Culture Representation: Taking place in 2008, in the fictional town of Venus, Oregon, the horror film “The Strangers: Chapter 1” (a direct sequel to 2008’s “The Strangers”) features a predominantly white cast of characters (with one Latin person) representing the working-class and middle-class.
Culture Clash: A dating couple, who are on a cross-country road trip from New York to Oregon, experience deadly terror when they are targeted by three masked strangers at a remote house in the woods.
Culture Audience: “The Strangers: Chapter 1” will appeal primarily to people who are fans of the movie’s headliners and the 2008 “The Strangers” movie, but this dull sequel is a pathetic imitation of the original “The Strangers” movie.
Froy Gutierrez and Madelaine Petsch in “The Strangers: Chapter 1” (Photo by John Armour/Lionsgate)
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” should be called “The Strangers: 1 More Cash Grab.” This sequel is nothing but a stale, boring and inferior retread of the original 2008 horror movie “The Strangers.” “The Strangers: Chapter 1” is supposed to be the first movie in a trilogy that happens directly after the events of 2008’s “The Strangers,” which wasn’t a very original movie in the first place, since it’s about killers targeting victims at an isolated place in the woods. But at least 2008’s “The Strangers” movie (starring Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman; written and directed by Bryan Bertino) was very effective in its creepiness and suspense.
Directed by Renny Harlin, “The Strangers: Chapter 1” was written by Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freedland. The movie is a complete insult to anyone who believed the lie that “The Strangers: Chapter 1” filmmakers said when they hyped “The Strangers: Chapter 1” as a movie that would explain more about the three mysterious, masked and unnamed murderers (one man and two women) who caused the terror in 2008’s “The Strangers” movie. “The Strangers: Chapter 1” is supposed to take place the day after the end of “The Strangers.” Viewers of “The Strangers: Chapter 1” will in fact learn nothing new about the three serial killers in this awful movie.
In “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” the three killers are described in the movie’s end credits by the types of masks they wear. The male killer wears a scarecrow hooded mask, so he can be called Scarecrow (played by Matus Lajcak), and he likes to use an axe in his murders. The younger female killer wears a doll mask, so she can be called Dollface (Olivia Kreutzova), who is the only one of the three killers whose speaking voice is heard the most. The older female killer, who wears a Betty Boop-styled mask and can be called Pin-Up (played by Letizia Fabbri), proves to be more unhinged than Dollface. The women are more likely to use knives, but all three killers can also use whatever weapon is at their disposal.
An example of the filmmaker lies about this movie is in a director’s statement in “The Strangers: Chapter 1” production notes. Harlin says: “This was not a remake, nor a prequel or sequel, of the original. This was an incredible opportunity to do something completely groundbreaking. This was one huge horror saga, divided into three chapters. The producers wanted to focus on what happened basically the next day, as the original 2008 film ended.”
What Harlin says about “The Strangers: Chapter 1” not being a sequel is completely false. A movie is a sequel if it shows what three of the main characters did the day after the events of a previous movie. Whoever the masked killers are in “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” they are wearing the same types of masks and target their victims in the same ways as the killers in 2008’s “The Strangers.” And there is nothing groundbreaking about a sequel that essentially copies (with no surprises) many of the same things that a previous movie did.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” rips off the exact same concept as 2008’s “The Strangers”: The three killers target a young couple staying at a house in an isolated wooded area. The unmarried couple even has the same relationship issue in both movies: Someone in the relationship wants more of a commitment (in other words, marriage) than the other person is willing to give. In 2008’s “The Strangers,” the woman in the relationship turned down the man’s marriage proposal (in a rejection that is not shown in the movie) before they take their trip to the woods. In “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” the woman in the relationship wants the man to propose marriage, but he doesn’t really seem interested in taking their relationship to the level of marriage.
The couple at the center of “The Strangers: Chapter 1” (which takes place in 2008) are Ryan (played by Froy Gutierrez) and Maya (played by Madelaine Petsch, one of the executive producers of the movie), who are on a cross-country road trip from New York to Oregon, because Maya has a job interview in Portland, Oregon. (“The Strangers: Chapter 1” was actually filmed in Bratislava, Slovakia.) Ryan is driving for this trip. The movie never reveals anything else that’s meaningful about this couple except that the story takes place on the fifth anniversary that they started dating each other.
