Culture Representation: Taking place in a dystopian version of the United States, the sci-fi action film “The Running Man” (based on the Stephen King novel of the same name) features a predominantly white cast of characters (with some African Americans and Latin people) representing the working-class, middle-class and wealthy.
Culture Clash: An unemployed and financially struggling hothead, who is desperate to get medical treatment for his ailing daughter, enters a brutal reality TV show contest where the grand prize is $1 billion to the contestant who can survive for 30 consecutive days when people from all over the United States are given financial incentives to kill the show’s contestants.
Culture Audience: “The Running Man” will appeal primarily to people who are fans of the movie’s headliners, the book on which the movie is based, the 1987 movie “The Running Man” and sci-fi action movies that are predictable and shallow.
Josh Brolin and Colman Domingo in “The Running Man” (Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures)
“The Running Man” stumbles in the last 20 minutes by cramming in too many action clichés. The movie sacrifices development of supporting characters to showcase Glen Powell’s hollow lead character. Changes made to the original story aren’t very interesting.
Directed by Edgar Wright (who co-wrote “The Running Man” screenplay with Michael Bacall), “The Running Man” is adapted from Stephen King’s 1982 novel of the same name. “The Running Man” book was also made into a 1987 movie, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and directed by Paul Michael Glaser, with an adapted screenplay by Steven E. de Souza. The stories in the book and the movies take place in a dystopian version of the United States. Both “Running Man” movies have very different endings from the book.
The 2025 version of “The Running Man” is closer to the book’s original story than the 1987 version of the movie. (The 2025 movie has a quick nod to Schwarzenegger by featuring his face on a $100 bill.) The story protagonist Ben Richards (played by Powell) is a civilian married father of an ailing daughter (just like in the book), instead of the 1987 movie version of Ben (played by Schwarzenegger), who was a military captain bachelor with no children. Ben and his family live in Co-Op City in the fictional U.S. state of Co-Op, somewhere on the East Coast. (“The Running Man” was actually filmed in the United Kingdom and in Bulgaria.)
The character of Ben in 2025’s “The Running Man” is an arrogant hothead whose only loyalties are to his family. Ben, who is 35 years old, has a history of not being able to keep jobs because he repeatedly gets fired for insubordination. His most recent job was being a vague low-level worker for a government company called Defense Net. That’s all you’ll really learn about Ben’s personal background throughout the entire movie.
Ben has been unemployed for an unspecified period of time. His wife Sheila (played by Jayme Lawson) works as a waitress in a nightclub bar called The Libertine and has to work extra shifts because she and Ben are financially struggling and need the money. It’s hinted in the movie that women who work at the Libertine engage in side hustling as sex workers who proposition Libertine customers.
In “The Running Man” book, Sheila has resorted to this sex work. But in this movie, it’s repeatedly mentioned that Sheila is not a sex worker. If anyone thinks that Sheila is a sex worker, Ben will be ready to fight that person. He loses his temper and instigates fights many times in the movie.
Ben and Sheila have a toddler daughter named Cathy (played by Alyssa Benn and Sienna Benn), who has a fever from a severe flu and needs medicine that the couple can’t afford. In the beginning of 2025’s “The Running Man,” Ben is seen going back to Defense Net to ask if he can be re-hired. He is coldly rejected by a gatekeeper named Richard Manuel (played by David Zayas), who makes a snarky remark about Ben bringing Cathy with him as a sympathy ploy.
Ben denies it (even though it’s true) and says, “I didn’t bring her here to guilt trip you.” Ben adds that he brought Cathy with him so he wouldn’t viciously assault Richard. This angry comment further alienates Richard. Ben, knowing he has reached a dead end in this discussion, leaves the building before he can be thrown out by security.
The United States in this story has several reality TV shows from the government-operated Games Network, where contestants can win prize money, but at great risk to their physical well-being. The contestants usually have to do dangerous stunts in order to get the money. The movie eventually reveals the obvious: The games are a way for the government to control and manipulate the financially desperate people who are the majority of the contestants.
The most dangerous and most lucrative of these game shows is “The Running Man,” which offers a grand prize of $1 billion to any contestant who can survive 30 consecutive days without being hunted down and murdered by Games Network assassins called Hunters. The Hunters use sphere-shaped drones called roving cams to assist in tracking down their targets. People in the general public get financial rewards if they give informant tips or can hunt down the contestants themselves. In the beginning of the movie, no one has ever won “The Running Man” game.
With no other job prospects, Ben tells Sheila that he’s going to apply for one of the contests that’s not “The Running Man.” Ben tells Sheila that he has no interest in being a “Running Man” contestant. Sheila adamantly doesn’t want Ben to apply for “The Running Man,” which is why it’s contradictory and strange when Sheila finds out that Ben is a contestant on “The Running Man,” she easily accepts this decision without getting upset, even though the chances are very high that Ben will be murdered.
