The Biggest Pop Culture Weekend of the Year Has Arrived
San Diego Comic-Con 2026 has officially taken over the Gaslamp Quarter, and if you weren’t in Hall H or walking the convention floor, you probably spent the weekend refreshing Twitter and praying for leaks. The good news? We were there. The better news? We’ve compiled everything that happened into one massive, superfan-friendly recap.
Marvel Studios made their triumphant return to Hall H with new Avengers: Doomsday footage, a Black Panther 3 release date, and the surprise announcement of a Ryan Gosling-led Ghost Rider movie. HBO’s Lanterns cast dropped major spoilers about the series’ villain. Prime Video unveiled the first trailer for Blade Runner 2099 and a new look at The Rings of Power Season 3. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Whether you’re a Marvel diehard, a DC devotee, an anime fanatic, or just someone who loves seeing grown adults lose their minds over a 30-second teaser, this recap has you covered. Let’s dive in.
Marvel Studios Dominates Hall H
New ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Footage and Poster
Marvel Studios kicked off their Hall H presentation with a bang, giving fans a fresh look at Avengers: Doomsday with a new poster featuring Victor Von Doom and an extended clip showing off his evil abilities. The footage reportedly showed Doom’s power in ways that left the crowd speechless, though Marvel is keeping the specifics tightly under wraps for now.
Deadpool and Peggy Carter Confirmed for ‘Doomsday’
In a move that sent the internet into a spiral, Marvel confirmed that Ryan Reynolds will reprise his role as Deadpool and Hayley Atwell will return as Peggy Carter in Avengers: Doomsday. How these two characters factor into the multiverse-spanning epic remains a mystery, but fans are already speculating about a Deadpool-Peggy team-up.
‘Black Panther 3’ Gets a Release Date and New Cast Member
Ryan Coogler is officially returning to direct Black Panther 3, which Marvel announced will hit theaters on December 15, 2028. The bigger news? The Long Walk and Alien: Romulus star David Jonsson will join the cast as the son of T’Challa. Wakanda’s future just got a whole lot more interesting.
Ryan Gosling Is Ghost Rider
The surprise of the weekend came when Marvel announced that Ryan Gosling will star as Ghost Rider in a new film directed by Shawn Levy. The movie is slated for a 2028 release. Gosling has been rumored for the role for years, and now it’s finally happening. The internet promptly lost its collective mind.
HBO’s ‘Lanterns’ Lights Up SDCC
The Five Biggest Reveals from the Lanterns Panel
The Lanterns panel was one of the most anticipated of the weekend, and the cast delivered. Showrunner Chris Mundy, along with Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Garret Dillahunt, and Poorna Jagannathan, revealed several key details about the upcoming HBO series.
The Villain Might Be Who You Least Expect: The newest trailer appears to confirm a major villain reveal that has fans rethinking everything. Speculation is running wild, but the panel played it coy.
Aaron Pierre Almost Lost the Role: Pierre revealed that he suffered a grisly bicep injury during training that nearly cost him the part of Jon Stewart. He pushed through and kept the role.
Hal Jordan’s Reluctance: The series explores what happens when a grizzled Lantern vet like Hal Jordan (Chandler) doesn’t want to give up his ring to a younger, more capable Jon Stewart (Pierre). It’s the emotional core of the show.
Guy Gardner Takes Center Stage: Co-creator Damon Lindelof explained why Guy Gardner is the main Green Lantern in the series, a choice that will surprise comic fans.
The One Rule James Gunn Had: Lindelof and co-creator Tom King revealed that James Gunn had one rule for adapting the comics: stay true to the characters’ emotional truths, even when the cosmic stakes get insane.
Lindelof on Gunn’s Rules
“We don’t really have that many rules,” Lindelof said during an interview on the IGN stage. “The rule is, ‘You’re making a show about a guy who wears a ring and the ring makes green things.’ You can’t take yourself too seriously. But the human element has to feel real.”
Prime Video Brings the Heat
‘Blade Runner 2099’ Debut Trailer and Release Date
The long-awaited first trailer for Blade Runner 2099 finally dropped at SDCC, and it looks stunning. Prime Video also confirmed the series will debut on November 25, 2026. The footage teased a neon-drenched, rain-soaked future that feels true to Ridley Scott’s original vision while pushing the story forward.
