Latest news with #Lucas
New York Post
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Comic-Con 2025 kicks off with new ‘Freddy's,' ‘Toxic Avenger' and thousands of cosplays
Tens of thousands of fans — many in costumes — descended Thursday on Comic-Con International, the four-day pop culture spectacle that will feature updates on the new 'Predator' movie, 'Alien' series, and a special appearance by George Lucas. Fans packed into the convention's famed Hall H for updates on the 'Five Nights at Freddy's' sequel and the 'Toxic Avenger' reboot, with a panel on 'South Park' coming later in the day. The convention won't have major news about any upcoming Marvel movies or what's next for the hit relaunch of DC's high-flying 'Superman' franchise. Both studios are sitting out Comic-Con 2025, as far as their film slates go. 10 Tens of thousands of fans — many in costumes — descended Thursday on Comic-Con International, the four-day pop culture spectacle. Getty Images 10 Attendees arrive at the San Diego Convention Center for Comic Con. Getty Images An estimated 135,000 people will attend the convention, which will greet Lucas on Sunday for his first Comic-Con appearance. The 'Star Wars' creator will discuss his new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art that will open next year in Los Angeles. Fans of the 'Alien' and 'Predator' franchises will have plenty to cheer. Elle Fanning, star of 'Predator: Badlands,' will discuss the film this week. FX will also bring the stars and creators of 'Alien: Earth,' a series that will unleash the Xenomorph species on Earth next month. 'Alien: Earth' will be one of the projects that brings a massive interactive experience to San Diego, with a replica of spacecraft from the series. The attraction will feature what's described as a terrifying mission at night. Marvel may not be presenting new movies, but it will have a 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' attraction near the convention, a tie-in to Friday's release of the latest attempt to successfully launch its 'first family' in theaters. 10 Cosplayers dressed as Taskmaster and Spider-Man 2099 attend 2025 Comic-Con International: San Diego. Getty Images 10 A cosplayer dressed as Iron Patriot at San Diego's Comic Con. Getty Images 10 People cosplayed as characters from 'Fantastic Four,' as the new movie released on July 25. ALLISON DINNER/EPA/Shutterstock A main feature of the convention is its 460,000-square-foot (42,700-square-meter) exhibitor section, which features exclusive merchandise, comic book art, and exhibits from brands like Star Wars, Lego, Nickelodeon, Paramount, and more. 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2′: More pizzerias and murderous bots No animatronics — or humans — were harmed when 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' came to Comic-Con. That wasn't necessarily the case on the movie set for the robots. 10 No animatronics — or humans — were harmed when 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' came to Comic-Con. ALLISON DINNER/EPA/Shutterstock 'They're there, you can actually hug them,' star Piper Rubio said. But she noted that the animatronics sometimes malfunctioned, whether it was odd facial expressions, 'fingers falling off or the occasional foxes catching on fire.' The movies are based on the popular Five Nights at Freddy's video game about a cursed pizza restaurant with possessed, murderous animatronic characters. The first film was Blumhouse's biggest opening when it dual-launched in theaters and on the Peacock streaming service in 2023, earning $130.6 million globally in its first weekend. 10 The cast of 'Five Night's at Freddy's 2' spoke on a panel during Comic Con. Getty Images for Universal Pictures Director Emma Tammi said the second movie has three times the number of animatronics as the first. Star Josh Hutcherson said the movie also features multiple Freddy Fazbear's Pizza franchises and new animatronic characters, like Mangle. Teo Briones, who's starred in 'Final Destination Bloodlines' and 'Chucky,' is a newcomer to the series and said he was immediately excited to be part of a movie based on a game he played as a child. 'It's really special to be a part of something that has been such an important cultural thing for my generation,' he said. 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' will be released Dec. 5. From the wastes to Hall H for 'The Toxic Avenger' A year ago, 'Toxic Avenger' seemed lost in the waste. But on Thursday, the earnestly gory reboot of the classic 1984 B-movie from Troma Entertainment was in Comic-Con's vaunted Hall H like it was a regular blockbuster. The movie was shot in 2021 and had a festival premiere in 2023, but struggled to find a distributor. It had been deemed unreleaseable by some with its ultra-graphic, though weirdly warm comic violence, most of it incurred by the tutu-wearing title character's toxic mop. Cineverse is now giving it an unrated wide release on Aug. 29. 10 (L-R) Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, Lloyd Kaufman, Macon Blair, Elijah Wood and Jacob Tremblay attend the premiere of Cineverse's 'The Toxic Avenger' during 2025 Comic-Con in San Diego. FilmMagic Blair said he had a few non-negotiables that were gladly granted when he agreed to make the film. 