San Diego Comic-Con, widely recognized as the ultimate destination for comic book enthusiasts and film aficionados, is typically filled with attendees from all over the nation who are captivated by the elaborate cosplay, encounters with cherished stars, and extensive Hall H presentations. Despite the pandemic causing a halt, the festival made a triumphant return with SDCC 2022, ensuring a safe, masked, and vaccinated convention replete with substantial announcements. However, the continuing strike by the Writers Guild of America and an impending negotiation deadline for SAG-AFTRA may cause another disruption to the festival, according to a recent Variety report.
Effects of the Strike on SDCC
The forthcoming five-day extravaganza is due to kick off on July 19. While attendees usually have a clear picture of the presentations and panels by this time, the current writers’ strike and the possibility of SAG-AFTRA joining them on the picket lines have discouraged most major studios from releasing any SDCC-related news.
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Marvel Studios, known for its thrilling Hall H presentations, has already abandoned its plans, even with anticipated productions like Loki’s second season and The Marvels. The same applies to Disney. HBO, home to numerous beloved shows, will also be absent from the festival. Netflix, which recently hosted its annual fan fest TUDUM, has opted out, as have Sony and Universal Pictures, despite having productions like Kraven: The Hunter, Gran Turismo, The Exorcist, Strays, and more in the pipeline.
Image courtesy of Marvel Studios
Related:
TV Shows Affected by the Writers Strike
However, Warner Bros Discovery, under the leadership of David Zaslav, remains in a holding pattern, particularly with films like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Blue Beetle requiring positive publicity after The Flash and Shazam Fury of the Gods’ box office disappointment. According to reports, the newly renamed Max is contemplating bringing some animated titles to the convention. Additionally, Paramount is anticipated to participate with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, but its streaming counterpart, Paramount+, has not confirmed any panel for its Star Trek series. In light of potential actors’ strikes, studios are hesitant to commit to panels that might lack their main talents.
Reflecting on the situation, Comic-Con spokesperson David Glanzer remarked, “As for the strike and its possible impacts on Comic-Con, we generally avoid speculation or forecasting. What we do hope for is a swift resolution that benefits all parties and allows everyone to return to the work they love. Until then, we continue to strive to make our summer event as enjoyable, informative, and festive as previous years.”
San Diego Comic-Con is scheduled to commence on July 19. Stay tuned for more updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about San Diego Comic-Con
Why are major studios skipping San Diego Comic-Con this year?
Major studios are choosing to skip San Diego Comic-Con due to ongoing labor disputes, including a continuing strike by the Writers Guild of America and potential action by SAG-AFTRA. This uncertainty is causing hesitation among the studios to commit to presentations and panels.
Which notable studios have withdrawn from this year’s Comic-Con?
Studios including Marvel, Disney, HBO, Netflix, Sony, and Universal Pictures have chosen not to participate in this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.
What is the impact of the writers’ strike on San Diego Comic-Con?
The writers’ strike has led to a lack of clarity around presentations and panels at the event. As the strike continues, and with SAG-AFTRA potentially joining them, many major studios have refrained from making any Comic-Con-related announcements.
What is the position of Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount towards the event?
Warner Bros Discovery is still deciding about its participation, with potential features like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Blue Beetle in the balance. Paramount is expected to bring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem to the fest, but its streaming arm, Paramount+, has not yet confirmed any panel for its Star Trek series.
When is the San Diego Comic-Con set to begin?
San Diego Comic-Con is set to begin on July 19. However, given the uncertainties around the ongoing strikes, fans and attendees are encouraged to stay tuned for further developments.
More about San Diego Comic-Con
- San Diego Comic-Con Official Site
- Writers Guild of America Official Site
- SAG-AFTRA Official Site
- Variety Magazine
- Collider
- Marvel Studios
- Disney
- HBO
- Netflix
- Sony
- Universal Pictures
- Warner Bros Discovery
- Paramount
- Paramount+
5 comments
Who knew a writers’ strike could shake up Comic-Con this bad. guess we just got to wait and see what happens..
so basically every1s bailing out!?!? What’s Comic-Con without the big names!!
Strikes really do have ripple effects. Can’t say I blame the studios tho. It’s all pretty uncertain right now.
wow can’t believe Marvel’s not going!! I mean no Loki season 2 news?? thats a bummer 🙁
this is so sad. Comic-con is usually my highlight of the year! but safety and fair rights first i suppose.