The nation’s largest pop culture convention kicked off Thursday with Johnny Depp scolding Comic-Con attendees as Ebenezer Scrooge as he emerged from a snow-covered, faux storefront in downtown San Diego emblazoned with a “Scrooge and Marley” sign.“Do you have jobs? It looks like you have all this free time. Why are you here?” the actor, wearing a coat and top hat, shouted to the assembled crowd, according to the Associated Press. As onlookers recorded on their phones and chanted “Merry Christmas!” Depp responded gruffly: “All I can say is you are all very strange people.
Johnny Depp’s ‘Ebenezer’ is the embattled star’s first studio film in eight years
“Ebenezer” is set to be released on November 13 and represents the actor’s return to major filmmaking after a long absence from the silver screen. His presence on the streets of Gaslamp Quarter — without any official panels — reflects the more guerilla-style marketing approach some studios have taken to expos in recent years.
The actor greeted fans in character at San Diego Comic-Con in one of his biggest public promotions in recent years. Image source (Instagram)
More than 120,000 people are expected to attend the four-day convention, which began in 1970 and brings together hundreds of science fiction and comics fans. The event has since grown into a premier platform for entertainment industry announcements and fan engagement.
Comic-Con to be held in San Diego until 2030
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced Wednesday that the convention will remain in the city until 2030, addressing previous concerns that the city’s event and hotel space might not be enough to accommodate the growing crowds. Organizers had previously proposed moving to Los Angeles or another large city. Gloria said the announcement “reflects our shared commitment to the fans, creators, businesses and staff who make Comic-Con special.”“PJ Richardson, 44, drove across the United States with his family from Orlando, Florida, to attend Comic-Con for the first time. “This is Mecca. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we have to come. This is a thousand times better,” he said, marveling at the scale of toys and collectibles on display at the Gulf Expo.
ENHYPEN Meets the ‘Twilight’ cast at Comic-Con Vampire Storytelling Panel
K-pop group ENHYPEN joined the director of the first “Twilight” film, Catherine Hardwicke, and series actors Peter Facinelli and Ashley Greene on Thursday’s panel to discuss the vampire story. This moment embodies the cross-pop culture exchange that defines the conference experience.
Hall H panels and major superhero announcements dominate Comic-Con schedule
The superhero franchise is using the convention to build momentum for the December release of “Avengers: Doomsday,” with the cast returning to Hall H on Saturday for the most anticipated moment of the four-day event. The purpose of the talk was to chart a path forward amid waning interest in superhero movies.
Comedy-horror films Widow’s Cove and Spaceballs highlight premium content
The cast of comedy-horror series Widow’s Bay is expected to visit the Bayfront Convention Center on Saturday to celebrate the show’s success and mingle with fans.Comedy fans will get an update on “Spaceballs” during Friday’s panel, which is set to be released next year and stars Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman and a 100-year-old Mel Brooks, who will reprise their roles from Brooks’ 1987 parody, demonstrating Comic-Con’s continued role as a launching pad for major entertainment productions across genres and generations.
