Behold! Here’s what Gal Gidot looks like as Wonder Woman.”
Credit: Warner Bros.
Here’s the nine things you missed at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, the massively attended nerd-fest celebrating all things pop culture.
1. The big surprise? No surprises.
This was the apparently the year of studios keeping things to themselves. No big casting revelations like Doctor Strange or Captain Marvel, no new comic book movie release dates announced. Marvel, DC and their respective studios showed the fans a good time, sure, but not necessarily their money’s worth.
2. First look at Wonder Woman
While it wasn’t really a surprise, it was nice of Zack Snyder to unveil the first image of Gal Gidot as Wonder Woman in the upcoming “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.” And of course that immediately led to hours of debate online about whether the costume was the best thing ever or the worst thing ever.
3. Bring on “Last of Us”
OK, here’s some big news: One of the most ambitious and most successful video games in recent years, the dystopian “Last of Us,” is making the jump to the big screen thanks to director Sam Raimi (“Spider-Man,” “Drag Me to Hell”). The game has sold more than 7 million copies worldwide.
4. TV takes over
This Comic-Con was pretty lackluster as far as film was concerned compared to previous years (see sidebar), but the current Golden Age of Television — and legions of fans — made up for it, with packed houses for the likes of “Game of Thrones,” “The Walking Dead” and “Hannibal.” Who needs to go to the multiplex, anyway?
5. The “Walking Dead” BBQ of questionable taste
As far as promotional events go, inviting fans to a barbecue on a replica set from your hit series is a great idea — except when, like with the new season of “The Walking Dead,” the setting in question is rumored to be run by cannibals. Let’s just say it left a bad taste in my mouth.
No, Henry Cavilll’s Superman isn’t becoming a Jedi, but if he did this is what it would look like.
Credit: Zack Snyder’s Twitter feed
6. Henry Cavill as a Jedi
Zack Snyder actually had more fun with the Comic-Con crowd before he showed than he did during his Hall H panel. The “Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice” director posted a photo to Twitter early in the Con of “Man of Steel” star Henry Cavill in his Superman costume — but with an added Jedi robe and lightsaber. Now that is a movie we would line up to see.
7. New faces in Westeros
George R.R. Martin introduced some exciting new faces to the “Game of Thrones” world that he can shockingly kill off once viewers have gotten attached to them. The Newcomers include Jonathan Pryce, Keisha Castle-Hughes and Alexander Siddig. Don’t get too comfortable, guys.
8. Comic-Con virgins
This year’s Comic-Con saw several big names making their debut visits to the massive event, including Sir Ben Kingsley, Daniel Radcliffe, Matthew McConaughey and — surprisingly — Christopher Nolan, who managed to avoid the convention during all of his “Dark Knight” trilogy work. “I thought I’d come and see what all the fuss was about,” the director said during his “Interstellar” panel.
9. Cosplay is contagious
Speaking of first-timers, “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe finally made an appearance at Comic-Con, promoting his Halloween release, “Horns.” And he didn’t disappoint during his maiden visit, even visiting the crowded Convention Center floor — in a Spider-Man costume.
Follow Ned Ehrbar on Twitter @nedrick
