San Diego Comic-Con 2025, set to take place from July 24-27, is shaping up to be a different kind of beast. The iconic Hall H, known for its blockbuster movie panels and star-studded reveals, will see a surprising absence of some of Hollywood’s biggest players this year. Marvel Studios, DC, Warner Bros., Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, and Legendary are all opting out of film panels in the famous 6,500-seat venue. But there will be some presence from some big studios pack up your cosplay just yet—Comic-Con is far from empty. With new projects stepping into the spotlight and a focus on smaller, creative offerings, this year’s event could signal a shift in how studios approach the pop culture mecca. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what fans can still look forward to. The Wrap has had some exclusive insights of why this Comic-Con will be like no other than its previous ones
Why Are Studios Skipping Hall H?
The absence of heavyweights like Marvel and DC is raising eyebrows, especially given their historic dominance at Comic-Con. Several factors are driving this exodus, and it’s not just about a lack of new footage. Here’s the lowdown:
- Superhero Fatigue and Box Office Struggles: Superhero films, once the golden goose of Hollywood, are facing a rough patch. Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World and Thunderbolts both failed to break $500 million globally in 2025, signaling a dip in audience enthusiasm. With the genre at a crossroads, studios may be hesitant to spend big on promotional events without guaranteed returns.
- Timing and Production Schedules: Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday was pushed from May to December 2026, meaning there’s no urgent need for a splashy Hall H panel this year. Similarly, DC’s Superman hits theaters two weeks before Comic-Con, and Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps drops on the convention’s opening Friday, July 25. With these films already in the public eye, studios are saving their big reveals for 2026.
- High Costs of Hall H: Mounting a Hall H presentation isn’t cheap. Between talent fees, travel, accommodations, and production costs, a single panel can cost thousands and thousands of dollars. Studios are tightening their belts, especially when the return on investment is uncertain.
- Strategic Shifts: Marvel and DC are rethinking their approaches. Marvel is focusing on a convention floor presence with an immersive Fantastic Four booth and panels for comics and games, while DC is banking on a Peacemaker Season 2 panel to keep fans engaged. This suggests a pivot toward more targeted, cost-effective promotion.
What’s Still Coming to Comic-Con 2025?While the absence of major film panels might feel like a letdown, Comic-Con 2025 is far from a ghost town. Several studios and projects are stepping up to fill the void, offering a mix of blockbuster teases and indie surprises. Here’s what you can expect:
| Panel/Project | Details | Why It’s Exciting |
|---|---|---|
| Peacemaker Season 2 | DC Studios brings co-chief James Gunn and star John Cena to promote the second season of the hit Max series. | Gunn’s knack for blending humor and heart, plus Cena’s charisma, makes this a must-see for DC fans. Expect exclusive footage and behind-the-scenes insights. |
| Tron: Ares | Disney is showcasing this sci-fi sequel, likely with new footage and cast appearances. | A visually stunning return to the Tron universe, this panel could steal the show with its high-tech aesthetic and star power. |
| Project Hail Mary | Amazon MGM Studios makes its Hall H debut with Ryan Gosling starring in this sci-fi epic. | Gosling’s involvement and the buzz from its CinemaCon reveal make this a potential crowd-pleaser. |
| Coyote vs. Acme | Ketchup Entertainment presents this live-action/CG hybrid, a quirky addition to the lineup. | A fresh, offbeat project that could surprise fans looking for something outside the superhero mold. |
| Predator: Badlands | Disney brings another genre film to Hall H, continuing the Predator franchise. | Action-packed and gritty, this could appeal to fans craving high-octane sci-fi. |
Final Thoughts
Comic-Con 2025 may not have the blockbuster fireworks of years past, but it’s far from a bust with some good panels still set to appear this year. The absence of Marvel, DC, and other major studios opens the door for fresh faces and unexpected gems to take center stage. From Tron: Ares to Peacemaker Season 2, there’s still plenty to get excited about.
