Podcast: Breaking Down the SDCC 2017 Schedule (S02E89)

Welcome to the Nerd Fu podcast – Season 2: Episode 89.  If you’re looking for the latest & greatest in nerdy/geeky news, then this IS the podcast you’ve been looking for. This week’s episode tosses our regular show format out the window because we’re in total SDCC 2017 mode! We’ve looked at the panel schedule, outside activations and some pretty awesome exhibitor exclusives and have provided a pretty comprehensive list below of Comic-Con standouts.

Of course, everything you see below is not everything you’ll see at the Con this year but it’s a good start for sure. Don’t forget one of biggest mottos of any con: research, research, research! And with that……let’s jump right into it.

Headphones in!
Volume up!
It’s on like San Diego Comic-Con!

• Don’t forget to join our mailing list. We send it out (usually on Friday) to keep you up-to-date on the latest in nerd news. ** We wouldn’t want you missing out on any awesome contests, sales, offers or extra entries (hint, hint)!

Don’t forget to enter our 2017 SDCC Survival Pack Giveaway

GAMERS UNITED AGAINST DEMENTIA

On July 14th (Friday), Ross Miller aka @_GamersUnited on Twitter, will host a group of podcasters, streamers and gamers and forces to play for charity during a 13 hour livestream on Mixer. Efforts behind this will be to raise awareness and education for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Ross’ hopes are to ensure that people can recognize the signs of dementia and support family members and/or friends who have this disease. Supporting those that have given up parts of their own life to care for loved ones who cannot care for themselves is also emphasized.

Anyone interested in joining the livestream can reach out on Twitter to @_GamersUnited and anyone who would like to donate can click on the image above or visit justgiving.com/fundraising/gud.

THURSDAY

• Hall H
  • 11a to 12p – 20th Century Fox
  • 12:45p to 1:45p – Brigsby Bear Cast and Filmmakers Panel > Sony Pictures Classics film Brigsby Bear with Kyle Mooney, Dave McCary,Beck Bennett, Kevin Costello, and members of The Lonely Island, moderated by Entertainment Weekly’ s Anthony Breznican. There will be an exclusive extended clip of the film followed by a Q&A session.
  • 2p to – 3p – Teen Wolf > expect series regulars, surprise guests, and one last chance to say goodbye to the show and it’s historic MTV run
  • 3:15p to 4:30p – Netflix Films: Bright and Death Note > a special sneak peek of BRIGHT with stars Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, Noomi Rapace, Lucy Fry and Edgar Ramirez with director David Ayer. Attendees will also be treated to a first look at DEATH NOTE and will debut footage of the edgy thriller
  • 4:45p to 5:45p – The Nerdist Panel with Chris Hardwick  > Chris, Jessica Chobot, Dan Casey, Joan Ford, Rachel Heine, Kyle Hill and Andrew Bowser will have a lively conversation about sci-fi, superheroes, and what’s coming up for Nerdist

• Ballroom 20
  • 3:45p to 4:45p – The Strain Screening and Q&A  > get a sneak peek at never-before-seen footage with showrunner Carlton Cuse, exec prod. Chuck Hogan, and stars Corey Stoll / David Bradley / Kevin Durand / Ruta Gedmintas / Miguel Gomez, Richard Sammel and Max Charles
  • 5p to 6p – Legion Screening and Q&A > Creator/executive producer/writer/director Noah Hawley is joined by fellow executive producers John Cameron, Lauren Shuler Donner, and Jeph Loeb and series stars Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart, Bill Irwin, Jeremie Harris, and Amber Midthunder for a conversation on what to look forward to from season 2 of Legion.
  • 6:15p to 7:15p – Marvel Television: Marvel’s Inhumans > The Inhumans have landed in San Diego! Special guests of the highly anticipated Marvel’s Inhumans unveil an explosive panel moderated by executive producer Jeph Loeb. This event series will premiere a version of the first two episodes exclusively in IMAX theatres for a two-week window prior to the debut of the full series on ABC.
• Honorable Mention
  • 10:30a to 11:30a (Rm 6BCF) Netflix Original Series / DreamWorks Voltron: Legendary Defender  > exec prod. Joaquim Dos Santos, co-exec prod. Lauren Montgomery, Bex Taylor-Klaus and Tyler Labine will debut the first episode of season 3, attendees will get an SDCC exclusive poster
  • 1p to 2p (Rm 7AB) Mondo Mania  > the creative team discuss how their work is fueled by their love of pop culture
  • 4:45p to 5:45p (Rm 6BCF) Ghosted > Be one of the first to see FOX’s highly anticipated new action-comedy Ghosted, starring Craig Robinson (The Office) and Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation). Ghosted is about the partnership between two polar opposites-a cynical skeptic and a genius “true believer”-who are recruited to investigate unexplained phenomena in Los Angeles, all while uncovering a larger mystery that could threaten the existence of the human race. Robinson and Scott are joined by Ally Walker (Sons of Anarchy) and executive producers Tom Gormican and Kevin Ettento discuss this paranormal buddy comedy coming to FOX this fall.
  • 7p to 8p (Rm 5AB) Netflix Original: Castlevania with Adi Shankar 

