The news updates from the geeks eye
Published on July 13, 2004 By Austin Gage In Books
Garth from Dark Horizons put this up today.


The San Diego Comic Con is not only the sight of many movie-related sneak peeks, but is quickly becoming a celebrity studded event with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Halle Berry, and pretty much every "Lord of the Rings" cast member putting in an appearance.

Well this year's line-up has been announced and some big names again will be showing their heads around the traps of the massive convention halls during the four day event from July 22nd-25th. This year's convention will see the likes of Jude Law, Keanu Reeves, Eliza Dushku, Rosario Dawson, Sarah Michelle Gellar Jessica Biel, David Wenham, Cillian Murphy, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Tilly, Jamie King, Jason Behr, Ryan Reynolds, Trey Parker & Matt Stone, Jonathan Jackson, Rob Zombie, Robert Rodriguez, Guillermo Del Toro, David Goyer and Joss Whedon along with other surprise guests who won't be announced til the event.

I'll be on the floor and in the back rooms interviewing, laughing, stalking, getting drunk, talking dirty and generally misbehaving for the four days so expect heaps of stuff from the event on the site in coming weeks. Today though, here's a look at the big movie-related events taking place during the con:

THURSDAY

3:30-4:30 Newmarket: "Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut"
Writer/director Richard Kelly will be on hand for an hour-long Q&A about his feature film debut, Donnie Darko, which has become a cult classic. The program will include clips from Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut, which will be theatrically rereleased on July 23 in select cities. Keep your eyes open for a special guest appearance. Kelly is currently at work on his follow-up feature film project, Southland Tales. Room 6CDEF

FRIDAY

12:30-2:00 Warner Bros.: "Batman Begins" and "Constantine"
Warner Bros. presents looks at two of the most eagerly awaited comic adaptations of all time! First up: Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high-tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city. Participating in the panel are actor Cillian Murphy (Dr. Jonathan Crane) and screenwriter David Goyer. They will also sign autographs in the DC Comics booth after the event. Second on today's WB bill is Constantine, based on the DC Comics/VERTIGO black'> Hellblazer graphic novels and written by Kevin Brodbin and Frank Cappello. The supernatural thriller tells the story of John Constantine (Keanu Reeves), a man who has literally been to hell and back. When he teams up with skeptical policewoman Katelin Dodson (Rachel Weisz) to solve the mysterious suicide of her twin sister, their investigation takes them through the world of demons and angels that exists just beneath the landscape of contemporary Los Angeles. Caught in a catastrophic series of otherworldy events, the two become inextricably involved and seek to find their own peace at whatever cost. Appearing at this event are actors Keanu Reeves and Djimon Hounsou and director Francis Lawrence. Hall H

1:00-2:30 Lions Gate: "Open Water" & "Saw"
The editors of CFQ magazine present an in-depth preview of two of this summer's hottest upcoming films. First on the bill is Open Water, the most terrifying shark movie since Jaws, with stars Blanchard Ryan and Daniel Travis on hand to answer questions. Also, be the first to see the "first seven minutes" of Saw, a horrifying new thriller starring Cary Elwes. Tickets and giveaways will be awarded at the panel. Room 6AB

2:30-3:30 Disney/Pixar: "The Incredibles"
Pixar Animation Studios offers a sneak peek at its much-anticipated computer-animated feature The Incredibles (coming from Walt Disney Pictures on November 5), as it spotlights the career and creative genius of "The Incredible Brad Bird." Director Brad Bird (The Iron Giant, The Simpsons), producer John Walker, and moderator Mark Vaz (author of Art of The Incredibles, The Art of Finding Nemo, The Invisible Art: The Legends of Movie Matte Painting [co-authored by Craig Barron], Behind the Mask of Spider-Man: The Secrets of the Movie, etc.) will discuss the filmmaking process and present the world premiere of a scene from the film, along with other surprises. Those attending this presentation will receive an exclusive Comic-Con poster for The Incredibles designed by the legendary Mike Mignola. Mike and Brad will be on hand for a special limited signing immediately following the program. Room 20

5:30-7:30 New Line Cinema: "Blade: Trinity", "Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle", "Cellular" & "LOTR: Return of the King: Extended Edition" DVD
New Line Cinema presents a "first look" at Blade: Trinity that includes footage from the upcoming film followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with cast members Jessica Biel and Ryan Reynolds as well as director David Goyer. Also making an appearance will be the stars of the upcoming film Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, John Cho and Kal Penn. New Line Home Entertainment will also present a first look at The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Special Extended DVD Edition. This hour-long presentation will debut select clips from the extended version of the film and will include a panel discussion featuring key cast and crew members who were involved in the creation of the extended DVD. Program elements will include Peter Jackson's scene selection process (his favorite moments, etc.) and stories from The Lord of the Rings co-producer Rick Porras and cast member David Wenham about the behind-the-scenes preparations necessary to deliver this extended version of the DVD. Beyond the making of the film, New Line Home Entertainment DVD executive Mike Mulvihill and DVD producer Michael Pellerin will discuss their collaboration with the cast and crew to create the extensive bonus features. All panel participants will recount their time spent being interviewed for the DVD bonus features and the experience of having additional cameras on-set during the entire filming process. Hall H

SATURDAY

12:00-2:00 "Star Wars" Spectacular:
Steve Sansweet, head of fan relations at Lucasfilm, will share an exclusive Comic-Con look into the latest news in the Star Wars galaxy. With Episode III opening next May and the Star Wars original trilogy DVD scheduled for release in September, fans will not want to miss this special presentation. Sansweet has been known to throw in a surprise or two just for Comic-Con visitors. Don't miss this event--you'll be sorry if you do! Hall H

