The Horrors of Comic-Con

Halloween, Saw IV – full schedule!

Following up on what we started here, a full schedule for the San Diego Comic-Con is available online. And once again, here are some updated horror highlights. (Our two cents is in italics.)

Thursday, July 26:

11:00-12:00 Spike TV’s Scream Awards: Frak the Oscars!—Celebrate Hollywood’s often-ignored genres of horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and comic books with Spike TV’s Scream Awards. Hear several masterminds of the genres discuss the challenges, surprises, and future of these categories. Be the first to hear as the recipient of the 2007 Comic Con Icon Award is announced. And Spike TV wants to hear from you, the fans! Let them know your ideas for categories that should be included at the 2007 Scream Awards. Room 3

11:00-12:00 DVD Sneak Peak 2007 — Bill Hunt and Todd Doogan of The Digital Bits.com, along with DVD producers Charles de Lauzirika (Blade Runner: The Final Cut; Twin Peaks: The Complete Series), Robert Meyer Burnett (Shoot ‘Em Up, Valkyrie), and Javier Soto (Hellboy 2), offer exclusive sneak peeks of great upcoming DVD and high-def special editions in the works for release later this year. Exclusive footage from Blade Runner and Twin Peaks will be shown. Q&A will follow if time permits. Room 5AB (We know some of these guys and they’ve got some GREAT things in-the-works!)

1:00-2:00 Rosario Dawson: Occult Crimes Taskforce — Actress Rosario Dawson (Grindhouse, Clerks 2, Sin City) is joined by her creative team, writer David Atchison and illustrator Tony Shasteen, as well as 12 Gauge Comics’ Keven Gardner (The Ride) and Gus Vazquez, for a Q&A session about their hit comic series Occult Crimes Taskforce. With their first trade paperback in stores now and new stories on the horizon, the O.C.T. is just gearing up! Find out about the upcoming miniseries and get an update on Dimension’s Occult Crimes Taskforce feature film. Room 6A (This is your chance to see one sexy lady talk like a geek – she does it oh so well, plus she might drop a few scoops about that aforementioned “miniseries”!)

1:30-3:30 Paramount Pictures—Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, and Nickelodeon Movies present a bold new vision for the future of adventure. Be here for a one-of-a-kind presentation put together just for the fans at Comic-Con as you get a look at such highly anticipated films as Beowulf, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Stardust, Hot Rod, Iron Man, and the next installments of Indiana Jones and Star Trek, plus a few surprises. Appearing in person: JJ Abrams, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, Neil Gaiman, Roger Avary, and SNL’s Andy Samberg. Hall H (Cloverfield!)

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Dan Brereton—One of the first painters in comics, Dan Brereton’s rich art style perfectly compliments his storytelling. Brereton is celebrating the appropriate spooky 13th anniversary of his signature creation, The Nocturnals, this year and he’ll talk about their return along with his other work in this special Spotlight panel. Room 3

3:00-4:30 Starz Media: Harryhausen Returns and Hatchet—Two great new features are previewed in this event. First up it’s Harryhausen Returns, with motion picture special effects legend Ray Harryhausen talking about his upcoming feature film, Ares: God of War, a new adventure of Jason and the Argonauts, produced by Starz Media. Harryhausen will be joined by the film’s producers, Karen Bailey and Kevin VanHook. VanHook is also well known in the comic world as one-time executive editor for Valiant Comics and the co-creator/writer of the Bloodshot series and writer of the Flash Gordon Sunday comic strip. Also joining the panel will be actor/martial artist Ray Park, best know as Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode One and Toad in X-Men. With Hatchet, writer/director Adam Green celebrates old-school American horror with his upcoming film featuring the new slasher icon Victor Crowley! See what makes Victor tick with Green and stars of the film, including horror legends Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger), Kane Hodder (Jason Voorhees), and Tony Todd (Candyman), along with Tamara Feldman (Perfect Stranger), Mercedes McNab (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Joleigh Fioreavanti (Nip/Tuck), and Deon Richmond (Not Another Teen Movie). Room 6CDEF (Old school meets news school, what a bizarre pairing! But Adam Green has been “touring” the country stirring up interest in his slasher flick and his stage presence is great!)

