WonderCon 2013 will be rocking Anaheim this weekend, and I’ll be in the convention center to provide the latest updates. After the break, I’ll highlight some of the panels and screenings we’re looking forward to. This isn’t my exact or final schedule, as a lot can change at the last minute at these conventions. As always, there are a lot more cool things at the Con than we can cover, so be sure to check out the schedule for more info.
While there are a few movie presentations worth checking out this year, including Evil Dead, This is the End, and the screening of Superman: Unbound, it’s pretty clear that television rules WonderCon. Along with panels, I’ll also report on the booths on the exhibit floor and all the elaborately nerdy costumes. I’ll be live tweeting from @MovieViral, so be sure to follow if you want news and opinion fast.
Below are the presentations I’ll be trying to attend. For your convenience, you can skip to Saturday or Sunday.
Friday, March 29th
1:00pm – 2:00pm Room 300AB
DC Entertainment: All Access
A lot can happen in a year! Come by for unfiltered access to DC creators as they talk all things DCE! Find out what they have to share from behind the scenes at your favorite and most talked about comic publisher! Joining the All-Access party will be some of the industry’s top talents.
3:00pm – 6:00pm Arena
Exclusive Warner Bros. Television Screenings
For the fourth straight year, Warner Bros. Television kicks off WonderCon with preview screenings of fan-favorite series. For 2013, WBTV will unveil the world premiere of new, previously unaired episodes of the first-year hit dramas Revolution, from creator Eric Kripke (Supernatural) and J. J. Abrams’s Bad Robot Productions (Fringe, Lost); Arrow, from executive producers Greg Berlanti (Golden Boy), Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern), and Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe); and The Following, from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson (The Vampire Diaries) and executive producer Marcos Siega (The Vampire Diaries); in addition to the never-before-seen series premiere episode of Warner Bros. Animation’s new Teen Titans Go!Revolution — In this epic adventure from J. J. Abrams’s Bad Robot Productions and Supernatural’s Eric Kripke, a family struggles in an American landscape where every piece of technology-computers, planes, cars, phones, even lights-has mysteriously blacked out forever. A drama with sweeping scope and intimate focus, Revolution is a swashbuckling journey of hope and rebirth seen through the eyes of one strong-willed young woman, Charlie Matheson (Being Human’s Tracy Spiridakos) and her brother, Danny (Graham Rogers). When Danny is kidnapped by militia leaders for a darker purpose, Charlie reconnects with her estranged uncle, Miles (Twilight’s Billy Burke), a former U.S. Marine living a reclusive life. Together with a rogue band of survivors, they set out to rescue Danny, overthrow the militia, and ultimately reestablish the United States of America. All the while, they explore the enduring mystery of why the power failed and if-or how-it will ever return. The series also stars Giancarlo Esposito, Zak Orth, David Lyons, Daniella Alonso, JD Pardo, Tim Guinee, and Elizabeth Mitchell. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions, Kripke Enterprises, and Warner Bros. Television, Revolution airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC.
Arrow — The CW’s most-watched series premiere since The Vampire Diaries in 2009, Arrow stars Stephen Amell as billionaire Oliver Queen, who, after being marooned for five years on a remote island, returns home with a mysterious agenda and lethal set of new skills that he uses in a war on crime. Reinventing the DC Comics character for a modern-day audience, the Arrow is not a superhero…but a hero, every bit as dangerous as the criminals he’s hunting. This hard-hitting action series also stars Katie Cassidy, Colin Donnell, David Ramsey, and Willa Holland, with Susanna Thompson and Paul Blackthorne. Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, and Andrew Kreisberg are executive producers of the series, based on characters appearing in comic books and graphic novels published by DC Comics. Arrow is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television and airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
The Following — Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominee Kevin Bacon stars in this terrifying new psychological thriller from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson (Scream) and executive producer Marcos Siega (The Vampire Diaries). In The Following, Bacon plays psychologically scarred ex-FBI agent Ryan Hardy, who’s drawn back into an ever-growing web of murder and madness masterminded by serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy, Rome), who brought an end to Hardy’s career years before. In addition to Bacon and Purefoy, The Following also stars Natalie Zea, Annie Parisse, Shawn Ashmore, Valorie Curry, Adan Canto, Nico Tortorella, and Kyle Catlett. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Outerbanks Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television, The Following airs Mondays at 9/8c on FOX.
