The 8 Winners and 4 Losers of San Diego Comic-Con 2026
Key Points:
- Marvel Studios made a strong return to Hall H at SDCC 2026, announcing exciting projects like a Ryan Gosling Ghost Rider movie and a new Black Panther, though the panel didn’t fully meet the high expectations of fans.
- The DC show Lanterns was a major Comic-Con success, delivering an immersive panel, engaging offsite experiences, and innovative fan interactions such as a themed charging station.
- Horror creator Mike Flanagan debuted at SDCC with news and exclusive clips for his upcoming Stephen King adaptation Carrie, while Guillermo del Toro celebrated the 20th anniversary of Pan’s Labyrinth with a well-received Hall H panel.
- Apple TV had a notable presence with a Hall H panel showcasing hits like Silo, Dark Matter, and surprise teases including Neuromancer, while Prime Video revealed a first look at Blade Runner 2099 featuring stars Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer.
- Negative aspects of SDCC 2026 included rumors of counterfeit wristbands disrupting fan access, disappointing DC movie representation beyond Lanterns, and an odd appearance by Johnny Depp that confused attendees.