'He had to have a tutu. He had to have a mop,' the director said, and he said. No CGI. 'I was pretty insistent that we had to have a performer in a suit,' Blair said. Peter Dinklage plays the hero in his pre-toxic form and provides the voice throughout the film, which also stars Elijah Wood, Taylour Paige, and Jacob Tremblay. All but Bacon were on the stage. 'There's other people up here!' Dinklage said after the first bunch of questions during the Q&A were all for him. 'Ever seen 'Lord of the Rings?!' I wasn't in that!' 10 Peter Dinklage plays the hero in his pre-toxic form and provides the voice throughout the film. WireImage Wood, the 'LOTR' star sitting next to him, laughed as much as anyone in the room. Comedy takes over Hall H Comedians Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias and Jo Koy whipped Hall H into a frenzy during a mostly-packed session to promote their massive 2026 comedy show at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium. The pair traded light — and mostly family-suitable — banter about their inspirations and heroes (Iglesias cited his mother, which led Koy to want to change his answer from Eddie Murphy) and their passionate fan bases. 10 Comedians Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias and Jo Koy whipped Hall H into a frenzy during a mostly-packed session to promote their massive 2026 comedy show at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium. Albert L. Ortega/Shutterstock They said their show would involve each doing at least 90-minute sets, special guests and befitting a show at a football stadium, probably some tailgating. They said fans should expect to be there all day. Koy joked that it was 'challenging to get back here' and that he was ignoring calls from family and friends to get them passes to the convention. They ended the session by handing out autographed Funko collective figures of their likenesses and taking a selfie with the crowd. They warned anyone who was there with someone they shouldn't be with to take cover. 'We're not Coldplay,' Iglesias joked, citing the viral kiss cam saga involving a tech company CEO captured embracing an employee at one of the band's concerts.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Star Wars' creator George Lucas to make Comic-Con debut
Comic-Con kicked off Thursday in California, with expectations running high among devoted fans keen to catch a glimpse of George Lucas at his first-ever appearance at the convention. Warriors, princesses, pirates, wizards, and all manner of costumed characters flooded the streets of San Diego on the first day of an annual event that has become one of the world's biggest celebrations of pop culture. "I waited for this the entire year," said 17-year-old Samantha, who came dressed as the pink Dino Ranger. "It's like Christmas for me!" added the young woman, who had traveled from Florida specifically to see panels for the shows "Miraculous" and "Hazbin Hotel." Other fans couldn't wait to enter the exhibition hall to hunt for memorabilia. George Lucas' First Appearance Comic-Con began holding events in San Diego in 1970, as a low-key and rather niche huddle, but has now grown to an annual get-together that attracts 130,000 people eager to hear behind-the-scenes tidbits from Hollywood stars and from directors unveiling their latest projects. This year's edition will be marked by the presence of legendary filmmaker Lucas, who has never visited the convention before despite Comic-Con culture being deeply rooted in his "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" franchises. In a session on Sunday set to be moderated by Queen Latifah, Lucas will discuss the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro and Oscar-winning artist Doug Chiang, who has shaped the iconic "Star Wars" universe for decades. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The museum, scheduled to open in Los Angeles next year, will be dedicated to illustrated narratives and will house the Lucas archive. "Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention, along with a booth featuring (comic book artist) Howard Chaykin's now legendary Star Wars poster as a promotional item," said David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer. "Now, to have Mr. Lucas... is a true full-circle moment. His lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and world-building resonates deeply with us and our community." Alien, Predator, and the End of the World Marvel Studios will have a smaller presence at the convention this year, skipping its eagerly awaited annual presentation in Hall H. According to Variety, changes to the premiere of the new "Avengers" installment complicated logistics for the studio, whose cast is currently filming in Britain. But the absence didn't discourage fans who filled the coveted Hall H for its first panel with the cast of Disney's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." With a sneak peek at the second season, which arrives in December, and news about cast additions for the confirmed third season, the panel moderated by comedian Timothy Simons delighted the massive audience. "Season two is epic," said executive producer Dan