Teen Titans Go! — The Teen Titans are returning to Cartoon Network with all-new comedic adventures, and this time they’re giving viewers a look at what life is really like as a teen super hero…once the cape comes off. Inspired by the original Teen Titans series from Warner Bros. Animation that ran for five seasons, the character-driven comedy focuses on the funny that happens in between saving the world and living together as teenagers without adult supervision. The comedic mayhem of the animated series is punctuated by pranks and the occasional need to fight crime, but it will also deal with the everyday issues of adolescence. With epic staring contests to decide who does the laundry, a series of quests and battles to construct the perfect sandwich or fighting crime in Jump City, one thing is for sure: These Titans will always be ready for an adventure — inside the house and out. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Teen Titans Go! features the principal voice cast from the original series — Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Tara Strong, Hynden Walch and Khary Payton — with Sam Register (MAD, Teen Titans, Batman: The Brave and The Bold) serving as executive producer and Michael Jelenic (ThunderCats) and Aaron Horvath (MAD) serving as producers. Teen Titans Go! will premiere on Cartoon Network in April.
6:00pm – 8:00pm Arena
World Premiere of Superman: Unbound
A destructive force is devastating planets across the galaxy-with Earth next in its sights-and even Superman may not be capable of halting the destruction alone in Superman: Unbound. Based on the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank 2008 release Superman: Brainiac, the film’s stellar voice cast is led by Matt Bomer (White Collar) as Superman, John Noble (Fringe, The Lord of the Rings films) as Brainiac, Stana Katic (Castle) as Lois Lane, and Molly Quinn (Castle) as Supergirl. Supervising producer James Tucker (Justice League, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) also directs the film from a script by Bob Goodman (Warehouse 13, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns). Andrea Romano (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) is dialogue director. Witness the world premiere of the latest DC Universe Animated Original Movie, and stay for a lively panel discussion featuring filmmakers and voice talent alike…as well as exclusive prizes and some potential glimpses into future DCU animated films by moderator Gary Miereanu. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Superman: Unbound will be released on Blu-ray, DVD, OnDemand, and For Download on May 7.
Saturday, March 30th
11:30am – 12:30pm Arena
Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures
Pacific Rim with director Guillermo del Toro and New Line Cinema’s The Conjuring with director James Wan.
1:15pm – 2:15pm Arena
Revolution Special Video Presentation and Q&A
Hot on the heels of the hit show’s eagerly anticipated spring return, this panel session featuring stars Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost), Tracy Spiridakos (Being Human), Zak Orth (Wet Hot American Summer), David Lyons (The Cape), Daniella Alonso (Friday Night Lights) and Tim Guinee (Iron Man movies), as well as co-executive producer David Rambo (V), will tackle burning questions such as Bass’s plans for the expansion of the Monroe Republic, the long-awaited Matheson family reunion and theories on what really happened to cause the blackout. Join these “revolutionaries” as they reveal exclusive information about the remaining episodes of the first season. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions, Kripke Enterprises and Warner Bros. Television, Revolution airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC.
2:30pm – 4:00pm Arena
Sony Pictures: Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, Evil Dead, and This Is The EndMortal Instruments: City of Bones — Set in contemporary New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect our world from demons. After the disappearance of her mother (Lena Headey), Clary must join forces with a group of Shadowhunters, who introduce her to a dangerous alternate New York called Downworld, filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and other deadly creatures. Based on the worldwide best-selling book series. Please join the book’s author, Cassandra Clare, along with director Harald Zwart and stars Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower for an exclusive preview and discussion of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.
Evil Dead — Producers Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell have teamed up with director Fede Alvarez to bring you the much-anticipated remake of the 1981 cult-hit horror film, The Evil Dead. When five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin, they discover a Book of the Dead, which unwittingly summons up dormant demons living in the nearby woods. The youngsters become possessed in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival. Please join producer Bruce Campbell and director Fede Alvarez, along with stars Jane Levy (Suburgatory) and Jessica Lucas (Cult) for questions and exclusive clips.
