SDCC 2014 Schedule for Saturday, July 26th – Marvel Studios, MAD MAX, THE HOBBIT, The Simpsons, Blacklist, and More!

Saturday is generally the big day at San Diego Comic Con and it looks like they’ll be pulling out all the stops for panels that day. In fact, I’m betting whether you want to be there for the Warner Bros panel to see Mad Max and The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies or the Marvel Studios Panel later int he day, you’ll probably want to line-up outside Hall H the night before.

By the time Saturday ends, we’ll likely have the roadmap for Phase 3 of Marvel’s cinematic universe. Plus, with James Spader coming in earlier in the day for a Blacklist panel, it would be a surprise if he isn’t at the Marvel panel a few hours later to talk about Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Check out the highlights below:

The Simpsons – Ballroom 20 – 10:00-10:45
the-simpsons-comic-conCelebrate the 25th anniversary of The Simpsons-no gifts please-with creator Matt Groening, executive producer Al Jean, supervising director Mike Anderson, and director for life David Silverman. Topics include the new Treehouse of Horror, Simpsorama, a visit from Homer Simpson and much, much more.

Warner Bros. Pictures – Hall H – 10:00-12:00
Jupiter Ascending – The first original science fiction film from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski since their game-changing Matrix trilogy is an action adventure starring Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis. The story will take audiences from the streets of Chicago to the furthest galaxies of space, as Caine (Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track down Jupiter Jones (Kunis), a young woman whose genetic signature marks her for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos. Written, directed and produced by the Wachowskis, with producer Grant Hill and many of their longstanding creative collaborators, the film also stars Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne, Douglas Booth, and Tuppence Middleton.

Mad Max: Fury Road – Seminal director George Miller returns to the post-apocalyptic universe he created three decades ago with the cultural phenomenon Mad Max. Tom Hardy reinvents Max Rockatansky in Mad Max: Fury Road, Miller’s extraordinary new take on the legendary character for a new generation of fans. The film also stars Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Hugh Keays-Byrne, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies – This December, Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson will unleash the epic final film in The Hobbit Trilogy, based on the timeless masterpiece by J. R. R. Tolkien, from New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. Bilbo’s journey culminates in a desperate and dangerous choice as darkness converges on the Lonely Mountain, and the races of Dwarves, Elves, and Men must decide: unite or be destroyed. Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, with Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The ensemble cast is led by Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ken Stott, and James Nesbitt, with Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, and Orlando Bloom.

Marvel Animation Presents! – Room 6BCF – 10:30-11:30
Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s head of television; Hydra Agent) returns for what’s become one of the most popular television panels at San Diego. Join Jeph, Stephen Wacker (VP -animation & writing panel blurbs), Cort Lane (huge nerd, VP), and Eric Radomski (giant dork, SVP) for the latest news on the House of Ideas’ hit animated shows: Marvel’s Avengers Assemble and Marvel’s Hulk & The Agents of S.M.A.S.H. Plus: See the eye-popping world premiere of Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors’ history-making epic: “Spider-Verse”! Double plus: A special exclusive surprise for Marvel fans that you will all be talking about for the rest of the convention!

Legendary Pictures – Hall H – 12:25-1:10
Legendary Pictures presents a panel featuring their upcoming slate of highly anticipated films.

Defiance – Indigo Ballroom – 1:00-2:00

The explosive second season of Defiance has kicked into gear, and nothing is as it seems. Grant Bowler (Nolan), Julie Benz (Amanda Rosewater), Jaime Murray (Stahma Tarr), and the rest of the cast of Syfy’s groundbreaking multi-platform series discuss the big changes-and huge chances-their characters have taken in this dark and daring chapter of the show. Moderated by entertainment journalist and professional nerd Aaron Sagers.

The Boxtrolls – Hall H – 1:30-2:30
Focus Features presents The Boxtrolls, a new family event movie from LAIKA, the creators of Coraline and ParaNorman, that introduces audiences to a new breed of family- The Boxtrolls, a community of quirky, mischievous creatures who have lovingly raised an orphaned human boy named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead Wright of Game of Thrones) in the amazing cavernous home they’ve built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge. When the town’s villain, Archibald Snatcher (Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley), comes up with a plot to get rid of the Boxtrolls, Eggs decides to venture above ground, “into the light,” where he meets and teams up with fabulously feisty Winnie (Elle Fanning). Together, they devise a daring plan to save Eggs’ family. Appearing in person are actors Ben Kingsley, Isaac Hempstead Wright, and Elle Fanning; producer and lead animator, LAIKA president and CEO Travis Knight; and directors Anthony Stacchi and Graham Annable.