12:30-2:00 "The Devil's Rejects"
House of 1000 Corpses was only the beginning! Now the carnage continues! Straight off the set of the sequel to his feature film directorial debut, Rob Zombie and the cast of The Devil's Rejects give you the very first sneak peek into the next dark chapter of this tale of terror. Join Rob Zombie and returning cast members Sheri Moon Zombie, Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, and Wayne Toth (special FX make-up), along with Ken Foree (original Dawn of the Dead) to hear all the gory details! Room 6CDEF

2:00-3:00 Dimension Films: "Sin City"
Comic-Con attendees will be treated to an exclusive panel on Sin City, a feature film based on the series of comic books and graphic novels created, written, and illustrated by Frank Miller. Sin City is a series of stories of vengeance and redemption set in the grimiest, toughest city in the world. The film will incorporate storylines from three of Miller's graphic novels including Sin City, which launched the long-running, critically acclaimed series as well as That Yellow Bastard and The Big Fat Kill. Confirmed guests include Frank Miller, director Robert Rodriguez, and cast members Jamie King and Rosario Dawson. Hall H

3:00-4:30 Paramount: "Sky Captain" & "Team America":
This year's Comic-Con audience will get a jaw-dropping first look at one of 2004's big surprises: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Jude Law makes his one and only convention appearance, alongside writer/director Kerry Conran (who will show a clip prepared exclusively for Comic-Con), producer Jon Avnet, and other stars and behind-the-scenes talent from the film. If you love sci-fi serials, giant robots, dogfights, villains bent on world domination, globe-spanning adventures, Max Fleischer's Superman cartoons, comics, pulps, noir, and classic fantasy art, you won't want to miss this exclusive preview of this breathtaking film made by fans who love the same things. Plus, Trey Parker and Matt Stone will show a worldwide first glimpse at their new film, Team America. All that and first looks at upcoming films The Spongebob Squarepants Movie, Brad Silberling's Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, Elias Merhige's Suspect Zero, and more! Hall H

4:30-5:30 Sony: "The Grudge" & "Resident Evil: Apocalypse"
From producers Sam Raimi (the director of such classics as The Evil Dead and Darkman and the blockbusters Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2), Rob Tapert (The Gift, The Evil Dead), and Taka Ichise (Ringu and Dark Water) comes a terrifyingly real horror thriller, The Grudge, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and based on the Japanese hit JU-ON: The Grudge. The Grudge is the curse of one who dies in the grip of a powerful rage. Those who encounter this murderous supernatural curse die and a new one is born--passed like a virus in an endless, growing chain of horror. Star Sarah Michelle Gellar will be making her first-ever convention appearance, along with her co-star Jason Behr (Roswell). They'll take your questions and show some scary clips. Plus, Sony/Screen Gems Screen Gems presents a special sneak peek of Resident Evil: Apocalypse with a special introduction by Milla Jovovich! Plus the finalists from the Resident Evil: Apocalypse poster contest will be unveiled--rom some 8,000 posters submitted, five finalists will be announced, but only one will become the official movie poster. Hall H

5:30-7:00 20th Century Fox: "Alien vs. Predator" & "The Fantastic Four"
You'll have the first look at scenes from the long-anticipated cinematic head-to-head of the iconic monsters. AVP stars Sanaa Lathan and Lance Henriksen and creature effects supervisors Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr. will be on hand to take your questions. Then: At long last, Fantastic Four is about to go into production next month. But before cameras begin rolling, 20th Century Fox is thrilled to bring the cast and filmmakers to Comic-Con to discuss Fox's epic adaptation of the World's Greatest Comic Magazine! Hall H

SUNDAY

11:40-1:00 Universal/Focus: Seed of Chucky and Shaun of the Dead
The killer doll is back! The all-new Seed of Chucky is the fifth in the popular series of Chucky (Child's Play) horror comedies. Making his directorial debut is the franchise creator and writer of all five films, Don Mancini. The film introduces Glen (voiced by Lord of the Rings star Billy Boyd), the orphan doll offspring of the irrepressible devilish-doll-come-to-life Chucky (again voiced by series star Brad Dourif) and his equally twisted bride Tiffany (again voiced by Jennifer Tilly). Jennifer Tilly will appear to unveil an exclusive first look at the film and answer questions along with puppeteer Tony Gardner, who operates “Chucky.” Promotional giveaway: Limited-edition Seed of Chucky/Comic-Con 2004 T-shirts, Chucky DVD sets and other killer prizes! Plus: Possibly the funniest and yet most realistic romantic zombie horror/comedy ever made, Shaun of the Dead. Follow the bloody hysterical adventures of underachiever Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his best mate Ed (Nick Frost), as they cope with the Zombie Day invasion of North London and attempt to rescue Shaun's girlfriend, Liz (Kate Ashfield). Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright will be here in person. Promotional giveaway: Shaun of the Dead T-shirts and other cool prizes! Room 20

1:00-2:00 Joss Whedon: Serenity
Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy, Angel and Firefly, will be on hand with surprise guests from the cast of Serenity. Get your first glimpse of Joss' eagerly awaited feature film adventure set in the Firefly universe. Currently filming, Serenity will be released by Universal next summer. Room 20


Also of note during the Con will be panels with footage and most of the casts from TV shows like "The Simpsons", "Smallville", "Farscape: Peacekeeper Wars", "Lost", "Battlestar Galactica", "Stargate: SG-1", "Stargate: Atlantis", "Freaks and Geeks", "Dead Like Me", "Tru Calling" and "Riding the Bullet".

The full line-up and breakdown can be found at the official site.

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