San Diego Comic Con wrapped up with a bang, delivering four days packed with fan-favorite panels, immersive off-site activations, and hot exclusive collectibles. Whether you were bunkered down in Hall H or wandering the Gaslamp for surprise activations, SDCC once again proved it’s the heartbeat of pop culture. Here are the panels that had everyone buzzing:
Tron: Ares
The long-awaited return to the Grid became reality as Tron: Ares took over Hall H on Friday night. Moderator Kevin Smith opened by introducing creator Steven Lisberger, director Joachim Rønning, and the full ensemble cast: Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner‑Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, Gillian Anderson, and a surprise appearance by Jeff Bridges.
Two major film sequences premiered:
- A high‑octane light cycle chase erupts into the real world as The Grid breaches reality.
- An extended Dillinger Grid sequence: Greta Lee’s Eve is pulled into The Grid and rescued by Ares, played by Leto.
Lisberger framed the franchise philosophically: “Kick this technology around artistically before it kicks us around,” highlighting the role of AI in society. Director Rønning called TRON: Ares a “full‑blooded cinema experience,” grounded in themes of identity and humanity.
The panel closed with an exclusive music video for Nine Inch Nails’ new single As Alive as You Need Me to Be, synced to a dramatic laser show. The track is the first offering from the film’s full soundtrack, scored by the band.
If Hall H is any indication, TRON: Ares is shaping up to be both a visual feast and a thoughtful evolution of the legacy. We can’t wait to enter The Grid this October!
Coyote Vs. Acme
Originally completed in 2023, Coyote vs. Acme was abruptly shelved by Warner Bros. Its cancellation stirred public outcry, leading Ketchup Entertainment to step in and acquire distribution rights, officially reviving the film with global theatrical plans.
Moderated by Paul Scheer, the panel opened with a comedy-themed presentation, including a staged interruption by actors portraying Acme lawyers attempting to shut it down. Scheer quipped, “This is purely an Acme decision … and I am saying this for legal purposes”.
First, audiences watched a montage of classic Wile E. Coyote wipeouts set to Johnny Cash’s cover of “Hurt,” including scenes of explosions, flattening, and falls—with the Coyote spotting a TV ad for a personal injury lawyer in his lair.
Then came six minutes of brand-new footage, introducing Kevin Avery (Will Forte) as Coyote’s reluctant attorney, Buddy Crane (John Cena) as a slick Acme lawyer, and the judge (Luis Guzmán). Cameo characters teased include Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Foghorn Leghorn, Roadrunner, Porky Pig, and even an animated version of Peter Lorre.
The panel concluded with Eric Bauza, voice of Bugs Bunny, even joined the panel to deliver the closing line, “That’s all, folks!”, followed by the official announcement that *Coyote vs. Acme* will hit theaters on August 28, 2026, and gave out limited-edition totes featuring Wile E. Coyote’s classic silhouette.
Cheering fans and laughter echoed through Hall H, with many calling it “the most chaotic and hilarious panel of the weekend”.
Peacemaker Season 2
DC Studios and HBO Max commandeered Hall H for a high-voltage Peacemaker Season 2 panel hosted by John Cena in full costume, joined by creator/director James Gunn and key cast members. The crowd erupted when they debuted the official trailer, set to Ozzy Osbourne’s poignant rendition of “Road to Nowhere” — a track chosen shortly after his passing, which Gunn acknowledged during the panel.
The trailer sets the stage for a wild, dimension-hopping adventure: Peacemaker steps through a “Quantum Unfolding Chamber” into an alternate DCU, where he’s idolized, romantically linked with Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), and caught in escalating intensity with Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo). Inside jokes about filming the show’s dance-heavy opening credits also had the crowd roaring, especially at stories about Grillo’s reluctant but enthusiastic participation in the choreography.
Gunn teased an expansion of the show’s soundscape beyond classic hair metal, leaning into modern bands and a soundtrack that reflects Peacemaker’s emotional evolution. The panel underscored DC’s elevated presence in Hall H for the first time in years, marking a bold, fan-focused outing for the series.
Project Hail Mary
Ryan Gosling opened the panel with infectious energy: “What’s up Hall H!” to the roar of over 6,000 fans. He portrays Ryland Grace, a reluctant middle-school science teacher turned last‑hope astronaut, in the upcoming sci-fi movie Project Hail Mary, slated for release March 2026.
Panelists included Ryan Gosling, author Andy Weir, directors Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, and screenwriter Drew Goddard. Gosling praised Weir as “the greatest sci‑fi mind of our time,” crediting the story for being both deeply moving and unexpectedly hilarious.
The introduction of Rocky, Grace’s alien ally, made waves during the panel. The character—stone‑shaped, faceless, five‑legged, communicating via claymation gestures—was brought to life via practical puppetry. Phil Lord and Chris Miller highlighted that Rocky represents the emotional center of the story, as a test of unexpected friendship under impossible odds.
Attendees were also given sneak peeks of scenes where Ryland Grace first wakes from cryosleep, and his recruitment by Sandra Hüller’s character, Eva Stratt.
We can’t wait for liftoff next March!
Abbott Elementary
The Abbott Elementary panel at SDCC 2025 hit all the right notes, literally. Attendees packed the Indigo Ballroom for a screening of the fan-favorite karaoke episode from Season 4. The episode, packed with unexpected musical moments and classic Abbott humor, had the crowd laughing, cheering, and even singing along by the end.
Following the screening, the cast — including Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, and William Stanford Davis — took the stage for a lively Q&A moderated by Angelique Jackson. The panelists shared behind-the-scenes stories from filming the karaoke scenes, hilariously reminisced about their It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover episodes, teased what’s ahead in Season 5, and reflected on how the show continues to evolve while staying grounded in its heartfelt, comedic roots.