Marvel Studios has always been known for unveiling glimpses of future Marvel projects at the famous Hall H at Comic-Con in San Diego. However, the studios have reportedly called off this year’s event due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike and the potential strike by SAG-AFTRA. (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists).
The ongoing WGA strike has resulted in several projects like ‘Blade’, ‘Thunderbolts’, ‘Daredevil’, and ‘Wonder Man’ all coming to a halt. This will be devastating news to Comic-Con which held Comic-Cons in 2020 & 2021 virtually. In 2022, Marvel took center stage at Comic-Con and introduced new faces in their Multiverse Saga, along with a trailer for ‘Wakanda Forever’ honoring Chadwick Boseman. They also announced ‘Avengers 4’ and ‘Avengers 5’ at the event.
The WGA Strike
The Writers Guild of America strike is an ongoing labor dispute between the Union representing 11,500 screenwriters and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. (AMPTP) The strike began on May 2, 2023, and has been going on for more than 50 days.
The main issues focus on income cuts in writers’ average incomes and the AMPTP not meeting the minimum wage standards. Other issues also include the extensive use of A.I. Many films, tv shows, and podcasts have been affected by the strike forcing them to halt production or continue without writers.
According to The Wrap, SAG-AFTRA could also hold a potential strike as their contract with Hollywood Studios, which expires on June 30, 2023, has not been renewed yet.
‘Marvel’ous Moments at Comic-Con
Marvel is notorious for making head-turners at Comic-Con and putting other production houses to shame with their dominance. Here’s a look back at some of the most iconic moments at Comic-Con
1. Avengers Assemble (Comic-Con 2010)
Marvel announced the highly anticipated Avengers movie and the moment began iconic when Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America), and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) assembled on stage together for the first time, sending fans into a frantic frenzy.
2. Spider-Man joins MCU (Comic-Con 2015)
Marvel and Sony announced at their panel that Spider-Man will be joining the MCU. The crowd erupted and this was an iconic moment for fans wishing to see Spiderman alongside other Marvel characters.
3. Black Panther (Comic-Con 2016)
The world got its first glimpse of the highly anticipated film ‘Black Panther’. This was a glorious moment in Marvel history, as Black Panther was the first Black Marvel Superhero film, starring the late Chadwick Boseman.
Marvel Studio’s absence from Hall-H does not meet they won’t be present at the convention. The studios will have a presence at Comic-Con, but there won’t be a panel event.
Source- The Hollywood Reporter
