All the premieres going down at SDCC this year
San Diego Comic Con is on its way and it’s full of all of the kinds of things you’d expect at one of the world’s biggest Comic Conventions, including Q&A’s with big names such as Matt Groening and Al Jean from The Simpsons, director Kevin Smith, and the cast of Twin Peaks! What more could you want? Premieres you say? If it’s premieres you want, you’re in for a treat as there are plenty going down at this year’s event. Let’s take a look at the new shows and movies making their way to the big screen at the 2018 SDCC!
Manifest
Manifest first landed at SDCC 2018 with a panel that introduced viewers to its premise about passengers on a Montego Air flight who return five years after takeoff to discover the world had moved on without them. The series ran on NBC from 2018 to 2021 before the network canceled it, then Netflix picked it up for a final fourth season that wrapped the story in 2023. No further seasons are planned, though the show’s supernatural mystery and ensemble cast kept fans engaged through the revival run.
Major Studio Returns and Hall H Highlights
Marvel Studios is returning to Hall H for the 2026 convention after skipping the previous year, a move that immediately shifts the scale of studio participation. The studio is expected to use the slot for major reveals tied to Avengers projects, with the room likely packed for footage drops and cast appearances. Industry observers note that Hall H bookings often signal how aggressively a studio wants to set the summer conversation, and Marvel’s re-entry suggests a coordinated push for the next phase of its slate.
Anticipated Film Premieres and Trailers
Release calendars line up several titles for potential SDCC 2026 exposure, including Spider-Man: Brand New Day in July, Practical Magic 2 in September, and Clayface in October. Studios typically time first looks or teaser footage for the convention when a project needs momentum ahead of a holiday window. While nothing is locked until official schedules drop, the proximity of these dates makes SDCC the logical venue for initial marketing pushes and talent panels.
Comic and Publishing New Releases
Publishers are using the convention floor to launch new series and tie-ins timed for 2026. Hasbro’s M.A.S.K. revival and the new series Terminal are already flagged for booth focus, while other houses plan fresh lines and variant covers. The floor remains the clearest place to gauge which books and characters will carry the next wave of pop-culture conversations once attendees return home.
Offsite Events and Fan Experiences
SDCC activity stretches well beyond the convention center into Gaslamp Quarter bars, Petco Park activations, and brand-sponsored parties that run through the weekend. These offsite zones often draw larger crowds than badge holders alone, with interactive installations and late-night events that keep the energy high even for attendees without access to Hall H. Organizers treat the surrounding blocks as an extension of the main program, creating a week-long circuit that rewards planning and stamina.