‘The Rings of Power’ Season 3 Trailer and Simon Pegg’s Surprising Role
Prime Video revealed a brand-new trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3, alongside a casting announcement that no one saw coming: Simon Pegg will voice the Balrog. Yes, the beloved comedic actor is bringing the ancient demon of shadow and flame to life. Fans are already imagining Shaun of the Dead jokes escaping from the depths of Moria.
Cast Talks New Threats and Old Wounds
Benjamin Walker (High King Gil-galad) and Owain Arthur (Durin IV) joined the IGN stage to discuss the tenuous alliance between Elves and Dwarves as Sauron’s influence spreads. The third season sees Middle-earth on the brink of all-out war, with the Nazgûl—Sauron’s terrifying servants—taking center stage. The cast also addressed Galadriel’s lost love Celeborn, whose actor apparently did a surprise DJ set at the IGN SDCC party the night before.
Avatar: The Last Airbender Returns
‘Avatar: Seven Havens’ Gets a Release Date and Trailer
The new animated series Avatar: Seven Havens officially has a premiere date: October 9 on Paramount+. The teaser trailer debuted at SDCC, giving fans their first look at a world shattered by a devastating cataclysm. The series follows a young Earthbender who discovers she’s the new Avatar after Korra. The twist? In this dangerous era, the title marks her as humanity’s destroyer, not its savior. Hunted by both human and spirit enemies, she and her long-lost twin must uncover their mysterious origins and save the Seven Havens before civilization’s last strongholds collapse. The series will run for 26 episodes, with creators Bryan Konietzko, Michael DiMartino, and Lauren Montgomery returning.
The Gaang in Their Mid-20s
The voices behind Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Toph sat down with IGN to discuss the new animated movie Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender. The cast talked about how the Gaang has aged and who they’ve become in their mid-20s, plus the importance of being a good person—and being ripped. “Aang has been working out,” one cast member joked.
Creators Talk 2D Animation and Seven Havens
Konietzko and DiMartino discussed why they’re sticking with 2D animation for the new projects, the announcement of Avatar: Seven Havens, and whether we’ll ever get a live-action adaptation of The Promise. The duo also teased that the new series will explore the “Seven Havens” as the last strongholds of civilization, each with its own distinct culture and challenges.
‘Clayface’ Brings DCU Horror to SDCC
Everything We Learned About the DCU’s First Horror Film
Clayface director James Watkins and star Tom Rhys Harries appeared at the IGN stage to break down the upcoming DCU horror film. The panel revealed that the movie will lean heavily into practical effects, with Harries describing the transformation sequences as “f****d up” in the best possible way.
Batman: The Animated Series Inspiration: Watkins cited the “Feat of Clay” episode from Batman: The Animated Series as a major influence on the film’s tone and visual approach.
James Gunn’s Notes on Gotham: Watkins revealed that Gunn had specific notes on how Gotham City should be represented in its first live-action DCU appearance. The city will feel grounded but stylized, a blend of Tim Burton’s gothic vision and the gritty realism of Christopher Nolan’s Gotham.
Practical Effects Over CGI: Harries underwent extensive makeup and prosthetics work to bring Clayface to life. “When you see what we did, you’re going to be horrified,” he promised.
‘Spaceballs: The New One’ and Rick Moranis’s Return
Mel Brooks’s Yogurt Is Now CGI (and That’s Okay)
Rick Moranis appeared at SDCC alongside Josh Gad to reveal new details about Spaceballs: The New One. The biggest reveal: Mel Brooks’s character Yogurt will be rendered in CGI, allowing the 99-year-old comedy legend to appear in the sequel without extensive on-set filming.
Fresh Star Wars Gags: The film will parody modern Star Wars, including the sequel trilogy, prequels, and various spin-offs. Gad teased that “no franchise is safe.”
Paying Tribute to John Candy: The filmmakers discussed how they’re honoring John Candy’s memory, with Gad saying, “We wanted to make sure Barf’s legacy was respected.”
