Despite the writer and actor strikes prompting the cancellation of many fan-favorite panels and events at 2023 San Diego Comic-Con, there’s still plenty that Disney fans will find at the annual event. Whether it’s Disney, Lucasfilm, Star Wars, Pixar, or Marvel, there’s going to be something to capture the attention of fans over the course of the 4-day event.

Below are details about all the great Disney-related panels!

Thursday

Marvel Classic for the Next Generation and Fans

Thursday July 20, 2023 10:00am – 11:00am PDT, Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library

Introducing the joy and nostalgia of classic Marvel comics and stories to a whole new generation are Mike Maihack, author of the upcoming Spider-Man: QuaVPntum Quest! (A Mighty Marvel Team-Up #2), Andrew Smith (senior VP and publisher, Abrams Children’s Books), Charles Kochman (editor-in-chief, Abrams ComicArts), and Diegs Lopez (editor), Sven Larsen (vice president of licensed publishing for Marvel).

Spotlight on Jerry Beck

Thursday July 20, 2023 11:30am – 12:30pm PDT, Hall H

Animation historian Jerry Beck (Cartoon Research) curates cartoon Blu-ray compilations (Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice Vol. 1), writes books (The 50 Greatest Cartoons, The Hanna Barbera Treasury), hosts a monthly cartoon club at Quentin Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinemas in Hollywood (using Quentin’s own cartoon film prints), and teaches animation history at Cal Arts. He’s worked at Nickelodeon and Disney, and even brought landmark anime like Akira and My Neighbor Totoro to the U.S. What will he do next? Spider-Man comics editor, author, and historian Danny Fingeroth moderates this one-on-one interview and Q&A session.

Indiana Jones and the Nexus of Archaeology, History, and Punching Fascists

Thursday July 20, 2023 12:00pm – 1:00pm PDT, Room 25ABC

The Indy films have shaped the public’s view of the world of archaeology and artifacts for more than 40 years. Now with the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, panelists will examine the legacy of the man with the whip and the hat. What do the Indiana Jones films get right and wrong about real-world archaeological adventures? Do the antiquities collected by Dr. Jones really belong in a museum—and does he? How do historical artifacts connect to modern politics? How has Indiana Jones impacted the archaeological field? Panelists include Dr. Becca Peixotto (archaeologist, IF/THEN Ambassador), Bailey Jorgensen (historical archaeologist; collections manager, Alf Museum of Paleontology), and Kara Vetter (senior director of cultural resources, Museum of Us). Moderated by James Floyd (STEAMpop Network, Star Warsologies podcast, Star Wars Insider contributor).

The Power of Costume: How Designers Inspire the World

Thursday July 20, 2023 12:00pm – 1:00pm PDT, Room 5AB

From hits like Tim Burton’s series Wednesday and Disney’s recent The Little Mermaid to beloved classics like Edward Scissorhands and Alice in Wonderland, Colleen Atwood’s designs have had a huge impact on popular culture, fashion, and cosplay. Her work has spanned over four decades of breathtaking artistry. A four-time Academy Award–winning designer, Atwood, and her team—Jose Fernandez (assistant costume designer) and Christian Cordella (costume concept artist)—discuss how they work together to create the characters you can’t forget. Moderated by Phillip Boutté of 9B Collective Studio.

The Owl House: Us Weirdos Have to Stick Together

Thursday July 20, 2023 12:30pm – 1:30pm PDT, Room 29CD

Come back to the Boiling Isles with Sarah-Nicole Robles (she/her; Luz Noceda), Avi Roque (they/them; Raine Whispers), and Cissy Jones (she/her; Lilith Clawthorne) as they recount favorite stories from their time on The Owl House, and why giraffes are absolutely terrifying. Moderated by Rebecca Rose (she/her). This event is not being organized or sponsored by Disney.

