Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson and ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ team untangle secrets of their groundbreaking movie

October 6, 2018

by Carla Hay

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Jake Johnson, Lauren Velez, Shameik Moore, Brian Tyree Henry Bob Persichetti and Peter Ramsey at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)

The animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” was one of the most talked-about revelations at the 2018 edition of New York Comic Con in New York City. Not only were fans given a huge surprise treat by seeing the first 35 minutes of the film before the panel discussion took place, but those in the audience who saw the sneak preview were also raving about it. Simply put: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (which opens in theaters on December 14, 2018) has the makings of being an award-winning hit.

The movie also represents the first time on the big screen that Spider-Man will be played by characters other than Peter Parker. The main Spider-Man in “Into the Spider-Verse” is Miles Morales, a half-Puerto Rican, half-African American high schooler from Brooklyn, who almost reluctantly becomes the masked webslinger under the mentorship of Parker. The trailers for the movie indicate that Morales’ love interest Gwen Stacy will also take on the persona of Spider-Gwen, plus there are other variations of Spider-Man in this movie’s alternate universe. (No spoilers here.)

After getting rapturous applause following the sneak preview, several members of the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” team took to the stage for a discussion panel. They included Shameik Moore (voice of Miles Morales); Jake Johnson (voice of Peter Parker); Lauren Velez (voice of Rio Morales, Miles’ mother); Brian Tyree Henry (voice of Jefferson Davis, Miles’ father); producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller; and directors Bob Persichetti and Peter Ramsey. Here is what they said:

Christopher Miller, Phil Lord, Jake Johnson, Shameik Moore, Lauren Velez, Brian Tyree Henry, Bob Persichetti and Peter Ramsey at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)

Phil and Chris, how did you get involved in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”?

Lord: When Sony came to us and said, “Wouldn’t it be cool to do Spider-Man as an animated movie?” And the first thing we thought was, “Yeah, that would be awesome to see a comic book come to life, but wouldn’t it be the seventh Spider-Man movie? It would have to feel like something super-fresh.” So we said we wouldn’t want to do it unless it was Miles Morales’ story.

Miller: It seemed like they really wanted us to do this, so we could make some demands. And so, we used the fact that this story had been told a lot of times to our advantage, because the expectation now is, “How can we do it differently?”

The visuals are stunning. Peter and Bob, can you talk about the visual approach and how the story is set in Brooklyn?

Ramsey: As Phil said, this was a chance for us to really lean into a medium that was made for Spider-Man … How can we take advantage of a medium that has been visually expressive for so many years and tie it into the original source material? And so, we started to lean into flash frames and visuals that are really reminiscent of drawings, but we had to figure out a way to do it with a computer, which is its own giant task.

And then separately, we’ve seen the Peter Parker story. We know. We haven’t seen the Miles Morales story. Brooklyn is such a character. There are so many things that were born out of New York: hip-hop, graffiti, Miles. How do we view the movie with a character that is the city? Each borough has its own flavor.

Persichetti: The great thing for us, as filmmakers, is that the stars all kind of lined up, and we were in a situation where we had producers/creators—Phil [Lord]  and Chris [Miller]—who had a vision, and a studio that said, “You can do that,” even though they didn’t know what we were going to do.

Every step along of the way, everyone on the team pushed as far as they could into his idea of using animation to be more expressive, be like a comic book, honor the original source, and to try to bring New York 2018 to life in a way that everybody in the audience can understand, so everyone can go through this experience in Miles’ shoes. Hopefully, we got it right.

Ramsey: And I think the secret was we didn’t tell them how bold of a visual approach we were going to take until it was too late to change it.

Jake Johnson and Shameik Moore at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City.   (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)

Shameik, what was it like to inhabit the Miles Morales character?

Moore: I can relate to the upbringing we’re looking at. I’m not actually Latino, but I feel the spirit. I’m very excited. When I was younger and I first saw Miles Morales, I was like, “Dude, there’s a black Spider-Man out there.”

I wrote it down in a journal filming this movie called “Dope.” I said, “I am Miles Morales. I am Spider-Man.” And two years later, I got the opportunity, with these guys. We made an amazing movie. It really is a crazy thing.

Jake, what can you say about the Peter Parker character in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”?

Johnson: It’s Peter Parker at 40. Peter Parker who’s a little chubby. Peter Parker who’s a little depressed. I just saw [the movie] this morning. It’s just so exciting, and I’m fired up to be in it.

Jake, how would you describe the relationship between Peter Parker and Miles Morales?

Johnson: They become partners in crime. They become unlikely friends. There’s a little bit of “The Karate Kid.” They end up needing each other to get out of a situation, and they become friends along the way.

Bryan Tyree Henry at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City.   (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)

Brian, how would you describe your Jefferson Davis character as Miles’ father?

Henry: It reminded me of my father. I was raised by my father for … most of my formative years—junior high through high school—puberty, mostly. My father was a Vietnam vet, and there was this kid he was trying to raise. Looking at the [the movie], I was like, “Oh, that’s what he was going through!” I didn’t think I was that bad, but I was off the chain!

There is nothing more important to me than to see a black boy and his father. We’ve seen the single mom trying to bring up a teenage boy to be a man, but it’s really nice to see … Miles Morales has both of his parents. He’s bilingual and raised in Brooklyn. His mom works in a hospital, and [his father] is a cop.

He had a damn good upbringing. We made a good man! It’s important for everyone to see that Miles is part of that. It was very important for me to be part of that, to be someone trying to raise [Miles] right and make him a decent man … And to play the husband of Lauren Velez? I jumped at the chance. Our son is the bomb! It’s an honor to be on this panel with all these creators. And Miles is “dope.” See what I did there?

Shameik Moore and Lauren Velez at the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” panel at New York Comic Con in New York City.   (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)

Lauren, can you talk about your Rio character, who’s Miles’ mother?

Velez: This is my first animation [project] ever. I had no idea what to expect at all. I’m floored by everything. I’m floored by the storytelling, the visual style. Is that animation? Look at the depth of that. So much if it is beyond what I expected. I really have the most amazing family.

My son [Miles] is so dope and my husband is amazing. I’m the daughter of a cop [in real life], and seeing this [movie] made me think so much of my own family and growing … [Miles] doesn’t come from a broken home. He comes from a real stable, professional parenting environment and parents who want the best for him, and want him to achieve his highest potential. That’s why they’ve sent him away to a school that is better for him but is still diverse; he’s not completely away from his world. All of that I thought was so important.

