Marvel Studios, Pixar And Walt Disney Studios Skipped Comic-Con's Hall H, But Will Present At The D23 Expo
The Avengers might not be coming to San Diego Comic-Con, but it certainly seems like they'll be up the street a month later. In June, Marvel Studios announced that they would not be having a panel in Hall H at Comic Con 2011, which was a bummer as their unveiling of The Avengers at Comic Con 2010 was one of the highlights. Director Joss Whedon and his all-star cast have been in production for several weeks now so, it would be easy for them to show something to comic fans of the world come July. However, Disney, who now owns Marvel, has their own version of Comic-Con just one month later so instead of bringing The Avengers to San Diego (though they are reportedly planning some kind of massive viral campaign for the event) it looks like that's where the action will be.
Disney just announced that the head of Marvel Studios, Kevin Feige, will be on a movie-themed panel along with John Lasseter of Pixar and the rest of the Walt Disney Studios brass in the Arena at the D23 Expo, the all-Disney Fan Event taking place August 19-21 in Anaheim, CA. Read more after the jump.
Coming Soon was the first to publish the D23 Arena schedule, which is the "main stage for some of the most high-profile, not-to-be-missed events taking place at the D23 Expo." Here's how they describe the movie presentation which will take place from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. August 20:
A fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios. From exclusive video clips and live performances to filmmaker discussions and star appearances, this session will be hosted by Rich Ross, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, President of Production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios.
No mention of The Avengers of course but the fact that Feige is on the panel, The Avengers will be Marvel's next movie come the time of the panel and it's the first Marvel movie Disney is officially releasing, are all pretty good hints that something will be shown. Also expect to see some stuff from Brave and certainly some other things Disney has up their sleeves.
Do you think The Avengers will assemble for D23?
Here's the rest of the D23 Arena schedule which, frankly, sounds awesome:
Friday, August 19, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – 2011 Disney Legends Ceremony – Hosted by Tom Bergeron. Honorees Regis Philbin; Jim Henson; Disney Princesses Jodi Benson, Paige O'Hara, Lea Salonga, Linda Larkin and Anika Noni Rose; Bo Boyd; Jack and Bonita Wrather; Guy Williams and Ray Watson will be inducted as Disney Legends for their contribution to the creative legacy of The Walt Disney Company in a special presentation exclusively for D23 Expo guests.
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – Join Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, as he gives D23 guests a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into some of the exciting projects currently underway at Disney's parks and resorts around the world.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – The Walt Disney Studios – A fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at the exciting roster of projects on the horizon at The Walt Disney Studios. From exclusive video clips and live performances to filmmaker discussions and star appearances, this session will be hosted by Rich Ross, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios; Sean Bailey, President of Production, The Walt Disney Studios; John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; and Kevin Feige, President of Production, Marvel Studios.
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – The Lion King 3D Exclusive D23 Screening – Disney fans will have access to an exclusive advance screening of The Lion King in Disney Digital 3D™, ahead of the film's highly anticipated theatrical and home entertainment releases. "The Circle of Life" takes on a new dimension as Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa grace the screen once again, this time in breathtaking 3D.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Marvel Comics – An exclusive and unprecedented experience that will take you through the evolution of Marvel from its first comic book in 1939 to its current position as one of the most important creative forces in the world. During this presentation, which will include interactive Q&A segments, you will not only get an inside glimpse of the history of Marvel and its iconic Super Heroes but also discover why Marvel truly is the House of Ideas. This session will be hosted by Joe Quesada, Marvel's Chief Creative Officer and one of the most respected and sought after writers and artists in the entertainment industry.
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Disney Channel – Fans are invited to experience the excitement of a spectacular live performance, featuring stars of Disney Channel's hit series Shake It Up. From meeting the cast of television's first dance-driven sitcom and learning moves from a Disney Channel dance master to a special panel, autograph session and more, this unforgettable experience awaits Disney fans of all ages.
These presentations add to the already robust schedule of experiences, presentations and pavilions that will make up the D23 Expo 2011, including the Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament presented by Hasbro's Trivial Pursuit, the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit – including the Fan Art Gallery, the D23 Expo Live Auction and the D23 Expo Dream Store. Additional schedule, pavilion and talent announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
Tickets to the D23 EXPO are available at D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO, including the Disney Legends Ceremony, and can be purchased for single days or for the full three days of festivities. Admission is $47 for a one-day adult ticket and $37 for children 3-12. Three-day passes are $136 for adults and $106 for children. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will receive a discount for up to four admissions, as well as early entry to each day of the D23 EXPO for themselves and their guests.
Do you think Marvel and Disney is making the right move here?