3:45-5:15 Lionsgate — Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Lionsgate’s biggest upcoming releases. First up, Jessica Alba (Fantastic Four), Dane Cook (Employee of the Month), Dan Fogler (Balls of Fury), and director Mark Helfrich take you behind the scenes of Good Luck Chuck. Then Jessica is joined by directors David Moreau and Xavier Palud (Them) for a haunting glimpse into The Eye. Horror master Clive Barker and the cast of Midnight Meat Train take you on a terror trip through hell. Finally, director Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II, Saw III), Tobin Bell (Saw I, II and III) and the filmmakers of Saw IV invite you to play a game in the cruel and deadly world of Jigsaw. Hall H (‘Nuff said!)

4:00-5:00 Where Did That Come From? Dark Fantasy and Suspense Authors Discuss Their Darkest Ideas—They’re the ones who made their parent/significant other/child/editor inquire, “Where did that come from?” Authors F. Paul Wilson (Repairman Jack novels), David Morrell (Captain America: The Chosen), Jeffrey J. Mariotte (Missing White Girl), Simon Wood (Accidents Waiting to Happen), Christopher Golden (The Myth Hunters), Stephen Woodworth (From Black Rooms), Mike Carey (The Devil You Know), and Richard Kadrey Butcher Bird) reveal their inner darkness with moderator Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 2

4:45-5:45 Spotlight on George Romero—George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead) is the undisputed master of zombie genre films, and Max Brooks (World War Z, Zombie Survival Guide) has written the best-selling zombie novels. Join these two titans of the undead as Max sits down for a personal interview with George, talking about everything zombies! Room 6CDEF

Friday, July 27:

10:30-12:00 Warner Bros.—Warner Bros. presents a sneak peek at some of its upcoming major film releases!

The Invasion is a nightmarish journey into a world where the only way to stay alive is to stay awake. The mysterious crash of the space shuttle leads to the terrifying discovery that there is something alien within the wreckage. Those who come in contact with it are changing in ominous and inexplicable ways. Producer Joel Silver appears in person.

In the supernatural thriller One Missed Call, people receive terrifying cell phone messages of their own final fatal moments. Stars Edward Burns and Shannyn Sossamon will be on stage to introduce film footage and answer questions.

In Whiteout, Kate Beckinsale stars as Carrie Stetko, the lone U.S. Marshal assigned to Antarctica, whose investigation of the continent’s first murder draws her into a shocking mystery. Now, with only three days until winter, Carrie must solve the crime before Antarctica is plunged into darkness and she is stranded with the killer. Star Kate Beckinsale appears in-person.

From writer/directors Larry and Andy Wachowski, the creators of the groundbreaking The Matrix trilogy, and producer Joel Silver comes the live-action, high-octane family adventure Speed Racer. Based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida, the live-action Speed Racer will showcase the kind of revolutionary visual effects and cutting-edge storytelling that have become the benchmarks of the Wachowski Brothers’ films.

In the all-new action comedy Get Smart, Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) is on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS.

In Trick ‘R Treat, the tricks and treats of Halloween turn deadly as strange creatures of every variety—human and otherwise—try to survive the scariest night of the year. Mike Dougherty appears in-person to discuss his directorial debut produced by Bryan Singer.

Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, Watchmen was originally published by DC comics as a 12-issue comic book series between 1986 and 1987, before subsequently being collected into a trade paperback. It is the only graphic novel to win the prestigious Hugo Award or to be named among Time magazine’s “100 Best English Language Novels from 1923 to the Present.” Director Zack Snyder will appear in-person to discuss the upcoming film and answer questions. Hall H