Shotz. "We are fighting incredible monsters. It is so massive and we cannot wait for you guys to see it." Author Rick Riordan announced via video that the third season, based on the third book in his series, will feature Levi Chrisopulos and Olive Abercrombie playing siblings Nico and Bianca di Angelo, children of Hades. Hall H on Friday will host the world premiere of the pilot episode of the prequel "Alien: Earth," directed by Noah Hawley and slated to hit streaming platforms in August. The series takes place a couple of years before the events depicted in Ridley Scott's 1979 film "Alien," offering an expansion of the venerated franchise. Another fan favorite that will have its moment in the spotlight is "Predator: Badlands," with a panel Friday set to include director Dan Trachtenberg, who revitalized the brand with "Prey" (2022). On Saturday, award-winning actor Ryan Gosling and directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (behind the new "Spider-Verse" trilogy) will present their "Project Hail Mary," which is due in theaters next year. The film, based on the book by Andy Weir ("The Martian"), follows Ryland Grace (Gosling), a former science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship to discover he's on a mission to save the Earth. Comic-Con runs until Sunday, July 27.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
George Lucas makes debut at Comic-Con 2025 in San Diego
SAN DIEGO: Comic-Con 2025 kicked off with excitement as fans gathered to witness legendary filmmaker George Lucas at his first-ever appearance at the event. The annual pop culture celebration saw thousands of attendees dressed as their favourite characters, filling the streets of San Diego. 'I waited for this the entire year,' said 17-year-old Samantha, dressed as the pink Dino Ranger. 'It's like Christmas for me!' Lucas, known for creating Star Wars and Indiana Jones, will participate in a Sunday panel moderated by Queen Latifah. He will discuss the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art alongside Mexican director Guillermo del Toro and Oscar-winning artist Doug Chiang. 'Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention,' said David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer. 'Now, to have Mr. Lucas here is a true full-circle moment.' Marvel Studios had a reduced presence this year, skipping its usual Hall H presentation due to filming commitments. However, Disney's Percy Jackson and the Olympians panel drew a massive crowd, with updates on the upcoming second season and casting news for the third. 'Season two is epic,' said executive producer Dan Shotz. 'We are fighting incredible monsters. It is so massive and we cannot wait for you guys to see it.' Other highlights include the world premiere of Alien: Earth and a panel for Predator: Badlands. Ryan Gosling will also present Project Hail Mary, based on Andy Weir's novel. Comic-Con runs until Sunday, July 27. - AFP
The Star
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Star Wars' creator George Lucas to hit Comic-Con for first time
Comic-Con kicked off on Thursday in California, with expectations running high among devoted fans keen to catch a glimpse of George Lucas at his first-ever appearance at the convention. Warriors, princesses, pirates, wizards, and all manner of costumed characters flooded the streets of San Diego on the first day of an annual event that has become one of the world's biggest celebrations of pop culture. "I waited for this the entire year," said 17-year-old Samantha, who came dressed as the pink Dino Ranger. "It's like Christmas for me!" added the young woman, who had traveled from Florida specifically to see panels for the shows Miraculous and Hazbin Hotel. Other fans couldn't wait to enter the exhibition hall to hunt for memorabilia. "I just come here for shopping because I like looking at whatever people like to sell," fan Jack Schmidt -- dressed as Bonolenov Ndongo from the anime Hunter x Hunter - told AFP. "I'm mainly looking for Pop! Funkos this year, because I'm starting to build my collection," he said, referring to Japanese-style figurines. An attendee carries bags of items bought during Comic Con International in San Diego, California, on July 24. Photo: AFP Comic-Con began holding events in San Diego in 1970, as a low-key and rather niche huddle, but has now grown to an annual get-together that attracts 130,000 people eager to hear behind-the-scenes tidbits from Hollywood stars and from directors unveiling their latest projects. This year's edition will be marked by the presence of legendary filmmaker Lucas, who has never visited the convention before despite Comic-Con culture being deeply rooted in his Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. In a session on Sunday set to be moderated by Queen Latifah, Lucas will discuss the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro and Oscar-winning artist Doug Chiang, who has shaped the iconic Star Wars universe for decades. The museum, scheduled to open in Los Angeles next year, will be dedicated to illustrated narratives and will house the Lucas archive. "Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention, along with a booth featuring (comic book artist) Howard Chaykin's