Ben ends up as a contestant in “The Running Man” after he stands in line to apply for another contest, and he is seen getting into a physical fight with security officers who accost Ben for trying to help an elderly man who has vomited while waiting in line in front of Ben. “The Running Man” executive producer/showrunner Dan Killian (played by Josh Brolin) sees Ben on security camera footage and instantly decides that Ben’s rebellious nature and bad temper would be perfect for the show.
Ben takes the show’s required psychiatric evaluations, which reveal he’s the “angriest” contestant that “The Running Man” has ever had. Dan is thrilled. Dan convinces Ben to be on “The Running Man” by appealing to Ben’s ego. Dan tells Ben that he’s the first person who has a realistic chance of winning “The Running Man” because of Ben’s high level of anger. Dan tells Ben that Ben should use this anger as Ben’s “superpower.”
Dan is a stereotypical cold-blooded villain who doesn’t care how many people get murdered, as long as he can reap the benefits. In this case, Dan’s only goal is to make “The Running Man” the biggest TV show in U.S. history, no matter how many lives are lost. “The Running Man” is hosted by a flamboyant loudmouth named Bobby Thompson (played by Colman Domingo), whose only loyalties are to anyone who is most likely to make him rich and famous.
The rules of “The Running Man” are fairly straightforward: A contestant can go anywhere in the world and use disguises and fake names to hide the contestant’s true identity. Each contestant gets a 12-hour head start with $1,000, and can earn $100 per hour for staying alive and avoiding capture and an additional $100 for each law enforcement officer or Hunter who is killed by the contestant.
Each contestant is given a portable video device and is required to record a video message per day and mail the message back to Game Networks headquarters. Failure to send this video message means that the contestant will forfeit the grand prize and can still be murdered for profit and will be hunted for the rest of the contestant’s life. People in the general public can get money by giving informant tips (with proof) on where the contestant is, or can earn even more money by murdering the contestant before a Hunter can do it.
Ben finds out the hard way that the government tells lies about the contestants, in order to get the general public to hate the contestants. In Ben’s case, one of the first lies that is told about him is that he was fired from Defense Net for selling military defense secrets to America’s enemies. The government also uses deepfake artificial intelligence to manipulate and fabricate things on the video messages that the contestants send.
In 1987’s “The Running Man,” the beginning of the movie showed that Ben was sent to a prison camp for refusing to open fire on anti-government protestors. Eighteen months after his imprisonment, he escapes with fellow inmates Harold Weiss (played by Marvin J. McIntyre) and William Laughlin (played by Yaphet Kotto), who are both resistance fighters in the anti-government movement. Harold and William, who were not in “The Running Man” book, are Ben’s sidekicks when Harold and William are put in “The Running Man” contest at the same time.
In 2025’s “The Running Man,” these two supporting characters are put in “The Running Man” competition at the same time as Ben, but all three go their separate ways as soon as they start the contest. The other two “Running Man” contestants in the 2025 version of the movie are named Tim Jansky (played by Martin Herlihy) and Jenni Laughlin (played by Katy O’Brian), whose personal backgrounds are never mentioned in the movie. Tim is a socially awkward nerd, while Jenni is a hedonistic lesbian.
It’s later explained in the movie (just like it’s explained in the book) that these three contestants were chosen because they fit the ideal three personality types that Dan and other executives want for “The Running Man.” Tim is the Hopeless Dude type, who can’t help but make stupid mistakes because he craves attention. Jenni is the Negative Dude type, who hates the world and only cares about partying as much as possible. Ben is the Final Dude type, who is the most serious about winning the contestant and is expected to be the last contestant standing.
“The Running Man” doesn’t have a lack of adrenaline-pumping energy in its expected chase scenes, explosions, fist fights and gun violence. The problem is that it’s like watching a hyperactive and incoherent video game that ultimately wastes a lot of time with nonsense. Ben also gets too many lucky breaks to be believable. By the last third of the film, it’s just a pile-on of more shouting, running, and gun-toting—all of it extremely predictable and increasingly irritating because you start to care less and less about these characters.
Ben’s outlaw journey takes him to various cities (such as New York City, Boston, and Derry, Maine), as several people help him along the way. Molie Jernigan (played by William H. Macy) is a recluse who gives Ben disguises and fake identities. Bradley Throckmorton (played by Daniel Ezra) and his pre-teen brother Stacey (played by Angelo Gray) are resistance rebels, who help Ben with advice on escape routes and where to get weapons. Bradley and Stacey have a 5-year-old sister named Cassie, who has lung cancer because low-income communities, such as where the Throckmorton family lives, are being polluted with toxic chemicals from the government.