The Blacklist – Room 6A – 1:45-2:45
James Spader (The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Boston Legal) and executive producers Jon Bokenkamp (The Call, Taking Lives) and John Eisendrath (Alias, Beverly Hills, 90210) discuss the genesis of the NBC hit series. Join James and the executive producers for a compelling conversation moderated by Mike Schneider (executive editor, TV Guide magazine). The Blacklist returns to NBC September 22 at 10:00 following The Voice.

Frank Miller’s Sin City: A Dame to Kill For – Hall H – 2:50-3:50
Dimension Films in association with Aldamisa Entertainment present exclusive footage from the highly anticipated sequel Frank Miller’s Sin City: A Dame To Kill For from acclaimed co-directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller. Fans will get to experience the Sin City universe and take part in a special discussion with Rodriguez, Miller, and cast.
Entertainment Weekly: Women Who Kick Ass – Hall H – 4:10-5:10
A discussion among Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones), Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy), Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones), and other fierce, fearless, and flat-out fantastic female actors who open up about the power and privilege of playing women who redefine the rules and refuse to yield.

True Blood Panel and Q&A – Ballroom 20 – 5:00-6:15
Mixing romance, suspense, mystery, and humor, the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated True Blood kicked off its 10-episode seventh and final season June 22 on HBO. The series follows waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse (Oscar and Golden Globe Award winner Anna Paquin), who can hear people’s thoughts, and vampires Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård). Brian Buckner serves as executive producer of the series, which also features Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse, Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton, Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette, Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam; Joe Manganiello as Alcide, Carrie Preston as Arlene Bellefleur, and Chris Bauer as Andy Bellefleur, Anna Camp as Sarah Newlin and Nathan Parsons as James. Oscar and Emmy Award winner Alan Ball created and is also an executive producer on the series, which is based on the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. Moderated by Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly.

Constantine Pilot Screening and Q&A – Room 6BCF – 5:15-6:15
Constantine is a man waging war against the forces of darkness-from both within himself and the outside world. An irreverent, working-class con man and occult expert, he’s an experienced exorcist and demonologist with an extensive list of supernatural contacts, each with their own paranormal talents and abilities. Following the aftermath of a tragic incident, Constantine has voluntarily checked himself into an asylum and sworn off investigating matters of the supernatural, but when a cryptic message calls him out to reluctantly resume his old life, he finds himself saving the life of a young woman whom he’s never met but is connected to in a very important way. With dark forces gathering power in the world, Constantine allies himself with Manny, a rogue warrior angel, and his giant childhood protector Chas-the only friend who’s managed to stay alive. Based on characters published by DC Entertainment, Constantine reflects the lore of the fan-favorite comic, combining noirish storytelling with the evolving mythology of John Constantine, a morally challenged character who doesn’t come down on the side of either good or evil…but ultimately might be the only thing defending us against the dark forces from beyond. Attendees will see a screening of the complete pilot, followed by a Q&A with series stars Matt Ryan (Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior), Harold Perrineau (Lost) and Charles Halford (True Detective) and executive producers Daniel Cerone (Dexter) and David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight trilogy). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television, Constantine will air Fridays at 10/9c on NBC this fall, premiering October 24th.

Marvel Studios – Hall H – 5:30-6:30
Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige and special guests provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Warner Bros. TV and DC Entertainment – Hall H – 8:00-11:00
DC fans-get ready for a superhero Saturday night, designed specifically for you! For the first time ever at Comic-Con, Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment will present a three-hour event in Hall H featuring some of DC Comics’s greatest characters. Kicking off the exclusive evening is the world premiere public screening of the highly anticipated new drama series Gotham, allowing fans their first trip into the dangerous and compelling world of the iconic city. This will be the only screening of Gotham at Comic-Con, and it will be followed by a screening of the complete pilot episode of new action-drama The Flash, as well as exclusive video presentations of returning hit Arrow and new thriller Constantine. Cast and producers from all four series will make special appearances on stage throughout the night, with the festivities to be hosted by Oliver Queen himself — Arrow star Stephen Amell.

