A two-hour panel scheduled for “The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies?” That's a big hint that a lot of surprises could be in store for movie fans on yet another packed Comic-Con Saturday. The organizers released the schedule for July 26 and have slotted over eight-straight hours of movie panels in Hall H. And in what is becoming a tradition, Marvel Studios will be the last to show their wares.
Warner Bros., who also usually makes Saturday their “big” day, has elected to kick-off the festivities. As noted, their panel is listed as just “The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies,” but it will be much more than that. As sad as it will be for some to finally say goodbye to Peter Jackson's Middle Earth films, the studio or Comic-Con wouldn't need more than an hour to do it. Now, just what will WB surprise the 6,000 in attendance with? Let the rampant speculation begin.
Here's a rundown of all the movie-themed panels scheduled for Saturday during this year's convention.
The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies
When: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Where: Hall H
Who: TBD
Lowdown: We're going to assume Peter Jackson and Richard Armitage will be here, but beyond that it's unclear. The studio will likely tease it's upcoming thriller “Into the Storm” and it's been long-rumored the membership of the “Justice League” (and the actors playing them) will finally be announced. Will it actually come to pass?
Legendary Pictures
When: 12:25 PM-1:10 PM
Where: Hall H
Who: TBD
Lowdown: Legendary has a number of films on tap through their new distribution partner Universal Pictures, including “As Above/So Below,” “Dracula Untold” and “Crimson Peak.” The latter isn't opening until 2015, but with filming completed and director Guillermo Del Toro already in town for another project, maybe a sneak peek is in the works.
“The Boxtrolls”
When: 1:30 PM-2:30 PM
Where: Hall H
Who: Elle Fanning, Ben Kingsley
Lowdown: Focus Features and Laika preview their latest stop-motion animated wonder. Although an hour might be a bit long for this one. Could Focus or Laika have something else up their sleeves?
“Frank Miller's Sin City”
When: 2:50 PM-3:50 PM
Where: Hall H
Who: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez, Josh Brolin, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson
Lowdown: Comic book icon Miller and genre legend Rodriguez return to the Con with another “Sin City.” Judging by the talent they should have on hand it will be a rocking hour whether fans are still into the franchise or not.
Marvel Studios
When: 5:30 PM
Where: Hall H
Who: Kevin Feige and…?
Lowdown: Could we see a “Doctor Strange” introduction? Will Marvel dare to even speak the words “Ant-Man” knowing Edgar Wright's flock is waiting to pounce in the audience? Will we see something or someone from “Avengers: Age of Ultron?” For some possible spoilers, check out Drew McWeeny's rundown of the latest on Comic-Con's most anticipated hour.
Comic-Con 2014 runs from July 24-27. Look for 24/7 coverage on HitFix for the latest from the San Diego pop culture fest.
And check out the Saturday TV schedule here — including “Gotham,” “Constantine,” “American Horror Story,” “True Blood” and much, much more.