This year’s Comic-Con in San Diego is set to begin on July 19, but some of the biggest studios in Hollywood will not be present. Universal Pictures, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Sony Pictures, and Netflix are among the studios that have decided against attending the fan convention. This decision was made due to the ongoing labor issues in Hollywood, with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) currently on strike and SAG-AFTRA still negotiating with the studios. The actors’ contract is up on June 30, making it uncertain whether they will attend the event. The studios have decided not to plan a major presence at Comic-Con in case the actors and writers are unwilling to attend.
Impact on Comic-Con and Other Film and TV-Focused Events
Comic-Con has already been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the main event being canceled in 2020 and 2021. This year’s event was expected to make up for the lost time, but the absence of major studios will be a blow to attendees who were hoping to hear about and potentially see upcoming movies such as Disney’s Haunted Mansion and Lucasfilm’s Ahsoka. The Television Critics Association’s summer press tour has also been canceled, and there are questions as to whether the Emmys will go ahead in September.
Possible Last-Minute Appearances and Bright Spots
While the major studios have decided against attending Comic-Con, sources close to some of them have indicated that plans may change if the labor issues are resolved. There is still a chance of last-minute appearances. On a brighter note, there will be a presence for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and a Sonic the Hedgehog restaurant will be opening. HBO will not have a major presence at Comic-Con, but its sister streamer Max may attend, bringing some unannounced animated projects.
The labor issues in Hollywood have caused major studios to skip this year’s Comic-Con, which will be a blow to attendees who were hoping to hear about upcoming movies and TV shows. The ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America and negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the studios have created uncertainty, making it difficult for studios to plan a major presence at the event. However, there is still a chance of last-minute appearances, and some bright spots, such as the presence of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and the opening of a Sonic the Hedgehog restaurant.