Animation Brain Trust: Animation’s Most Influential Authors Talk Cartoons

Thursday July 20, 2023 2:15pm – 3:15pm PDT, Room 6BCF

From Disney’s vast history of features to the best both beloved and forgotten shorts from Warner Bros. and Hanna Barbera, from the unsung female artists in animation history to the Nine Old Men of Disney, and from the most important How Tos to the most fascinating How They Did Its, these panelists—who between them have authored over 50 books on animation—will touch on all that and more. Animation historian, author, and Comic-Con Special Guest Jerry Beck (The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes Cartoons, Animation Art: From Pencil to Pixel) is joined by Oscar-nominated Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King producer and author Don Hahn (Animation Magic, Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Disney’s Magical Mid-Century), educator and expert on the history of women in animation Mindy Johnson (Ink & Paint, The Women of Walk Disney’s Animation) USC animation professor and prolific animation artist Tom Sito (Moving Innovation: A History of Computer Animation; Eat, Drink, Animate: An Animator’s Cookbook), Emmy-nominated story artist and author Jenny Lerew (The Art of Brave), and renowned critic and animation historian Leonard Maltin (Of Mice and Magic, The Disney Films) for a lively discussion in which they lay some cartoon wisdom on all those in attendance. Moderated by Leslie Combemale (lead contributor, Alliance of Women Film Journalists; writer, Motion Picture Association’s The Credits).

Superheroes and Not-So-Super Villains with Patton Oswalt and Friends

Thursday July 20, 2023 3:00pm – 4:30pm PDT, Room 3

Patton Oswalt (Minor Threats, Black Hammer: Visions), Jordan Blum (Minor Threats, Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K.), Scott Hepburn (Minor Threats), James Tynion IV (The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos, Something Is Killing the Children), Tate Brombal (The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos, Barbalien: Red Planet), and Jeff Lemire (Black Hammer, Mazebook) discuss creating their own heroes, villains, and worlds in their creator-owned comics. Moderated by Ben Blacker (Thrilling Adventure Hour, DC’s Hex Wives).

From Industry to Indie: Demo and Q&A

Thursday July 20, 2023 3:00pm – 4:00pm PDT, Room 32AB

Eliza Ivanova is a multi-award-winning Bulgarian artist, animator, and filmmaker. She has worked for a decade as a full-time 3D animator at Pixar Animation Studios on films such as Cars 2, Brave, Monsters University, Inside Out, Coco, Toy Story of Terror, and Bao, and as a 2D animator on The Dam Keeper. You will have the opportunity to witness the creative process of designing a sci-fi character from the initial stages, as well as hear about her journey to becoming a full-time animator at Pixar and how she made a career out of self-representing artists.

Marvel and Proko Teach “The Art of Storytelling”

Thursday July 20, 2023 5:00pm – 6:00pm PDT, Room 29AB

A panel of industry veterans share their expertise in creating compelling stories, developing memorable characters, and mastering the art of visual storytelling. They’ll be covering several topics from Proko’s latest course on making comics with Marvel, featuring instructors from the course. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, this panel will offer valuable insights and practical advice to help you hone your craft and break into the competitive world of comics.

The Her Universe Fashion Show 2023

Thursday July 20, 2023 6:00pm – 7:00pm PDT, Room 29AB

Hosted by Ashley Eckstein (founder of Her Universe) and Michael James Scott (Broadway actor and singer), the Her Universe Fashion Show features 25 pre-selected amateur designers who will create one-of-a-kind couture designs, inspired by anything that is included in The Walt Disney Company family of properties. By the end of the night, two winners are chosen by the audience and an expert panel of judges.

Friday

The Star Wars Musical Universe with Lucasfilm and EA Games

Friday July 21, 2023 10:00am – 11:00am PDT, Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

There is hardly a more iconic musical landscape than what the Star Wars franchise has brought to the world. This panel will explore the creative forces that went into making the original music heard within the recent video game release of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. From the sweeping score to the infectious beats of the in-world songs, the game utilizes music on a whole new level. Panelists include co-composers Gordy Haab and Stephen Barton, audio director at Respawn Entertainment Nick Laviers, and worldwide executive & president of Music at EA Games Steven Schnur. Moderated by Chandler Poling of White Bear PR.

Lucasfilm Ltd: High-End Star Wars Collectibles

Friday July 21, 2023 11:00am – 12:00pm PDT, Room 32AB

Lucasfilm’s Brian Merten takes you into the worlds of Star Wars and Indiana Jones high-end collectibles.

Hasbro Toys Panel for Marvel

Friday July 21, 2023 12:30pm – 1:30pm PDT, Ballroom 20

Dwight, Ryan, and Dan (Hasbro) plus Jesse (Marvel) share exciting news for Hasbro’s popular Marvel Legends product line. They will give a sneak peek of upcoming, never-before-seen items and hold a Q&A session for attendees.