FRIDAY

• Hall H
  • 10a to 11a – The Big Bang Theory Special Video Presentation and Q&A > The Big Bang Theory returns to San Diego to take you inside the biggest moments of season 10 and behind the scenes of TV’s #1 comedy for a special 10th anniversary panel. From the introduction of Penny’s family, to the baby, to that season finale moment that left fans hanging (What will Amy say?), join folks from the show for a lively discussion and special video presentation. From Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television, The Big Bang Theory returns for season 11 this fall, premiering Monday, September 25 at 8/7c on CBS.
  • 11:15 to 12:15p – AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead > Kim Dickens, Frank Dillane, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Mercedes Mason, Colman Domingo, Dayton Callie, Sam Underwood, Daniel Sharman, and Michael Greyeyes join showrunner Dave Erickson, executive prod Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer Dave Alpert,and special effects makeup supervisor and executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist, Talking Dead). They will talk about where the series left off in the midseason finale and what to look forward to when it picks up in September.
  • 12:15p to 1:15p – AMC’s The Walking Dead > Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride,Lennie James, Chandler Riggs, Seth Gilliam, Alanna Masterson, and Khary Payton join executive producer and showrunner Scott M. Gimple, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd,executive producer Dave Alpert, and special effects makeup supervisor and executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist, Talking Dead). The panelists will discuss the past season and filming the 100th episode and will share some hints of what’s to come with a sneak peek into season 8, debuting in October on AMC.
  • 1:30p to 2:30p – Game of Thrones Panel and Q&A >  Cast panelists include (in alphabetical order) Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy, Jacob Anderson as Grey Worm, John Bradley as Samwell Tarly, Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth, Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth, Nathalie Emmanuel as Missandei, Conleth Hill as Varys, Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark, and Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark. The panel will be moderated by a special Westerosian guest.
  • 2:45p to 3:45p – Twin Peaks: A Damn Good Panel
  • 4p to 5p – AMC’s Preacher > Executive producer Seth Rogen joins comic book co-creator and series executive producer Garth Ennis and members of the cast, including Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, Joseph Gilgun, Ian Colletti, and Graham McTavish for a mid-season 2 panel discussion about the story so far and what’s to come. Join the panelists for a Q&A session and an official sneak preview of episode 206, which airs on Sunday, July 24.
  • 5:15p to 6:15p – Netflix: Marvel’s The Defenders > Daredevil. Jessica Jones. Luke Cage. Iron Fist. Four iconic superheroes. One stage. Nuff said! Jeph Loeb and surprise guests of the highly anticipated Netflix original series Marvel’s The Defenders band together for a panel you do not want to miss! Be the first to get an exclusive look into the superhero team-up that everyone is talking about before its August 18 global launch on Netflix.

• Ballroom 20
  • 11:15a to 12:15p – iZombie Special Video Presentation and Q&A
  • 3:45p to 4:45p – The Gifted Extended Sneak Peak
• Indigo Ballroom (Hilton Bayfront)
  • 1:15p to 2p – [adult swim] Rick and Morty
  • 2:15p to 3p – [adult swim] Robot Chicken
  • 3:15p to 4p – [adult swim] Mike Tyson Mysteries
  • 5:15p to 6:05p – Archer Discussion and Q&A > A very special secret guest, plus the voice cast of H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter, Chris Parnell, Judy Greer, Amber Nash, and Lucky Yates, executive producer Matt Thompson and co-executive producer Casey Willis discuss bringing this animated series to life.
• Honorable Mention
  • 11:15a to 12:30p (Rm 6BCF) Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite
  • 12p to 1p (Grand 1 & 2 Marriott Marquis Marina) Building a Geek Brand and Getting Paid to Do It!
    • Do you have a big idea that could change the pop culture world but don’t know what to do next? Feeling stagnant in your brand and want to turn it into a career? Started your business but struggling to take it to the next level? Industry pros will share some of their trade secrets to taking a big idea and turning it into a rewarding professional career that shapes culture. Tony B Kim (Hero Within, Crazy 4 Comic Con) hosts panelists Chris Gore (Gemr, Film Threat, G4), and Ani-Mia(professional cosplayer).
  • 12:30p to 1:30p (Rm 6DE) Stan Lee and Friends: A Celebrity Tribute to the Comics Legend > Hot off immortalizing his hand and footprints in cement at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, 95-year-old comics legend Stan Lee heads to San Diego Comic-Con for an intimate Q&A with Felicia Day, Mythbuster Adam Savage, and Stan’s longtime manager Max Anderson. Hear little-known anecdotes about Stan’s life, career, and hilarious encounters with fans and celebrities. The panel will also premiere footage from Icons: Face to Face, a cutting-edge VR project featuring Stan and Kevin Smith, coming soon from Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned media company.
  • 9:15p to 10:45p (Rm6DE) ScreenJunkies: Honest Trailers and All-Star MovieFights Live!

