Comic-Con has released their schedule for Wednesday's preview night and for Thursday, July 18th. For those who haven't attended Comic-Con before, "Preview Night" is when the Exhibitor's Floor is opened, and collectors fight tooth and nail for exclusives. Studios also screen pilots for TV shows that are set to premiere in the fall. Then on Thursday, we have one of the strangest Hall H line-ups I've ever seen. It begins with a line-up of animated shorts followed by the sci-fi indie Europa Report, and I have no problem with that, but Hall H is usually reserved for stuff that will pack the house. Granted, that will come later in the day, especially with what's sure to be an amazing panel: Entertainment Weekly's The Visionaries, which will be an hour-long conversation between Edgar Wright, Marc Webb, and Alfonso Cuaron. As for Ballroom 20, the powerhouse of the day is Sherlock, although I would have switched that with Dexter, which is finishing out the day in Hall H.
Hit the jump to check out everything from Hall H, Ballroom 20, and other highlights from the Comic-Con 2013 schedule for Wednesday, July 17th and Thursday, July 18th.
Here are the highlights. Click here for the full Wednesday/Thursday schedule.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
6:00pm - 10:00pm:
Almost Human -- In the near future, technology and crime will increase so quickly that law enforcement will not be able to keep up. To maintain order and keep the public safe, all police officers must partner with highly evolved human-like androids known as synthetics. Almost Human is the story of Detective John Kennex and his lifelike android partner Dorian. They must learn to work together in order to survive, and along the way might discover each other's humanity. The series stars Karl Urban (Star Trek), Michael Ealy (Sleeper Cell), Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights), Mackenzie Crook (Game of Thrones), Michael Irby (The Unit), and Lili Taylor (Hemlock Grove) and is executive produced by J. J. Abrams (Revolution), J. H. Wyman (Fringe), Naren Shankar (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), and Bryan Burk (Person of Interest). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Almost Human will air Mondays at 8/7c on FOX in late fall.
The Originals -- From the executive producer of The CW's #1 series and Comic-Con fan-favorite The Vampire Diaries comes The Originals, a sexy new drama centering on the Original Family and the dangerous vampire/werewolf hybrid, Klaus, who returns to the magical melting pot that is the French Quarter of New Orleans-a town he helped build centuries ago- where he is reunited with his diabolical former protégé, Marcel, a charismatic vampire who has total control over the human and supernatural inhabitants of the Crescent City. Determined to help his brother Klaus find redemption, Elijah follows Klaus and soon learns that Hayley has also come to the French Quarter searching for clues to her family history . . . and has fallen into the hands of a powerful witch named Sophie. Elijah is soon forced to side with Marcel's enemies in order to keep Klaus in line and to help Hayley. Meanwhile, Klaus and Elijah's sister, Rebekah, must decide if she will leave Mystic Falls to join her brothers in New Orleans and help them reclaim their storied hometown and all its extraordinary offerings. The series stars Joseph Morgan (The Vampire Diaries), Daniel Gillies (The Vampire Diaries), Claire Holt (The Vampire Diaries), Phoebe Tonkin (The Vampire Diaries), Charles Michael Davis (Switched at Birth), Daniella Pineda (Homeland), Leah Pipes (The Deep End), and Danielle Campbell (Starstruck). Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries), Leslie Morgenstein (The Vampire Diaries), and Gina Girolamo (The Secret Circle) are the executive producers. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with My So-Called Company, Alloy Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The Originals will air Tuesdays 9/8c on The CW this fall.
The Tomorrow People -- From executive producers Greg Berlanti (Arrow), Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries), Phil Klemmer (Chuck), and Danny Cannon (Nikita), The Tomorrow People tells the story of a generation of humans born with paranormal abilities who represent the next evolutionary shift of mankind. A group of young people from around the world who possess special powers, including the ability to teleport and communicate with each other telepathically, work together to defeat the mysterious Ultra group, who would rather see The Tomorrow People exterminated. Based on the original UK series, The Tomorrow People stars Robbie Amell (1600 Penn), Luke Mitchell (H20: Just Add Water), Peyton List (Mad Men), Aaron Yoo (Friday the 13th [2009]), Madeleine Mantock (upcoming All You Need Is Kill), and Mark Pellegrino (Lost). From Bonanza Productions, Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, The Tomorrow People will air Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW this fall.
