Venture Forth), and Dr. Stanford Carpenter (Comicpalooza University)
WHAT: An exploration of Black representation in the industry, and a conversation about Milestone Comics.
This one is particularly exciting. When you think about Milestone Comics and what it meant for POC creators, characters, and representation in the comics industry, the impact has been monumental. From their lead, we got incredible characters like Static and Icon, but also an industry changed in how it treated Black creators and invested in Black characters. Come for a chance to hear about their legacy and their influence on the comics industry.
Women in Comics: Looking Forward, Looking Back in Turbulent Times – Friday July 25, 1:00pm – 2:00pm PDT – Room 32AB
WHO: TBD
Sexism is indeed running rampant. We are currently experiencing the negative effects of a phallocentric society on our country. Hear from female creators’ perspectives about how the future is looking for women in the industry, and what we can do to overcome the challenges of misogyny!
The Wait is Over: FX’s Alien: Earth World Premiere and Q&A – Friday July 25, 1:25pm – 2:50pm PDT – Hall H
WHO: Creator Noah Hawley, EP David W. Zucker (Scott Free), and the cast of this highly-anticipated sci-fi horror series.
WHAT: A first look at the FX series, Alien: Earth.
Noah Hawley is one of the best and most interesting showrunners in recent history. From Legion to Fargo, he has taken risks to tell incredible, very human stories. Combine that with the awesomeness of the Alien universe and you have one of the most anticipated new series in a long time!
Collider’s Inside Hollywood with Bob Odenkirk – Friday July 25, 1:30pm – 2:15pm PDT – Ballroom 20
WHO: Bob Odenkirk
WHAT: A first look at Nobody 2 and a conversation on Odenkirk’s amazing career
Better Call Saul was an incredible series – one of the best TV shows of all time! Mr. Show is a hilarious, legendary sketch comedy series. And Nobody was an excellent action romp! I’m delighted that Odenkirk is coming to SDCC, because he is honestly just awesome!
The Long Walk – Friday July 25, 3:00pm – 4:00pm PDT – Hall H
WHO: Francis Lawrence (Catching Fire, Mockingjay – Parts 1 & 2, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, I Am Legend) and film stars David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, Garrett Wareing, Charlie Plummer, and Mark Hamill, along with producer Roy Lee and screenwriter J.T. Mollner.
WHAT: Lionsgate will bring us The Long Walk, the highly-anticipated adaptation of Stephen King’s novel.
Master storyteller Stephen King’s first novel finally hits the big screen in The Long Walk, from visionary director Lawrence (The Hunger Games franchise films) and screenwriter Mollner (Strange Darling). Cast and filmmakers join for an in-depth Q&A session and first look at the intense, chilling, and emotional thriller that challenges audiences to confront a haunting question: How far could you go?
Mollner’s Strange Darling was one of my favorite thrillers in the past few years; an underrated gem of a movie with a hell of a screenplay. Francis Lawrence is a terrific visual storyteller, bringing us a really terrific and underrated (albeit different) adaptation of Hellblazer with Keanu Reeves’s Constantine. So what happens when you put them plus an all-star cast featuring Alien: Romulus breakout star, David Johnson and Karate Kid Legend star Ben Wang? You get a Stephen King adaptation that looks thrilling, and sounds incredible. Oh! And Mark Hamill is in this too!
Lilo & Stitch: A Look Inside the Continuing Phenomenon – Friday July 25, 3:15pm – 4:15pm PDT- Room 6BCF
WHO: Chris Sanders (creator, writer, and original voice of Stitch), Maia Kealoha (Lilo in the new film), Tia Carrere (original voice of Nani, now playing Mrs. Kekoa), and Sydney Agudong (Nani in the live-action film).
WHAT: A celebration of all things Lilo & Stitch including a victory lap for the smash hit live-action film.
What are the odds that the highest grossing movie of the year domestically would star two terrific POC actors? One of which broke out in an utterly charming way (looking at you, Maia Kealoha!). They join the genius Chris Sanders to discuss the timeless and tireless charm of a crazy critter named Stitch!
