The Force Awakens cast at the Star Wars Celebration Panel in Anaheim, California.
Today marks the opening of the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). The opening day is always exciting, as both the press and fans alike, are allowed to pack the convention center in San Diego to near capacity, roaming the halls and perusing the different booths, as well as attending their favorite panels. However, if you’re a Star Wars fan, then the real magic will happen on Friday, when the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Panel will hold court in Hall H (Where the big boys play), and J.J. Abrams will reveal some as yet undisclosed surprise to the fans in attendance.
StarWars.com has a comprehensive list of when and where you can find all the pertinent Star Wars booths and panels (if you are lucky enough to be there), and if you are watching from home, then stay tuned here, to Dork Side of the Force, as we ill be live updating for the next three days, catching you up on all the awesome news about Star Wars, coming from this year’s SDCC 2015.
Starting with the big draw — Star Wars: The Force Awakens — 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in Hall H
Lucasfilm president and producer Kathleen Kennedy, director J.J. Abrams, writer Lawrence Kasdan, and special guests provide a special look at Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Even though there have been reports that there will be know new trailer shown at the Panel, this promises to be a massive deal. It doesn’t matter if there is a trailer shown or not, but you can bet that J.J. Abrams won’t waste his time and opportunity on the center stage of San Diego Comic-Con. I fully expect for there to be a huge reveal Friday evening, and we may even get to see some stars of the film who have yet to be in the spotlight. Such as
- Gwendoline Christie — Captain Phasma
- Adam Driver — Kylo Ren
- Andy Serkis — Supreme Leader Snoke
- Max von Sidow — Vicar (?)
- Lupita Nyong’o — Maz Kanata
- Domhnall Gleeson — Unnamed First Order officer (rumored)
Gwendonline Christie will be in attendance for her Game of Thrones Panel, so it’s not much of a stretch to see her in The Force Awakens Panel as well. As for the other…only time will tell.
Next: Star Wars collectible toys and figures
The annual San Diego Comic-Con is always an amazing time to see the new toy-lines and collectible figures that are unveiled exclusively at the Con. This year will be no different, in fact, it will be even more exciting as never before seen The Force Awakens toys and figures will make their debut.
Thursday, July 9, Star Wars Schedule:
JAKKS Collector Toys: Star Wars, DC, TMNT, Nintendo, Warcraft and More. 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. — Room: 29AB
Get the latest sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes scoop, and a preview of really big things to come from all of your favorite toy brands, including Star Wars, the World of Nintendo, DC Heroes, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Halo, Power Rangers, and the Warcraft 2016 film. Panelists include Dominic Laurienzo (senior VP Action Figure Design), Peter Skourtis (senior director design), Eli Halpert (senior designer), Jose Alvarez (senior designer), Alec Willis (creative services art director), and moderator Scott “Toy Guru” Neitlich (director Action Figure Marketing).
Hasbro Star Wars: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Room: 7AB
Join members of the Hasbro and Lucasfilm teams as they discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro’s latest action figure offerings, and word on the Holonet is there may also be a few surprises, including a special product reveal.
Star Wars Collectibles Update with Lucasfilm’s Anita Castellar: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Room: 7AB
Join eFX, Gentle Giant Studios, Kotobukiya, and Sideshow Collectibles for product development insights and exclusive previews of the latest in Star Wars collectibles. In attendance will be Anita Castellar, a self-professed Star Wars fangirl who manages licensing for hardline categories at Lucasfilm such as toys, collectibles, consumer electronics, automotives, and more.
Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition at San Diego Comic Con 2015
For the first time, Star Wars joins forces with characters from across The Walt Disney Company in Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition – the next chapter in the best-selling hybrid toy/video game series. Fans are invited to the Disney Infinity Pop-Up Shop, located at the heart of Gaslamp District, for the opportunity to play as Ahsoka Tano, Luke Skywalker, Darth Maul or any of the Star Wars characters featured in Star Wars: Twilight of the Republic and Star Wars: Rise Against the Empire.
Fans will also have a chance to step into the “Disney Infinity Only in the Toy Box” mediated reality experience, where guests virtually enter the Toy Box and interact alongside their favorite Disney Infinity characters, such as engaging in lightsaber duels with Darth Vader or Yoda, and take home a customized photo and video with their chosen character. Other Disney Infinity Pop-Up Shop activities include a Toy Box TV Live Edition webcast on Twitch featuring new announcements, surprise guests, contests with prizes, and exclusive giveaways.
Next: Star Wars Publishing
The Star Wars Publishing events will hold particular interest for those fans who excited about the canonical work that will bridge Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi to Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. This is just a precursor to the events of September 4th (Force Friday), when The Journey to the Force Awakens kicks off.
Star Wars Publishing 2015, Part 1: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. — Room: 7AB
Join a dynamic, all-star, New York Times-bestselling panel of authors including Alexandra Bracken (the Darkest Minds series), Adam Gidwitz (A Tale Dark andGrim series), Tom Angleberger (The Origami Yoda series), and Tony Diterlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles) in conversation with Lucasfilm’s Mike Siglain about the new Star Wars retellings for a younger generation of fans. From picture books to novels, these authors present A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi in perspectives that will change the way readers understand who these beloved characters are and how they became legends for legions of fans.
Star Wars Publishing 2015, Part 2: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Room: 7AB
Join a variety of authors as they talk about their upcoming projects from that galaxy far, far away. Moderated by Lucasfilm’s Mike Siglain, authors from Del Rey and other publishers will participate in a discussion on writing stories for the exciting new future of the Star Wars universe.
Next: Industrial Light & Magic Turns 40 at SDCC
They’ve been there from the start. Industrial Light & Magic is as much a part of the Star Wars cinematic universe as George Lucas himself. And, at this year’s SDCC, they will be honored for the 40 years of excellence that have provided the Star Wars universe.
ILM 40th Anniversary, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Room: 7AB
For 40 years, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most memorable images in the history of modern cinema. From advances in the photo chemical process, optical compositing, motion control, and models and miniatures — to the company’s pioneering efforts in computer graphics, digital compositing, film scanning and recording, morphing, digital environments, performance capture, character animation and modern digital pipelines, ILM continues to break new ground in visual effects for film, television, themed attractions, and new forms of entertainment. The presenters will discuss the company’s work from its earliest days and breakthroughs along the way.
Next: Profiles in History and McCune Masterworks
McCune Masterworks has brought some of the most iconic Star Wars props to the big screen, in its long and storied history. We’ve already told you about the Blockade Runner used in A New Hope by Princess Leia, and now there will be more.
“Due to tremendous press and fan response, Profiles in History is giving 2015 Comic-Con International: San Diego visitors a once-in-a-lifetime bonus. In addition to the previously announced screen-used ‘Blockade Runner” from Star Wars IV: A New Hope, visitors to the Profiles in History / McCune Masterworks booth #1605 will be treated to an additional, specially created assemblage of screen-used and production made props from the “Star Wars” film franchise, including:“
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope Screen-used Rebel Trooper Helmet
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi Screen-used Death Star Tower
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Screen-used Naboo Blaster
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi Jabba the Hutt maquette (production approval model for the design of Jabba’s character)
- Darth Vader Prototype Helmet for Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back John Mollo hand-colored costume designs of
- Darth Vader and Obi Wan Kenobi
These are just a few of the Star Wars related Panels and Booths that will be present at San Diego Comic-Con. Please make sure to stay tuned to Dork Side of the Force, as we will be covering everything coming from SDCC 2015.
Next: Release Date for Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Announced -- Star Wars Pre Order Incentive