‘Resident Evil’ Director Ranks His Favorite Games
Zach Cregger’s Top Five
Resident Evil director Zach Cregger and star Austin Abrams chatted about the upcoming movie adaptation and its monster design. Cregger also ranked his top five Resident Evil games, sparking a lively debate among fans. While he didn’t reveal the full list, he made it clear that Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 2 are high on his list.
Monster Design and Practical Effects
Cregger emphasized that the film will feature a mix of practical effects and CGI, with a focus on creating creatures that feel tangible and terrifying. “We wanted the monsters to feel like they could actually exist,” he said.
‘The Walking Dead: Dead City’ Season 3 Preview
Negan and Maggie’s Complicated Relationship
The cast of The Walking Dead: Dead City—Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Aimee Garcia, and Raúl Castillo—stopped by the IGN stage to preview the upcoming third season, which premieres this weekend. The panel addressed the complex relationship status of Negan and Maggie heading into Season 3, with Morgan joking that “it’s complicated” and Cohan hinting that “nothing is ever simple between them.”
An Alternate Reality Episode
One of the most intriguing reveals: Season 3 will feature an alternate reality episode that could see the return of some fan-favorite characters from the original series. The cast was tight-lipped about which characters might appear, but the speculation is already rampant.
Brad Bird’s ‘Ray Gunn’ and the 1906 Project
Opening Seven Minutes Debut
Director Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille) revealed more about his newest animated film, Ray Gunn, and debuted the opening seven minutes at SDCC. The film, which is set to release on Netflix, blends sci-fi and noir elements, with Bird describing it as a “love letter to classic detective stories set in a futuristic world.”
1906 Miniseries Update
Bird also provided an update on his long-planned 1906 San Francisco earthquake project, which now may become a miniseries rather than a feature film. “It’s a story that deserves the time to be told properly,” he said.
Seth Green’s ‘Star Wars: Detours’ Finally Sees the Light of Day
The Lucas Museum Exhibit
Seth Green’s long-shelved animated Star Wars sitcom Star Wars: Detours will finally find its way in front of the public—but not on television. Instead, it will be an exhibit at George Lucas’s soon-to-open Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles. The exhibit will feature behind-the-scenes materials, clips, and a deep dive into why the show was shelved in the first place.
Green Day’s ‘Nimrods’ and the American Idiot Movie Question
The Band’s First Film
Legendary punk rockers Billie Joe Armstrong, Tré Cool, and Mike Dirnt took the IGN stage with Mason Thames and director Lee Kirk to explain why Nimrods, a movie loosely based on Green Day’s early touring days, takes a road trip comedy approach. “It’s about the chaos of being young and stupid and in a band,” Armstrong said.
Will ‘American Idiot’ Become a Movie?
When asked whether we’re any closer to seeing one of their signature albums, American Idiot, adapted for the big screen, the band was cautiously optimistic. “We’ve talked about it,” Armstrong said. “But it has to be right.”
Everything Else You Missed
‘God of War Laufey’ Release Date and New Kratos Game
Santa Monica Studio confirmed that God of War Laufey will release on February 16, 2027. More exciting: a new Kratos-led God of War game is coming after Laufey that will connect to the stories of both games.
‘Garfield: Escape from Monday’ Gameplay
We presented eight minutes of gameplay from Garfield: Escape from Monday, a 3D platformer set to release on September 24, 2026. It looks exactly as chaotic and lasagna-fueled as you’d expect.
Marvel Comics Reclaims Eddie Brock as Venom
Eddie Brock will become Venom again in a new ongoing series launching after the Queen in the Black crossover wraps up. Fan favorite status restored.
New Indiana Jones Comics Coming
Marvel is finally publishing new Indiana Jones comics beginning in December 2026. No new movie, but at least we’re getting new stories.
Dan Houser on Physical Games
Dan Houser and Lazlow stopped by the IGN stage to discuss their current projects at Absurd Ventures. When asked about the death of physical media, Houser said: “If people want that, I think companies should provide it.”
Johnny Depp Returns as Ebenezer Scrooge
Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at SDCC as his character from Ebenezer Scrooge, complete with full makeup and costume. The film’s first trailer also dropped, marking Depp’s big Hollywood return after years of smaller projects.
‘King of the Hill’ Season 15 Panel
Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, and Saladin Patterson sat down to discuss their most recent season of King of the Hill, how Season 15 became a masterpiece, and where the show will evolve from here.
