Star Trek, superheroes, and lots of Stephen King: the best of SDCC 2025 - The Verge
Comic-Con 2023: A Year of Expected Repeats and Exciting Revelations
The wait is over, and the dust has settled on one of the most highly anticipated events in the entertainment industry – San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC). The convention, which took place from July 20 to 24, 2023, was filled with excitement as fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their favorite TV shows, movies, and comic book characters. In this summary, we'll delve into the highlights and lowlights of SDCC 2023, exploring what worked and what didn't in terms of reveals and trailers.
A Year of Expected Repeats
While some fans might have been hoping for bigger surprises, the reality was that many of the announcements were predictable. The TV show universe is vast and interconnected, making it difficult to keep all the plot twists under wraps. As a result, many of the big reveals were more of the same: new cast members, season finales, or upcoming storylines.
One of the most anticipated events was the return of beloved characters from popular shows like "The Walking Dead" and "Stranger Things." Fans eagerly watched as the casts reunited on stage, and the trailers for their respective seasons were met with enthusiastic applause. While these moments might have felt familiar to long-time fans, they undoubtedly brought back the excitement and nostalgia that SDCC is known for.
Exciting Revelations
Despite the predictability of some announcements, there were still plenty of exciting reveals and trailers at SDCC 2023. Here are a few highlights:
- "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" Season 2: Amazon Studios unveiled the highly anticipated second season of their fantasy epic, promising even more epic battles, stunning locations, and character development.
- "The Witcher" Season 4: The final season of the popular Netflix series was officially announced, with a release date set for late 2023. Fans can expect an action-packed conclusion to Geralt's journey.
- "Dune: Part Two" Trailer: A brand-new trailer for Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic was unveiled, showcasing stunning visuals and hinting at the epic battles that will come in the second half of the film.
New Trailer Highlights
SDCC 2023 saw a number of new trailers for highly anticipated films. Here are some of the most exciting ones:
- "The Marvels": The trailer for the next chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) cosmic saga was met with widespread excitement. With Brie Larson reprising her role as Carol Danvers, this film promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
- "The Batman 2": A new trailer for the sequel to Matt Reeves' critically acclaimed blockbuster was unveiled, showcasing a darker, more ominous tone and hinting at the villains that will appear in the next installment.
- "Killers of the Flower Moon": The highly anticipated true-crime drama from Martin Scorsese was revealed, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as an FBI agent investigating a series of murders in 1920s Oklahoma.
Fan Favorites and Comebacks
SDCC 2023 saw several fan favorites make a comeback, including beloved characters from classic TV shows. Here are a few highlights:
- "The Simpsons": The longest-running primetime scripted show in television history was back with a bang, as the cast reunited on stage to promote their latest season.
- "Game of Thrones": The iconic fantasy series made its return to SDCC, with a special announcement promising more surprises in the years to come.
- "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds": A new trailer for the CBS All Access series was unveiled, showcasing the adventures of Captain Pike and his crew as they explore the galaxy.
The Big Questions
While SDCC 2023 provided plenty of excitement and reveals, there were still some lingering questions about what's to come in the world of entertainment. Here are a few of the biggest ones:
- What's next for "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power"?: With the second season already announced, fans are eager to know more about the storylines and character arcs that will be explored.
- Will there be a new "Star Trek" series?: Rumors have been circulating about a potential new "Star Trek" series, but nothing has been officially confirmed. Will this SDCC reveal finally settle the debate?
- What's in store for "The Walking Dead" universe?: With several spin-offs and sequels in development, fans are eager to know more about the future of Robert Kirkman's beloved franchise.
Conclusion
SDCC 2023 was a year of expected repeats and exciting revelations. While some announcements were predictable, the convention still managed to deliver plenty of surprises and excitement for fans. As we look ahead to next year's event, one thing is certain – the entertainment industry will continue to produce thrilling stories and characters that captivate audiences around the world.