11:00-12:00 Reaper: Exclusive Pilot Screening—Be among the first to see this special version of the Reaper pilot directed by Kevin Smith, introduced by Missy Peregrym (Heroes). For the first 20 years of his life, Sam (Bret Harrison, Grounded For Life, The Loop) has wondered why his parents went so easy on his slacker ways—until the day Sam turns 21 and discovers the ungodly reason his parents let him slide: They sold his soul to the devil before he was even born. Satan himself (Ray Wise, 24) drops by to personally explain that Sam must now serve as his bounty hunter, tracking down evil souls that have escaped and returning them to Hell. Bolstered by his love for co-worker Andi (Missy Peregrym) and with the goofball help of his friends and fellow slackers, Bert “Sock” Wysocki (Tyler Labine, Boston Legal, Invasion) and Ben (Rick Gonzalez, Coach Carter), Sam faces his destiny as the Reaper. Ballroom 20

11:30-12:30 IDW Publishing—What’s coming up for IDW in ’07 and ’08? Find out in this informative panel that will features big announcements, big guests (Cory Doctorow, Mike Baron, and Brian Lynch, among others), discussions of upcoming Angel, 30 Days of Night, and Transformers, and more, all presided over by IDW publisher Chris Ryall. Room 4

12:15-2:00 Twentieth Century Fox—Twentieth Century Fox “jumps” into Comic-Con with exclusive looks at some of the most-anticipated movie events of 2007 and 2008. In the epic action-adventure Jumper, a genetic anomaly allows a young man to teleport himself anywhere. The film, opening February 15, 2008, starring Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Jamie Bell, and Samuel L. Jackson, is directed by Doug Liman. The cast and filmmakers will screen footage.

In Aliens vs. Predator, opening December 25, the iconic creatures from two of the scariest film franchises ever are back.

Agent 47 hits the big screen, as Fox present footage from the long-awaited movie adaptation of the legendary videogame franchise Hitman, opening October 12.

Vin Diesel stars in Babylon, A.D., the story of a mercenary hired to deliver a package from the ravages of post-apocalyptic Eastern Europe to a destination in the teeming megalopolis of New York City. Opening February 29, 2008.

From Fox-Walden comes The Dark Is Rising (opening October 5), based on the classic science fiction novel about Will Stanton, a young man who learns he is the last of a group of warriors who have dedicated their lives to fighting the forces of the Dark. Filmmakers and cast will present exclusive footage from the film.

City of Ember (opening October 10, 2008) is a mystical city of lights. But now the city is growing dark and two of its teenagers will need to unlock an ancient mystery and help the citizens escape before the lights go out forever. Director Gil Kenan (Monster House) has put together an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the film. Hall H

12:30-1:30 Vertigo: I Am Legend—Top sf/comic book writers and artists Orson Scott Card, Richard Christian Matheson, Mark Protosevich, Steve Niles, Bill Sienkiewicz, David Levy, and Jason Chan unveil and discuss their contributions to the I Am Legend–inspired comic book, as well as master sf author Richard Matheson’s enduring influence. The limited-edition comic will be available at the panel and at designated times in the DC Comics booth. Room 5AB

1:00-2:00 Joel Silver: Return To House on Haunted Hill and Moonlight—Acclaimed producer Joel Silver (The Matrix Trilogy, V For Vendetta, and the upcoming The Invasion and Speed Racer) and Spanish director Victor Garcia (El Ciclo, 30 Days of Night Internet prequel series) take you back to the infamous Hill House with Return to House on Haunted Hill, out on DVD October 16. For this highly anticipated thrill ride—the sequel to the 1999 number-one box office hit House on Haunted Hill—Silver and Garcia assembled a team of Academy Award–winning special effects wizards to bring the terrifying frights and sounds of the Hill House back to shocking life. Catch a world premiere sneak peek into the new horrors that await you within the House and preview the never before seen “Navigational Cinema” technology that will be featured on the Blu-ray and HD DVD version of the release, allowing you, the viewer, to control the nightmare. The panel also includes the stars of the film: Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator), Amanda Righetti (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), and Cerina Vincent (Cabin Fever).