Star Wars Memories

Friday July 21, 2023 12:00pm – 1:00pm PDT, Room 9

Craig Miller, Lucasfilm’s original director of fan relations, presents a slide show on the early days of Lucasfilm and marketing Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back to comics and science fiction fandom and the rest of the world. He’ll tell you all about 20th Century Fox’s market research on making Star Wars, George Lucas’s original explanation for the Millennium Falcon’s 12-parsec Kesel Run, picking Leigh Brackett to write The Empire Strikes Back, the phone messages that shut down Illinois’ phone system, Underwear That’s Fun To Wear, taking droids to Sesame Street, and more.

Lucasfilm Publishing: Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away . . .

Friday July 21, 2023 1:00pm – 2:00pm PDT, Room 32AB

From the days of the glorious High Republic to the Age of Rebellion to Rise of the First Order, some of Lucasfilm Publishing’s all-star authors, including Delilah S. Dawson, Justina Ireland, E. K. Johnston, George Mann, Cavan Scott, Charles Soule, and man of a thousand voices Marc Thompson, discuss stories from throughout the entire Star Wars saga, offering publishing reveals, announcements, and sneak peeks for readers and fans of all ages. Moderated by Lucasfilm Publishing creative director Michael Siglain.

Disney and Hemingway: An Unexpected Comic Book Team-up

Friday July 21, 2023 1:00pm – 2:00pm PDT, Room 11

Celebrating a new book of Disney tales inspired by Ernest Hemingway, panelists discuss author Hemingway’s staying power in pop culture and a new translation of Hemingway-inspired stories from Italian Disney comic book creators (recently published for English-reading audiences by Fantagraphics). Featuring project co-editor Robert K. Elder, screenwriter Stephen Leeds, and Rita Vandergaw and Angel De Luz of the Comic-Con Museum, This panel is the sequel to last year’s “Hemingway in Comics” panel.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: The Art Department

Friday July 21, 2023 2:00pm – 3:00pm PDT, Room 23ABC

Meet the artisans of the epic conclusion to the Guardians trilogy! The Art Department brought the latest saga to life across time and space over years of collaboration with visionary director James Gunn and Marvel Studios. From the grandeur of spaceships to a villain’s geometric fortress, swimming through an endless planet of anatomy, or reconstructing a celestial body, this team transported the cast, crew, and audience into these fantastic worlds. Join them in a discussion about the development, process, and execution of the sets built for our heroes’ adventure. No task was too large and no detail too small for the crew who crafted galactic dreams into reality. Featuring IATSE Local 829 production designer Beth Mickle (The Suicide Squad, Drive) and IATSE Local 800/Art Directors Guild members: supervising art directors Alan Hook (Black Panther, Iron Man 3) and David Scott (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Avengers: Infinity War); art director Lorin Flemming (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Justice League); graphic designer Kelly Rae Hemenway (Bullet Train, Batman vs Superman); and set designer Tim Croshaw (Loki, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2). Moderated by Samantha Avila (Spiderman: No Way Home, Our Flag Means Death).

Hasbro Star Wars Panel

Friday July 21, 2023 2:00pm – 3:00pm PDT, Room 9

Patrick and Jing from Hasbro marketing and Chris and Eric from Hasbro design discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line, including the Black Series and The Vintage Collection. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro’s latest action figure and premium roleplay offerings from throughout the saga. Word on the Holonet is there may also be a few surprises.

Marvel: Heroes, Hulks, and Super-Soldiers

Friday July 21, 2023 3:00pm – 4:00pm PDT, Room 11

Marvel editor-in-chief C. B. Cebulski leads a panel featuring Marvel’s solo Super Hero series. J. Michael Straczynski takes Captain America to the streets of Manhattan, while Moon Knight roams the roads of Egyptian lore in David Pepose’s Moon Knight: City of the Dead. Meanwhile, the Hulk takes control of Bruce Banner as Phillip Kennedy Johnson continues his new Hulk run, and the hits coming in across the rest of the action-packed Marvel Universe. Be sure to stay until the end to find out what other heroes will be joining their ranks in their own new titles!

Star Wars Trading Card Collecting

Friday July 21, 2023 3:00pm – 4:00pm PDT, Room 28DE

David Neuhausel (Star Wars Card Collecting Alliance), Shawn Mullen (Star Wars vintage collector, Science Fiction Coalition founder), William O’Neill (Star Wars artist), and Tom Resendez (501st Legion trading card collector) discuss aspects of collecting vintage Star Wars trading cards. From master sets, sketch and chase cards to offshoot sets such as 501st trading cards, they’ll explore this type of collecting that started back in 1977 when people discovered that galaxy far, far away. Plus, a lively discussion on the most famous Star Wars trading card, if not the most famous overall, the X-rated C3PO card!