The opening scene of “The Strangers: Chapter 1” takes place in the daytime and shows a man in his late 20s or early 30s running frantically through a wooded area, as if he’s being chased. And sure enough, Scarecrow and Pin-Up come out of the shadows and corner him. Scarecrow takes his axe and beheads the man. Viewers later find out that this murder victim’s name is Jeff Morell (played by Ryan Bown), because his photo and name are seen on a missing person flyer at a diner in the rural town of Venus, Oregon, where Ryan and Maya stop to get something to eat. Don’t expect to find out anything else about Jeff in this mindless movie.
Predictably, most of the local people at the diner stare at Ryan and Maya with stereotypical “you’re not from around these parts” suspicion. A hostile-looking and intrusive waitress named Carol (played by Janis Ahern) overhears that Ryan and Maya have been dating for five years and scolds Ryan for “not putting a ring on it” yet. Don’t expect to find out anything substantial about any other people in this small town.
One of the few people at the diner who is openly friendly to Ryan and Maya is a waitress named Shelly (played by Ema Horvath), who helps the couple when Ryan and Maya need a place to stay for the night. Is Shelly really being helpful or is she setting up Ryan and Maya for something dangerous? Don’t expect the movie to answer that question either.
Ryan and Maya need a place to stay in Venus that night because when they leave the diner, they find out that their car won’t start. A mechanic named Rudy (played by Ben Cartwright) says he owns a car repair shop and offers to tow the car to the shop with his assistant Dougie (played by Stevee Davies) helping out. Rudy and Dougie were loitering outside the diner when Ryan and Maya arrived. Rudy tells Ryan and Maya that they have to wait until the next day to order any car parts that are needed to fix the car.
Ryan immediately thinks this is a scam; he suspects that someone tampered with the car so that Rudy could get some money to fix the car. Maya is more trusting and reminds Ryan that they almost crashed into another car when they were on the road because Ryan was distracted while driving. Maya thinks this near-accident could have something to do with the car’s malfunction.
Shelly tells Ryan and Maya that there’s an Airbnb cabin available in the woods. Shelly offers to drive them there after arrangements are made for Ryan and Maya to stay at the cabin. And you know where the rest of the movie is going if you know anything about “The Strangers” movie series, which also includes 2018’s “The Strangers: Prey at Night.”
Dollface is the killer who knocks on the house’s front door multiple times at night. And when someone answers the door, Dollface asks for someone whom she knows isn’t there. She has a monotone voice and is in the shadows, so whoever answers the door can’t really get a good look at her. Scarecrow does the most brutal kills, while Pin-Up often follows his lead. Pin-Up and Scarecrow appear to be a couple, based on their body language.
In “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” Ryan and Maya do all the nonsensical things that people in stupid horror movies do. One of the most idiotic decisions is during a scene when Ryan and Maya know that the home has been invaded. One of them finds Ryan’s cell phone inside the house but doesn’t use it to call for help and just plops the phone down on a table. In another scene, Ryan (who has asthma) loses his inhaler while trying to escape, but his asthma never becomes an issue and seems to magically disappear when he is running for his life or is frantically trying to free himself when he’s stuck somewhere in an enclosed space with the killers about to attack.
The performances by the movie’s cast members are nothing special. The screenplay is so lazy and formulaic, there is no real suspense. The last 15 minutes of the film are so bad, they’re almost laughable, although many viewers won’t be laughing if they waste time and money on this dreadfully weak horror flick. There’s an end-credits scene that looks absolutely ridiculous and will not create excitement for the next chapter in this limp story.
In the production notes for “The Strangers: Chapter 1,” director Harlin says of the movie’s three killers: “These are not robotic, masked madmen or madwomen. These are complex characters whose every move, expression, and act reflect the deeper threads and themes of the three movies.” Actually, the three masked killers in this movie are robotic and are not complex at all. (The man in this homicidal trio doesn’t even talk at all in the movie.) Speaking of masks, “The Strangers: Chapter 1” is nothing but a masquerade, pretending to be a terrifying horror story, when it’s just as hollow and soulless as the killers in the movie.
