San Diego Comic-Con 2026 is officially underway, and pop culture fans have descended upon Southern California for a weekend of announcements, panels, and some truly impressive cosplay. While the convention runs from July 23-26, the big news is already starting to flow.
A Packed Schedule of Panels
This year's convention is notably more vibrant than recent years, with major studios returning in force. On Friday, Prime Video kicked things off with a combo panel for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and the upcoming Blade Runner 2099 series. The Rings of Power panel was particularly buzzy, with co-showrunner J.D. Payne teasing that "Sauron Has a Plan to Turn the Tide" in the upcoming third season. The first teaser for Season 3 was also unveiled, introducing new characters and setting the stage for what promises to be a pivotal season.
Friday also featured a highly anticipated "Creature Feature Reboot: Monsters of Horror" panel, a conversation with horror authors Max Brooks, Shane Hawk, TJ Payne, and Marshall J. Moore. The panel was moderated by io9's own Cheryl Eddy, a source of pride for the team.
Saturday's Headliners
As the convention moves into Saturday, all eyes are on Hall H. The day is packed with panels from Netflix, Apple, and Prime Video. But the main event is Marvel Studios' headline spot at 5:30 p.m. PT. The studio has already shown a trailer, leaving fans speculating on what new announcements they have in store. Meanwhile, the Lanterns experience, an interactive training ground for the HBO series, has drawn massive lines, a testament to the excitement for DC's upcoming Green Lantern show.
Laika's Wildwood and Peanuts Pop-Ups
Beyond the major panels, the convention floor is buzzing with activity. Laika is promoting its next stop-motion film, Wildwood, with a portal experience that immerses attendees in the film's Pacific Northwest forest setting. Fans who step inside are transported to the movie's world, complete with an olfactory component that recreates the smell of the woods.
Over at the Peanuts pop-up in collaboration with Super7, attendees can "adopt" a Snoopy sibling plush (choose from Andy, Olaf, Belle, Spike, or Marbles) and receive an adoption certificate, a cardboard carrier, and a bandana. The line is long, but the exclusive merch—including bag charms, t-shirts, hats, and aprons—has been a major draw.
The Gaslamp Gets a Makeover
Finally, San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter sign, a staple since 1990, has received a special makeover for the event, now featuring a Green Lantern theme. It's a perfect symbol of how SDCC has transformed the city itself, a place where even the streetlights become part of the pop culture spectacle.
Stay tuned to our live blog for more updates as io9 brings you coverage from the front lines of the convention.