San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is set to make a triumphant return to the San Diego Convention Center from July 24 to 27, promising four action-packed days of panels, previews, and pop culture moments that fans won’t forget. With badges completely sold out, anticipation has reached an all-time high—especially with the surprise announcement that George Lucas will be making his first-ever Hall H appearance.
The event, a longstanding tradition for entertainment enthusiasts, continues to be the premier stage for showcasing upcoming TV series, blockbuster films, animation revivals, and industry icons. This year’s convention underscores that legacy by drawing major talent from across genres, including filmmakers, actors, writers, and visual artists.
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Badge Access Has Closed, but San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Still Offers Online and Offsite Experiences
While all official Comic-Con badges have already sold out for San Diego Comic-Con 2025, fans without access can still enjoy the event through various offsite attractions and streaming options. Major media outlets, including IGN, will stream interviews, breaking news, and selected panels on July 25 and 26 via their website, app, and social channels. In addition, immersive brand activations and interactive exhibits in the Gaslamp Quarter will remain free and open to the public throughout the event.
Comic-Con organizers typically release badge sales in the fall preceding the next year’s event. Interested attendees should monitor the official website and social platforms for updates regarding San Diego Comic-Con 2026 to avoid missing out.
George Lucas Set for Landmark Hall H Panel Alongside Guillermo del Toro and Doug Chiang
Perhaps the most anticipated moment of San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is the long-awaited Hall H appearance by Star Wars creator George Lucas, scheduled for Sunday, July 27 at 11 a.m. PT. Lucas will be joined by Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and legendary artist Doug Chiang to discuss the forthcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, slated to open in Los Angeles in 2026.
The panel will be moderated by Queen Latifah, and will focus on storytelling, the visual legacy of Lucas’ work, and the purpose behind the museum’s creation. The appearance marks a significant milestone for Comic-Con, as Lucas—despite being a cultural titan—has never appeared in Hall H during the convention’s decades-long history.
A Closer Look at the Official San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Panel Schedule and Daily Highlights
This year’s lineup spans major franchises, genre films, animated classics, and long-awaited sequels. From Thursday through Sunday, San Diego Comic-Con 2025 offers a robust schedule of programming designed to excite fans across age groups and fandoms.
Thursday, July 24
- 3:00 p.m. PT – Cast and creators of NCIS: Tony & Ziva preview their upcoming Paramount+ series, featuring Michael Weatherly, Cote de Pablo, and John McNamara.
- 6:45 p.m. PT – Comedy icons Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mike Judge, and Andy Samberg explore the creation of South Park, Beavis & Butt-Head, and Digman! during a panel on adult animation.
Friday, July 25
- 2:30 p.m. PT – Indie studio NEON presents a sneak peek of three horror films: Together, Shelby Oaks, and Keeper, with guests including Dave Franco, Alison Brie, and Osgood Perkins.
- 4:15 p.m. PT – Director Dan Trachtenberg, actress Elle Fanning, and newcomer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi debut the sci-fi thriller Predator: Badlands.
- 5:30 p.m. PT – Filmmaker Joachim Rønning leads a discussion with the cast of TRON: Ares, revealing behind-the-scenes stories and concept art.
Saturday, July 26
- 2:15 p.m. PT – The creators behind Project Hail Mary take the stage: directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, actor Ryan Gosling, author Andy Weir, and screenwriter Drew Goddard.
- 3:30 p.m. PT – Peacemaker returns to Comic-Con with James Gunn, John Cena, and Danielle Brooks previewing Season 2 of the HBO Max series.
Sunday, July 27
- 11:00 a.m. PT – The headline event of San Diego Comic-Con 2025: George Lucas, Guillermo del Toro, and Doug Chiang present the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Hall H.
Franchise Debuts, Horror Premieres, and Sci-Fi Revivals Dominate the Comic-Con 2025 Spotlight
This year’s San Diego Comic-Con has a strong emphasis on sci-fi storytelling, genre filmmaking, and franchise expansions. Predator: Badlands, Project Hail Mary, and TRON: Ares represent the next evolution of blockbuster science fiction, while NEON’s horror showcase proves the genre remains thriving and diverse.
Equally noteworthy is the continued resurgence of animation and comedy, as panels focused on Beavis & Butt-Head, South Park, and Digman! offer insight into the creative process and the enduring popularity of adult animation.
Planning Ahead for San Diego Comic-Con 2026: When to Buy Badges and Book Hotels
For fans already thinking ahead, badge sales for San Diego Comic-Con 2026 will likely begin in the fall of 2025. The official Comic-Con website and social media channels will announce dates and instructions well in advance. Given the rapid sellout of 2025 badges, early preparation is key. Attendees are also advised to book hotels through the official Comic-Con housing portal once it opens, as rooms tend to sell out within hours.
A Star-Studded Return for the World’s Largest Pop Culture Convention
San Diego Comic-Con 2025 continues to define the intersection of entertainment, fandom, and creativity. With a historic appearance from George Lucas, groundbreaking previews, and full-throttle fan engagement, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about in recent memory.
Even if you’re not in San Diego, you can follow along through livestreams, social media, and official updates. Whether you’re a longtime Comic-Con veteran or a first-time fan, the 2025 edition offers something unforgettable for everyone.
