Tens of thousands of fans, many in costume, gathered for Comic-Con International on Thursday, kicking off a four-day celebration of pop culture. Attendees were eager to hear about the new “Predator” film, updates on the “Alien” series, and special appearances by George Lucas.
Crowds packed into the legendary Hall H for the latest updates on the sequel to “Freddy’s Five Nights” and the reboot of “Toxic Avenger.” However, there wasn’t much buzz around upcoming Marvel films or news about the latest happenings with DC’s “Superman” franchise, as both studios remained quiet about their plans for the future.
An estimated 135,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event. On Sunday, George Lucas will make his first appearance at Comic-Con, discussing the storytelling elements of the Lucas Museum set to open in Los Angeles next year.
Fans of the “Alien” and “Predator” franchises are in for a treat. Elle Fanning, a star of “Predator: Badlands,” will discuss the project this week. Additionally, FX will showcase the stars and creators of “Alien: Earth,” a series set to debut next month that unleashes Xenomorphs on Earth.
“Alien: Earth” promises an immersive experience, featuring replicas of the series’ iconic spaceships. The attraction presents what’s described as a thrilling mission of the night.
Even without new film announcements from Marvel, there’s going to be a “Fantastic Four: First Step” attraction nearby, coinciding with the release of their latest film that aims to succeed in theaters.
The convention’s highlight is the extensive exhibitor section, stretching over 460,000 square feet. It showcases exclusive merchandise, comic art, and displays from well-known brands like Star Wars, LEGO, Nickelodeon, and Paramount.
‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’: More Pizzeria and Murder Bots
When “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” made its debut at Comic-Con, animatronics and human actors were reportedly safe, unlike some robot film sets.
“They’re there, and you can actually hold them,” star Piper Rubio shared, but noted that sometimes the animatronics malfunction, with fingers falling off or the fox occasionally sparking.
The film is based on a popular video game about a haunted pizza restaurant with a murderous animatronic. The first installment broke records when it launched in 2023, earning $130.6 million globally in its debut weekend.
Director Emma Tami mentioned that the sequel features three times as many animatronics as the original. Star Josh Hutcherson added that the film introduces multiple Freddy Fazbear pizza franchises and new characters like Mangle.
A newcomer named Theobrions, who previously starred in “Final Destination Bloodline,” expressed excitement about being part of a film based on a childhood game. “It’s special to be involved in something that was so important for my generation,” he said.
“Freddy’s Two Nights at Freddy’s 2” is scheduled for release on December 5th.
From ‘Toxic Avenger’ Waste to Hall H
A year ago, the “Toxic Avenger” seemed like a forgotten relic, but on Thursday, it made a comeback in the revered Hall H, much like a typical blockbuster reboot. Filmed in 2021, it premiered at a festival in 2023 but struggled to find a distributor due to its unique style blending humor and graphic violence.
Cineverse will release it widely on August 29th without a rating.
Director Macon Blair mentioned his quirky demands when making the film, insisting on the use of physical suits instead of CGI. “We were adamant about having live performers,” he noted.
Peter Dinklage stars as the hero pre-transformation and provides voice work throughout the film. The cast also features Elijah Wood, Taylor Page, and Jacob Tremblay, all of whom shared the stage at the premiere.
During a Q&A, Dinklage humorously responded to a question about “The Lord of the Rings,” saying, “I wasn’t in it!”
Comedy Takes Over Hall H
Comedians Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and Joe Coy energized the crowd during a packed session promoting a major 2026 comedy show at Sophie Stadium in Los Angeles. The two exchanged light-hearted anecdotes about their inspirations while highlighting their passionate fanbase.
They mentioned their shows would each include at least 90 minutes of content, special guests, and an energetic atmosphere suited for a stadium audience. Coy humorously commented on the difficulties of returning to an event like this while ignoring calls from family and friends.
They wrapped up the session by distributing Funko figures featuring their likenesses and took selfies with attendees, jokingly advising anyone who should not be there to cover up. “We’re not Coldplay,” Iglesias quipped, referencing the viral kiss cam moments at concerts.