Marvel Fanfare with C. B. Cebulski

Friday July 21, 2023 4:00pm – 5:00pm PDT, Room 23ABC

Marvel editors-in-chief reunite for a panel unlike any other! Listen in on a conversation about anything and everything you wanted to know about the House of Ideas when current head honcho C. B. Cebulski is joined by Marvel legend Joe Quesada. Never before has so much comic-making mastery been crammed into one panel! But that’s not all: Fans who stay until the end will receive an exclusive giveaway comic.

Star Wars: Past, Present, Future

Friday July 21, 2023 4:00pm – 5:00pm PDT, Room 28DE

Spencer Wilding (Darth Vader, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story; Gorg, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves), Leilani Shiu (Teeka the Jawa, Obi-Wan, Boba Fett, Mandalorian), Bruce Logan (SFX cinematographer, Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope; cinematographer, Tron), Gigi Edgley (Chiana, Farscape), Christian Ganiere (Ten, Stranger Things), Julie Dolan (Princess Leia, Star Wars: Rebels, Star Wars: Uprising, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue), and James Ganiere (Emmy Award–nominated director/producer) discuss favorite moments, storylines, characters, droids, games, merchandise, and what worked and what didn’t.

Star Wars Fandom in the Immersive Frontier: Galaxy’s Edge, Galactic Starcruiser, and Beyond

Friday July 21, 2023 5:00pm – 6:00pm PDT, Room 4

For over four decades, Star Wars has existed across every established medium of storytelling, and with the opening of Galaxy’s Edge and Galactic Starcruiser, it has pioneered an entirely new one. These immersive and interactive adventures allow participants to take their fandom to the next level by living inside their favorite fictional universe, creating a canonical story within it. Kristine Smith, Martin Smith, and Drew Grgich (hosts of the Heroes of the Halcyon podcast) with fellow Starcruiser superfan Nick Tierce (immersive designer) go for an in-depth exploration of these groundbreaking projects and their implications for the future of fandom. Be sure to bring your questions—and your costumes! Don your galactic finest and join the crew for a group photo at the conclusion of the panel.

The Science of Avatar: The Way of Water

Friday July 21, 2023 6:00pm – 7:00pm PDT, Room 23ABC

Nerdist called Avatar: The Way of Water “a refreshingly grounded marriage between science and the human imagination”—and it’s easy to see why. Michelle Courtney (human Mars architecture team, NASA) and Mike Lewis (chief innovation officer for Nanoracks) instruct on the realities of a five-year space voyage to Pandora. Dr. John Hildebrand (distinguished professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography UC San Diego) will discuss the possibilities of human-whale communication, and attendees will learn from Kirk Krack (marine unit trainer and consultant for the film) how he trained the actors to harness their “mammalian dive reflex” so they could manage to hold their breath underwater for up to six minutes. Dr. Nathan Lents (professor of biology, John Jay College) will cover the parallels between Pandora’s Metkayina clan and the Earth-bound Sama tribe of Indonesia, and Gaelin Rosenwaks (explorer and marine scientist) will reveal her real-life whale encounters that mirror the inter-species interactions portrayed in the film. Moderated by Steve Broback (co-founder, Dent the Future).

The 501st Legion: Star Wars Villainous Costuming

Friday July 21, 2023 6:00pm – 7:00pm PDT, Room 23ABC

An introduction to the creation of fan-made villain costumes from all Star Wars movies. Legion members Lindsay Cepak, Dean Amstutz, Kevin Weir, David Neth, David Ancheta, Joe Lara, and Todd Mullin from the Imperial Sands and Southern California Garrisons will provide an overview of the creative process that brings Stormtroopers, Tusken Raiders, Boba Fett, or Kylo Ren from the silver screen into reality. They will discuss membership, from initial interest through final approval, and talk about the process for working with armor parts, small prop and soft costume construction, and 3D modeling and printing.

