Hollywood’s Love Affair with the Con is officially over. At least it is when it comes to the Studios pulling out their big movie projects to parade around before the epitome of Fandom.
I say this because Hall H is devoted to television shows on a Friday this year!! Last year it was brilliant idea to book the big room with huge cult t.v. shows on Sunday and make the last day of the Con more noteworthy. This also gave the rabid fans of “Glee” and “Dr. Who” a better chance to catch a glimpse of their beloved cast members.
But Friday? The biggest presentation stage of the entire event is now focusing on sitcoms and AMC programming instead of the next big superhero movie on a Friday? Oh well, at least this will give me time to go chill out in the Wired Cafe at the Omni and enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks. There will be cocktails.
So, to summarize: I will now be spending Friday getting drunk.
The Line Up:
10:45-11:45 ParaNorman: Behind the Scenes— Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick,Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Travis Knight, Chris Butler, and Sam Fell discuss making their new stop-motion-animated comedy thriller, ParaNorman, made in 3D. Never-before-seen footage will be shown from the Laika movie that Focus Features is opening nationwide on August 17. Panel will be moderated by Dave Karger(Entertainment Weekly).
12:05-1:05 “The Big Bang Theory”- A special screening and Q & A. This promises to be a “lively discussion” concerning Sheldon and co. Great show and great cast of the number one sitcom on television. Now that “Bang” is on syndication, I think you can catch the show 19 out of 24 hours a day. Thanks TBS.
1:25-2:25 AMC’s “The Walking Dead”- The entire cast, as well as the brains behind the operation, are showing up for this one. Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies,Norman Reedus, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, and introducing Danai Gurira as Michonne and David Morrissey as The Governor join executive producer and showrunner Glen Mazzara, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, and special effects makeup supervisor and co-executive producer Greg Nicotero. Where’s Frank Darabont? Kidding. Panel will be moderated by Chris Hardwick, of course, as he is the host of the “Talking Dead” that followed each episode this season. Q & A and an official sneak peak at Season 3.
2:45-3:45 “Game of Thrones”- Huge, right? The more I think about it, the day is going to be pretty crazy. These three shows are enormous and brings them out of the woodwork. This one is a Q & A featuring cast members (in alphabetical order) Alfie Allen, Emilia Clarke, Michelle Fairley, Kit Harington, Lena Headeyas, and Richard Madden. Executive producer Carolyn Strauss moderates with the maestro himself, Mister George R. R. Martin.
4:05-4:35 Screen Gems: “Resident Evil: Retribution”- While this zombie franchise has a big fanbase, this will be the easy entry point to actually get into the Hall. Only a half hour allotted and we saw this one at Wonder-Con up in Anaheim just a few months ago. Something about The Umbrella Corporation and the T-virus involving the awesome Milla Jovovich slicing and dicing while defeating gravity. Appearing in person: Milla, Michelle Rodriguez, Oded Fehr, Boris Kodjoe, Mika Nakashima and writer/director Paul W. S. Anderson.
4:35-6:35 Sony: “Total Recall,” “Looper,” and “Elysium”- I am stoked about “Looper,” the brainy new sci-fi actioner by the writer/director of “Brick”. The film features Joseph Grodon-Levitt as Bruce Willis. That’s right: “As Bruce Willis”. That’s all I’ll say about that.
For “Total Recall” Do-Over: Director Len Wiseman joins stars Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, and Bryan Cranston on stage.
“Elysium” is the new one from writer-director Neill Blomkamp. Be among the first see what Blomkamp has as a follow up to the fantastic “District 9”. Matt Damon and Jodie Foster will be onstage to field your all-important inquiries.
That’s it. Looking at the Friday line-up it is easy to say that the t.v. shows easily pack the most intrigue and excitement.
Saturday has a couple of things to be giddy about though. Maybe not all is lost as a great panel will be unchained first thing Saturday. Hint: the “D” is silent. Better Hint: It’s “Django: Unchained”!!
Thursday Schedule Here
Saturday Schedule Here