Bradley puts Ben in touch with Elton Parrakis (played by Michael Cera), a resistance rebel in Derry, who publishes an anarchist newsletter-zine and can supply Ben with more weapons. (Derry is a well-known city in the Stephen King universe, because it’s the location of King’s 1986 horror novel “It.”) Elton lives with his elderly mother Victoria Parrakis (played by Sandra Dickinson), a “Running Man” fanatic who will do whatever it takes to get some of the show’s prize money. A woman named Amelia Williams (played by Emilia Jones) is a civilian who has the same role as a hostage that she does in “The Running Man” book.
As for the movie’s Hunters, they are as generic as generic can be, with none having names except for their leader Evan McCone (played by Lee Pace), who wears a full face mask for most of his screen time, as if he thinks he’s a comic book supervillain. By the time Evan shows his face in the movie, it doesn’t help the story, because there’s nothing compelling about him or his personality, unless you consider the ability to sneer and snarl a personality trait. Karl Glusman plays a bleach-blonde Hunter who has such a blank personality, this character might as well be a robot.
“The Running Man” has some comedy that quickly grows redundant and ends up going nowhere. Throughout the movie, there are scenes of people watching a reality TV show called “The Americanos,” which is the movie’s obvious parody of “The Kardashians.” Debi Mazar has the role of Amoré Americano, the Kris Jenner-type matriarch character, who rules over her spoiled adult daughters. Although slightly amusing, “The Americanos” has no bearing on the movie’s plot.
Powell is in danger of being typecast in action movies as a leading character who thinks he can get by on cockiness and wisecracking quips. It’s not enough to carry an entire movie when the jokes strain to be funny and relevant and come across as reheated leftovers from the 1980s. “The Running Man” will satisfy anyone who just wants to see a lot of mindless action. But the movie is so busy rushing around, it doesn’t care enough to give the principal characters any fully developed personalities and instead just renders them as glorified video game characters. It’s hard to care about characters that you feel like you don’t really know by the end of the movie.
Paramount Pictures will release “The Running Man” in U.S. cinemas on November 14, 2025.
Sydney Chandler in “Alien: Earth” (Photo by Patrick Brown/FX)
The 20th annual New York Comic Con takes place October 9 to October 12, 2025, in New York City. The pop culture event, which is produced by ReedPOP, has come a long way since it launched in 2006, and has overcome certain challenges in the past five years.
In 2023, New York Comic Con was affected by strikes by the the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America. The striking actors and actresses in attedance either did autograph or photo sessions, or they if they did panel/Q&A discussions, they had to limit the topics to things that didn’t promote work owned or produced by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers companies that they were striking against.
In 2022, New York Comic Con returned to being an in-person-only event, after being a hybrid event (where people could attend in person or virtually) in 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New York Comic Con was cancelled as an in-person event in 2020, and instead presented as a scaled-down virtual-only event. Before the pandemic, New York Comic Con attracted about 250,000 people per year since 2017, according to ReedPOP. In 2024, about 200,000 people attended, according to ReedPOP.
In 2025, New York Comic Con’s main hub remains at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. New York Comic Con will continue its exclusive lineup of programming for professionals (a feature that launched in 2024) that begins on Wednesday, October 8, before New York Comic Con officially opens to the public on Thursday, October 9. Programming for professionals will continue through October 12. October 8 is Comic Book Retailers Day at this year’s New York Comic Con.
Cast member reunions are a big theme for New York Comic Con panels this year. “Fantastic Four” (2005) co-stars Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Chiklis reunite for a panel discussion on October 9. Also on October 9 is a “Mr. Robot” reunion with co-stars Rami Malek and Christian Slater and creator/showrunner Sam Esmail. The “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” reunion panel on October 11 will feature co-stars Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen and Chloe Bennet. “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” co-stars Simu Liu and Meng’er Zhang reunite for a panel about the movie on October 11. On October 12, James McAvoy and Elliot Page of “X-Man: Days of Future Past” will be on a reunion panel, while “The Matrix” reunion panel will feature Laurence Fishburne and Joe Pantoliano. Also on October 12, several voice cast members from the animated series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” will reunite for a panel discussion.
In addition, notable entertainers will get their own spotlight Q&As, such as actress Sigourney Weaver on October 10, actor Tim Blake Nelson on October 9, actor Hamish Linklater on October 12, and author George R.R. Martin on October 11. On October 12, Oscar-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese will make his New York Comic Con debut as the moderator of a panel about the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which will open in Los Angeles in 2026. Award-winning music artist Post Malone will be on an October 10 discussion panel about his graphic novel series “Big Rig” with members of the “Big Rig” creative team.