And the bilingual aspect of it. I’m Nuyorican, and I think Miles is such loving, wonderful son on the cusp of manhood. I feel like [Rio] supports him in moving toward being the man she wants him to but still wants to nurture him and hold on to him and take care of him. I think, secretly, she thinks his art is so dope, and she supports that.

2018 New York Comic Con: What to expect at this year’s event

October 1, 2018

by Carla Hay

NYCC

 

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (Image courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation)

The 13th annual New York Comic Con takes place October 4 to October 7 in New York City. The event is expected to draw about 200,000 people, according to ReedPOP, the company that produces the event. New York Comic Con’s main hub is at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, but there are also numerous activities taking place at several other locations in the city, including Hammerstein Ballroom, Shop Studios, the New York Public Library and the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

TV shows dominate the most high-profile panels and activities. “The Walking Dead” TV series has had a panel at New York Comic Con every year since the show debuted in 2010. The show’s ninth season (which premieres October 7, 2018) will have the last episodes with Andrew Lincoln, who plays “The Walking Dead” group leader Rick Grimes. Lincoln is leaving the show because he says he wants to spend more time with his family.

New York Comic Con in 2018 also has four major exclusive TV panels: “Outlander,” which is coming to New York Comic Con for the first time this year; “Doctor Who,” with the Comic Con debut of Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to play the show’s title role; “Tardis Time,” a panel reuniting former “Doctor Who” cast members David Tennant, Matt Smith and Alex Kingston; and a “Netflix and Chills” panel, with sneak previews of Netflix’s upcoming supernatural shows  (“Umbrella Academy,” “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,”  “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance”), as well as interviews with some of the cast members.

Meanwhile, “Riverdale” will have its New York Comic Con panel debut this year. “Gotham,” which has been at New York Comic Con since its 2014 debut, will have its final New York Comic Con panel before the series ends in 2019.

There are some movies due to be released in theaters that will also be showcased at the event, such as “Mortal Engines,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” and “Dragon Ball Super: Broly.” And, of course, there will be plenty of panels, exhibits and previews for comic books, video games, fantasy novels and other pop-culture attractions.

ANIME FEST

 As previously reported, for the first time this year, New York Comic Con has partnered with Anime Expo to create Anime Fest, which will take place on the same days as New York Comic Con 2018 in New York City: October 4 to October 7.  Anime Fest, which will be held at Pier 94, requires a separate price of admission for everyone. New York Comic Con badges not do not include admission to Anime Fest, and a New York Comic Con badge is not required to purchase admission to Anime Fest.

SHOP STUDIOS PANELS AND SESSIONS

New at Comic Con this year are panels and sessions presented by Entertainment Weekly and the Motion Picture Association of America at Shop Studios, which is at 528 W. 39th Street. Some of the panels require tickets. For ticketed panels, most are free to New York Comic Con badge holders and have various prices for people without New York Comic Con badges.

Some of the highlights of Shop Studios include:

  • Entertainment Weekly presents a conversation with actress Sophie Turner (“Dark Phoenix,” “X-Men Apocalypse,” “Game of Thrones”). Tickets are not required. (October 6, 2018, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
  • Comic-book illustrator Alex Ross does a rare Comic Con autograph session to celebrate his book “Marvelocity,” a retrospective celebration of the world’s most beloved Marvel characters. Ross is also doing a panel conversation with editor and designer Chip Kidd. This is a ticketed session, with admission charges for everyone, including New York Comic Con badge holders. All tickets include a copy of “Marvelocity” and an exclusive Black Panther print. Ticket prices are $75 for the panel and autograph session or $65 for the autograph session only. (October 6, 2018, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
  • Entertainment Weekly presents the “Visionaries” panel with filmmakers Robert Rodriguez (“Alita: Battle Angel,” “Sin City,” “From Dusk Till Dawn”), Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “What We Do in the Shadows”) and Drew Goddard (“Bad Times at the El Royale,” “The Cabin in the Woods”). This is not a ticketed panel. October 6, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
  • Entertainment Weekly presents the “Brave Warriors” panel with actors Josh Bowman (“Time After Time”), Josh Dallas (“Once Upon a Time,” “Manifest”), Joel de la Feunte (“The Man in the High Castle,” “Manifest”) and Jason Lewis (“Midnight, Texas”). This is not a ticketed panel. (October 7, 2018, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
  • Bill Nye does a Q&A conversation with Gregory Moyne. This is a ticketed panel. Free admission tickets are no longer available for New York Comic Con badge holders. Ticket prices are $25, which includes priority seating and a pre-signed copy of Nye and Moyne’s book “Jack and the Geniuses #3: Lost in the Jungle.” (October 7, 2018, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)

AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS AND PHOTO OPS

Several stars from movies and TV shows will have individual autograph  sessions and/or photo opportunities with fans. They include:

  • Mark Ruffalo (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “Thor: Ragnarok” and other Marvel Studios superhero movies) on October 4.
  • Zachary Levi (“Shazam!,” “Chuck”) on October 4 and October 5.
  • David Tennant (“Doctor Who,” “Good Omens”) on October 5 and October 7.
  • Jason Momoa (“Aquaman,” “Justice League”) on October 6.
  • Michelle Rodriguez (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise, “Lost,” “Avatar,” “Resident Evil”on October 6.
  • Danai Gurira (“The Walking Dead,” “Black Panther,” “Avengers: Infinity War”) on October 6 and October 7.
  • Aisha Tyler (“Archer,” “Criminal Minds”) on October 6 and October 7.
  • Matt Smith (“Doctor Who,” “The Crown”) on October 6 and October 7.

NYCC LIVE STAGE

Various celebrities will be stopping by for brief interviews at the NYCC Live Stage at Booth 174 at Javits Center. Here are some of the most high-profile appearances:

Robert Rodriguez and Michelle Rodriguez

October 4, 2018, 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (“Alita: Battle Angel,” “Sin City,” “From Dusk Till Dawn”), actress Michelle Rodriguez (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise, “Lost,” “Avatar,” “Resident Evil”) and writer Racer Rodriguez discuss their new, first-of-a-kind VR project “The Limit.” (Racer is Robert’s son. Michelle is not related to them.)

Zachary Levi

October 4, 2018, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

The star of “Shazam!” stops by to preview the movie.

“Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Cast Interview

October 5, 2018, 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Omar Miller (Raph) Josh Brener (Donnie), Brandon Smith (Mikey) Kat Graham (April O’Neil), Andy Suriano (Character Designer), Ant Ward (Producer), and Rob Paulsen (Voice Director) swing by to discuss the reboot of everyone’s favorite “Heroes in a Half Shell.”

