This special Comic-Con edition of Indie Spotlight features The Sidekick, a project from writer-star Rob Benedict (Felicity).  In a world of superheroic features, The Sidekick centers on the oft-overlooked partners of costumed crimefighters.  When career sidekick Max McCabe (Benedict) gets sidelined in favor of a new model, he goes on a quest to find his new purpose.  Also starring Ron Livingston, Lizzy Caplan, Jordan Peele, Martin Starr, Jason Ritter, Ike Barinholtz and Josh MeyersThe Sidekick  was screened for a Comic-Con audience with hopes of generating interest in a TV or web series.  Judging from the audience's reaction, Benedict just might have something here.

Hit the jump for a recap of The Sidekick panel and a look at the trailer for this hilariously original short.

Here's the trailer for The Sidekick:

Taking the stage were Emmy-nominated director Michael J. Weithorn (King of Queens) along with Benedict, Caplan, Starr, Meyers, Peele, Richard Speight Jr. and cinematographer Steve Lubensky.  Before participating in a Q&A, the cast and crew premiered the short for both the audience and some of the actors, who had yet to see the finished product:

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The Sidekick finds Max struggling in his duties to assist Captain Wonder (Livingston) and soon finds himself replaced by a younger, shinier model of himself who goes by the name of Kid Loco (Ritter).  As Max wanders about in search of his true purpose, motivated by his friends Lightning Mike (Barinholtz) and Sidecar Willy (Peele) while being antagonized by pricks like Jimmy T (Meyers), he starts up a relationship with Bailey (Caplan), who isn't remotely impressed by superhero work and might just be what Max needs most.

Q&A:

  • The Sidekick was shot in five days.
  • Benedict called in favors from his friends in order to put the short together.
  • Benedict wrote the script with specific cast members in mind.
  • Benedict and Peele met at Barinholtz's wedding as singers.
  • Meyers got the part of Jimmy T because he "looks like a jerk."
  • For the guys, the favorite part of their costumes was the "dance belt."

The short features a lived-in world with great characters on both sides of the law and plenty of quirky laughs to be found throughout.  It's worth a watch if you can find it and has great series potential.  If you're interested in finding out more, head over to The Sidekick webpage.

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