New York Comic Con provides several fan meet-ups in separate rooms on various days. The fandoms getting meet-ups at New York Comic Con this year are for “Star Wars,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Demon Slayer,” “Dan Da Dan,” “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” “Gundam,” ” “Arcane,” “Stranger Things,” “Mario Kart Street Pass 3D World,” DC Universe rogues and villains, Spider-Verse rogues and villains, “Pokémon” and “Final Fantasy.” There is also a New York Comic Con Talent Show open to amateur performers on October 10.
Panels about Broadway shows make a comeback at New York Comic Con in 2025, after being mostly absent from New York Comic Con 2024. Broadway shows that will each of their own panel include “Hamilton,” “The Lost Boys,” “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” “Death Becomes Her” and “The Little Shop of Horrors.”
TV SHOWS
A scene from “IT: Welcome to Derry” (Photo courtesy of HBO)
TV shows continue to dominate the most high-profile panels and activities. New York Comic Con in 2025 has the following TV shows with panel showcases in the event’s largest rooms: HBO will show preview clips and have discussions for the fantasy drama series “The Knights of the Seven Kingdoms” on October 9 and the horror series “IT: Welcome to Derry” on October 11. FX’s sci-fi series “Alien: Earth” gets a showcase on October 9. On October 10, AMC network’s horror shows get a spotlight with separate panels for “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” and Anne Rice Universe series. “Anne Rice’s Talamasca: The Secret Order” and “Anne Rice’s The Vampire Lestat” will be showcased on the latter panel.
The popular “Star Trek Universe” panel returns on October 11, with spotlights on “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” and “Star Trek: Star Fleet Academy.” FX’s limited sci-fi drama series “The Beauty” (about a sexually transmitted virus that creates beauty but causes deadly destruction) gets a panel on October 11.
Animation enthusiasts have numerous panels to look forward to at the event. For American-made animation, panels include Prime Video’s “Mighty Nein” on October 9, Prime Video’s “Invincible” on October 10, Prime Video’s “Hazbin Hotel” on October 10, Netflix’s “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory” on October 11, Tubi’s “Breaking Bear” on October 11, Prime Video’s “Bat-Fam” on October 11, Fox’s “Bob’s Burgers” on October 11, Marvel Animation on October 11, and HBO Max’s “Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake” on October 12. Fans of Japanese anime series have several panel options, including Sanzigen and Sola Entertainment’s “Rooster Fighter” on October 11, Crunchyroll’s “Dan Da Dan” on October 9, Toei Animation’s “One Piece” on October 10, and Crunchyroll’s “Trigun Stargaze” on October 10. Crunchyroll will also have two separate showcase panels for a variety of shows on October 9.
Fans of series about detectives, spies and crimes have some options. Apple TV+ will present a panel discussion for the spy drama “Slow Horses” on October 9, with cast members who are not main star Gary Oldman. The titular main stars of Paramount+’s crime procedural spinoff “NCIS: Tony & Ziva” will be in attendance for an October 9 panel about the show. On October 10, Prime Video will have a panel for the detective drama “Cross.” Peacock’s technology hacker drama series “The Copenhagen Test” gets a showcase on October 12.
MOVIES
Glen Powell in “The Running Man” (Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures)
Most of the feature films that have panels at New York Comic Con this year are action films, horror movies, and animated films. They include Paramount Pictures action remake of “The Running Man” on October 9, Amazon MGM Studios’ sci-fi crime thriller “Mercy,” Warner Bros. Pictures’ action sequel “Mortal Kombat II” on October 11, and Crunchyroll’s animated “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc” on October 12.
On October 10, Blumhouse Productions, whose specialty is horror, will present its annual BlumFest showcase for the company’s upcoming horror movies. The specific movies that will be a part of BlumFest are to be announced. The horror-focused streaming service Shudder will have a showcase of Shudder movies on October 11. That panel’s lineup is also to be announced.
OTHER PROGAMMING
There will be plenty of panels, exhibits and previews for comic books, video games, podcasts, fantasy novels and other pop-culture attractions. The 2025 Harvey Awards ceremony will be livestreamed during New York Comic Con on October 10.
New York Comic Con also offers specialty areas for attendees with specific identity needs. Launched in 2022, the annual Pride Lounge (located in Room 1C01-02), for people with LGBTQ interests, has LGBTQ-themed discussion panels and guest appearances. Family HQ (in Hall 1E: Family & Interactive Workshops) is a family-friendly environment, with an emphasis on activities for pre-teen children. In addition, there are spaces for gamers in the Side Quest area (in Hall 1E: D&D HQ) offering a variety of gaming options. Professional Programming (for industry professionals) will have panels and a lounge area for professionals at the River Pavilion and will be accessible only to people who have business-related New York Comic Con badges.