“Titans” Cast Interview

October 5, 2018, 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Pal around with the Titans themselves: Brenton Thwaites (Robin), Teagan Croft (Raven), Minka Kelly (Dove), Anna Diop (Starfire), Alan Ritchson (Hawk), and Ryan Potter (Beast Boy), as they discuss the upcoming DC Universe series.

“Outlander” Cast Interview

October 6, 2018, 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM

Go inside the hit fantasy drama’s upcoming fourth season with the show’s stars Sam Heughan (Jamie MacKenzie Fraser), Caitriona Balfe (Claire Beauchamp Randall/Fraser), Sophie Skelton (Bree Randall), and Richard Rankin (Roger Wakefield).

“Good Omens” Cast Interview

October 6, 2018, 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM

Writer Neil Gaiman and director Douglas Mackinnon discuss the end of the world with Michael Sheen (Aziraphale), Miranda Richardson (Madame Tracy), and David Tennant (Crowley).

“Manifest” Cast Interview

October 6, 2018, 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM

Series creator Jeff Rake waxes poetic on disappearing commercial airliners alongside Josh Dallas (Ben Stone) and Melissa Roxburgh (Michaela Stone).

 

TELEVISION AND WEB SERIES PANELS

“Marvel’s Runaways”

October 5, 2018, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

“Marvel’s Runaways” is headed to Madison Square Garden, for the very first time, with an action-packed panel, Q&A and never-before-seen-footage.  Join Jeph Loeb, head of Marvel Television, along with the cast and executive producer, as they let you in on what’s to come for the highly-anticipated Season 2 of the Hulu original series “Marvel’s Runaways.” You won’t want to miss this fun-filled event! And don’t forget all 13 episodes of “Marvel’s Runaways Season 2” will drop on December 21, 2018, only on Hulu.

“DreamWorks Tales of Arcadia: 3Below”

October 5, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Guillermo del Toro offers a first look inside his upcoming Netflix original series “DreamWorks Tales of Arcadia: 3Below,” the second chapter in the “Tales of Arcadia” trilogy. The panel will also include executive producers Rodrigo Blaas, Marc Guggenheim and Chad Hammes, and actor Diego Luna (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”). The series follows two royal teenage aliens,and their bodyguard who flee a surprise takeover of their home planet by an evil dictator and crash land in Arcadia. Now on the run from intergalactic bounty hunters, they struggle to blend in and adapt to the bizarre world of high school all the while attempting to repair their ship so they can return and defend their home planet.

“Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

October 5, 2018, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM

Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center

Rise up! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back in the next mutation of New York’s half-shell heroes.  Join us as we celebrate the latest incarnation of The Turtles.  Featuring Omar Miller (“Ballers”) as Raph, Ben Schwartz (“Parks and Recreation”) as Leo, Josh Brener (“Silicon Valley”) as Donnie, Brandon Smith (“You’re the Worst”) as Mikey, Kat Graham (“The Vampire Diaries”) as April and special guest Maurice LaMarche (“Pinky and the Brain”) as the Foot Brute.  Joining the cast are co-executive producers, Andy Suriano and Ant Ward, and legendary voice director Rob Paulsen. Panel highlights will include never-before-seen clips from the series, special guests and exclusive giveaways.

Netflix and Chills

October 5, 2018, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center

The midnight hour is close at hand with Netflix’s Mega Block of chills, thrills, and everything else of the other-worldly variety. Join the casts of “Umbrella Academy,” “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” as they descend upon New York Comic Con to discuss these highly anticipated new series. Plus, get a first look at “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” before anyone else. Panelists: Ellen Page, Mary J. Blige, Rob Sheehan, Emmy Raver-Lampman, David Castañeda, Aidan Gallagher, Cameron Britton, Michiel Huisman, Elizabeth Reaser, Kate Siegel.

Tardis Time: Matt Smith, David Tennant and Alex Kingston Live

October 5, 2018, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Hammerstein Ballroom 

The Tenth and Eleventh Doctors are joined by River Song in a once-in-a-regeneration experience at the Hammerstein Ballroom on October 5, 2018. David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Alex Kingston (along with companion/host Aaron Sagers) will make you laugh, cry, and feel bigger on the inside with their tales from across space and time. This is a ticketed event that is not free to New York Comic Con badgeholders. Tickets range from $19-$249.

The forces of good and evil take the stage to give fans a first ever sneak-peak of the highly anticipated series adaptation of Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman’s best-selling “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch” novel. A dark, comedic story set in modern day Britain that centers on the stoic and sensible angel, Aziraphale (played by Sheen) and the suave man-about-town demon, Crowley (played by Tennant) as they join forces to prevent the coming of the Apocalypse.

“Good Omens”

October 6, 2018, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

The forces of good and evil take the stage to give fans a first ever sneak-peak of the highly anticipated series adaptation of Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman’s best-selling “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch” novel. A dark, comedic story set in modern day Britain that centers on the stoic and sensible angel, Aziraphale (played by Michael Sheen) and the suave man-about-town demon, Crowley (played by David Tennant) as they join forces to prevent the coming of the Apocalypse. Panelists: Neil Gaiman, David Tennant, Douglas Mackinnon, Michael Sheen  Miranda Richardson

“Marvel’s Daredevil”

October 6, 2018, 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Witness New York Comic Con’s highly anticipated return of “Daredevil,” Marvel’s first superhero on Netflix! Join the series’ stars Charlie Cox, Elden Henson, Deborah Ann Woll, Vincent D’Onofrio, Joanne Whalley, Wilson Bethel, Jay Ali, series showrunner Erik Oleson and executive producer/Marvel head of television Jeph Loeb for what promises to be an epic panel full of surprise reveals.

“Star Trek: Discovery”

October 6, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

“Star Trek,” one of the most iconic and influential global television franchises, has left an indelible mark on our world.   What began as a TV show over 50 years ago became a window into the future and a reflection of our greatest hopes for a better tomorrow.   Join the cast and producers of “Star Trek: Discovery” as they discuss the legacy of the franchise, and what adventures await the CBS All Access Original Series as it warps into Season 2.  Panelists are to be announced.

“Outlander”

October 6, 2018, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Join executive producers Ronald D. Moore and Maril Davis, along with cast members Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton and Richard Rankin, for a discussion about the new season of the hit Starz Original Series. Season 4 of “Outlander” continues the story of time-traveling doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th-century Highlander husband Jamie Fraser as they try to make a home for themselves in the rough and dangerous “New World” of colonial America. Meanwhile, in the 20th century, Claire and Jamie’s daughter Brianna Randall and historian Roger Wakefield search for proof that Brianna’s parents found each other in the past.

