Tayyaba
San Diego Comic-Con has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1970. From a niche convention for just 300 fans, it has grown into a major Hollywood event, attracting the biggest franchises and top actors. However, the 2023 Comic-Con will be the least star-packed in over a decade, due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and WGA (Writer’s Guild Association) double strike.
What is the San Diego Comic-Con?
San Diego Comic-Con International is a multigenre entertainment event held annually in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Convention Center. It is the largest comic book convention in the world, and draws over 130,000 attendees each year. The convention features a wide variety of events, including panels, workshops, screenings, autograph signings, and exhibits. It is also a major marketplace for comics, toys, and other pop culture merchandise.
Who is skipping the 2023 Comic-Con?
SAG-AFTRA’s announcement that actors will be joining the writers guild on picket lines has led to yet another shutdown in Hollywood. This has had a significant impact on Comic-Con, with most major studios including Disney, Warner Bros., Sony, Universal, Netflix and HBO, choosing to sit out the event due to financial stress and strike uncertainty. This year also marks the first time in over a decade that neither Marvel nor DC will be hosting a panel in Hall H, the largest venue at Comic-Con.
The convention’s lineup has also taken a hit, with a slew of previously announced panels now canceled. This includes Legendary’s plans to bring Dune: Part Two, as well as panels for TV shows such as Amazon’s Wheel of Time, Freevee’s Jury Duty, and ABC’s Abbott Elementary. The impact of the strike on Comic-Con is still unclear, but it is clear that the event will be significantly different this year. Fans who were hoping to see their favorite actors and creators may be disappointed, but the convention will still offer plenty of other attractions.