‘Street Fighter’ Panel
David Dastmalchian stopped by the IGN balcony to talk about playing M. Bison in the upcoming Street Fighter movie, his YouTube series where he interviews celebrities in literal coffins, and his recently released comics.
‘Nimrods’ Panel
Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Tré Cool, and Mike Dirnt took the IGN stage with Mason Thames and director Lee Kirk to discuss the band’s first film.
‘Adventure Time: Side Quests’ Panel
Sasha Knight, John DiMaggio, and Niki Yang from Adventure Time: Side Quests came by to talk about their new show, how Sasha prepared to play Finn the Human, and how Jake and Finn would defeat some of comics’ biggest villains using farts.
‘President Curtis’ Panel
Keith David, Stephanie Beatriz, Jim Rash, Dan Harmon, and James Siciliano all stopped by to tell us about their new Rick & Morty spin-off, President Curtis. David explained how he prepares to play the president full time and why this character was the best to spin off from the main series.
‘My Adventures With Superman’ Panel
Jack Quaid and Alice Lee came to our live show to talk all about My Adventures With Superman, how they’ve grown into their characters, and why Superman would be such a better dad than Kratos, Darth Vader, and Homer Simpson.
‘X-Men ’97’ Season 3 Villains Revealed
During SDCC’s Marvel Comics to Screen panel, new details about X-Men ’97‘s third and fourth seasons were revealed, including the return of several fan-favorite mutant villains. The panel teased major threats that will test the team like never before.
‘Control Resonant’ and ‘Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2’
Remedy stopped by to talk about Control Resonant and how Dylan’s mind palace acts as a menu players can visit any time out of combat. Meanwhile, Cold Iron Studios discussed Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2‘s new Specialist class and Horde mode, available August 25 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam.
‘Batman: Caped Crusader – Chronicles’ Game
Amazon and Warner Bros. announced Batman: Caped Crusader – Chronicles, a new Batman game exclusive to Amazon Prime, set to launch on July 31 alongside Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2.
Legion 7A and Legion Go 2
We stopped by the Restart Gaming Lounge to check out the laptops and handheld gaming devices powering the Marvel Rivals and Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game competition.
‘American Caper’ Double-Sized Season Finale
IGN exclusively revealed that American Caper, the crime fiction comic series from Absurd Ventures’ Dan Houser, is getting a double-sized season finale issue #12 arriving November 11, 2026.
The Burning Questions After SDCC 2026
How will Deadpool and Peggy Carter fit into Avengers: Doomsday? Ryan Reynolds and Hayley Atwell are confirmed, but their roles remain a mystery. Are they variants? From another timeline? The multiverse is wide open.
Who is the real villain of Lanterns? The newest trailer appears to confirm a major villain reveal, but the panel played it coy. Fans are already speculating about which classic Green Lantern antagonist will make their live-action debut.
Can Ryan Gosling pull off Ghost Rider? The casting has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, but can Gosling bring the right mix of brooding intensity and supernatural menace? Shawn Levy’s direction suggests we’re in for something special.
What happened to set up Avatar: Seven Havens? The cataclysm that shattered the world between Korra’s time and the new Avatar is a massive mystery. Did Korra fail? Was it something else entirely?
A Comic-Con for the Ages
San Diego Comic-Con 2026 delivered on every front. Marvel gave us Doomsday footage, a Ghost Rider movie, and Black Panther 3 news. HBO’s Lanterns panel raised more questions than it answered, in the best way possible. Prime Video showed off Blade Runner 2099 and The Rings of Power Season 3. And that’s before we even mention Clayface, Spaceballs, Avatar: Seven Havens, and the return of Johnny Depp.
The weekend was packed. The announcements were massive. And we’re already counting down to SDCC 2027.
What was your favorite announcement from SDCC 2026? Are you more excited for Avengers: Doomsday or Ryan Gosling’s Ghost Rider? Did Clayface convince you that the DCU can do horror? And what do you think the big Lanterns villain reveal is? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’ll be reading them all.
San Diego Comic-Con 2026 took place July 23-26 at the San Diego Convention Center. Stay tuned to our site for continuing coverage of everything announced this weekend.