The 100 -- 97 years ago, Earth was devastated by a nuclear apocalypse, and mankind was nearly destroyed. The only survivors were the inhabitants of 12 international space stations that were in orbit at the time. The stations came together to form The Ark, but with resources dwindling and population growth soaring, the decision is made to send The 100, a group of juvenile delinquents, to the surface to test whether Earth is once again habitable. With the survival of the human race entirely in their hands, these hundred teenagers must find a way to transcend their differences, unite, and forge a new path on a wildly changed Earth. The 100 stars Eliza Taylor (in Australia: Neighbours), Paige Turco (Person of Interest), Thomas McDonell (Suburgatory), Marie Avgeropoulos (Cult), Bob Morley (in Australia: Neighbours), Kelly Hu (Arrow), and Christopher Larkin (90210), with Isaiah Washington (Grey's Anatomy) and Henry Ian Cusick (Lost). The series is executive produced by Elizabeth Craft (The Vampire Diaries), Sarah Fain (The Vampire Diaries), Matthew Miller (Human Target), Jason Rothenberg (upcoming Twilight Zone feature), Leslie Morgenstein (Pretty Little Liars), and Gina Girolamo (The Lying Game). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Alloy Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The 100 premieres midseason on The CW.
THURSDAY, JULY 18
Intelligence - Ballroom 20 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Stars Josh Holloway (Lost), Meghan Ory (Once Upon a Time), and Marg Helgenberger (CSI) and executive producers Michael Seitzman (North Country), René Echevarria (Terra Nova, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), and Tripp Vinson discuss the new CBS dramatic thriller. Holloway plays Gabriel, a high-tech intelligence operative enhanced with a supercomputer microchip in his brain. With this implant, Gabriel is the first human ever to be connected directly into the worldwide information grid and have complete access to Internet, WiFi, telephone, and satellite data. He can hack into any data center and access key intel in the fight to protect the United States from its enemies. Leading the elite government cybersecurity agency created to support him is Director Lillian Strand (Helgenberger), a straightforward and efficient boss who oversees the unit's missions. Strand assigns Riley Neal (Ory), a Secret Service agent, to protect Gabriel from outside threats, as well as from his appetite for reckless, unpredictable behavior and disregard for protocol. As the first supercomputer with a beating heart, Gabriel is the most valuable piece of technology the country has ever created and is the U.S.'s secret weapon. Join the cast and producers for an exclusive viewing of the first episode, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Debra Birnbaum, president and editor-in-chief, TV Guide magazine.
The 14th Annual Animation Show of Shows - Hall H -11:50am - 12:50pm
Ron Diamond (program curator, president of Acme Filmworks and AWN.com) presents the best and newest in international animation. Included is Disney's Oscar winning Paperman along with 10 animated shorts culled from the most notable festivals from around the world. Shows annually at Pixar, Dreamworks, Disney, ILM, Blue Sky, Sony, EA, UCLA, SVA, USC, SCAD, NYU, RISD, Harvard and CalArts.
Beauty and the Beast - Ballroom 20 - 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Kristin Kreuk (Smallville) and Jay Ryan (Terra Nova) along with executive producers Jennifer Levin (Without a Trace), and Sherri Cooper (Brothers and Sisters), invite all #Beasties to join them for an exclusive discussion of what is ahead for #VinCat and the sophomore season of the breakout fan-favorite series from the CW network. Beauty and the Beast, winner of the People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama, is a modern adaptation of a beloved fairy tale. In the second season, Detective Catherine Chandler (Kreuk), shaken to the core that everything she knows has been a lie, is determined to get answers to the secrets that have been revealed about her family. Cat must also try to navigate her evolving relationship with handsome doctor Vincent Keller (Ryan), who struggles with becoming a terrifying beast when he is enraged, unable to control his super-strength and heightened senses. Cat and Vincent continue to grapple with the desire to be a normal couple while trying to keep a low profile from Muirfield, now on the hunt for both of them. Join the cast and producers for a panel discussion moderated by Jenna Busch from Fanhattan.com.
