This year’s San Diego Comic-Con may feel like it will be in a Hollywood slump this year, with many studios passing on the convention (at least in terms of having a panel) including Marvel, but their is hope on the horizon. While we may not see an Avengers Hall-H panel at the con, Marvel and parent company Disney are not about to let this opportunity to promote their 2012 summer tentpole slip away. Read what supposedly is in store after the break.
Alex from FirstShowing has the details on what looks to be an impressive showing from Marvel at Comic-Con. The focus of the film’s limited viral marketing has been S.H.I.E.L.D., the secret government organization that is putting together the Avengers team, which will consist of Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and possibly more . We’ve seen bits and pieces of S.H.I.E.L.D. throughout the Marvel cinematic universe, including Agents Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) and Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), of course Nick Fury, leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Samuel L. Jackson).
The viral marketing for the film so far has been centered on fans joining S.H.I.E.L.D. through the Acura-sponsored “Join SHIELD” website, which included badges at WonderCon and a booth at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo. At Comic-Con, we should expect something similar, but on a bigger scale. There will apparently be many S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicles (from Acura of course) throughout San Diego, along with more Agents. The famous Helicarrier may also be the centerpiece of Marvel’s showfloor presence. The cast may be on the showfloor for signings, and we may even see an official teaser trailer play at Marvel’s booth. Of course, Captain America: The First Avenger happens to open in theaters that very same weekend (Comic-Con lasts from July 20th to 24th, and Captain America opens July 22nd). We already knew there might be something special at the midnight showings, and given the general buzz about Marvel’s presence at the convention, I think we’ll see at least the teaser then, if not something else.
As Alex notes, this is probably a really smart strategy for Marvel. While the Hall H panels have become a huge part of the convention, the hall only seats 6,500. This is very limited exposure compared to the large showroom floor that all 150,000 Comic-Con attendees can enjoy. What do you think of Marvel’s plans for the con? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.