SATURDAY

• Hall H
  • 11:30a to 1:30p – Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation > Justice League cast, Ready Player One w/ Ernest Cline, Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, T.J. Miller and co-screenwriter Zak Penn, Blade Runner 2049 with Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Lennie James, and Mackenzie Davis
  • 2p to 2:45p – Entertainment Weekly’s Women Who Kick Ass: Icon Edition with Charlize Theron > Oscar winner Charlize Theron sits down with Entertainment Weekly for no-holds-barred conversation with a woman who defies the rules-and creates her own.
  • 3p to 4p – Netflix’s Stranger Things > Join the cast and creators of the pop culture phenomenon Stranger Things for an in-depth discussion on the acclaimed series, the journey to Season 2, and be the first to experience never-before-seen footage of what’s to come this October.
  • 4:15p to 5:15p – Westworld Panel and Q&A > Cast panelists include Ben Barnesas Logan, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal as Armistice, Ed Harris as the Man in Black, Luke Hemsworth as Stubbs, James Marsden as Teddy, Thandie Newton as Maeve, Simon Quarterman as Lee Sizemore, Rodrigo Santoro as Hector, Angela Sarafyan as Clementine, Jimmi Simpson as William, Tessa Thompson as Charlotte Hale, Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores, Shannon Woodward as Elsie, and Jeffrey Wright as Bernard/Arnold. The panel will be moderated by internationally renowned vocal artist/beatboxer/musician/comedian Reggie Watts.
  • 5:30p to 7p – Marvel Studios

• Indigo Ballroom (Hilton Bayfront)
  • 12p to 1p – The Originals Special Video Presentation and Q&A > Exec. prod. Julie Plec and series stars for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A.
  • 1:15p to 1:45p – Krypton Special Video Presentation and Q&A
  • 1:50p to 2:50p – Lucifer Special Video Presentation and Q&A
  • 2:50p to 3:50p – Gotham Special Video Presentation and Q&A > Be among the first to see what’s in store for season 4 in a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers.
  • 6p to 6:50p – The Guild 10th Anniversary Reunion > Felicia Day, Sandeep Parikh, Jeff Lewis, Robin Thorsen, Vince Caso, and Amy Okuda are joined by director Sean Becker to reminisce and catch up with fans. Moderated by The Guild producer Kim Evey.

SUNDAY

• Hall H
  • 10:30a to 11:30 – Supernatural > Series stars and executive producers answer questions about the shocking events in last season’s intense two-part finale and preview what’s in store for lucky season 13. Fans will also be treated to an exclusive video presentation featuring series highlights of your favorite guys from Kansas and maybe a surprise or two!
  • 11:45a to 12:45p – TNT’s The Last Ship with Eric Dane: Panel and Exclusive Sneak Peek of Season 4
  • 1p to 2p – Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency: BBC America Official Panel > Join stars Elijah Wood (Todd Brotzman), Samuel Barnett (Dirk Gently), Hannah Marks (Amanda Brotzman), Jade Eshete (Farah Black), Fiona Dourif (Bart), Mpho Koaho (Ken), and new to season two, Alan Tudyk (Mr. Priest) and Tyler Labine (Sherlock Hobbs) when they descend on Hall H with writer and executive producer Max Landis (Bright) and showrunner Robert Cooper (Stargate Atlantis). Moderated by Kevin Smith, the panel will chat with fans about how everything was connected in season one and provide an exclusive sneak peek at season two.
  • 2p to 3p – Doctor Who: BBC America Official Panel > Doctor Who returns to San Diego Comic-Con for the final Hall H panel with star Peter Capaldi.Fans will have an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special—the final episode starring Peter Capaldi as the Doctor and written by Emmy Award-winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat. Join Peter Capaldi (the Doctor), Pearl Mackie (Bill), Matt Lucas (Nardole), Michelle Gomez(Missy), writer and actor Mark Gatiss (Sherlock), and showrunner Steven Moffat (Sherlock) for a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick that will celebrate Christmas in July and share one last look back at their time with the iconic global hit series with fans.