Batman: Arkham Origins - Room 6BCF - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Witness the next installment in the blockbuster videogame franchise. Developed by WB Games Montréal, Batman: Arkham Origins features an expanded Gotham City and introduces an original prequel storyline set several years before the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. Taking place before the rise of Gotham City's most dangerous criminals, the game showcases a young and unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crimefighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. As the story unfolds, players will meet many important characters for the first time and forge key relationships. Get the latest reveals from a panel headed by WB Games Montréal creative director Eric Holmes and actors Roger Craig Smith (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Troy Baker (The Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite), the voices of Batman and the Joker, respectively. Batman: Arkham Origins will be released worldwide on October 25.
Psych - Ballroom 20 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
For the fifth year running, cable TV's most beloved fake psychic detective series is bringing its signature brand of humor, pop culture nostalgia and delicious flavor to Comic-Con. Fans will get a unique, interactive peek behind the pineapple as the show's creative team discuss Psych's long-anticipated musical episode and upcoming season, share exclusive video content, and take audience questions galore. The panel, moderated by Psych guest star and ‘80s icon and fan favorite Cary Elwes (Pierre Despereaux), features stars James Roday (Shawn Spencer), Dulé Hill (Burton "Gus" Guster), Maggie Lawson (Juliet O'Hara), Tim Omundson (Carlton Lassiter), Kirsten Nelson (Chief Karen Vick), and Corbin Bernsen (Henry Spencer), as well as producers Steve Franks (creator and executive producer), Kelly Kulchak (executive producer), and Chris Henze (executive producer). Hilarious hijinks are highly likely to ensue.
Europa Report - Hall H - 1:10pm - 2:10pm
At the movies, it seems there's so much science fiction, but so little science. Sebastian Cordero's Europa Report seeks to change that. The film depicts a near-future crewed mission to Jupiter's moon Europa, seeking evidence for life in an ocean beneath the moon's icy surface. The movie uses current science to tell a story of discovery and danger. This panel features the film's crew and cast, alongside scientists involved with a NASA concept for a real robotic spacecraft, the Europa Clipper, designed to investigate the mysteries of Europa, including whether it has the elements to support life. Participants include Sebastian Cordero (director, Rage and Chronicles), Bear McCreary (composer, Battlestar Galactica, The Walking Dead), producer Ben Browning, and actress Karolina Wydra, alongside JPL scientists Steve Vance and Kevin Hand. The panel will be moderated by astronomer Dr. Phil Plait (Slate magazine, Phil Plait's Bad Universe). Space.com called the film "One of the most thrilling and realistic depictions of deep-space exploration since Moon and 2001: A Space Odyssey."
Sherlock - Ballroom 20 - 2:15 - 3:15pm
Steven Moffat (co-creator, executive producer and writer), Mark Gatiss (co-creator, executive producer and writer), and Sue Vertue (producer) discuss the latest adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his long-suffering faithful friend, Dr. John Watson. Coming to PBS Masterpiece during the 2013-14 season.
Entertainment Weekly's The Visionaries - Hall H - 2:30pm - 3:30pm
From art house cinema to studio blockbuster, these uncompromising directors have electrified audiences with their virtuoso storytelling and breathtaking imagery. Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man 2, 500 Days of Summer), Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), and Edgar Wright (The World's End, Shaun of the Dead) lead this master class on the art of filmmaking and a wide-ranging discussion about the future of film.
Advanced Screening of The Blacklist and Panel Session with James Spader - Room 6A - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
View a preview the first episode of the highly anticipated new NBC drama series The Blacklist from Sony Pictures Television. It stars James Spader (Lincoln, Boston Legal) as the world's most wanted criminal who mysteriously turns himself in and offers to give up the Blacklist, a global directory of all the criminals with whom he has worked. Join James Spader, Megan Boone (Blue Bloods, Step Up Revolution), Diego Klattenhoff (Homeland, Pacific Rim), and executive producers Jon Bokenkamp (Taking Lives, Perfect Stranger), Jon Eisendrath (Outlaw, Alias), John Davis (Predator, I, Robot, Chronicle), and John Fox for a Q&A session. Check out The Blacklist on Mondays at 10:00 this fall on NBC.