now legendary Star Wars poster as a promotional item," said David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer. "Now, to have Mr Lucas... is a true full-circle moment. His lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and world-building resonates deeply with us and our community." Alien, Predator, and the End of the World Marvel Studios will have a smaller presence at the convention this year, skipping its eagerly awaited annual presentation in Hall H. According to Variety, changes to the premiere of the new Avengers installment complicated logistics for the studio, whose cast is currently filming in Britain. But the absence didn't discourage fans who filled the coveted Hall H for its first panel with the cast of Disney's Percy Jackson And The Olympians. A Lego replica of the Comic-Con convention floor is displayed on the convention floor during the opening day of Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Photo: Reuters With a sneak peek at the second season, which arrives in December, and news about cast additions for the confirmed third season, the panel moderated by comedian Timothy Simons delighted the massive audience. "Season two is epic," said executive producer Dan Shotz. "We are fighting incredible monsters. It is so massive and we cannot wait for you guys to see it." Author Rick Riordan announced via video that the third season, based on the third book in his series, will feature Levi Chrisopulos and Olive Abercrombie playing siblings Nico and Bianca di Angelo, children of Hades. Hall H on Friday will host the world premiere of the pilot episode of the prequel "Alien: Earth," directed by Noah Hawley and slated to hit streaming platforms in August. The series takes place a couple of years before the events depicted in Ridley Scott's 1979 film Alien, offering an expansion of the venerated franchise. Another fan favorite that will have its moment in the spotlight is Predator: Badlands, with a panel on Friday set to include director Dan Trachtenberg, who revitalized the brand with Prey (2022). On Saturday, award-winning actor Ryan Gosling and directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (behind the new "Spider-Verse" trilogy) will present their Project Hail Mary, which is due in theaters next year. The film, based on the book by Andy Weir ( The Martian ), follows Ryland Grace (Gosling), a former science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship to discover he's on a mission to save the Earth. Comic-Con runs until Sunday, July 27. - AFP
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
George Lucas to attend Comic-Con for first time
Comic-Con kicked off Thursday in San Diego, California, with expectations running high among devoted fans keen to catch a glimpse of George Lucas at his first-ever appearance at the convention, reported AFP. Other expected highlights of the gathering - one of the world's biggest celebrations of pop culture - include the world premiere of the prequel series Alien: Earth. Comic-Con began holding events in San Diego in 1970, as a low-key and rather niche huddle, but has now grown to an annual get-together that attracts 130,000 people eager to hear behind-the-scenes tidbits from Hollywood stars and directors unveiling their latest projects. This year's edition will be marked by the presence of legendary filmmaker Lucas, who has never visited the convention before despite Comic-Con culture being deeply rooted in his Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. In a session on Sunday set to be moderated by Queen Latifah, Lucas will discuss the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro and Oscar-winning artist Doug Chiang, who has shaped the iconic Star Wars universe for decades. The museum, scheduled to open in Los Angeles next year, will be dedicated to illustrated narratives and will house the Lucas archive. "Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention, along with a booth featuring (comic book artist) Howard Chaykin's now legendary Star Wars poster as a promotional item," said David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer. "Now, to have Mr Lucas... is a true full-circle moment. His lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and world-building resonates deeply with us and our community." Marvel Studios will have a smaller presence at the convention this year, skipping its eagerly awaited annual presentation in Hall H. According to Variety, changes to the premiere of the new Avengers installment complicated logistics for the studio, whose cast is currently filming in Britain. Despite this notable absence, events at coveted Hall H still promise great excitement for fans of science fiction, a core genre of the convention. On Friday, it will host the world premiere of the pilot episode of the prequel Alien: Earth, directed by Noah Hawley and slated to hit streaming platforms in August. The series takes place a couple of years before the events depicted in Ridley Scott's 1979 film Alien, offering an expansion of the venerated franchise. Another fan favourite that will have its moment in the spotlight is Predator: Badlands, with a panel Friday set to include director Dan Trachtenberg, who revitalised the brand with Prey (2022).