“The Walking Dead”

October 6, 2018, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Cast and executive producers from AMC’s “The Walking Dead” will discuss the show’s exciting new chapter and share some hints of what’s to come with a sneak peek into season 9, debuting on October 7th at 9PM ET/PT. Panelists: Danai Gurira, Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Angela Kang, Scott M. Gimple, Robert Kirkman , Gale Anne Hurd and  Dave Alpert.

“Riverdale”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sos50JmdgFM

October 7, 2018, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Following yet another drama-filled season and shocking Season 2 finale, don’t miss “Riverdale” when it makes its debut at New York Comic Con this year! Join Archie and the gang as they continue to dive into the secrets that loom and keep emerging from the shadows in a town that once seemed like a quiet, ordinary place. The circumstances surrounding Archie’s arrest kick off the drama of season three as the gang tries to #FreeArchie, while Hiram Lodge continues to flesh out his plans to control not only Riverdale, but also the ever growing SoDale. Based on the characters from Archie Comics and produced by Berlanti Productions (“The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “Blindspot,” “Arrow,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”) in association with Warner Bros. Television, this one-hour drama is a bold, subversive take on the surreality of small-town life. Join us for an exclusive sneak peek at Season 3, followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. “Riverdale” returns for Season 3 on October 10, airing Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW. “Riverdale: The Complete Second Season” is available now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital. Panelists announced so far: KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Luke Perry, Mädchen Amick, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Jon Goldwater.

“Gotham”

October 7, 2018, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Join “Gotham” as the show returns to New York Comic Con for its final appearance. With Gotham on the brink of total anarchy and cut off from the outside world, only Jim Gordon, Bruce Wayne and a handful of heroes remain behind to retake the city. Inspired by the “No Man’s Land” arc from the comics, villains including Penguin, the Riddler, the Sirens and Jeremiah have taken claim on various regions of the city. Will order be restored, or will chaos reign in Gotham? Be among the first to hear what’s in store for the final chapter of Gotham as the show returns to New York Comic Con for a special video presentation, followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. From Warner Bros. Television, “Gotham” returns for its fifth and final season midseason on Fox, and “Gotham: The Complete Fourth Season” is available now on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD. Panelists announced so far: David Mazouz, Donal Logue, Robin Lord Taylor, Cory Michael Smith, Camren Bicondova, Sean Pertwee, Chris Chalk, Erin Richards, John Stephens.

“What We Do in the Shadows”

October 7, 2018, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Hammerstein Ballroom

Exclusive Sneak-Peek Screening and Q&A – Based on the classic cult film of the same name, FX presents an exclusive screening of its new vampire comedy What We Do in the Shadows, followed by a spirited discussion with executive producers Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi and Paul Simms.  Set in Staten Island, What We Do in the Shadows follows three vampires who have been roommates for hundreds, and hundreds, of years. Following the screening, fans will have a chance to hear directly from the producers about the unending ennui of everyday immortal life that mere humans take for granted.  The series will debut on FX in Spring 2019.

“Doctor Who”

October 7, 2018, 1:45 PM – 3:30 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

BBC America is bringing “Doctor Who” to New York Comic Con for its global premiere! When the new season of “Doctor Who” hits BBC America timed to the U.K. premiere broadcast on Sunday, October 7th at 1:45 p.m. ET/PT, fans will get to experience the first episode live together at New York Comic Con. The screening of the first episode with new star Jodie Whittaker, entitled “The Woman Who Fell to Earth,” will be followed by a panel and fan Q&A with Whittaker, showrunner Chris Chibnall and executive producer Matt Strevens.

“RWBY” and “gen:LOCK” Mega Panel

October 7, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Rooster Teeth is bringing exclusive sneak peeks of “RWBY Volume 6” and “gen:LOCK” to New York Comic Con. Join “RWBY” cast and crew Lindsay Jones (Ruby), Kara Eberle (Weiss), Arryn Zech (Blake), Barbara Dunkelman (Yang), Miles Luna and Kerry Shawcross for exciting “RWBY” news, hilarious behind-the-scenes stories and more. “gen:LOCK” writer/director Gray G. Haddock will show the most that’s ever been seen of “gen:LOCK.”

In addition, these TV shows or web series will be showcased with panels at New York Comic Con this year:

  • “The 100”
  • “American Dad”
  • “American Gods”
  • “Archer: 1999”
  • “Batman: The Animated Series”
  • “Big Mouth”
  • “Blindspot”
  • “Boy Meets World”(25th Anniversary Reunion)
  • “The Boys”
  • “Charmed”
  • “Cobra Kai”
  • “Cosmos: Possible Worlds”
  • “Cowboy Bebop”
  • “Critical Role”
  • “Deadly Class”
  • “A Discovery of Witches”
  • “The Dragon Prince”
  • “Drunk History”
  • “Family Guy”
  • “Future Man”
  • “The Gifted”
  • “Happy!”
  • “Human Kind Of”
  • “Hilda”
  • “Impractical Jokers”
  • “Legacies”
  • “Liver Spots and Astro Nots”
  • “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” (25th Anniversary Reunion)
  • “Lore”
  • “The Magicians”
  • “The Man in the High Castle”
  • “Manifest”
  • “Mars”
  • “Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors”
  • “Midnight, Texas”
  • “Mythical Beasts”
  • “Nightflyers”
  • “Origin”
  • “The Orville”
  • “Our Star Wars Stories”
  • “The Passage”
  • “Project Blue Book”
  • “Roswell, New Mexico”
  • “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power”
  • “Siren”
  • “Stan Against Evil”
  • “SuperMansion”
  • “The Tick”
  • “Titans”
  • “Trailer Park 2.0”
  • “Voltron Legendary Defender”

MOVIE PANELS

“Mortal Engines”

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

October 5, 2018, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Hundreds of years after civilization was destroyed by a cataclysmic event, humankind has adapted and a new way of living has evolved. Gigantic moving cities roam Earth, ruthlessly preying upon smaller traction towns. Now, two fugitives forge an unlikely alliance destined to change the future. Join cast & filmmakers from “Mortal Engines” the startling, epic adventure from the filmmakers of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” as they share exclusive materials and thrilling tales of production. Panelists: Peter Jackson  Philippa Boyens, Hugo Weaving,  Jihae,  Leila George, Rob Sheehan, Stephen Lang,  Hera Hilmar and Christian Rivers.

