Comic Con TV Preview 2014: ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘The Walking Dead,’ and FX Look To Make a Mark
While there are preview events tonight, Comic Con 2014 truly kicks into gear tomorrow at the San Diego Convention Center. Stars, creators, writers, animators, producers, artists and many, many marketing folk will bombard the coastal city with the newest information for anything remotely “geeky.” Indiewire will be on the scene, breaking down the breaking news and keeping you informed on all things Con (and Khan). Though the event features an ever-fluctuating schedule packed with surprise events and announcements, now is the best time to familiarize yourself with the schedule as it exists pre-Con. Take a look below to see what you can expect from the TV side of things, other than the unexpected.
Thursday
Comedy Central: “Key and Peele” and Introducing “Moonbeam City”
1:30 – 3pm
Listening to the hilarious sketch stars Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele break down their show would be treat enough, but this extended panel also features the first look at Comedy Central’s new animated series “Moonbeam City,” featuring voice work by Rob Lowe, Will Forte, and Elizabeth Banks. Even if it’s terrible — which is doubtful — the pairing promises good times.
Greendale Forever: TV Guide Magazine’s Tribute to “Community”
2:15 – 3:15pm
What? Did you expect them to miss a year just because they were cancelled? As always, the “Community” crew will make an appearance at the Con with lots to talk about in 2014 (after NBC finally nixed the ratings-averse show and Yahoo stepped in to save it). Fans will certainly be ready to show their support, while Dan Harmon, Joel McHale and the rest of the cast surely won’t disappoint (they’ve always been a big hit at the Con).
“Hannibal”: Embrace the Madness
4:45 – 5:45pm
Can this panel discussion with Bryan Fuller and members of the production team, crew, and more serve up as many shocks as the show itself? Doubtful, but you better believe we’ll be there to find out. Here’s holding out hope Gillian Anderson — a Comic Con goddess — makes a surprise cameo.
Showtime Presents “Penny Dreadful”
6 – 7pm
For this panel, Oscar-nominated creator John Logan joins series star Josh Hartnett as well as two of the show’s breakout actors, Reeve Carney (Dorian Gray) and Harry Treadaway (Victor Frankenstein). Plans for Season 2 will need to be discussed, especially since much of the novel-esque first season was wrapped up by the finale. Showtime is pushing the series hard at the Con, hosting an after-party for select guests following the panel, giving out tarot cards, books, action figures and holding cast signings throughout the Con. It’s disappointing Eva Green isn’t included on the panel, but we’re pretty sure Showtime will make up for it.
“Firefly” Online: Bringing Back the ‘Verse
6:30 – 7:30pm
Joss Whedon and Nathan Fillion are not scheduled to make appearances at this video game demonstration and Q&A for the online version of everyone’s favorite space cowboys, but maybe, just maybe, they’ll show up anyway. If not, fans will still get their first look at the upcoming game giving you your chance to helm a ship, enlist a crew, and boldly go where…wait, wrong show.
Friday
“The Walking Dead”
12:20 – 1:20pm
Friday marks the Con’s biggest day for TV, at least if you’re looking at the number of fans fighting to get into Hall H. Starting the bonanza is AMC’s zombie smash hit “The Walking Dead,” and it should have plenty to tout. All we’ve seen so far is a short clip and a teaser poster, so the “sneak peak” at Season 5 should be no joke.
“Game of Thrones”
1:40 – 2:40pm
What could follow zombies? Well, dragons, of course. “Game of Thrones” will have a dominant presence at Comic Con, with a George R.R. Martin panel on Thursday and a giant dragon overlooking the convention center throughout. This panel, though, is where fans really get to hear the goods. A large chunk of the cast as well as creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss will be in attendance to discuss the last season of HBO’s fantasy epic, as well as what’s to come as the series approaches the end of Martin’s books. After all, they’ve got two seasons left, guaranteed, with no end in sight after that if HBO has any say in the matter. Friday should provide a few answers, if not all the ones fans are demanding.
“Bob’s Burgers”
4 – 5pm
While not as intensely followed as the day’s previous two TV shows, “Bob’s Burgers” has quite the fandom all its own, and they’ll be out to show their support for H. Jon Benjamin & company come Friday evening. Never-before-scene-footage will be revealed before a panel discussion with the makers. Oh my God, indeed.
“Archer”
5 – 6pm
Did I mention H. Jon Benjamin will be in attendance? Possibly this reporter’s most anticipated event of the Con, “Archer” is holding a massive Q&A discussion to evaluate its experimental — and outstanding — fifth season, “Archer: Vice,” before unveiling a short video made exclusively for the Comic Con audience and the first episode of its sixth season. We’re months away from the show’s actual premiere, so this treat could push its fandom into the DANGER ZONE of anticipation.
“Orphan Black”
6 – 7pm
It’s being labeled as a simple Q&A, but all versions of Tatiana Maslany will be in attendance for the panel, as well as many other members of the cast and crew. Clone hijinks are bound to ensue.
“Outlander” Premiere
8 – 9pm
There are many panels for Starz’s upcoming fantasy series, but only one event promising to unveil the first episode. RSVPs are required with tickets held at will call, plus a dress code enforcing Festival Attire. Perhaps romance will spark off screen, as well.
Saturday
“The Simpsons”
10 – 10:45am
Co-creator Matt Groening will celebrate the 25th anniversary of “The Simpsons” with fans new and old at the official panel for FOX’s landmark animated comedy. Also of note for fans: Homer’s head will be on display outside for anyone eager to take a peak inside the dim-witted factory worker’s noggin. We’re told there’s a digital mapping experience inside, as well as a demo of the “Simpson’s World” online environment. Huh. We would have guessed the only thing in Homer’s head were donuts.
“The Awesomes: A Hulu Original”
2 – 3pm
Can’t get into the “Sin City” sequel’s panel? Come listen to Seth Myers discuss his animated series on Hulu. The new “Late Night” host will try to impress on behalf of NBC’s parent company’s online platform, Hulu, along with voice actor Taran Killam (“SNL”) and writer Dan Mintz (“Bob’s Burgers”).
Women Who Kick Ass
4:10 – 5:10pm
Hosted by Entertainment Weekly, this panel discussion will feature Tatiana Maslany (“Orphan Black”), Nicole Beharie (“Sleepy Hollow”), Maisie Williams and Natalie Dormer (“Game of Thrones”). Come learn how these ass-kicking ladies get the job done better than the men, and why TV is such a great home for strong female characters.
“Constantine”
5:15 – 6:15pm
Series star Matt Reeves and executive producer David S. Goyer (a DC comics adaptation mainstay who wrote “Man of Steel” and is currently working on “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice”) lend their voices to a panel on NBC’s new Friday night thriller. Based on a comic book, “Constantine” is perfectly at home at the Con, and its history combined with that of its EP should lead to a lively discussion. Plus, fans get to see the pilot episode months before its broadcast premiere.
Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment: “The Flash,” “Arrow,” and “Gotham”
8 – 11pm
“Arrow” star Steven Amell hosts a night of Warner Bros. comic book entertainment television, with appearances from the CW’s upcoming new show “The Flash,” its established entry “Arrow,” and FOX’s highly-anticipated drama “Gotham.” The three-hour panel and screening combo will feature many guests dropping by, clips, footage and revealing facts about the fall slate of shows. It’s almost too much to handle (even “Constantine” will swing by for an appearance), but we’ll give it a go.