Predator: Badlands – Friday July 25, 4:15pm – 5:15pm PDT – Hall H
WHO: Director Dan Trachtenberg (Prey, 10 Cloverfield Lane) joins stars Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown, Super 8) and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (The Panthers).
WHAT: An exclusive look at Predator: Badlands, the latest chapter in the legendary franchise.
Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers were absolutely amazing! I have no reason not to believe that Predator: Badlands will also be amazing! All that spawns from Dan Trachtenberg, who revitalized a franchise many thought was dead after 2017! But now we’re getting a Predator movie that explores Predator culture! I couldn’t be more excited for this one!
TRON: Ares – Friday July 25, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PDT – Hall H
WHO: Joachim Rønning (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales) and the cast of TRON: Ares.
WHAT: A sneak preview of the upcoming sequel and a conversation with the cast and crew.
I’m someone who absolutely loves the Tron franchise. I maintain that Tron: Legacy deserves a true sequel. And I wish Joseph Kosinski, who did stellar work on Top Gun: Maverick and F1, were returning to the franchise that started his career. But given my options are Ares or nothing at all, I’m definitely excited for this movie and panel. Amazing POC actors are in this one as well, with Past Lives actress Greta Lee taking the spotlight alongside Jeff Bridges and (I guess) Jared Leto. That said, I’m desperate for another trip to The Grid. So let’s do this!
Camera, Culture, Combat: Unveiling Filipino Martial Combat Legacy in Comics, Film, and Television – Friday July 25, 8:00pm – 9:00pm PDT – Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
WHO: Enele Ma’afu Tauteoli (COD:MW), martial arts master Alex Ercia (Pidol’s Wonderland), Alvin Catacutan (Dune 2), Steven Barnes (Black Belt magazine), Arlene Pinpin Stevens (veteran, cybersecurity professional), and Ron Balicki (martial arts trainer, fight coordinator, Alita: Battle Angel).
WHAT: An exploration of Filipino Martial Arts in pop culture.
I love that we have an FMA panel. Not many folks are aware of Filipino Martial Arts, but this panel is a great way for the experts to showcase what FMA looks like. As Filipinos, we don’t usually get a lot of representation, even among AAPI stars and projects in Hollywood. So to get a panel about our Martial Arts style might shed a bit of a light on how our culture influenced much of what we see in comics, movies, and television shows we love!
Astounding Team-ups in the Lumpia Deep Fried Universe – Friday July 25, 7:00pm – 8:00pm PDT Room 6BCF
WHO: Doug Marcaida (Forged in Fire). He joins Patricio Ginelsa (writer/director), Whilce Portacio (artist), Ely Buendia (Eraserheads), DJ Icy Ice (World Famous Beat Junkies), Maria Diane Ventura (director), Benjamin Lee DeGuzman (artist), Figure X (toy designer), and moderator Winston Emano (mano Y mano Media).
WHAT: A look at what’s next for the Lumpia Deep Fried Universe. Includes free print giveaway.
Full disclosure, we have a lot of great friends among the Lumpia/Eraserheads squad, including our very own Lauren Lola. This group of incredibly talented writers and artists have genuinely pulled of the impossible, working their gifts overtime to give us the Lumpia Deep Fried Universe. And more than that, they’ve achieved true success. Come celebrate with them and learn about their new projects, because, as I can definitely attest to, this group is a whole lot of fun!
SATURDAY
Coyote vs. Acme – Saturday July 26, 10:00am – 11:00am PDT – Hall H
WHO: The cast and crew of Coyote Vs. Acme
WHAT: A look inside the movie that WB almost scrapped completely, but was saved by Ketchup Entertainment, about how Wile E. Coyote sues the Acme corporation for their faulty products.
From producer James Gunn, Coyote Vs. Acme is a movie that perplexingly almost got scrapped by current WBD head, David Zaslav (oh sure, but save Alto Knights, a movie everyone has forgotten about). Thank goodness for Ketchup Entertainment, who rescued the film from WB’s scrap heap, as they did with the terrific The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie. Coyote Vs. Acme always had a terrific premise and a stellar cast that I’m incredibly glad we’ll be seeing, and it’s a triumph for fans to win this one against the terrible challenge of corporate greed.