That ’90s Panel: Comics’ Most Important Decade

Friday July 21, 2023 7:00pm – 8:00pm PDT, Room 7AB

Riding a wave of fan enthusiasm, comics exploded in the 1990s. From X-men selling over 8 million copies in 1991 to the launch of Image Comics to Marvel’s bankruptcy to DC buying Wildstorm in 1999, the decade was historically pivotal. Malibu Comics’ Dave Olbrich, Chris Ulm, and Tom Mason (from Geekview Tavern) plus panelists Kevin VanHook (Visi8, Valiant Comics), Bill Schanes (Diamond Comics), Brian Cunningham (Wizard magazine, AfterShock Comics), Larry Houston (producer, X-Men: The Animated Series), J. C. Vaughn (Overstreet), and Matt Hawkins (Image Comics, TopCow) discuss this pivotal point in comics history.

Star Wars Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion

Friday July 21, 2023 7:00pm – 8:00pm PDT, Room 6BCF

The Star Wars series Andor speaks powerfully to today’s audience about fighting oppression. Examining the first season of the Disney+ series, panelists will explore the motivations and actions of Cassian Andor, Mon Mothma, Luthen Rael, and other characters as they put it all on the line to resist and rebel against the Empire. What type of people are drawn to stand up to tyranny? How do individual dissenters start forming movements? When can you fight inside the system, and when do you have to fight from the outside? Why does this show resonate so well at this time? Panelists include Robert A. Dagnall (M.A. candidate in Rhetoric and Writing Studies; instructor, SDSU), J. Dianne Dotson (sci-fi and fantasy author, producer, science writer, biologist), Dr. Drea Letamendi (psychologist at UCLA, host of the Arkham Sessions podcast), Desmond Hassing (lecturer of American Indian Studies, SDSU), and Jake Rowlett (Ph.D. candidate, SDSU/UCSB). Moderated by James Floyd (STEAMpop Network, Star Warsologies podcast, Star Wars Insider contributor).

Star Wars Trivia Challenge Strikes Back!

Friday July 21, 2023 8:00pm – 9:00pm PDT, Room 32AB

Teams compete in spirited rounds of Star Wars trivia from the movies and TV series to parody songs. You don’t have to be a trivia expert, and you may walk away with new Star Wars fun facts. Prizes! Hosted by Richard and Sarah Woloski (Skywalking Through Neverland podcast/YouTube).

Saturday

Star Wars Trivia Game Panel

Saturday July 22, 2023 10:00am – 11:00am PDT, Room 6A

The San Diego Star Wars Society are veteran hosts of trivia panels at Comic-Con since 2002. Returning this year will be game rounds for kids ages 5—11, in which every child will win a prize. Following will be the adult game rounds for ages 12 and up. So come and test your knowledge of the galaxy far, far away, and you may win some of the many prizes provided by the San Diego Star Wars Society and SDCC Star Wars Licensees. The trivia panel hosts are Leia Hornedo, Linda Crispien, Brendan Prout, Carlos Munoz, Felicia Tisnado, and Lance Mah.

Celebrating 100 Years of Disney with Disneybound

Saturday July 22, 2023 11:00am – 11:45am PDT, Ballroom 20

Leslie Kay (author of Disney Publishing’s DisneyBound: Dress Disney and Make It Fashion and the viral blog The Disneybound) and a panel of Disneybound pros examine how Disneybound fashion has evolved and grown over the last 13 years and how 100 years of Disney film and fashion history have influenced the community and their creativity. Panelists include Disneybound experts Tiffany Sutton, Pernell Langhorne III, Dolly Lee, Mikey Louie, Erika Kurzawa, Amber Lena, Nesreen Mustafa, Janelle Cheyenne, and Kelsey Walmer.

The Creative Process in Children’s Entertainment

Saturday July 22, 2023 11:00am – 12:00pm PDT, Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Tom Kenny (SpongeBob, Ice King, etc.), Van Partible (creator, Johnny Bravo; director, Pete the Cat), DJ Lance Rock (Yo Gabba Gabba!), Jerome Lu (Hyperactive Monkey), and Legendary Disney imagineer Bob Gurr (Haunted Mansion, Matterhorn Bobsled) do a deep dive into their life as creators, entertainers, directors, and influencers in today’s pop culture universe.