Lionsgate released “The Strangers: Chapter 1” in U.S. cinemas on May 17, 2024.
Norman Reedus in “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” (Photo by Emmanuel Guimier/AMC)
The 18th annual New York Comic Con takes place October 13 to October 15, 2023, in New York City. 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, the company that produces the event. The first New York Comic Con took place in 2006. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, attendees are no longer being asked to wear a face covering/mask while inside a New York Comic Con building. In 2022, attendees were no longer required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, which were requirements in 2021.
In 2023, New York Comic Con’s main hub remains the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which began in July 2023, New York Comic Con in 2023 for the first time will not have panels with cast members of movies, TV shows, or video games that are owned by companies that are members of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)—essentially, any major, corporate-owned company that makes or distributes movies, TVs and video games. If any SAG-AFTRA members make speaking appearances at New York Comic Con, they can’t talk about any “struck” work (work that is part of the strike) that they’ve been involved with in any way.
Exceptions are made for projects owned by companies that are not AMPTP members—in other words, independent projects. Cast members who are involved in these independent projects are allowed to work on and promote those projects. For example, AMC Networks (not a member of AMPTP) has showcases at New York Comic Con in 2023, including a panel on October 12 for AMC’s “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon” that will feature an appearance by star Norman Reedus to promote the show. In August 2023, SAG-AFTRA granted a waiver for AMC shows “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,” “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” and “Interview With the Vampire” for cast members of these three shows to work for and promote these shows during the strike.
TV shows continue to dominate the most high-profile panels and activities. New York Comic Con in 2023 has the following TV shows with panel showcases in the event’s largest rooms: Apple TV+’s astronaut drama “For All Mankind” will have a panel on October 12. The fantasy Web series “Critical Role” gets a spotlight on October 12. Apple TV+s horror series “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” has a showcase on October 13. On October 14, several cast members from Max’s comedy series “Our Flag Means Death” will have panel discussion not about the show (which is struck work) but about themselves and their comedy experiences.
“Star Trek” Universe series will once again get a spotlight at New York Comic Con, with a panel discussion on October 14. Also on October 14, Prime Video will have a two-hour showcase of its sci-fi/fantasy/action/horror programming, with some sneak previews and exclusive footage. The Disney+ live-action fantasy series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” (based on Rick Riordan’s book series) will have a panel and sneak preview on October 15.
“Goosebumps,” the TV series version of R. L. Stine’s fantasy novel series, will show its first episode and have a Q&A with creatives from the show on October 13, the same day that the series will premiere on Disney+ and Hulu. The Season 3 premiere of USA Network/Syfy’s “Chucky” will have its world premiere at New York Comic Con on October 12. More TV show panels with special screenings on October 13 include FX’s animated series “Archer” and Crunchyroll’s anime series “My Hero Academia.”
Other animated series getting their own panels at New York Comic Con include Hulu’s “Futurama” on October 12; Crunchyroll’s “Dragon Ball” series on October 12; Crunchyroll’s “Attack on Titan” on October 13; Netflix’s anime series “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” on October 14. Adult Swim’s “Ricky and Morty,” “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” and “Smiling Friends” have a panel showcase on October 12.
Fox’s animated series “Krapopolis” and “Grimsburg” (a show that debuts in 2024) will share a panel session on October 14. The English-language voice cast members of Crunchyroll’s “One Piece” animated TV series will have a panel on October 14. Disney Channel’s animated series “The Owl House” (2020-2023) has been cancelled, but some of the voice actors from the show are doing an October 15 panel (not sponsored by Disney) to talk about the show.
Henry Cavill, Dua Lip, and John Cena in “Argylle” (Photo by Peter Mountain/Universal Pictures/Apple Original Films/Marv)
Most of the feature films that have panels at New York Comic Con this year are animated films, action films and horror movies. On October 12, sneak preview information will be given about 2024’s “The Strangers” horror film series, directed by Renny Harlin. Shudder is having a panel bringing together several directors of its popular “V/H/S/”horror movie anthology series. Animated films getting their own panels or screenings include “The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes” (anime film dubbed in English) on October 12. The comedy sequel “Good Burger 2” will be showcased on October 15.