Real Stories, Real People: Why Representation in Film Matters – Saturday July 26, 10:00am – 11:00am PDT – Indigo Ballroom , Hilton San Diego Bayfront
WHO: Collective Moxie CEO Julie Ann Crommett (former Disney/Google equity changemaker) is joined by comedian/actor Al Madrigal (Lopez vs. Lopez, The Daily Show), showrunner Pilar Flynn (Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur), Sydney Bright (Wattpad WebToon Studios’ head of global animation), Emmy and Annie Award-winning director/writer/actor Jorge R. Gutiérrez (The Book of Life, Maya and the Three)
WHAT: An honest conversation that pulls back the curtain on how authentic representation is created and why it matters now more than ever.
Considering that there is a huge push within our country to get rid of diversity and inclusion, it’s time POCs took some power of their own. And that’s what this panel is all about. We need to find ways to fight back against the insane rhetoric that POCs and minority groups shouldn’t be included in pop culture or media. Comic-Con is for everyone, with people from all walks of life and cultures coming together to celebrate the things they love. That’s why panels like this matter, especially in times like this.
Immigrants Changing the Face of Pop Culture – Saturday July 26, 12:00pm – 1:00pm PDT –
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
WHO: Herbert DeLeon (Alamat Books), Roy Schwartz (pop culture historian and writer), Drew Iwankiw (The AR Firm), Ghezal Omar (.357 Magnum Opus), Amin Amat (The Road to Oz), and Janice Chiang (Superman Fights the Klan)
WHAT: A panel discussing the case that immigrants not only founded pop culture, but are changing the face of it today.
Our government today will have you believe that immigrants are dangerous and ruining the country. That could not be further from the truth. It’s a dangerous and sickening rhetoric from this nation’s so-called leadership. And as James Gunn will tell you through films like Superman, immigrants make up the backbone of this country, working harder than those complaining about them, and willing to strive for a better future for themselves and their families. So much of the pop culture we see in the pages of Marvel and DC and on the movie screens is touched, adapted, and created by immigrants, and they need to be protected in their daily lives.
Star Trek Universe – Saturday July 26, 12:30pm – 2:00pm PDT – Hall H
WHO: The cast and executive producers from the Paramount+ original Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and the upcoming new series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
WHAT: A look at the new series Starfleet Academy and the next season of Strange New Worlds.
It’s not Comic Con without Star Trek. When Gene Roddenberry first conceived the show, it was meant to be a beacon of hope for those who from all different cultures, to come together and see a harmonious new future where peace was possible. It was bright, optimistic, and hopeful. And that’s the most endearing and enduring aspect of Star Trek. To celebrate that, we’re getting an extra-long Hall H panel dedicated to the current and upcoming series in the franchise.
Marvel Comics: Ultimate Universe – Saturday July 26, 1:45pm – 2:45pm PDT – Room 6A
WHO: C. B. Cebulski, Ultimate editor Wil Moss.
WHAT: An inside look at the upcoming plans for the Marvel’s Ultimate universe.
The Marvel Ultimate line has been incredible. Much like DC’s Absolute Universe, it’s been amazing watching the stories unfold and cross over, as good Marvel comics will do. How will the events of Ultimate Spider-Man: Incursion impact the universe?
Project Hail Mary – Saturday July 26, 2:15pm – 3:15pm PDT – Hall H
WHO: Phil Lord (director and producer), Christopher Miller (director and producer), Ryan Gosling (actor and producer), Drew Goddard (screenwriter and executive producer), and Andy Weir (author and producer).
WHAT: A sneak peek at the upcoming anticipated film, Project Hail Mary.