It wouldn’t be a Comic Con without cosplaying and merchandise sales. This year, the Cosplay Central area has relocated from the River Pavilion to Rooms 1E01 to 1E05 at the Javits Center. While at Cosplay Central, cosplayers can mingle, pose for photos, use the dressing rooms and attend panel discussions. On the Main Stage at Javits Center, the Cosplay Central Crown Championships will take place on October 11, and the Cosplay Central Costume Showcase will take place on October 12. New York Comic Con also has an enormous amount of merchandise for sale for numerous types of entertainment.
AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS AND PHOTO OPS
Several stars from movies and TV shows will have individual autograph sessions and/or photo opportunities with fans, for a fee. Prices will vary, according to the celebrity. Participants include:
Wayne Brady (“Let’s Make a Deal,” “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” “Black Lightning”) on October 10 and October 11. (Autographs and photos.)
Michael Chiklis (2005’s “Fantastic Four,” “The Shield,” “The Commish”) on October 9 and October 10. (Autographs and photos.)
Mike Colter (“Evil,” “Luke Cage”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Charlie Cox (“Daredevil” TV series, “Daredevil: Born Again,” “Stardust”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Vincent D’Onofrio (“Daredevil: Born Again,” “Men in Black,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Laurence Fishburne (“The Matrix,” “Man of Steel,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “John Wick”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Brendan Fraser (“The Mummy” movies, “Doom Patrol,” “George of the Jungle”) on October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Karen Gillan (“Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, “Jumanji,” “Avengers: Endgame”) on October 10. (Autographs and photos.)
Clark Gregg (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” “The Avengers,” “Snowpiercer” TV series) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World” movies, “Spider-Man 3,” “The Mandalorian”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Ernie Hudson (“Ghostbusters” movies, “Quantum Leap”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Hamish Linklater (“X-Men” movies, “Batman: The Caped Crusader,” “Gen V”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Simu Liu (“Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Barbie,” “Kim’s Convenience”) on October 10 and October 11. (Autographs and photos.)
George R.R. Martin (“Game of Thrones”) on October 10 and October 11. (Book signing autographs only.)
James McAvoy (“X-Men” movies, “His Dark Materials,” “Split”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Tim Blake Nelson (“The Incredible Hulk,” “Captain America: Brave New World,” 2015’s “Fantastic Four” on October 9. (Book signing autographs only.)
Elliot Page (“X-Men” movies, “The Umbrella Academy,” “Inception,” “The Odyssey”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Joe Pantoliano (“The Matrix,” “The Sopranos,” “Wonder Man”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Simon Pegg (“Mission: Impossible” movies, “Star Trek” movies, “Shaun of the Dead”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Annie Potts (“Ghostbusters” movies, “Toy Story”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead,” “The Boondock Saints”) on October 11. (Autographs and photos.)
Krysten Ritter (“Jessica Jones,” “The Defenders,” “Breaking Bad”) on October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Karl Urban (“The Boys,” “Star Trek Movie,” “Mortal Kombat II”) on October 9 and October 10. (Autographs and photos.)
Sigourney Weaver (“Alien” movies, “Avatar” movies, “Ghostbusters,” “Galaxy Quest”) on October 10 and October 11. (Autographs and photos.)
Mae Whitman (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Good Girls,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender”) on October 10, October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
Deborah Ann Woll (“Daredevil: Born Again,” “True Blood”) on October 10, October 11 and October 12. (Autographs and photos.)
TELEVISION AND WEB SERIES PANELS
(The following are descriptions of panels that are being held in the two largest rooms at 2025’s New York Comic Con: The Empire Stage and the Main Stage. All panel descriptions are courtesy of New York Comic Con.)
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”
October 9, 2025, 12 PM – 1 PM
Empire Stage
Step back into Westeros, a century before “Game of Thrones,” with unlikely duo, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Co-creator and executive producer George R.R. Martin, co-creator/showrunner Ira Parker, and stars Peter Claffey (Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall) and Dexter Sol Ansell (Egg) introduce the new HBO series “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” The panel will be moderated by Brandon Davis, host of Phase Hero: A Film & TV Podcast. This series will debut on HBO and HBO Max in 2026.
“Critical Role/The Mighty Nein”
October 9, 2025, 11 AM – 12 PM
Main Stage
As the countdown begins for the November 19 premiere of The Mighty Nein on Prime Video, join Critical Role’s cast and executive producers—Laura Bailey, Matthew Mercer, Marisha Ray, Liam O’Brien, Ashley Johnson, Taliesin Jaffe, Sam Riegel, and Travis Willingham—for a can’t-miss conversation about what’s next in their expanding universe. Get the inside scoop on the upcoming animated series, fresh updates on The Legend of Vox Machina Season Four, and a special look ahead at Campaign Four of Critical Role’s flagship show. Plus, celebrate 10 incredible years of storytelling with the cast.