Mushka, from World-Renowned Animator Andreas Deja

Saturday July 22, 2023 11:15am – 12:15pm PDT, Room 6DE

Andreas Deja, one of the modern masters of animation, a Disney ‘Legend,’ and the acclaimed animator responsible for bringing to life some of the most beloved characters in animation history (Gaston, Jafar, Scar, Hercules, Lilo, and Tigger, to name a few), comes to San Diego for the Comic-Con International premiere of Mushka, Deja’s original, hand-drawn animated directorial debut short. Including music from Disney Legend and Academy Award-winner Richard M. Sherman (Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Mushka tells the story of a young Ukrainian girl, Sarah, who discovers an orphaned baby Siberian tiger and realizes she must raise him or leave him to the perils of the snowy wild. She names the cub Mushka when she discovers an “M” shaped birthmark on the tiger cub’s forehead. Mushka is a Russian term of endearment meaning “sweetheart.” Her love of the tiger grows as Mushka does, but it’s not long before a few unsavory people in the village notice his beauty and enact a plan to kill and sell him for profit. To save Mushka, Sarah reluctantly takes him back to the forest, to the same spot where she found him as an orphaned cub, hoping that he will stay there and learn how to fend for himself, far away from any humans. Although she must turn her back on her animal friend to force him away, she recognizes that sometimes letting go is life’s hardest lesson, but that life also has a way to provide hope and happiness again. Deja will introduce the film, then return with other members of the production for a post-screening panel discussion about the film’s inspiration and the path from his 30+ year Disney career to the near 10-year creative journey to bring Mushka to life.

Lotte Reiniger: The First Woman Animation Director

Saturday July 22, 2023 11:30am – 12:30pm PDT, Room 5AB

Before Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lotte Reiniger directed the oldest surviving animated film in 1926. Reiniger animated The Adventures of Prince Achmed with her trademark silhouette animation. She carved out a place for herself in film history, except her 60-year career was relegated to a footnote. Animation historian Whitney Grace reveals Reiniger’s extraordinary fairytale life. Grace has spoken at GenCon, DragonCon, the Walt Disney Studios, and the Center for Puppetry Arts and was featured on the BBC.

Quick Draw!

Saturday July 22, 2023 11:30am – 1:00pm PDT, Room 26AB

No matter when you’re reading this— hopefully before the event—run and get a seat for Quick Draw!, the fastest and funniest presentation at Comic-Con. Your Quick Draw quizmaster Mark Evanier will be putting three of the swiftest cartoonists in the business to the test, inventing well-projected humor on the spot. Competing this year are cartoonist and Comic-Con co-founder Scott Shaw!, MAD magazine’s Tom Richmond, and Disney legend Floyd Norman. As usual, there will be no wagering on the outcome.

Cartoon Voices I

Saturday July 22, 2023 1:00pm – 2:00pm PDT, Omni Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor

Once again, Mark Evanier has assembled a roster of some of the most-heard performers in the world of animation, and they’re here to tell you what they do, how they do it and then demonstrate it. The dais includes Adam McArthur (Star vs. the Forces of Evil), Elle Newland (Lego Marvel’s Avengers), Keith Scott (Bullwinkle Moose), Bill Farmer (Goofy, Pluto), Dave Fennoy (Batman, Transformers) and Jessica DiCicco (The Emperor’s New School, Muppet Babies). And as usual, the actors will mangle a classic fairy tale for your enjoyment.

Spotlight on Joe Quesada

Saturday July 22, 2023 1:45pm – 2:30pm PDT, Ballroom 20

Joe Quesada takes on any and all of your questions about life before, during, and after Marvel. This is a rare opportunity for you to get a glimpse behind the curtain from the man who was actually in the room when it happened.

Fans Assemble! The Avengers Initiative Marvel Costume Group

Saturday July 22, 2023 2:00pm – 3:00pm PDT, Room 11

The Avengers Initiative is a not-for-profit volunteer fan club dedicated to celebrating the Marvel Universe through costuming. Mark Chu-Lin (Avengers Initiative club president) is joined by Kato Trooper (Avengers Initiative club executive officer and Avengers Mid-Pacific administrator) and Jennifer Athey (California West Coast Avengers chapter leader) to discuss using Marvel costume fandom for fundraising, charity work, and volunteerism. Natalie Chicas (Shriners Children’s Southern California certified child life specialist) and Chantel Rothenburger (MemorialCare Miller certified child life specialist) share how such volunteers serve pediatric organizations. Kimberly Yong (content distributor) and Goldelini Cafe (general manager) describe how the group shares Marvel fandom with others.