Who doesn’t love Lord and Miller? The duo that brought Legos to life in The Lego Movie and took us Into the Spider-Verse are back, adapting the novel from Andy Weir (The Martian). Drew Goddard is a legend, having made his stamp on works like Buffy and clever screenplays like The Cabin in the Woods. What will their team-up with Ryan Gosling hold for audiences? Excitement, humor, and originality, I’m sure! Definitely plan to wait in line on Friday evening for your Saturday Hall H wristband if you’re hoping to catch this one, or the upcoming Peacemaker panel (see below).
Marvel: Comics to Screen – Saturday July 26, 3:00pm – 4:00pm PDT – Room 6A
WHO: C. B. Cebulski, Marvel Studios and head of visual development Ryan Meinerding.
WHAT: A look at how designs and imagery in Marvel Comics influence the MCU.
If you love how the MCU looks, then Meinerding is one name that deserves praise. Between him and Andy Park, the duo’s concept art has been a staple at Comic-Con every year, with their MCU posters becoming must-have swag items for every fan. The thing is, below-the-line talent never gets the credit they deserve, so it’s wonderful that Meinerding will be recognized for his contributions with bringing Wolverine’s classic yellow and blue costume to the big screen, as well as The Fantastic Four‘s new look!
Peacemaker Sneak Peek and Panel – Saturday July 26, 3:30pm – 4:30pm PDT – Hall H
WHO: James Gunn (co-head of DC Studios, executive producer, writer, director) and actors John Cena (Peacemaker, executive producer), Danielle Brooks (Adebayo), Jennifer Holland (Harcourt), Freddie Stroma (Vigilante), Steve Agee (Economos), Frank Grillo (Rick Flag Sr.), Sol Rodriguez (Sasha Bordeaux), and Tim Meadows (Langston Fleury).
WHAT: An exclusive sneak peek of footage from the new season of Peacemaker Season 2 and a conversation with the cast and James Gunn.
This is a victory lap for James Gunn and his DCU. As we saw this past weekend, Superman did a perfect amount to kick off this new era of Gods and Monsters, and we won’t have to wait long for the next chapter. We’re getting Peacemaker next, motherf**kers! The first season was an absolutely unexpected gem, that took shots at the evils of White Supremacy and authoritarianism, but with a sense of humor and an incredible, viral opening number! We can’t wait to see the new one for this season! This is expected to be one of the biggest panels of the con. Make sure you do your prep to get in!
40th Anniversary Studio Ghibli – Saturday July 26, 4:15pm – 5:15pm PDT – Room 6DE
WHO: Hirokatsu Kihara (Studio Ghibli production coordinator from 1985 to 1990)
WHAT: A conversation about the story behind the establishment of Studio Ghibli and a showcase of various pieces of original, behind-the-scenes art.
We love Studio Ghibli here at The Nerds of Color. Miyazaki-san is one of the greatest, hardest-working storytellers alive today, and while his craft is legendary, much of what goes on at Studio Ghibli remains a magical mystery. This panel will be dedicated to immersing you in the gorgeous worlds Miyazaki and his fellow filmmakers have dreamed up.
Spider-Man: The Animated Series 30th Anniversary – Saturday July 26, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PDT – Room 5AB
WHO: Voice cast actors Christopher Daniel Barnes (Peter Parker/Spider-Man), Saratoga Ballantine (Mary Jane Watson), Patrick Labyorteaux (Flash Thompson), Gregg Berger (Kraven/Mysterio), Rodney Saulsberry (Joe Robbie Robertson), Gary Imhoff (Harry Osborn/Green Goblin), and Jennifer Hale (Felicia Hardy/Black Cat).
WHAT: A panel to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Spider-Man: The Animated Series.
What if they announce Spider-Man ’98? I need this staple of my childhood to come back. And Spider-Man: The Animated Series ended on a cliffhanger! How dare they! Having said that, even if they don’t announce a follow up a la X-Men ’97, it’ll be nice to hang out with the voices we all grew up with. Bring your rose-tinted nostalgia glasses!
Salaam Fandom! Muslim Gamers, Creators, and Cosplayers – Saturday July 26, 6:00pm – 7:00pm PDT – Room 29AB
WHO: Cosplayer Helalipop, Naseed Gifted (Jazen, KhemFest), Swara Salih (The Middle Geeks).