Moonlight is a new series from Joel Silver and the producers of Angel and Beauty and the Beast. It stars Alex O’Loughlin (The Shield) as Mick St. John, a Los Angeles private eye with a dark secret: he’s a vampire. Using supernatural abilities to walk in the worlds of both light and shadow, Mick tries to atone for the wrongs of his past while contending with both his adversaries and growing conflict within. The series also stars Jason Dohring (Veronica Mars), Sophia Myles (Underworld: Evolution), and Shannyn Sossamon (A Knight’s Tale). Produced by Silver Pictures Television in association with Warner Bros. Television, Moonlight airs Fridays at 9 PM ET/PT this fall on CBS. Room 6A

2:30-4:00 Dimension Films: Halloween and The Mist—Join acclaimed musician and filmmaker Rob Zombie (The Devil’s Rejects, House of 1000 Corpses) and several cast members in a special preview of Zombie’s entirely new take on the highly successful and terrifying Halloween legacy that began in 1978. While revealing a new chapter in the established Michael Myers saga, the film will surprise both classic and modern horror fans with a departure from prior films in the Halloween franchise. Brace yourself for unprecedented fear as Zombie turns back time to uncover the making of a pathologically disturbed, even cursed child named Michael Myers. Halloween comes early this year—opening everywhere on August 31, 2007.

Writer/director and three-time Oscar nominee Frank Darabont, along with actor Thomas Jane (The Punisher) and special guests, presents a sneak preview of The Mist. Based on the Stephen King novella, this highly anticipated film will hit theatres on November 21, 2007. After a violent storm attacks a town in Maine, an approaching cloud of mist appears the next morning. As the mist quickly envelops the area, a group of people get trapped in a local grocery store. The people soon discover that within the mist lives numerous species of horrific, unworldly creatures that entered through an interdimensional rift, which may or may not have been caused by a nearby military base. Ballroom 20

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on F. Paul Wilson — Most famous for his novel The Keep and his Repairman Jack series, author F. Paul Wilson comes to Comic-Con for the first time as a special guest. Paul will discuss his work and his books, including adaptations for comics, in this special Spotlight event. Room 2

6:00-7:00 Spotlight on Ben Templesmith — His evocative and downright scary art helped catapult 30 Days of Night into the major hit stratosphere. Now the vampire series is about to become a major motion picture, and the film’s director, David Slade (Hard Candy), will interview Comic-Con special guest Ben Templesmith about his work. Templesmith, who has gone on to become one of comics’ hottest young artists, will talk about his career and art with Slade, with special emphasis on those 30 Days that put him on the map. Room 2

6:00-8:00 Ray Harryhausen and 20 Million Miles to Earth: 50th Anniversary Edition — 2007 marks the half-century milestone of one of the earliest films by stop-motion animation genius Ray Harryhausen, 20 Million Miles to Earth. The film, which depicts the destruction of Rome by a reptile from the planet Venus, has been colorized with Harryhausen’s personal supervision, and he wants to be with you while you watch it for the first time. Ray Harryhausen will speak briefly, answer a few questions, then do live commentary while the film is screened. He’ll also answer more questions as the screening proceeds. The film will be available on DVD July 31 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Room 6B

Saturday, July 28:

12:15-2:00 Rogue/Focus Studios — Rogue Pictures invites you to preview a few of their upcoming releases, including Balls of Fury (with appearances by Robert Ben Garant, Tom Lennon and Dan Fogler), The Strangers (with appearances by Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman and writer/director Bryan Bertino), and Doomsday (with appearances by Rhona Mitra and Neil Marshall), plus other surprise appearances and announcements! Hall H

2:45-3:45 Supernatural Screening and Q&A—Supernatural stars Jared Padalecki (House of Wax) and Jensen Ackles (Smallville)—along with executive producer Eric Kripke (Boogeyman), co-executive producer Ben Edlund (Angel), and co-executive producer Peter Johnson (DC Comics’ Supernatural: Origins comic book series)—answer questions from the audience, present a reel of highlights from Supernatural, and discuss the upcoming third season of this thrill-ride series with moderator Craig Tomashoff, West Coast Bureau Chief of TV Guide. Produced by Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Supernatural airs Thursdays at 9 PM ET/PT on The CW. Room 6CDEF