Marvel: Next Big Thing

Saturday July 22, 2023 3:00pm – 4:00pm PDT, Room 4

This is the place to be for announcements about the future of the Marvel Universe! Spider-Man’s never had it easy, but what’s coming for him next will shake the wallcrawler to his core. Plus: things are heating up for Guardians of the Galaxy in the throes of the catastrophic Grootfall. And just what is happening in Jonathan Hickman’s all-new Ultimate Universe? On hand to discuss all this and more are C. B. Cebulski (editor-in-chief), Nick Lowe (executive editor), Zeb Wells (Amazing Spider-Man), Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing (Guardians of the Galaxy), and others. Attendees will receive an exclusive giveaway!

History of Cartoon Voices

Saturday July 22, 2023 4:30pm – 5:30pm PDT, Room 24ABC

Keith Scott is one of the top voice actors and impressionists in Australia, and he’s also an expert on cartoon voices for theatrical cartoons in this country. He’s making a rare visit to America this year and he’ll be talking about Mel Blanc, Daws Butler, June Foray, Walt Disney, and many you’ve never heard of. Don’t miss this rare chance to hear all about how cartoons learned to talk, with not only Keith but also historians Jerry Beck, Leonard Maltin, and your moderator, Mark Evanier.

Star Wars Outlaws: Becoming the Galaxy’s Most Wanted

Saturday July 22, 2023 5:00pm – 6:00pm PDT, Room 3

Brought to you by Ubisoft and Lucasfilm Games, Star Wars Outlaws follows the high-stakes life of rookie scoundrel Kay Vess and her companion Nix in the first-ever open-world Star Wars game. Julian Gerighty (creative director, Ubisoft), Matt Martin (Sr. creative executive, franchise story and content at Lucasfilm), Navid Khavari (narrative director, Ubisoft), and voice talent Humberly González (Kay Vess), Dee Bradley Baker (Nix, Jabba the Hutt), and Jay Rincon (ND-5) share more about the galaxy of opportunity that awaits you in Star Wars Outlaws. Moderated by Chastity Vicencio (Ubisoft News).

Making a Living in Pop Culture

Saturday July 22, 2023 7:00pm – 8:00pm PDT, Room 11

Curious what it’s like when “pop culture is your job?” Brayton Carpenter (owner Legendary Costume Works), Caius Mann (SPFX Suicide Squad, Haunted Mansion), Andi Sowers (SPFX Werewolf By Night, Creepshow), Heath Hammond (Sideshow Collectibles, themed figure artist), Rusty Locke (actor, stunt performer), Spencer Brinkerhoff III (illustrator Lucasfilm, Drawing is Simple), Joe Deese (specialty costume fabricator Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Boys), and John Harrington (propmaster Timeless, Amazing Stories) reveal the triumphs and challenges of a career path dedicated to creating the worlds we all love and enjoy. Session/ Q&A moderated by Amy Carpenter (owner, Legendary Costume Works).

Battle Brackets: Best Pixar Characters

Saturday July 22, 2023 7:30pm – 8:30pm PDT, Room 26AB

The hosts of The Welcome Party (Alix Catherine, Cole Garrison, and JPG) cordially invite you to our comedy March Madness-style bracket, choosing the best Pixar characters in pop culture! Joined by Kayla “Dom” Soto (actor and content creator) and Kat Alysha (actor, content creator, and host, Gallifrey Gals), they’ll use their debating skills and little-known-facts to sway panelists and audience members alike. Want to see if Woody can round up a win, or if Dory can remember her way out of the first round? Audience participation is welcome and will also help decide tiebreakers!

Multiverse of Marvel: Secret Invasion, Across the Spider-Verse, and Loki too

Saturday July 22, 2023 8:00pm – 9:00pm PDT, Room 24ABC

Feeling stuck in a time loop? Comparing yourself against a version of you that you wish you could be? Come make sense of your own multiverse with a team of mental health professionals hosted by Dr. Isaac Taitz (president of All Mind Health), Dr. Nicole Hassler (co-host of My Hero Therapy Podcast), Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy, Dark Agents), Benjamin Samuel Taitz (co-host of Mental Health Quest Podcast), Dr. Kaela Joseph (co-author of Fandom Acts of Kindness), Dr. Elizabeth 방실 Han (Miracare Neurobehavioral Health) and Travis Adams, LSW (readjustment counselor, Spider-Man Psychology) discuss the psychology of the Spider-People, Skrulls, Kang, and any other Variants! Learn how to fight imposter syndrome, develop your individuality, challenge social constructs, grow from loss/trauma, and ultimately combine the strengths of your various selves to become your best variant! (Come in Cosplay and stay until the end for a TVA lineup group photo and a chance to win the Variant Costume Competition prize!).