WHAT: A conversation about fun, faith, and fandom with some of the finest MENA creators at the convention.
Yes that’s our Swara Salih on this panel! Make sure you head over to this panel and support him! This will be an incredible conversation!
The Comic-Con International 2025 Masquerade – Saturday July 26, 8:30pm – 11:00pm PDT – Ballroom 20
WHAT: The 2025 Annual Comic-Con International Masquerade
This is another staple of San Diego Comic-Con. When most people think of SDCC, they think of cosplay. The amazing time, effort, work, and money put into the insane and wonderful costumes we see every year is showcased in the most famous cosplay masquerade of all time! Expect to see terrific group costumes, and brilliant innovative works that make the world a lot more magical. As a cosplayer myself, albeit one who hasn’t reached the competitive levels yet (or ever), I have so much admiration for everyone who participates, and as a spectator you can expect for this to be a terrific time!
IT: Welcome to Derry – Saturday July 26, 9:15pm – 9:45pm PDT – Room 6BCF
WHO: Andy Muschietti (executive producer, director) and Barbara Muschietti (executive producer)
WHAT: An exclusive, early sneak peek of its highly-anticipated horror series IT: Welcome to Derry, from Warner Bros. Television.
This one is going to be creepy! It’s true that IT: Chapter Two may have left others in the sewer. But Derry is city with so much horrifying history, who wouldn’t be anxious to see how long Pennywise has been stalking its poor citizens? My hope is that they’ll show us a first episode in addition to footage. But if not, we’ll be able to catch the show a bit later this year!
SUNDAY
A Celebration of Asian American Entertainers – Sunday July 27, 10:00am – 11:00am PDT-
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
WHO: James Lew (Emmy Award winner, Luke Cage), Simon Rhee (The Dark Knight Rises), Rich Ting (Warrior), Jackie Dallas (Stranger Things), Teresa Navarro (Birth of the Dragon), Gina Su (Autopilot), Cindy Chu (Hawaii Five-0), and Ming Chen (Jay and Silent Bob Reboot). Moderated by Dr. Francis Kong (Asian America Foundation).
WHAT: A tribute to the terrific AAPI entertainers and creatives that make genre content such a delight!
I do love that we’re getting a panel consisting of some amazing AAPI actors. The lineup just goes to show how many AAPI actors are part of our favorite shows and films, and getting to talk to them in the spotlight ought to be insightful.
Superman: A Symbol of Hope in Our Current Times – Sunday July 27, 10:30am – 11:30am PDT – Room 25ABC
WHO: Jessica Tseang (The Comics Voyager, past Eisner Awards judge).
WHAT: An exploration of the relevancy of Superman in today’s tumultuous times.
A wonderful way to cap off the Summer of Superman! Given that we’ve just had recent cultural controversies stirred up by ignoramuses who don’t seem to realize that Superman is, in fact, an immigrant fighting for other immigrants and innocents, it will be nice for a panel to remind us why the comic book and movies’ themes are quite spot-on and necessary in a world increasingly adapting to people being unkind.
Sneak Peek: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art – Sunday July 27, 11:00am – 12:00pm PDT – Hall H
WHO: George Lucas, Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro, and Academy Award-winning artist Doug Chiang moderated by Grammy, Emmy, Academy Award-nominated, and Golden Globe Award-winning artist, Queen Latifah.
WHAT: A conversation about the power of illustrated storytelling and a sneak peek of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.
This might be the biggest blockbuster happening in Hall H this year — It’s George Lucas’ first time at San Diego Comic-Con! Alongside Del Toro and Chiang, and moderated by Queen Latifah, it promises to be an epic moment in SDCC history!
This barely scratches the surface of what you can see and experience at SDCC 2025! There’s a ton of other panels going on all over the convention hall, but we haven’t even gone through any of the parties and offsites happening around the con. Look for that to be explored in a future guide in the days counting down to Comic-Con!
We’ll see you in San Diego, folks!
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