[September 12, 2023 UPDATE: A panel for the horror movie “Thanksgiving,” with director Eli Roth in attendance, was set to take place on September 13, but the panel has been cancelled for an unspecified reason.]
On October 12, prolific horror movie/TV producer Jason Blum will talk about his current and upcoming movies, including “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” “Night Swim” and “Totally Killer.” For a panel taking place on October 14, filmmaker Matthew Vaughn will discuss his movies that he’s directed, including “Kick-Ass,” the “Kingsman” series and “Argylle.”
In addition, the 2023 edition of New York Comic Con will have Q&As that each spotlight different actors and actresses. Ewan McGregor (star of several “Star Wars” movies and Disney+’s “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series) will do a Q&A on October 12. David Tennant, who is best known for his starring roles in BBC’s “Doctor Who” and Prime Video’s “Good Omens,” will also do a Q&A on October 12. Several stars from the Marvel Cinematic Universe will take to the stage on October 14: Chris Evans, also known as Captain America, gets a solo spotlight, while “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” co-stars Karen Gillan, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Pom Klementieff and Michael Rooker will do a group discussion. Because they cannot talk about “struck work,” the focus of the talks will be other topics.
Stars of Broadway shows and other musicals are represented on several panels presented by Playbill. “The Big Broadway Nerd Panel” will return and this year will feature Broadway stars such as Casey Likes, Roger Bart and Liana Hunt on an October 12 panel. There are also panels for “Back to the Future: The Musical”(October 13); “Wicked” (October 13); “Death Note: The Musical” (October 14); and “The Broadway Bard Party” (October 15).
The 2023 Harvey Awards Hall of Fame ceremony will be take place during New York Comic Con on October 12. The recipients are Marv Wolfman and George Pérez (who is being inducted posthumously) of DC Comics’ “New Teen Titans” fame; Chris Claremont (Marvel Comics’ “X-Men”); Walt Simonson (Marvel’s “Thor”); Louise Simonson (Marvel’s “Power Pack”)l and Bill Griffith (the nationally syndicated “Zippy the Pinhead” comic strip).
New York Comic Con also offer specialty areas for attendees with specific identity needs. Returning after its 2022 debut is the Pride Lounge (located in Room 1C01-02), for people with LGBTQ interests, with some LGBTQ-themed discussion panels and guest appearances. Family HQ (in Room 1E05-06) is a family-friendly environment, with an emphasis on activities for pre-teen children. In addition, Gaming Zone (in Room 1E) returns to offer a variety of options for gamers. The Community Lounge (located in the River Pavilion) is for informal gatherings and if attendees just need a place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the other areas of the event. Professional Programming (for industry professionals) will also take place in the River Pavilion.
And, of course, there will be plenty of panels, exhibits and previews for comic books, video games, podcasts, fantasy novels and other pop-culture attractions. It wouldn’t be a Comic Con without cosplaying and merchandise sales. The Cosplay Central area returns to the River Pavilion at the Javits Center. While at Cosplay Central, cosplayers can mingle, pose for photos, use the dressing rooms and attend panel discussions. The New York Comic Con finalist round for the Cosplay Central Costume Showcase will take place on October 15 at Main Stage 1D Hall. 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. All celebrities are offering autographs and photos, unless otherwise noted. Prices will vary, according to the celebrity. Participants include:
Charisma Carpenter (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) on October 12 and October 15.
John Carpenter (“Halloween,” “The Thing”) on October 13, October 14 and October 15
Tim Curry (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “It”) on October 12 and October 13.
Rhys Darby (“Our Flag Means Death,” “Flight of the Conchords”) on October 14 and October 15.
Chris Evans (“The Avengers” and “Captain America” movies) on October 13 and October 14.
Karen Gillan (“Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, “Jumanji” movies) on October 13 and October 14.
Sean Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, “Gilmore Girls”) on October 13 and October 14.
Tom Hiddleston (“Thor” movies, “Loki”) on October 14 and October 15.
Chukwudi Iwuji (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”) on October 12, October 13 and October 14.
Pom Klementieff (“Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, “Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One”) on October 12, October 13 and October 14.