4:45-5:45 Dark Horse Presents: Joss Whedon — With the hugely successful release of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 for Dark Horse Comics, Joss Whedon (Fray, Astonishing X-Men) talks about picking up where the TV series left off, his other projects, future plans, and possibly even a few surprises. A sneak peek from the upcoming Serenity—Collector’s Edition DVD will be shown. Ballroom 20

5:15-6:45 Sony/Screen Gems—This panel showcases three great new films from Screen Gems and Sony! First up, it’s zombie action at it’s finest with Resident Evil: Extinction. See the world premiere of the new trailer and meet the stars of this third and final installment of the Resident Evil saga, based on the wildly popular video game series. Alice (Milla Jovovich), now in hiding in the Nevada desert, once again joins forces with Carlos Olivera (Oded Fehr) and L. J. (Mike Epps), along with new survivors, including Claire Redfield (Ali Larter). On stage in person to take your questions will be Milla Jovovich, in her first ever Comic-con appearance, along with co-stars Oded Fehr and Ali Larter. Resident Evil: Extinction is in theaters everywhere September 21.

30 Days of Night — Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith’s vampire noir epic horror/thriller reaches the big screen under the banner of Sam Raimi’s Ghost House Pictures. On hand to show clips and answer questions will be director David Slade, producer Rob Tapert, creators Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith, and stars Josh Hartnett (Sin City) and Danny Huston (Children of Men).

6:30-7:30 Troma’s Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead — Troma’s Fowl Movement Poultrygeist is the latest film from Troma Studios, was created and marketed in Troma’s patented guerrilla style. This panel will show you how to make and market your indie film in an increasingly corporate age. See exclusive scenes and behind-the-scenes footage from the film MTV calls “Hilarious! Definitely something you need to see to believe!” Moderated by director Lloyd Kaufman, this panel will include special guests like Tim Seeley (Devil’s Due) and Batton Lash (Supernatural Law). These creators will show you the fine art of transforming your movie characters into graphic novel heroes, as well as discuss their own Troma comic book projects. Room 1AB

Sunday, July 29th:

11:30-12:30 Right at Your Door and Dragon Wars — Two great new films are showcased in this panel, coming soon to a theatre near you! In Right at Your Door, multiple dirty bombs are detonated, spreading deadly toxic ash across Los Angeles. Brad (Rory Cochrane) and his wife, Lexi (Mary McCormack) struggle to survive. When “help” finally does arrive, it appears to be anything but. Appearing in person: writer/director Chris Gorak, producers Jonah Smith and Palmer West (A Scanner Darkly, Waking Life, Requiem for a Dream), and stars Rory Cochrane (Dazed & Confused, CSI: Miami) and Mary McCormack (The West Wing, Howard Stern’s Private Parts). In theaters August 24 from Roadside Attractions.

Next up it’s Dragon Wars (aka D-War)! Dragon-like creatures from an ancient legend appear in Los Angeles and terrorize the city in search of a mysterious girl. A TV reporter investigating the incidents uncovers a piece of debris that directly links him to his destiny as an ancient warrior who was reborn to protect this unknown girl from the evil dragons and save the city from total destruction. Based on a Korean legend and directed by Korean superstar Hyung-rae Shim. Appearing in person: Jason Behr (Roswell, The Grudge), Amanda Brooks, Robert Forster (Jackie Brown, Mulholland Drive), and Craig Robinson (The Office). In theaters September 21 from Freestyle Releasing. Ballroom 20

12:45-1:45 Pathology—From the creators of Crank, join Pathology writer/producers Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor as they moderate a killer panel that includes film director Marc Schoelermann and participating cast members Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes), Michael Weston, Alyssa Milano, and Lauren Lee Smith (scheduled to attend). Neveldine and Taylor will introduce first-look footage from the film exclusively for Comic-Con participants. Panel attendees have a chance to win a meet-n-greet with the Pathology panelists and an iPhone immediately following. Pathology is in theaters in November. Ballroom 20

Source: Ryan Rotten, Comic-Con 2007