“Dragon Ball Super: Broly”

October 5, 2018, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

The greatest action animated series of all time returns for a new movie of epic proportions! Join a roster of English voice actors—and special guests from Japan—as they discuss the film and reveal never-before-seen announcements. This panel reunites the English and Japanese voices of Goku, Sean Schemmel and Masako Nozawa, along with Japanese director Tatsuya Nagamine and English voice actors!

“Hellboy” (2019)

October 6, 2018, 11:00 PM – 12:00 PM

Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center

Join stars David Harbour, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim and Ian McShane, and comic book creator Mike Mignola to discuss the film. Based on the Dark Horse comic book “Hellboy” caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

October 6, 2018, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Cast and filmmakers from Sony Pictures Entertainment’s highly anticipated “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” from the creative minds of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, will give audiences an inside look at the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse—where more than one can wear the mask. The film is presented in association with Marvel. Panelists: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson,  Brian Tyree Henry,  Luna Lauren Velez, Miller, Lord, Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichietti.

“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” 

October 7, 2018, 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM

The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Welcome cast and filmmakers from DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.” Get ready to rediscover Toothless—the King of all Dragons—as he meets a potential girlfriend and journeys alongside Hiccup to a hidden world you thought only existed in myth. Writer/director Dean DeBlois will be joined by special guests as he reveals all-new footage and brings us deep into his surprising tale about growing up, finding the courage to face the unknown, and the most unlikely of friendships—one that’s spanned the lifetimes of both the Night Fury and the chief of Berk.

 “Twilight” (10th Anniversary)

October 7, 2018, 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of “Twilight’s” original theatrical release, Lionsgate invites you to join director Catherine Hardwicke and “Twilight” actors Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone and Edi Gathegi to reminisce about the epic saga and how it changed the state of fandom.

*All panel descriptions are courtesy of New York Comic Con.

2018 New York Comic Con: Jason Momoa, Aisha Tyler, ‘Outlander’ stars set to make appearances

June 27, 2018

by Carla Hay

New York Comic Con 2018

Jason Momoa; "Outlander" stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Hueghan; Aisha Tyle
Pictured from left to right: Jason Momoa; “Outlander” stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Hueghan; Aisha Tyler. (Photo credits, from left to right: Clay Enos/Warner Bros. Pictures; Starz; Francis Specker/CBS)

Jason Momoa (“Aquaman,” “Justice League”), Aisha Tyler (“Archer”) and “Outlander” stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Hueghan are among the celebrities set to make appearances at the 13th annual New York Comic Con, which will take place October 4 to October 7, 2018 in New York City. The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is the main hub of the event, but several event activities will take place at other venues in the city. For the first time, Starz’s popular series “Outlander” will have a panel at New York Comic Con; the panel will take place on October 6.

Other celebrities announced for the event so far include “Lois & Clark” stars Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher; “Boy Meets World”/”Girl Meets World” stars Ben Savage, Danielle Fishel and Will Friedle; and “Impractical Jokers” stars Joe Gatto, James Murray and Bruan Quinn. Most of these stars will be signing autographs at the event.

A complete schedule of 2018 New York Comic Con panels, activities and other celebrity appearances will be announced in the coming weeks.

New York Comic Con, which is produced by ReedPOP, was attended by a record-setting 200,000 people in 2017, according to ReedPop. The event is now the highest-attended comic-book/pop-culture fan convention in North America. Movies and TV programs that were showcased at the 2017 New York Comic Con included “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” “Replicas,” “The Walking Dead,” “Doctor Who,” “Star Trek: Discovery” and “Castle Rock.”

Danai Gurira (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images for Codeblack Films)

July 20, 2018 UPDATE: Danai Gurira (“Black Panther,” “The Walking Dead”) is set to make an appearance at New York Comic Con. She will be doing photo-ops and signing autographs on October 6 and October 7.  “The Walking Dead” has traditionally had a panel at New York Comic Con. Since 2016, the panel has been held at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. It hasn’t been officially announced yet if “The Walking Dead” panel will take place at New York Comic Con 2018, but if it will, then the panel is expected to be held on Saturday, October 6.

David Duchovny speaks his truth about the latest chapter of ‘The X-Files’ revival

January 2, 2018

by Carla Hay

David Duchovny at 2017 New York Comic Con in New York City
David Duchovny at 2017 New York Comic Con in New York City (Photo by Carla Hay)

The next mind-bending chapter of “The X-Files” is a thrilling, 10-episode event series from creator/executive producer Chris Carter, with stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson re-inhabiting their roles as iconic FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Mitch Pileggi also returns as FBI assistant director Walter Skinner, Mulder and Scully’s boss, who walks a fine line between loyalty to these investigators and accountability to his superiors.

This marks the momentous return of the Emmy-winning pop-culture phenomenon, which remains one of the longest-running sci-fi series in network television history. In the U.S., “The X-Files” revival (the show’s 11th season) premieres on Fox on January 3, 2018. The upcoming event series will encompass a mixture of stand-alone episodes and those that further the original show’s seminal mythology. Picking up after the last event series’ cliffhanger, Mulder and Scully learn that they aren’t the only ones desperately searching for their long-lost son, William. The very fate of the world may depend on it.

“The X-Files” originally premiered in September 1993. Over the course of its original nine-season run, the influential series went from breakout sci-fi favorite to massive global hit, and became one of the most successful television dramas of all time. The show—which earned 16 Emmy Awards, five Golden Globes and a Peabody Award—follows FBI special agents Scully and Mulder as they investigate unexplained cases—“X-Files —for which the only answers involve paranormal phenomena. The show was revived for a 10th season, which aired in 2016. The all-new episodes for 2018 will feature appearances by guest stars, including Joel McHale, Lauren Ambrose, Haley Joel Osment and Robbie Amell. This what Duchovny said in a roundtable interview that he did with me and other journalists at 2017 New York Comic Con.

What can you say about the relationship between Mulder and Scully in this new season of “The X-Files”?

I don’t know what I’m allowed to tell. It’s as it was. Chris [Carter] was smart from the very beginning. When you have a serialized television show that’s had well over 200 episodes, you’ve got to parcel the goodness little by little. As much as fans think they want this or that, once you cross the line, it’s hard to go back over to the other side.

I think what’s interesting about the relationship is their working partnership. They’re quite reliant on one another. They [the viewers] may want a sex scene, but they really don’t, especially at the age we are at right now.

Does all this fan expectation of a Mulder/Scully romance inform how you play your role?