James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Slayers: A Buffyverse Story”) on October 12 and October 15.
Ewan McGregor (“Star Wars” prequel trilogy; “Obi-Wan Kenobi”) on October 12 and October 13.
Shameik Moore (“Spider-Verse” movies, “Samaritan”) on October 13, October 14 and October 15.
Kathryn Newton (“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” “Freaky”) on October 14.
Kathy Najimy (“Hocus Pocus,” “Sister Act”) on October 13 and October 15.
Ron Perlman (“Hellboy,” “Sons of Anarchy”) on October 14 and October 15.
Michael Rooker (“Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, “The Walking Dead”) on October 12, October 13 and October 14.
Katee Sackoff (“Battlestar Galactica,” “The Mandalorian”) on October 14 and October 15.
Susan Sarandon (“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Blue Beetle”) on October 12 and October 13.
David Tennant (“Doctor Who,” “Good Omens”) on October 13 and October 14.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” “Birds of Prey”) on October 12 and October 13.
TELEVISION AND WEB SERIES PANELS
(All panel descriptions are courtesy of New York Comic Con.)
“The Cast of Critical Role”
October 12, 2023, 11 AM – 12 PM
Empire Stage
From Twitch streaming to a tabletop media empire, Critical Role has grown significantly from their humble beginnings. Join the cast as they sit down at NYCC to chat about their history together and answer fan questions! Panelists: Matthew Mercer, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, Sam Riegel, Liam O’Brien, Ashley Johnson, Marisha Ray and Taliesin Jaffe.
“Dragon Ball”
October 12, 2023, 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Empire Stage
Delivering the latest information on the world-famous manga and anime franchise “Dragon Ball.” We will talk about new developments in the “Dragon Ball” series, along with a mysterious new teaser. Also the appearance of special guests!
“Dr. Stone”
October 12, 2023, 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Main Stage
The beloved sci-fi, animated series “Futurama” triumphantly returned to Hulu with all new-episodes after a 10-year hiatus. Celebrate with a room full of “Futurama” fans as we screen the season finale episode and get a sneak peek at Season 12, followed by a panel with the creatives behind the show.
“Futurama”
October 12, 2023, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Main Stage
We’re celebrating 10 years of the “Attack on Titan” anime! Join Crunchyroll and the “Attack on Titan” main dub cast for a special program, including Q&A and activities, as we look back at the long journey of AOT.
“The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon”
October 12, 2023, 4:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Empire Stage
NYCC attendees will be the first to see The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season finale ahead of its airing on Sunday, October 15 at 9pm ET/8c on AMC and AMC+, followed by a Q&A with Chief Content Officer of the Walking Dead Universe Scott M. Gimple, Showrunner David Zabel and Executive Producer Greg Nicotero and moderated by Entertainment Weekly’s Dalton Ross.
“Scavengers Reign”
October 12, 2023, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Room 405
Join Max Original Animation for an expansive conversation surrounding “Scavengers Reign.” Co-Creator/executive producer Joe Bennett and the team of writers and directors Benjy Brooke, Sean Buckelew, and James Merrill will explore and dive into the creative process that has turned their award-winning animated short into Max’s newest adult animation series. The panel features a first look into the season with a screening of the debut episode before it premieres on Max.
“Adult Swim”
October 12, 2023, 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM
Main Stage
Immerse yourself in the world of Adult Swim with a must-see screening event. NYCC fans will be the first to see a collection of new Adult Swim content from the Emmy-winning global phenomenon “Rick and Morty,” the iconic, long-running series “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” the second season of the hit series “Smiling Friend,” and more breaking news. This is a can’t-miss event for Adult Swim fans.
“Monarch: The Legacy of Monsters”
October 13, 2023, 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Empire Stage
Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch. Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army officer Lee Shaw (played by Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows. The dramatic saga – spanning three generations – reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives. Panelists: Chris Black, Matt Fraction, Tory Tunnell, Andy Goddard, Ronna Kress and Sean Konrad.
“Attack on Titan: 10 Years of Anime”
October 13, 2023, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Empire Stage
We’re celebrating 10 years of the “Attack on Titan” anime! Join Crunchyroll and the “Attack on Titan” main dub cast for a special program, including Q&A and activities, as we look back at the long journey of AOT.