Gotham – Before there was Batman, there was Gotham. With a reputation synonymous with law and order, Commissioner James Gordon is one of the crime world’s greatest foes. Everyone knows the name. But what is known of Gordon’s rise from rookie detective to police commissioner? And what did it take to navigate the layers of corruption that secretly ruled Gotham City, the spawning ground of the world’s most iconic villains-the larger-than-life personas who would become Catwoman, The Penguin, The Riddler, Two-Face and The Joker? Gotham is the origin story of the great DC Comics supervillains and vigilantes, revealing a new chapter that has never been told. From executive producer/writer Bruno Heller (The Mentalist, Rome), this one-hour drama follows one cop’s rise through a dangerously corrupt city teetering on the edge of evil and chronicles the genesis of one of the most popular superheroes of our time. The series stars Ben McKenzie (Southland, The O.C.), Donal Logue (Sons of Anarchy, Vikings), Sean Pertwee (Elementary), Robin Lord Taylor (The Walking Dead), Erin Richards (Being Human), David Mazouz (Touch), Camren Bicondova, Zabryna Guevara (Burn Notice), Cory Michael Smith (Carol), Victoria Cartagena (The Good Wife), Andrew Stewart-Jones (Person of Interest), and Jada Pinkett Smith (The Matrix films), and is executive produced by Heller, Danny Cannon (Nikita), and John Stephens (Gossip Girl). From Warner Bros. Television, Gotham premieres this fall, Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.

The Flash – From the Arrow creative team of executive producers Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg and director David Nutter, The Flash is a fast-paced superhero drama that follows the high-speed adventures of the Fastest Man Alive. Written by Berlanti, Kreisberg, and DC Entertainment’s chief creative officer Geoff Johns, the action drama follows Central City police scientist Barry Allen, an everyday guy with the heart of a hero and the genuine desire to help others. Standing still emotionally since the day his mother was murdered (and his father unjustly jailed for the crime), Barry was taken in as a child by the investigating Detective West and raised in a cop’s home alongside West’s super-smart daughter (and Barry’s dream girl), Iris. But when an unexpected and devastating accident at the S.T.A.R. Labs Particle Accelerator facility strikes Barry, he finds himself suddenly charged with the incredible power to move at super speeds. While Barry has always been a hero in his soul, his newfound powers have finally given him the ability to act like one. With a winning personality and a smile on his face, Barry Allen-aka The Flash-is finally moving forward in life…very, very fast! The series stars Grant Gustin (Arrow), Candice Patton (The Game), Rick Cosnett (The Vampire Diaries), Danielle Panabaker (Necessary Roughness), Carolos Valdes (on Broadway: Once), with Tom Cavanagh (Ed), and Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, The Flash premieres this fall on Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

Constantine – John Constantine is a man waging war against the forces of darkness-from both within himself and the outside world. An irreverent, working-class con man and occult expert, he’s an experienced exorcist and demonologist with an extensive list of supernatural contacts, each with their own paranormal talents and abilities. Following the aftermath of a tragic incident, Constantine has voluntarily checked himself into an asylum and sworn off investigating matters of the supernatural, but when a cryptic message calls him out to reluctantly resume his old life, he finds himself saving the life of a young woman whom he’s never met but is connected to in a very important way. With dark forces gathering power in the world, Constantine allies himself with Manny, a rogue warrior angel, and his giant childhood protector Chas-the only friend who’s managed to stay alive. Based on characters published by DC Entertainment, Constantine reflects the lore of the fan-favorite comic, combining noirish storytelling with the evolving mythology of John Constantine, a morally challenged character who doesn’t come down on the side of either good or evil…but ultimately might be the only thing defending us against the dark forces from beyond. Attendees will see a screening of the complete pilot, followed by a Q&A with series stars Matt Ryan (Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior), Harold Perrineau (Lost) and Charles Halford (True Detective) and executive producers Daniel Cerone (Dexter) and David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight trilogy). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television, Constantine will air Fridays at 10/9c on NBC this fall, premiering October 24th.
Arrow – Arrow series stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice), Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), David Ramsey (Dexter), Emily Bett Rickards (Flicka: Country Pride), Colton Haynes (Teen Wolf), Willa Holland (The O.C.), Paul Blackthorne (The River), and John Barrowman (Torchwood — with executive producers Greg Berlanti (The Flash), Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern), and Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe) — will take aim at San Diego with a special video presentation and discussion previewing the show’s highly anticipated third season. Based upon characters appearing in comic books and graphic novels published by DC Comics, Arrow is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television. The series returns for a third season this fall, airing Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.