Absolutely not. I don’t mean to be disrespectful to the fans, but that’s not the way I approach my job. If I was to write [an “X-Files” episode], I might think of the relationship. In fact, the ones that I’ve written, I’m kind of comfortable loosening them up outside of the work. But as an actor, if I start thinking about that kind of crap, then I’m lost. When you see your [significant other], do you think, “How is this being perceived by others?”

As an actor, you’re constantly guarding against any kind of self-consciousness. That’s the death of acting: somebody watching themselves. If you start thinking about people watching you, it’s a back door to your own self-consciousness. [He says jokingly] I have to forget this conversation by the time I get back on set.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from Chris Carter that’s helped you understand the Mulder character over the years?

I don’t know. I’m kind of headstrong about it. At some point, I do the lines as they’re written. But at some point, I decided I knew who this guy was, and this was my character. I was playing it, and I owned it. And that could to be to the detriment of my work. I don’t know.

In retrospect, the characters I’m attracted to playing seem to be people who speak the truth, no matter what the consequences. The first time I did that was probably with Mulder. So I think that I learned something about what I’m drawn to as a performer.

To me, that was the inherent basis of the character: He was a guy who didn’t mind being a fool. I could trace that back to Chris, for sure.

What can you share about Season 11 of “The X-Files”?

The last time we did [a season of “The X-Files”] it was six episodes, and the last time we did an “X-Files” movie was in 2008. We had a lot of exposition to cover. That took two episodes. And then in the end, we had to wrap it up. That took an episode. So that left us with three episodes, which is not enough.

So now, we have 10 episodes. We do have some [things] that get us out of the mess we got ourselves into at the end [of Season 10, but that’s dispensed with rather quickly, so that we can do the show we always did, which was less self-consciously about the show itself, which is unfortunately what those episodes tend to be.

Even if they’re interesting mythology, they’re about the show. It was tough getting everyone on the same page in the same city. This time around [the season’s film took] four months. It’s tough, but we pulled it off, and here we are.

How do you think Mulder has evolved over the years?

I don’t know. He might be a little “anti-scientist.” He might be a little bit like a guy who says, “Fake news,” which is unsettling to me. I think it’s interesting to think about the show in this political climate.

In terms of how a character has evolved over the years, it’s an interesting question for an actor to approach. I did it slightly with “Twin Peaks.”

If you could give any advice to Mulder from the first season of “The X-Files,” what would it be?

“Wear comfortable shoes. It’s hard to run in dress shoes.” Maybe Mulder has changed. There’s a certain kind of fearlessness to the guy. We have more than 200 episodes that we’ve done, and he’s solved zero cases, so he’s the worst FBI agent of all time. If he was on “Law & Order,” there’d be no order.

I feel like his resilience is great. I feel like he can believe what he believes, even though he’s never gotten the truth. It’s kind of phenomenal, when you think about it.

Gillian Anderson reveals how changes have affected ‘The X-Files’

January 2, 2018

by Carla Hay

Gillian Anderson
Gillian Anderson at 2017 New York Comic Con in New York City (Photo by Carla Hay)

 

The next mind-bending chapter of “The X-Files” is a thrilling, 10-episode event series from creator/executive producer Chris Carter, with stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson re-inhabiting their roles as iconic FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Mitch Pileggi also returns as FBI assistant director Walter Skinner, Mulder and Scully’s boss, who walks a fine line between loyalty to these investigators and accountability to his superiors.

This marks the momentous return of the Emmy-winning pop-culture phenomenon, which remains one of the longest-running sci-fi series in network television history. In the U.S., “The X-Files” revival (the show’s 11th season) premieres on Fox on January 3, 2018. The upcoming event series will encompass a mixture of stand-alone episodes and those that further the original show’s seminal mythology. Picking up after the last event series’ cliffhanger, Mulder and Scully learn that they aren’t the only ones desperately searching for their long-lost son, William. The very fate of the world may depend on it.

“The X-Files” originally premiered in September 1993. Over the course of its original nine-season run, the influential series went from breakout sci-fi favorite to massive global hit, and became one of the most successful television dramas of all time. The show—which earned 16 Emmy Awards, five Golden Globes and a Peabody Award—follows FBI special agents Scully and Mulder as they investigate unexplained cases—“X-Files”—for which the only answers involve paranormal phenomena. The show was revived for a 10th season, which aired in 2016. The all-new episodes for 2018 will feature appearances by guest stars, including Joel McHale, Lauren Ambrose, Haley Joel Osment and Robbie Amell. This what Anderson said in a roundtable interview that he did with me and other journalists at 2017 New York Comic Con.

Scully has changed so much since the first season of “The X-Files.” If you could give Scully from that season any advice, what would it be?

“Relax! Nothing is that important to get your knickers in a twist about.”

Do you feel Scully has lightened up?

I think she’s more relaxed than she used to be, potentially. I think it’s something that happens with age, in general. I think maybe because they were off the X-Files for a whole, and she got some time off, she’s just relaxed her grip on things.

How is any humor in “The X-Files” different this time around?

Whenever you have a [screenwriter] Darin Morgan episode, there’s a pretty sharp left turn that happens. We’ve definitely got one of those, and it’s funny. I don’t think the humor is different. I think it fits in the realm of what’s expected of us and what we’ve always done. I don’t think it would get as far as the shooting script if it was completely uncharacteristic.

When is the Season 10 cliffhanger addressed in Season 11?

It’s approached immediately. The human race still exists. Mulder and Scully are still alive and still working on the X-Files. I’m still a mortal. How we get there is the question mark I can’t answer.

William reportedly plays a big role in Season 11. Can you talk about that?

I’m very excited. It was nice to meet our son. He does show up. It’s nice to have a face to the child that we always talk about.

You’ve publicly said that you want female writers and directors involved in “The X-Files”? How do you think female writers and directors will affect how the stories are told?

The fact is that Scully was created by a man, and I would say that Chris [Carter] did right by women in creating Scully. I haven’t read one of the [female-written] scripts yet, so I don’t know how that will translate, in terms of Scully, but I am interested in other voices pitching in for the storyline.

How has today’s political climate and the proliferation of “fake news” conspiracy theories affected “The X-Files”?

I don’t know if it has. It’s hard to parody a parody. There’s not much we can do that hasn’t’ already been done. All bets are off. On the one hand, it’s exciting. On the other hand, it’s tedious.

An interesting challenge for the writers is to create something that is poignant and has something to say that doesn’t have to be derivative. It’s a challenge more for them than for me.

In the past, you’ve said there were times that you didn’t enjoy working on “The X-Files.” How do you feel about working on “The X-Files” now?