“Goosebumps”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIiUwbBxZo8
October 13, 2023, 3 PM – 4 PM
Main Stage
Join the team behind “Goosebumps” as they screen the premiere episode of the chilling new series, inspired by R.L. Stine’s worldwide bestselling books, debuting October 13 on Disney+ and Hulu.
“My Hero Academia”
October 13, 2023, 5 PM – 6 PM
Empire Stage
Join Crunchyroll for the world premiere of the new Original Episode from My Hero Academia Season 6, UA HEROES BATTLE! This exclusive early screening features the English dub, and will be available to NYCC attendees before Japan. Get ready for some card game action that will showcase your favorite heroes like never before!
“Evil”
October 13, 2023, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Room 405
In honor of all things “Evil,” Friday the 13th, and the upcoming fourth season of the series coming exclusively to Paramount+, fans will be treated to a special screening of a fan-favorite episode. Fans will also have a chance to participate in an “Evil”-themed trivia contest, so study up and come prepared to win demonic swag!
“Shining Vale”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiJlR9bQxnA
October 13, 2023, 6 PM – 7 PM
Room 405
Watch the first two episodes of season two of Starz’s hit horror-comedy “Shining Vale.” Attend for a chance to win tickets to the SOLD OUT premiere night party, “Escape to #ShiningVale!” on Friday, October 13. Must be present to win.
“Chucky”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9NtkEWqkeI
October 13, 2023, 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM
Empire Stage
The murderous doll we all know and love is back for more mischief just in time for Halloween! Join Chucky for an exclusive screening of a new episode from the series and much more. “Chucky” airs Wednesdays at 9PM on USA & SYFY.
“The Changeling”
October 13, 2023, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Room 405
Adapted from the acclaimed best-selling book of the same name, “The Changeling” is a fairytale for grown-ups — a horror story, a parenthood fable and a perilous odyssey through a New York City you didn’t know existed. Join us for a special “Friday the 13th” Q&A with some of the brilliant minds behind the all-new dark, mythical fairytale that will intrigue viewers at every shocking turn, hosted by “The Changeling” author, Victor LaValle. The eight-part drama stars and is executive produced by Academy Award-nominee LaKeith Stanfield and created by Kelly Marcel, who also serves as executive producer.
“Rhys Darby, Con O’Neill, Vico Ortiz, Nathan Foad, Kristian Nairn & Matthew Maher In Conversation”
October 14, 2023, 10:45 AM – To Be Determined
Empire Stage
Join these six comedic geniuses as the talk about their craft and their careers.
“Krapopolis” and “Grinsburg”
October 14, 2023, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Main Stage
FOX Entertainment is bringing “Krapopolis” and “Grimsburg” to New York Comic Con! Set in mythical ancient Greece, “Krapopolis” tells the story of a dysfunctional family of humans, gods and monsters that try their hand at running the world’s first cities – without trying to kill each other, that is. Created and exec produced by Dan Harmon (“Rick and Morty”), the series features the voices of Hannah Waddingham, Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry, Pam Murphy and Duncan Trussell. “Grimsburg,” the all-new animated comedy starring and executive produced by Jon Hamm, joins the iconic FOX Animation Domination block in 2024. Grimsburg centers on Marvin Flute (Hamm), who may be the greatest detective ever to catch a cannibal clown and correctly identify a mid-century modern armoire. But there’s one mystery he still can’t crack — himself. To do that he must return to “Grimsburg,” a town where everyone has a secret or three, and redeem himself in the eyes of his fellow detectives, his ferocious ex-wife and his lovably unstable son.
“Star Trek Universe”
October 14, 2023, 1:45 PM – 3 PM
Empire Stage
The fan-favorite “Star Trek” universe returns to New York Comic Con, featuring a special advance screening of an all-new episode from the current season of the hit Paramount+ original animated comedy series “Star Trek: Lower Decks” plus more exciting reveals and surprises for “Star Trek” fans in attendance. Panelists: Mike McMahan and Alex Kurtzman.