ACTIVATIONS AND MORE

• Sessions: The Legion Mixed Reality Experience (Hilton Bayfront Park) – Fans go through key scenes in Legion season 1, and get a sneak peek into season 2 with the full use of Microsoft’s HoloLens. (Ongoing)
• 4th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show presented by Her Universe and Hot Topic (Manchester Grand Hyatt – Harbor Ballroom) – 26 designers compete to win the chance to design a fashion collection with Her Universe. (7/20 at 6pm)
• Buffy 20th Anniversary Fandom Party (Side Bar) – Buffy fans mingle with other Buffy fans, take part in a trivia contest, Buffy cosplay contest, enjoy food and Buffy 20th anniversary cake and signature Slayer drink and more. (7/22 at 6p) (Free tickets are sold out but doors will open to fans in line after ticketed guests have entered)
• Annabelle: Creation and Atomic Blonde – Both have screenings at Westfield Horton Plaza – Annabelle will be on July 19th with a Q&A afterwards with director David. F. Sanberg (no word on how to attend yet)
• New Line / Stephen King’s IT activation (Petco Park) – A VR schoolbus experience and FLOAT, a cinematic VR experience

RETAILERS

• Hasbro – Transformers Primitive Optimus Prime ($50), Marvel Legends Series Battle for Asgard 5-pack ($99)
• Factory Entertainment – Back to the Future Part II – Time Circuit Keychain (with year’s SDCC date) ($15)
• Gentle Giant Ltd – Skottie Young’s I Hate Fairyland Gertrude Statue ($120)
• Hero Within – Wonder Woman Men’s Fashion Shirt (limited run) ($29)
• Loungefly – Star Wars 40th Anniversary Ltd Ed Denim Patch Backpack ($80)
• NECA – Alien 7″ Sewer Mutation Warrior Alien action figure ($30), Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey Death 8″ action figure ($35), Predator 30th Anniversary Jungle Briefing Dutch 7″ action figure ($30), TMNT 30th Anniversary Cartoon action figure box set ($200) (short pre-order sale sold out)
• PopMinded by Hallmark – Walrus Man itty bitty ($18), Wonder Woman itty bitty Xmas ornament ($10)
• ThinkGeek – SDCC 2017 UK Royal Mail Star Wars Stamps Exclusive ($25)
• Titan Entertainment – Firefly: Back from the Black with Comic-Con Exclusive enamel pin ($15), Game of Thrones 4.5″ translucent Night King exclusive figure ($15),
• Monogram International – Nightmare Before Christmas 3D Magnet 2pc Set ($10), Marvel 3D Keyring 3pc Set ($25), Beetlejuice 3D Keyring 3pc Set ($25), Horror 3D Keyring 3pc Set ($25), Beauty and the Beast 2pc 3D Magnet Set ($10) and 3dD 5pc Keyring Set ($40)
• Han Cholo – Rings, enamel pins and pendants – Check out the full article on TheNerdFu.com

• Research, research, research – Know an exclusive you want? Find out what the vendor will require (ahead of time), find out time/place for the awesome parties, etc.
• Download the app for the con you’re attending and keep it updated
• Review the schedules – Make a plan and have a backup in case you can’t make it to panel
• Keep your cell phone charged at all times
• Go to the store BEFORE the con begins and stock up on (and save money on) snacks, bottled water and daily health items like hand sanitizer and headache/allergy meds
  • Ralphs Grocery Store (located at 101 G St. in San Diego) – customers have the option to order their groceries online and arrange for pickup, some locations even deliver

In addition to the information we’ve provided, there are plenty of awesome people out there who have been doing this for as long as (or longer) than we have and are great resources for planning for your CONs:

• Crazy4ComicCon (Tony Kim)
• Englishman in San Diego (Leonard Sultana)
• GB Reviews (Violet & Josh)
• The Nerdy Girlie (Megan Elvrum)
• Parks and Cons (Shawn & Carmelle)