This Is The End — The Mayans predicted that the world was supposed to end last December, but we’re still here. So join Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Danny McBride, and Craig Robinson as they stop by to show the new trailer for This Is The End, which hits theaters June 14. The comedy This Is The End follows six friends trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastate Los Angeles. As the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships inside. Eventually, they are forced to leave the house, facing their fate and the true meaning of friendship and redemption.
7:00pm – 8:00pm Room 300AB
Under the Dome Sneak Peek and Q&A
Get a first look inside the Dome from the stars and creative minds of CBS’s highly anticipated summer series at a special WonderCon Anaheim appearance. Stars Dean Norris (Breaking Bad) and Rachelle Lefevre (Twilight) along with executive producers Neal Baer (Law & Order: SVU), Brian K. Vaughan (Lost), and Jack Bender (Lost), discuss the new series based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel Under The Dome. The series, produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television, is the story of a small town that is suddenly and inexplicably sealed off from the rest of the world by an enormous transparent dome. The town’s inhabitants must deal with surviving the post-apocalyptic conditions while searching for answers to what this barrier is, where it came from and if and when it will go away. Join us as the cast and executive producers share exclusive footage followed by a panel discussion.
8:30pm – 10:00pm Room 213
Exclusive Hannibal Screening
From acclaimed executive producer Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies), this is the only public screening of the first two episodes of NBC’s new drama series Hannibal, starring Hugh Dancy (The Big C), Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale), and Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix). Hannibal premieres on NBC on Thursday, April 4 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.
Sunday, March 31st
11:00am – 12:00pm
Much Ado About Nothing
Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a contemporary spin in Joss Whedon’s film Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in just 12 days (and using the original text), the story of sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick offers a dark, sexy, and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love. Please join us for an exclusive panel with very special guest(s) including Nathan Fillion, Clark Gregg, Sean Maher, Fran Kranz, Jillian Morgese, Riki Lindhome, Tom Lenk, Joss Whedon, Romy Rosemont, Brian McElhaney, Ashley Johnson, Jay Hunter, Nick Kocher and Spencer Treat Clark.
12:00pm – 1:00pm Arena
Nerdist Industries
Join Chris Hardwick (host of BBC America’s The Nerdist and AMC’s Talking Dead) and some very relevant-to-your-interests talent from across the many-headed beast that is Nerdist Industries. Chris and friends will engage in lively conversation about the big things to come for Nerdist in the near future. Surprises, big announcements and, of course, quemments await!
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Arrow Special Video Presentation and Q&A
Join series stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice), Colin Donnell (Pan Am), Willa Holland (The O.C.), and Paul Blackthorne (The River) and executive producers Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern) and Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe) of the hit DC Comics adaptation Arrow for some exclusive video footage and a Q&A panel that goes beneath the hood! From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Arrow airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
2:00pm – 3:30pm Room 300AB
LEGO Batman: The Movie-DC Superheroes Unite
The ultimate blend of action and humor guaranteed to entertain fanboys of all ages, LEGO Batman: The Movie-DC Superheroes Unite finds Lex Luthor taking jealousy to new heights when fellow billionaire Bruce Wayne wins the Man of the Year Award. To top Wayne’s accomplishment, Lex begins a campaign for President; and to create the atmosphere for his type of fear-based politics, he recruits the Joker to perfect a Black LEGO Destructor Ray. While wreaking havoc on Gotham, Lex successfully destroys Batman’s technology, forcing the Caped Crusader to reluctantly turn to Superman for help. WonderCon Anaheim presents the West Coast premiere of LEGO Batman: The Movie-DC Superheroes Unite, followed by a star-studded panel featuring the preeminent voice of Lex Luthor, Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption, SpongeBob SquarePants) and TT Animation’s award-winning director/producer Jon Burton, as well as renowned videogame/animation actors Troy Baker (Bioshock Infinite, Batman: Arkham City) as Batman, Travis Willingham (Avengers Assemble, The Super Hero Squad Show) as Superman, Christopher Smith (Mortal Combat vs. DC Universe) as the Joker, and Charlie Schlatter (Diagnosis Murder) as Robin. Special prizes for special audience questions from moderator Gary Miereanu. From TT Animation, creators of the bestselling video game on which the film is based, LEGO Batman: The Movie-DC Superheroes Unite will be released May 21 via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-ray and DVD.