“Prime Video Presents: The Power of Prime”
October 14, 2023, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Empire Stage
Join Prime Video at New York Comic Con’s Empire Stage for a special presentation featuring exclusive first looks and never-before-seen footage of returning fan-favorite series and highly anticipated new series.
“Scott Pilgrim Takes Off”
October 14, 2023, 5 PM – 6 PM
Main Stage
Bryan Lee O’Malley, BenDavid Grabinski & Edgar Wright are bringing back the beloved cult-classic world of Scott Pilgrim with the upcoming Netflix series, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. In this new reimagining of the beloved comics, Scott Pilgrim meets the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers, but learns he must defeat her seven evil exes in order to date her. Then things get even more complicated. Join Bryan & BenDavid for a Q&A and exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming anime series from UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, and animation studio, Science SARU. Based on the graphic novels by Bryan Lee O’Malley.
“One Piece Dub Villains Panel”
October 14, 2023, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Main Stage
Join Crunchyroll and Toei Animation for an early “One Piece” dub episode premiere screening followed by Q&A with the English dubbed voices for some of One Piece’s most iconic villains. Panelists: David Sobolov (English voice of Kaido), Gabe Kunda (English voice of King).
“The Owl House”
October 15, 2023, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Room 405
Come back to the Boiling Isles with Sarah-Nicole Robles (she/her; Luz Noceda), Avi Roque (they/them; Raine Whispers), Cissy Jones (she/her; Lilith Clawthorne), and Mela Lee (she/her; Kikimora) as they recount favorite stories from their time on The Owl House, and why giraffes are absolutely terrifying. This event is not being organized or sponsored by Disney.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians”
October 15, 2023, 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Empire Stage
The highly anticipated Disney+ Original series makes its debut at New York Comic-Con with an exclusive sneak peek. Based on the best-selling book series by award-winning author Rick Riordan, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod, Percy Jackson, who’s just coming to terms with his newfound divine powers. When the sky god, Zeus, accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt, Percy sets off on an adventure of a lifetime with his friends, Grover and Annabeth, to find it and restore order to Olympus. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” will debut with a two-episode premiere on December 20 on Disney+.
MOVIE PANELS
(All panel descriptions are courtesy of New York Comic Con.)
Blumfest NYCC
October 12, 2023, 7 PM – 8 PM
Empire Stage
Blum is in the house. Blumhouse founder and reigning king of horror Jason Blum, the producer of “M3GAN,” the “Halloween” trilogy and “The Black Phone” reveals exclusive details about the company’s terrifying upcoming films, including “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” “Night Swim” and “Totally Killer.”
“Shudder Presents: The Latest in Horror”
October 13, 2023, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Main Stage
In celebration of the return of the popular V/H/S franchise – V/H/S/85 begins streaming on October 6 – Shudder brings together directors from each installment of the horror phenomenon to talk about their respective films, the horror genre today, the evolution of the franchise and what’s to come. The panel, moderated by Shudder’s VP of Programming Samuel Zimmerman, will feature David Bruckner (V/H/S/1), Chloe Okuno (V/H/S/94), Natasha Kermani (V/H/S/85), Jason Eisener (V/H/S/2), and Tyler McIntyre (V/H/S/99), among others.
“Karen Gillan, Chukwudi Iwuji, Michael Rooker, Sean Gunn & Pom Klementieff In Conversation”
Star of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” gather for a discussion.
October 14, 2023, 11 AM – To Be Determined
Main Stage
“Matthew Vaughn: From Kick-Ass to Kingsman to Argylle”
October 14, 2023, 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
Empire Stage
With his brand new spy thriller “Argylle in the can, master filmmaker Matthew Vaughn takes you behind the curtain of the blockbusters that could only come from his twisted mind, including “Kick-Ass,” “The Kingsman” films, “X-Men: First Class,” “Stardust” and “Layer Cake.”
“Good Burger 2”
October 15, 2023, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Main Stage
This panel will feature never-before-seen clips and artwork from “Good Burger 2,” the all-new Paramount+ original movie and sequel to the iconic ‘90s feature film based on the sketch from Nickelodeon’s hit comedy series “All That.” “Good Burger 2” will premiere later this year exclusively on Paramount+.