I think before, we were trying to do 24 episodes in a year. And for a show that’s predominantly led by two characters, that’s pretty intense. I certainly couldn’t do that today. This is nothing compared to that.

There have been a couple of production [crew member] deaths recently, and I think production is much more mindful of the hours that are being worked on by the crew, and that has an impact on everything and everyone, especially when you travel a lot and are on location. It feels like a kinder, gentler version of what we used to do. That in and of itself makes it more manageable. I think we’re appreciative and having fun and enjoying each other and not taking it too seriously, but hopefully taking it seriously enough that we’re doing good work. And hopefully, the fans will feel rewarded.

Is there an aspect of Scully’s personality that you really enjoy playing?

There is, but I don’t know exactly what to call it. It’s the “eyeroll” element of her.

Is there any element of Scully’s personality that you’ve discovered that isn’t written in the “X-Files” scripts?

I think one of the things that has been interesting to figure out is how a person ages. It’s one thing to do that in a condensed scenario, where you play a character in a biopic, and you go through hair and makeup, and you’re 20 years older.

But it feels different somehow … because I don’t look a lot like I did back then. My facial features are quite different. My face is much narrower, and obviously I’ve aged. So figuring out what elements of her personality are appropriate in a mature woman, it’s been an interesting question to answer.

2017 New York Comic Con: What to expect at this year’s event

October 5, 2017

by Carla Hay

New York Comic Con

The 12th annual New York Comic Con takes place October 5 to October 8 in New York City. The event is expected to draw at least 180,000 people, according to ReedPOP, company that produces the event. New York Comic Con’s main hub is at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, but there are also numerous activities taking place at several other locations in the city, including Hammerstein Ballroom, Hudson Mercantile, the New York Public Library and the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

TV shows dominate the most high-profile panels and activities. There are some movies due to be released in theaters that will be showcased at the event. And, of course, there will be plenty of panels, exhibits and previews for comic books, video games, fantasy novels and other pop-culture attractions.

This year, New York Comic Con has joined forces with Keanu Reeves, Hollywood and Puerto Rico Filmmakers and CINE to raise money for he Puerto Rico Film Friends Relief Fund, which will help victims and survivors of Hurricane Maria. Click here to donate or for more information. Reeves will be at New York Comic Con on October 5 to promote his movie “Replicas.”

Here is a list of the TV and movie panels that are expected to draw the largest crowds*:

TELEVISION

BBC America Presents: Peter Capaldi Spotlight

The Theater at Madison Square Garden

October 6, 2017, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Peter Capaldi, star of BBC America’s “Doctor Who,” will head the list of top talent set to attend NYCC. Capaldi, the 12th Doctor, is a Spotlight guest and will join fans for a panel on Friday, October 6. The fan Q&A marks his return to NYCC and is a very special moment leading up to the highly-anticipated Doctor Who Christmas Special, Twice Upon a Time, which is Peter Capaldi’s final episode in the iconic hit series. As previously revealed in the closing moments of the season finale, the special will feature Capaldi’s current Doctor team up with the First Doctor, played by David Bradley.

Rooster Teeth’s “RWBY”

The Theater at Madison Square Garden

October 6, 2017, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Rooster Teeth’s global hit western anime series “RWBY” returns to New York Comic Con, and the cast and crew are here with an exclusive sneak peek at Volume 5. Join Lindsay Jones (Ruby), Barbara Dunkelman (Yang), Miles Luna, Kerry Shawcross, and Gray G. Haddock for exciting “RWBY” news, hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, an audience Q&A and more!

Freeform’s Super Sci-Fi Q&A Panel with “Shadowhunters” and “Beyond”

The Theater at Madison Square Garden

October 7, 2017, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Fans of Freeform’s hit series “Shadowhunters” and “Beyond” get a glimpse into the upcoming seasons from cast and executive producers. “Will it be smooth sailing for the reunited Malec?,” “Will Holden return to a normal life?,” plus much more will be revealed during this epic panel. Cast and EP participants to be announced at a later date.

Marvel Television Presents: “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D”

The Theater at Madison Square Garden

October 7, 2017, 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM

Join Jeph Loeb, Head of Marvel Television, in celebrating Season Five of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” with the entire cast and executive producers as they come together at Madison Square Garden, for the very first time, with an action-packed panel, Q&A and never-before-seen footage. This is the one you’ve been waiting for!

“Star Trek: Discovery”

The Theater at Madison Square Garden

October 7, 2017, 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM

This fall on CBS All Access, Star Trek: Discovery follows the voyages of Starfleet on their missions to discover new worlds and new life forms, while learning that to truly understand all things alien, you must first understand yourself. The iconic television franchise, which first launched over 50 years ago, continues to remain true to its roots, and Starfleet’s steadfast ideals of adventure, an earnest pursuit for exploration, and the hope that we can all come together for a better tomorrow.  Join members of the cast, alongside the creative minds behind the new series for a panel conversation on Star Trek: Discovery.

AMC’s “The Walking Dead”

The Theater at Madison Square Garden

October 7, 2017, 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM

Join “The Walking Dead” cast and executive producers for a panel where they will discuss the season 7 finale and share a sneak peek into season 8, premiering October 22nd 9/8c.

In addition, these TV shows will be showcased with panels at New York Comic Con this year:

  • “American Gods”
  • “Archer: Danger Island”
  • “Ash vs. Evil Dead”
  • “Black Mirror”
  • “Blindspot”
  • “Castle Rock”
  • “Comic Book Men”
  • “Deception”
  • “The Defenders”
  • “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency”
  • “Drunk History”
  • “Electric Dreams”
  • “The Exorcist”
  • “Explosion Jones”
  • “Family Guy”
  • “Final Space”
  • “Future Man”
  • “The Gifted”
  • “Gotham”
  • “Happy!”
  • “Hey Arnold!”
  • “Jack Ryan”
  • “Lore”
  • “The Magicians”
  • “The Man in the High Castle”
  • “Once Upon a Time”
  • “The Orville”
  • “Power Rangers Ninja Steel”
  • “Psych Reunion Movie”
  • “The President Show”
  • “Reverie”
  • “Robot Chicken”
  • “Runaways”
  • “The Shannara Chronicles”
  • “Shut Eye”
  • “Siren”
  • “Stan Against Evil”
  • “SuperMansion: Drag Me to Halloween”
  • “The Tick”
  • “Voltron: Legendary Defender”
  • “The X-Files”

MOVIES

“Pacific Rim Uprising”

The Theater at Madison Square Garden

October 6, 2017, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

“Pacific Rim Uprising” director Steven S. DeKnight will be joined by stars John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Burn Gorman and Cailee Spaeny—as well as moderator Aaron Sagers, SYFY WIRE’s editor-at-large—to discuss the upcoming action-adventure from Legendary and introduce the world premiere of the new trailer.  The follow-up to 2013’s cinematic epic of monsters and mechs, the film will inspire a new generation to become the biggest heroes to ever walk the earth.  Also starring Jing Tian, Rinko Kikuchi, Adria Arjona and Charlie Day, “Pacific Rim Uprising” hits theaters March 2018.