“Slow Horses”
October 9, 2025, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Main Stage
Apple’s Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning hit espionage drama “Slow Horses” follows a dysfunctional team of British intelligence agents who serve in a dumping ground department of MI5 known affectionately as Slough House led by the brilliant but cantankerous Jackson Lamb, played by Academy Award winner Sir Gary Oldman. Join us for an exclusive panel featuring the misfit team of spies including Christopher Chung (“Roddy Ho”), James Callis (“Claude Whelan”), and Ruth Bradley (“Emma Flyte”), special season five guest star Nick Mohammed (“Zafar Jaffrey”) and Emmy Award-nominated director Saul Metzstein. “Slow Horses” Season 5 premiered globally with the first episode on September 24, 2025 on Apple TV+.
“Dan Da Dan”
October 9, 2025, 4:15 PM – 5: 15 PM
Empire Stage
Are we alone in the universe? Why can I see dead people? Aliens and ghosts can’t possibly BOTH exist… Unless? Join Crunchyroll as we dive headfirst into the paranormal mayhem of the hit anime series “Dan Da Dan” with the English voice cast: Abby Trott (Momo), A.J. Beckles (Okarun), and Aleks Le (Jiji). Whether you believe in apparitions or extraterrestrials, buckle up for a behind-the-scenes, one-of-a-kind wild ride!
“Cross”
October 9, 2025 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Main Stage
Prime Video’s hit series “Cross,” based on the worldwide bestselling novels by James Patterson, returns to the New York Comic Con stage with an exclusive first look at the second season of the thrilling crime drama. Aldis Hodge is back as Detective Alex Cross, joined by Isaiah Mustafa, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Jeanine Mason, Wes Chatham, Matthew Lillard, and showrunner and executive producer Ben Watkins, for a darker, jaw-dropping, and more unpredictable new season. The panel will reveal shocking new cases, high-stakes revelations, and the intense character moments that have made “Cross” a standout hit.
“Alien: Earth”
October 9, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8 PM
Empire Stage
FX’s “Alien: Earth” crash-lands at New York Comic Con for the first time! Join series creator Noah Hawley, EP David W. Zucker (Scott Free) and the cast of this critically acclaimed sci-fi horror series for an unforgettable discussion. Inspired by the acclaimed feature film franchise, FX’s “Alien: Earth” follows a young woman (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers who make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat. FX’s “Alien: Earth” airs Tuesdays at 8pm ET/PT on FX and is available to stream on Hulu.
“Mr. Robot 10th Anniversary Reunion”
October 9, 2025, 8 PM – 9 PM
Empire Stage
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Golden Globe and Emmy-winning series “Mr. Robot,” with creator Sam Esmail and stars Rami Malek and Christian Slater in a special live taping of Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast. Revisit the groundbreaking series that earned Malek a Primetime Emmy and Slater a Golden Globe, explore behind-the-scenes stories and reflect on the lasting impact of the show that hacked its way into modern-day TV history.
“One Piece”
October 10, 2025, 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Empire Stage
Join Toei Animation for an exciting look at what’s next in the world of “One Piece.” Featuring special guests Series Director Wataru Matsumi, Producer Ryuta Koike, and English Voice Actors Ian Sinclair [Brook] and Madeleine Morris [Lilith], this panel offers exclusive conversations around the anime’s latest developments – and beyond. You won’t want to miss a few surprises planned just for NYCC!
“Hazbin Hotel”
October 10, 2025, 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Main Stage
It’s almost time to check in for Season Two of Prime Video’s “Hazbin Hotel,” so join creator and executive producer Vivienne Medrano, and series stars Erika Henningsen, Blake Roman, Amir Talai, Kimiko Glenn, Alex Brightman, Jessica Vosk, Joel Perez, Lilli Cooper, Krystina Alabado and more for one helluva good panel filled with Season Two insights and breaking news that fans won’t want to miss. Trust Us.
“Trugun Stargaze”
October 10, 2025, 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Empire Stage
The legendary Humanoid Typhoon is back in “Trigun Stargaze”! Join Crunchyroll alongside Yasuhiro Nightow (author), Masako Sato (director), Yota Shirasu (producer, Orange), and Yoshihiro Watanabe (producer, Orange) for an exclusive look at the highly anticipated sequel. Be the first to hear behind-the-scenes insights, and catch the two-episode world premiere!
“Invincible”
October 10, 2025, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Empire Stage
Join Emmy-Award winner Steven Yeun, Gillian Jacobs, co-creator, co-showrunner, executive producer Robert Kirkman, and members of the star-studded voice cast for exclusive conversation filled with Season Four teases, behind-the-scenes insights, and surprises Invincible fans won’t want to miss. Has Invincible recovered from the fight with Conquest? Will things ever be the same with Eve? Will there be more Omni-Man in Season Four? Where is Season Five, William? All questions that may or may not be answered!
“Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe”
October 10, 2025, 6:45 PM – 8 PM
Main Stage
AMC and AMC+ present panels featuring the casts and executive producers from two series within Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe, including the highly anticipated new series “Anne Rice’s Talamasca: The Secret Order,” focused on the secretive society responsible for tracking and containing the witches, vampires, and other creatures around the globe, ahead of its October 26 premiere on AMC and AMC+, and the new rock-and-roll season of “Anne Rice’s The Vampire Lestat,” which follows rockstar Lestat and his band on tour and returns in 2026.
“The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon”
October 10, 2025, 8:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Main Stage
Ahead of season three’s final two episodes, the cast and executive producers discuss the remainder of the season, which tracks Carol and Daryl as they continue their journey towards home and the ones they love, and share exclusive new footage from the show.
“IT: Welcome to Derry”
October 11, 2025, 11 AM – 12 PM
Empire Stage
Join cast and creatives for an exclusive look at never-before-seen footage from HBO’s upcoming series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY, from Warner Bros. Television. Panelists include: Andy Muschietti (Director, EP), Barbara Muschietti (EP), Jason Fuchs (Co-Showrunner, EP), Brad Caleb Kane (Co-Showrunner, EP), Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Kimberly Guerrero, and Stephen Rider.
“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Reunion”
October 11, 2025, 11 AM – 12 PM
Main Stage
Your favorite agents have returned to NYCC —this time for a special cast reunion with the stars who helped turn a one-shot revival into seven seasons of unforgettable storytelling. Join Clark Gregg (Agent Phil Coulson), Ming-Na Wen (Agent Melinda May), and Chloe Bennet (Daisy Johnson/Quake) as they reflect on the show’s lasting legacy, share behind-the-scenes stories, and celebrate the passionate fan community that kept the S.H.I.E.L.D. mission alive. From “Coulson Lives!” to the rise of Quake and the saga of time-hopping agents and LMDs, this is the ultimate reunion for anyone who rode the bus from day one.
“Marvel Television and Marvel Animation”
October 11, 2025, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Empire Stage
Join special guests for a look behind the scenes at Marvel’s upcoming Disney+ shows from Marvel Television and Marvel Animation.
“Bob’s Burgers”
October 11, 2025, 2 PM – 3 PM
Main Stage
“Bob’s Burgers” is heading to New York Comic Con! Join creator and executive producer Loren Bouchard and cast members H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Eugene Mirman, Dan Mintz and Larry Murphy as they celebrate the series’ milestone 300th episode with a lively discussion, behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive sneak peek clips, and plenty of laughs. Don’t miss your chance to catch the Belchers live at the Javits Center – Main Stage.
“Star Trek Universe”
October 11, 2025, 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Empire Stage
The fan-favorite Star Trek universe panel returns to New York Comic Con, featuring exclusive sneak peeks and conversations with cast members and producers from the Paramount+ Original “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” and the upcoming new series “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.” Plus, more exciting reveals and surprises for fans in attendance that you won’t want to miss!
“Breaking Bear”
October 11, 2025, 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
Main Stage
Breaking Bear is a fur-flying, law-breaking, forest-saving rampage following a dysfunctional family of bears who go full criminal to stop frackers, mobsters, and a psychotic wolf pack from destroying their home. As they spiral deeper into the criminal abyss, they face off against biker gangs, an egomaniacal news anchor, and their own spectacular talent for self-sabotage. Join panelists, Oscar winner Brendan Fraser, Emmy winner Sarah Michelle Gellar, Emmy winner Annie Murphy and Elizabeth Hurley. “Breaking Bear” will premiere on Tubi in 2026.
“The Beauty”
October 11, 2025, 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
Main Stage
Be among the first to catch a sneak-peek of FX’s “The Beauty,” a new international thriller from executive producer, writer, and director Ryan Murphy. Join stars Evan Peters, Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, Rebecca Hall and Ashton Kutcher as they discuss filming the sci-fi action series across New York, Paris, Venice and Rome. Based on the comic books of the same name by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley, a sexually transmitted virus makes those affected more beautiful, but with deadly consequences. FX’s “The Beauty” premieres on Hulu in early 2026.
“Avatar: The Last Airbender 20th Anniversary”
October 12, 2025, 11 AM – 12 PM
Main Stage
20 Years. 4 Elements. 1 Avatar. Nickelodeon is celebrating “Avatar: The Last Airbender’s” 20th anniversary with a panel that will take fans on a special journey through the legacy of the Avatar-verse. Join original voice cast members as they celebrate one of the most beloved animated series of all time. Yip Yip!
“Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake”
October 12, 2025, 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Main Stage
Take your nearest subway, taxi, or multiversal portal to the Javits Center cause Adventure Time is returning to New York Comic Con! Join executive producer and showrunner Adam Muto along with voice cast members Madeleine Martin, Roz Ryan, and Ashly Burch for an exclusive sneak peek at the multiversal adventures that await in Season 2 of the HBO Max Original series from Cartoon Network Studios, “Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake.
MOVIE PANELS
“Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Chiklis in Conversation”
October 9, 2025, 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Main Stage
Reed Richards and Ben Grimm are back! Join Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Chiklis for a lively, nostalgic conversation as they reflect on bringing Marvel’s First Family to life in “Fantastic Four” and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.”Hear behind-the-scenes stories from the set, learn how they built the dynamic between Mr. Fantastic and The Thing, and discover what it was like to step into such iconic roles before the Marvel movie boom really began. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Marvel’s First Family or just love hearing great Hollywood stories, this panel is a can’t-miss trip back to the Baxter Building.
“Mercy”
October 9, 2025, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Empire Stage
Step into the world of Mercy with Chris Pratt (actor), Kali Reis (actor), and Timur Bekmambetov (director/producer). Set in the near future, an LAPD detective (Pratt) wakes up strapped to an execution chair, on trial for murdering his wife. He has 90 minutes to prove his innocence to Judge Maddox (Rebecca Ferguson), an advanced A.I. system, or face immediate death. Get an exclusive first look at this high-stakes sci-fi crime thriller and hear directly from the cast and director as they reveal how they brought this race-against-time story to life! “Mercy” hits theaters on January 23, 2026.
“The Running Man”
October 10, 2025, 11 AM – 12 PM
Empire Stage
Writer/Director Edgar Wright joins stars Glen Powell and Lee Pace for an exclusive look at this fall’s adrenaline-fueled, action-packed theatrical event. Adapted from the acclaimed best seller by Stephen King, “The Running Man” is only in theatres this November.
“Sigourney Weaver Q&A”
October 10, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Main Stage
Join screen legend Sigourney Weaver as she sits down with Josh Horowitz of Happy Sad Confused to discuss her work in the legendary “Alien” films as well as her other iconic sci-fi roles.
“BlumFest”
October 10, 2025, 8 PM – 9 PM
Empire Stage
Blumhouse returns to the Javits Center for an explosive third year with BlumFest 2025 at New York Comic Con! The company will showcase its terrifying upcoming projects for this year plus an electrifying sneak peek at what’s upcoming for 2026.
“Mortal Kombat II”
October 11, 2025, 5 PM – 6 PM
Empire Stage
Return to the brutal glory of the Earthrealm in New Line Cinema’s all-new “Mortal Kombat II”! The Warner Bros. Pictures presentation at NYCC will offer fans a glimpse into the latest high-stakes installment in the blockbuster video game-inspired film franchise. The panel guests include stars Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Tati Gabrielle and Martyn Ford, along with filmmakers Simon McQuoid and Ed Boon, and screenwriter Jeremy Slater, moderated by a special guest.
“X-Men: Days of Future Past Reunion”
October 12, 2025, 12 PM – 1 PM
Empire Stage
Mutants assemble! Join James McAvoy (Professor Charles Xavier) and Elliot Page (Kitty Pryde) for a special reunion celebrating their unforgettable roles in the X-Men film franchise. From the halls of Xavier’s School to the time-bending events of “Days of Future Past,” these fan-favorite stars reflect on what it meant to bring Marvel’s mutants to life on the big screen. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, character insights, and plenty of love for the films that reshaped superhero cinema for a new generation. No Cerebro required—just bring your inner mutant.
“The Matrix Reunion”
October 12, 2025, 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Empire Stage
Step back into the groundbreaking world of “The Matrix” with Joe Pantoliano (Cypher) and Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus), moderated by Josh Horowitz! Join these iconic stars as they reminisce about the making of the sci-fi phenomenon that redefined cinema. From mind-bending stunts and revolutionary visual effects to the unforgettable philosophy and world-building that continue to inspire fans and filmmakers alike, this panel is a deep dive into the reality-bending universe of the Matrix. Under Josh Horowitz’s guidance, the cast will share behind-the-scenes stories, reflect on the experience of filming some of the most iconic action sequences in movie history, and discuss their characters’ journeys through a world where nothing is as it seems. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the Matrix, this conversation promises insight, nostalgia, and a few surprises from the legends who brought this universe to life.”
“Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc”
October 12, 2025, 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Main Stage
Get an inside look at the making of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc with the creative team behind the film, brought to you by MAPPA! The film hits U.S. theaters on October 24, 2025. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, creative insights, and what to expect as the team gets ready to bring it to the big screen.
