Going through the entire list of panels at New York Comic Con, kicking off tomorrow, can be tough. We know. Because we did it. Our eyes are a little fuzzy right now. And here are the fruits of our labor—a list of the panels we think are up our readers’ alley, separated into categories (Movies, TV, Comics, Video Games, Animation, General Social/Fandom Issues, and Miscellaneous Fun) for your scanning pleasure.
Oh, hey, and did you know we have panels, too? Strong Female Characters: The Women Shining in Geek Media, Fight What You Know (about representation in media), and All on the Table (about representation in gaming). Not to mention The Mary Sue’s Geek Girl Headquarters. We hope to see you there!
Calendar apps at the ready! Let’s start with Movies.
Walt Disney Studios Presents an Exclusive Look at TOMORROWLAND and Walt Disney Animation Studios Presents an Exclusive Look at BIG HERO 6
Thu. October 9| 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Main Stage 1-D
Walt Disney Animation Studios presents an exclusive look at their follow-up to last year’s FROZEN, BIG HERO 6 with Directors Don Hall and Chris Williams, Producer Roy Conli and Special Guests. Walt Disney Studios presents an exclusive look at TOMORROWLAND with Director Brad Bird, Producer Damon Lindelof and Special Guests.
Lord of the Rings: The Music of Middle-earth
Thu. October 9| 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM | 1A18
Join Academy Award-winning Composer Howard Shore and Author Doug Adams for an enlightening look at the music of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Shore’s intricate film scores are every bit as detailed and meaningful as J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved novels. Deepen your appreciation with a revealing discussion of the past, present and future of these modern masterpieces, in anticipation of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy In Concert, Lincoln Center, April 8-12, 2015.
Harmontown with Dan Harmon
Fri. October 10| 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM | Empire Stage 1-E
A kindred spirit to nerds everywhere, writer-comedian Dan Harmon has achieved celebrity via the hit series “Community,” but cut his teeth writing for shows such as “The Sarah Silverman Program” and the Jack Black/Ben Stiller pilot “Heat Vision and Jack.” In the new film HARMONTOWN, acclaimed Filmmaker Neil Berkeley (Beauty Is Embarrassing) follows Dan on a transformative cross-country tour with his podcast after a very public firing from his signature creation. Featuring past and present Collaborators Ben Stiller, Sarah Silverman, Jack Black, Allison Brie, Joel McHale, Chris Hardwick, John Oliver and many more, HARMONTOWN tells Harmon’s story with unabashed candor – showing his highs, his lows, and everything in-between. In this Panel Dan and the rest of the Harmontown podcast team will share exclusive clips and never-before-seen deleted scenes and take questions from Fans on the new film, premiering in theaters and On Demand October 3.
Ron Perlman Spotlight
Fri. October 10| 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM | 1A10
Ron Perlman – a Golden Globe Winning Actor with starring roles in Hellboy, Drive, Pacific Rim and Sons of Anarchy – has traveled an offbeat path to showbiz success. His is a tale that demonstrates the power of persistence. Perlman will be discussing and signing his just released book Easy Street (the Hard Way), sharing his inspiring story and answering all of the tough questions.
Birdman Panel with Michael Keaton and Edward Norton, Moderated by Chris Hardwick
Fri. October 10| 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Empire Stage 1-E
Join Michael Keaton and Edward Norton as they discuss BIRDMAN, an extremely unique black comedy that tells the story of an actor (Michael Keaton) – famous for portraying an iconic superhero decades earlier – as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his own ego and engages in often surreal attempts to recover his family, his career and himself.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – An Unofficial Look!
Sat. October 11| 9:00 PM – 9:45 PM | 1A21
Peter Jackson’s time in Middle-earth draws to an end – the final movie in The Hobbit trilogy, ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ comes out in December this year. Join Staff from TheOneRing.net to speculate on what we might see in this film – with inside information and maybe even some unofficial sneak peaks! We’ll also discuss what we might see in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Extended Edition. If you love Middle-earth, don’t miss this Panel!
The Karate Kid 30th Anniversary Cast Reunion
Sun. October 12| 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM | 1A10
“Sweep the leg.” “Mercy is for the weak.” “Wax on, wax off.” It’s hard to believe it has already been 30 years since The Karate Kid burst onto the silver screen, and now you have a chance to relive this classic underdog story once again. Join Billy Zabka, Martin Kove and the Karate Kid himself, Ralph Macchio, for a conversation about their experiences during and after production of the movie. You’re the best around!
Cary Elwes, Author of As You Wish, Discusses the Making of The Princess Bride
Sun. October 12| 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM | 1A06
Join famed Actor Cary Elwes (“Westley”) for an entertaining discussion about the making of the beloved film, The Princess Bride. See clips from the movie and hear Cary Elwes reveal never-before-told stories about the making of this classic that continues to delight generations. Cary Elwes starred as the hero “Westley” in The Princess Bride. His book AS YOU WISH: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride will be published by Touchstone in October.
