‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Will Rule San Diego Comic Con, And The Galaxy

Marvel won’t be anywhere near the 2015 San Diego Comic Con in July, but Disney’s other semi-recent acquisition, Lucasfilm, will be in attendance. Of course, when I say “semi-recent acquisition” I actually mean Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and when I say “be in attendance,” I mean “rule the galaxy.”

The official Star Wars Twitter account broke the news on Wednesday afternoon:

According to the posted schedule, the main action takes place in the ginormous Hall H on Friday, July 10. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, Lawrence Kasdan and “special guests” will be in attendance for the event. Of course, the schedule says nothing about who these guests will be, but it’s safe to assume that much of the principal cast will be there — including Harrison Ford, who wasn’t able to attend Star Wars Celebration in April due to his being a badass and all.

The rest of the schedule is as follows:

Star Wars Publishing 2015, Part 1: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Room: 7AB

Join a dynamic, all-star, New York Times-bestselling panel of authors including Alexandra Bracken (the Darkest Minds series), Adam Gidwitz (A Tale Dark andGrim series), Tom Angleberger (The Origami Yoda series), and Tony Diterlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles) in conversation with Lucasfilm’s Mike Siglain about the new Star Wars retellings for a younger generation of fans. From  picture books to novels, these authors present A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi in perspectives that will change the way readers understand who these beloved characters are and how they became legends for legions of fans.

Star Wars Publishing 2015, Part 2: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Room: 7AB

Join a variety of authors as they talk about their upcoming projects from that galaxy far, far away. Moderated by Lucasfilm’s Mike Siglain, authors from Del Rey and other publishers will participate in a discussion on writing stories for the exciting new future of the Star Wars universe.

Hasbro Star Wars, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Room: 7AB

Join members of the Hasbro and Lucasfilm teams as they discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro’s latest action figure offerings, and word on the Holonet is there may also be a few surprises, including a special product reveal.

Star Wars Collectibles Update with Lucasfilm’s Anita Castellar, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Room: 7AB

Join eFX, Gentle Giant Studios, Kotobukiya, and Sideshow Collectibles for product development insights and exclusive previews of the latest in Star Wars collectibles. In attendance will be Anita Castellar, a self-professed Star Wars fangirl who manages licensing for hardline categories at Lucasfilm such as toys, collectibles, consumer electronics, automotives, and more.

ILM 40^th Anniversary, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Room: 7AB

For 40 years, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most memorable images in the history of modern cinema. From advances in the photo chemical process, optical compositing, motion control, and models and miniatures — to the company’s pioneering efforts in computer graphics, digital compositing, film scanning and recording, morphing, digital environments, performance capture, character animation and modern digital pipelines, ILM continues to break new ground in visual effects for film, television, themed attractions, and new forms of entertainment. The presenters will discuss the company’s work from its earliest days and breakthroughs along the way.

Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition at San Diego Comic Con 2015
For the first time, Star Wars joins forces with characters from across The Walt Disney Company in Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition -– the next chapter in the best-selling hybrid toy/video game series. Fans are invited to the Disney Infinity Pop-Up Shop, located at the heart of Gaslamp District, for the opportunity to play as Ahsoka Tano, Luke Skywalker, Darth Maul or any of the Star Wars characters featured in Star Wars: Twilight of the Republic and Star Wars: Rise Against the Empire.

Fans will also have a chance to step into the “Disney Infinity Only in the Toy Box” mediated reality experience, where guests virtually enter the Toy Box and interact alongside their favorite Disney Infinity characters, such as engaging in lightsaber duels with Darth Vader or Yoda, and take home a customized photo and video with their chosen character. Other Disney Infinity Pop-Up Shop activities include a Toy Box TV Live Edition webcast on Twitch featuring new announcements, surprise guests, contests with prizes, and exclusive giveaways.

The Warner Bros. panel, which will probably feature a significant Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice/Suicide Squad presence, still looks like a lot of fun. But, c’mon — this is Star Wars, man! DC doesn’t stand a chance.

(Via StarWars.com)