Ender's Game and Divergent - Hall H - 3:50pm - 4:50pm
Summit Entertainment presents a special sneak peek at the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved, award-winning novel Enders Game. This is a must-see for fans, who will be shown all-new, exclusive footage and treated to a Q&A with stars Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld, and Abigail Breslin, along with producer Roberto Orci (Star Trek Into Darkness) and director Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine). The panel will also feature the first footage ever seen of the futuristic thriller based on the #1 New York Times best-selling novel, Divergent. Cast and filmmakers will complete a Q&A sharing details of the project's transition from book to film. Panelists will include novelist Veronica Roth, director Neil Burger, and cast members Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Maggie Q, Ansel Elgort, Mekhi Phifer, Ben Lamb, Ben Lloyd-Hughes and Christian Madsen.
Entertainment Weekly's Brave New Warriors - Ballroom 20 - 4:45pm - 5:45pm
A new generation of heroes has revitalized television. These daring, dauntless young actors have fans swooning and critics raving. Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Kit Harington (Game of Thrones), Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead), Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf), and David Giuntoli (Grimm) discuss the thrills and fears of taking on iconic characters, reveal how they broke into the business, and share their favorite stories from set.
An Exclusive Preview of The Zero Theorem, Directed by Terry Gilliam - Hall H - 5:10pm - 5:40pm
An eccentric and reclusive computer genius plagued with existential angst works on a mysterious project aimed at discovering the purpose of existence or the lack thereof once and for all. However, it is only once he experiences the power of love and desire that he is able to understand his very reason for being. Appearing on stage to introduce the special early look at this new film and take your questions are producers Zev Foreman (Killer Joe) and Dean Zanuck (Get Low). Moderated by Gina McIntyre of the LA Times' Hero Complex.
Trailer Park - Hall H - 5:40pm - 6:10pm
It's a Comic-Con tradition! See the latest and greatest trailers with 6,499 of your pop culture-loving friends on the big screen. [Note from Matt: This is the time where you get up and leave unless you're staying for Dexter, in which case, go grab a snack and/or take a bathroom break]
South Park: The Stick of Truth - Room 6BCF - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
The creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, will discuss their upcoming South Park videogame, South Park: The Stick of Truth. Parker and Stone will talk role playing games, their vision for an interactive South Park adventure, and creating The Stick of Truth, the epic quest to become...cool.
Teen Wolf - Ballroom 20 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Join cast members Tyler Posey, Crystal Reed, Dylan O'Brien, Tyler Hoechlin, Holland Roden, Charlie Carver, and Max Carver plus executive producer Jeff Davis for a Q&A as they discuss season 3 and share a special video presentation exclusively for Comic-Con fans. Moderated by ETOnline reporter Jarett Wieselman.
Dexter - Hall H - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
You've been there for every edge-of-your-seat moment, every kill, inside Dexter's most intimate thoughts, watching him transform before your eyes. Now, after eight amazing seasons, it's time to say goodbye to America's Favorite Serial Killer. Join the cast, writers/executive producers, and surprise guest stars who are too big to mention, for a final farewell panel that even Hall H can't contain! Ralph Garman (KROQ entertainment reporter) presides over a revealing interview and Q&A session with the stars and executive producers of Dexter. Featured panelists include series star/executive producer Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jennifer Carpenter (Deb), David Zayas (Batista), and James Remar (Harry). Also appearing are executive producers John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Scott Buck, and Manny Coto. Satisfy your Dexter obsession all weekend. The new season of Dexter airs Sundays at 9:00 ET/PT only on Showtime.
Hannibal: Feed Your Fear - Room 6A - 6:45pm - 7:45pm
Emmy Award-winning executive producer Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies), director David Slade (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse), Martha De Laurentiis (Red Dragon), and star Hugh Dancy (Agent Will Graham) reveal juicy morsels from behind the scenes of the groundbreaking NBC drama Hannibal. This feast of many courses will serve key moments from the first season as an entree, followed by a digestif of sneak previews of the second season. Not to mention a few surprises along the way. Bon appetit, Fannibals!