“Professor Marston & the Wonder Women”

Hammerstein Ballroom

October 8, 2017, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

By now every fan knows the origin of Wonder Woman, but very few know about the real-life women who inspired the iconic super-heroine and their unique relationship with the man who created her. “Professor Marston & the Wonder Women” tells that fascinating and extraordinary story. Please join us for a preview panel about this acclaimed film with its stars Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall, and director Angela Robinson. Everyone attending will receive a “Professor Marston & the Wonder Women” poster and pencil. Moderated by Fandango’s Tiffany Smith.

“Replicas”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nio5Qf1l4cE

Javits Center, Room 1A06

October 5, 2017, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Join Keanu Reeves and the team behind “Replicas,” for an exclusive first look and conversation about the film. Reeves developed and produced the “Replicas” with his producing partner, Stephen Hamel, and Transformers-franchise producer, Lorenzo di Bonaventura.  The film is written by Chad St. John (“London Has Fallen:) from a story by Hamel, and directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff (writer of “The Day After Tomorrow”). “Replicas” is the story of a scientist (Reeves) who loses his family in a horrific accident, but is determined save his wife and children by bringing them back to life with cutting-edge cloning technology.

*All panel descriptions are courtesy of New York Comic Con.

Michael Bay’s 451 Media Group to debut nine graphic novels from top Hollywood writers at New York Comic Con

October 4, 2017

Michael Bay
Michael Bay (Photo by Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

The following is a press release from 451 Media Group:

451 Media Group, a multi-platform entertainment company, today announced it will exclusively premiere nine graphic novels, previously released only in single issue series, created by some of the most sought-after TV and movie writers at this year’s New York Comic Con (NYCC). Co-founded by acclaimed director and producer Michael Bay, 451 delivers an immersive entertainment experience combining cutting edge digital technology with content from some of the Hollywood’s top creative minds.

451 Media Group has produced trade paperback editions of all its properties for the first time, nine titles of which will be making their debut at NYCC. Created by marquee Hollywood talent, the titles include:

S6X – From master author/screenwriter George Pelecanos (HBO’s “The Deuce,” “The Wire” and “The Pacific”) comes an explosive tale of war and the lives of six soldiers altered forever, who reunite for one last mission to bring down those who threaten one of their own in a full fury showdown risking everything they have.

“S6X is very visual and character driven,” says Pelecanos. “These are very young men and women. And they look like everyday people. That’s something that I wanted to write about because I think it’s very real and also very important. To me, the graphic novel was the perfect vehicle to take the plunge and dive into the world of sequential art. And it’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a really long time.”

“What I love about the world George created is it’s both heightened and populated by real human beings. The characters are flawed, wounded and emotionally tangible souls who just happen to be caught up in this operatic but deeply personal war story. S6X is more than just a shoot ‘em up — it’s about the things people are capable of at their very worst and their very best.”says Ashley Miller, the screenwriter of “X-Men: First Class” and ‘Thor,” who is adapting the book for the big screens.

Red Dog – From Rob Cohen (writer of “The Fast and the Furious,” “xXx” and upcoming film “Hurricane Heist”). Comes an all new sci-fi adventure that follows Kyle, the only child on a distant planet, and his robot dog Red. When Red goes missing in the savage alien landscape, Kyle goes in search of his friend facing dangers beyond imagination and proves no matter how far in space you go, there’s no greater bond than one between a boy and his dog.

“’Red Dog’ is my passion project and if I can make it into a movie someday, I will die a happy man,” says Cohen.” But more important than that, it has found its form as a graphic novel thanks to the brilliant folks at 451 and a day does not start that I don’t look at a copy of to the first issue framed on my wall and smile”.

NVRLND – From the creative minds of the writing team, Stephanie Salyers and Dylan Mulik comes “NVRLND,” a dark and magical re-imagining of “Peter Pan” set in present-day Hollywood. Wallflower turned wild-child Wendy Darling befriends the fiery Tiger Lily and enters the rave scene of the underground club “NVRLND.” Intoxicated by music and pixie dust, Wendy falls for the enigmatic Peter, lead singer of The Lost Boys. You think you may know the truth about “NVRLND” but the truth is you know nothing.

Stained – Meet Emma London: recovery artist and bounty hunter for hire. She is strong, possibly indomitable, and did we mention…part machine. Emma enters dark places that no one else will go to track down the subhuman criminals lurking in the underbelly of society and bring them to justice. From David Baron, 2016 Harvey Nominee and top comic professional spanning over 20-plus years with highlights including GREEN ARROW: YEAR ONE, PLANETARY, THE AUTHORITY, JLA, DETECTIVE COMICS (THE BLACK MIRROR), GREEN LANTERN, DIVINITY and BLOODSHOT: REBORN.

“With Issue one selling out, I couldn’t be happier how well ‘Stained’ has been received by fans and professionals. I don’t think I have ever been more excited for a Con in my 20 year career to premiere ‘Stained’ at NYCC 2017,” says Baron.

Additional graphic novels premiering from 451:

Self Storage – A Zom-rom-com from Clay McLeod Chapman, the writer of “The Boy,””Henley,” “Edge of Spider-Verse” and “Marvel’s Universe Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.”

Humbug – A masterly plotted merry and manic mash-up of “Sherlock Holmes” and “Ghostbusters” from A.J. Gentile, the writers and creators of “Micronauts” and VISIONARIES.

Sunflower – A psychological thriller from writer Mark Mallouk, writer of “Black Mass” starring Johnny Depp.

ExMortis – An epic WWII action adventure from the minds of Paul + Pete Williams, VFX gurus behind “Avatar,” Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and Chronicles of Narnia.

Bad Moon Rising – A wild smash up of “The Wolfman” and “Sons of Anarchy” from writer/producer Scott Rosenberg (“Con Air,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Jumanji 2,” “Welcome to the Jungle” and the CBS series “Zoo”).

Learn more about these and other original story titles at 4five1.com. Order copies through 451’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/451official/.

 

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