Sunday

Cartoon Voices II

Sunday July 23, 2023 11:30am – 12:30pm PDT, Room 10

Cartoon Voices I on Saturday will be so wonderful that we’ll need another such panel on Sunday with other top actors in the animation-voicing profession. This time, moderator Mark Evanier will welcome Maurice LaMarche (Futurama, Pinky and the Brain), Anna Brisbin (Final Fantasy VII Remake), Fred Tatasciore (Team America, The Hulk), Frank Todaro (The Cuphead Show, Transformers), and Courtney Lin (Monster High, Rainbow High).

Women of Marvel

Sunday July 23, 2023 10:30am – 11:30am PDT, Room 10

The Women of Marvel return to San Diego What is it like for women working in the industry today, and what is next for Marvel’s woman-led projects? Hear from Sarah Brunstad (editor), Sana Amanat (executive producer, Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel), Jessica Malloy (VP of digital media marketing), Charlie Jane Anders (New Mutants: Lethal Legion), Jody Houser (Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi), and others. Stay until the end of the panel for an exclusive giveaway!

Dynamite Entertainment Disney Titles 2023

Sunday July 23, 2023 11:15am – 12:15pm PDT, Room 5AB

With its all-new tales for Gargoyles, Darkwing Duck, and Disney Villains, Dynamite has become one of the premiere publishers of Disney comics, and they’re just getting started! Dynamite staff discuss the Disney-Dynamite titles and preview never-before-seen artwork with Greg Weisman, Amanda Deibert, Amanda Conner, Lucio Parrillo, and Clayton Crain!

The Little Mermaid Sing-Along

Sunday July 23, 2023 12:30pm – 2:00pm PDT, Room 6DE

You’re invited to raise your voice and be “a part of our world” when The Little Mermaid, visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of Disney’s Oscar-winning animated musical classic, screens at Comic-Con as a special sing-along edition! The Little Mermaid is the beloved story of Ariel (Halle Bailey), a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest daughter of King Triton (Oscar winner Javier Bardem) and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula (two-time Academy Award nominee Melissa McCarthy), which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life—and her father’s crown—in jeopardy. Sing along to the music from multiple Academy Award winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, who together won two Oscars for the music in the animated The Little Mermaid, and new lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Come for the film and songs, and stay for whozits and whatzits galore!

Marvel in Museums: A Look Inside the Blockbuster Exhibitions

Sunday July 23, 2023 1:30pm – 2:30pm PDT, Room 29CD

In 2018, Semmel Exhibitions and Marvel Entertainment launched Marvel: Universe Of Super Heroes, a production illuminating the eight-decade history of Marvel’s characters and creators. In 2022, Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing—The Exhibition, the first full-scale exhibit dedicated to the friendly neighborhood wall-crawler, premiered here in San Diego at the Comic-Con Museum. These shows combine immersive design with classic museum presentation, placing original art and film artifacts alongside modern digital installations and custom photo ops, bringing the company’s history and heroes to life in a whole new way. Ben Saunders (curator), Patrick A. Reed (curator), Brian Crosby (director, Marvel Themed Entertainment), and others take a look inside the making of these shows. Be one of the first to get the news on what’s coming next!

Draw Me Like One of Your Disney Girls

Sunday July 23, 2023 2:00pm – 3:00pm PDT, Room 7AB

See Disney figure models Lucy Smith (author and illustrator of The Dirt), Kia Watson, and Jennifer Fabos Patton (owner of Gallery Girls) pose live for Lisa Dosson (storyboard artist for Dan Harmon’s Krapopolis), Austin Smith (prop designer on Big City Greens, Hamster & Gretel), and April Connors (figure drawing instructor and author at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Warner Animation Group). Artists and models will discuss their unique perspectives on working in the animation industry and navigating its challenges. Q&A session moderated by Lucy Smith.

See it for Yourself

San Diego Comic-Con takes place July 19 – July 23, 2023. See the full schedule at the official site: comiccon2023.sched.org/.

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MORE INFO: Get all of our Comic-Con coverage at mouseinfo.com/sdcc