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A complete guide to SDCC 2018, from trailers and previews to the biggest panels

This time around, the show that gets underway from July 19 through July 21 might lack a bit of the glitzy Hollywood glamour thanks to major no-shows from Marvel, HBO, Lucasfilm.

Block your calendar for the SDCC! Undoubtedly, the biggest annual event in the world of comic book-based TV series, films, and adaptations, the SDCC gala - and more importantly its Hall H panel - has, over the years, become this mecca of information and early insight.    

This time around, though, the show that gets underway from July 19 through July 21 might lack a bit of the glitzy Hollywood glamour thanks to some major no-shows from Marvel studio's movies front, Lucasfilm, and HBO. The Marvel-shaped hole, however, will be duly filled by other high-profile panels from competing studios like Warner Bros, Paramount, Sony Pictures and so on. 

There is no reason why a true comic book loyalist would give a miss to SDCC 2018. With major trailer drops, exclusive screenings, and nostalgic reunions, the SDCC Internationale's upcoming slate is more than enough to whet your appetite.   

Lest you get lost in the clutter of events, here's a complete guide to this year's SDCC put together in the form of "10 things that you dare not miss."

1. Marvel's offerings

Wait, what? Did you think Marvel is (completely) pulling out of the much-awaited SDCC? Well, Marvel Studios will surely be missing from the Hall H (a spot that has almost become simultaneous with Avengers spoilers), and you can blame Thanos for it. But there would be a panel celebrating the studio's 10-year anniversary.

In addition to all this, Marvel TV will be packing on the action this year with their hit breakouts like Freeform's 'Cloak & Dagger,' Netflix's 'Iron Fist,' 'Marvel Rising,' and FX's 'Legion.' 

2.  DC, you better step up

It cannot be emphasized enough that 2018 is the year DC & Warner Bros need to step up and together take the SDCC by a storm. The absence of their rival superhero movie franchise could (should) be leveraged and looks like the studios are going to do just that. Beginning with Saturday's panel, fans ought to keep an eye out for some of the biggest trailer drops - including that of 'Aquaman,' 'Wonder Woman 1984,' and 'Shazam.'

And apart from the superhero flicks, there might be some extra treats in store as well - namely a potential trailer of 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.' 

3. 'Venom,' 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' and more

So, what if, Marvel movies do not make it to the Hall H this year, then there would still be plenty on offer for comic book fans from the Marvel world, especially from Sony's corner. Tom Hardy-led 'Venom' and the animated 'Into the Spider-Verse' are most likely to make an appearance at the annual gala, but details are being kept under wraps. Hopefully, visitors will get lucky and catch a glimpse of Eddie Brock himself.

4. 'Deadpool' will be there... but why?

The good news is Fox will be bringing their A-game to the SDCC, and even better news is 'Deadpool' will be there, bringing in some much-needed R-rated gags. If you are wondering why the studio has booked a panel for an already released movie, it's because of an extended cut of the sequel, which will be premiered exclusively for the attendees. 

Another offering from 20th Century Fox would be a showcase of 'The Predator' reboot in Hall H this Thursday.

5. Going low-key Netflix?

Last year, Netflix grabbed major eyeballs with a huge panel for the sci-fi drama 'Stranger Things.' Even though the Hawkins-dwellers would be a no-show this year, but that doesn't mean the market-leading streamer won't have other headline-stirrers. This weekend, in fact, Netflix will be offering a look at its upcoming series 'Black Summer,'  Matt Groening’s animated show 'Disenchantment,'  the reboot of 'Voltron: Legendary Defender,' and 'The Dragon Prince,' a series by Aaron Ehasz, the head writer  of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender.'

6.  Watch out for the new 'Doctor Who' 

Beloved sci-fi series 'Doctor Who' is preparing to amp up its presence at the SDCC Internationale with a special appearance by none other than Jodie Whittaker, the new bearer of the Doctor Who mantle and the first female to do so in the franchise. Whittaker will be joined at the event by co-stars Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill and new showrunner Chris Chibnall and executive producer Matt Strevens.

It indeed would be a great opportunity for the actress to address a vital turn-point in the series, given the current mood of the post-Me Too industry. 

7. 'The Breaking Bad' reunion you were waiting for

Back to back, the cast of AMC's critically-acclaimed series 'Breaking Bad' and its spinoff 'Better Call Saul' will be holding panel discussions at Hall H over the weekend. Previewing the upcoming fourth season of 'Better Call Saul,' lead stars like Bob Odenkirk, Michael Mando, Rhea Seehorn, Patrick Fabian, and Giancarlo Esposito are set to have a tete a tete with fans along with series creators Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould.   

And this will be followed by a 'Breaking Bad' panel, which also happens to celebrate its 10-year anniversary this time around.

8.   Star Trek universe is going all out

Expect CBS to grab the maximum attention at the upcoming SDCC panel with its big Hall H panel for 'Star Trek: Discovery.'  The franchise has experienced some major shake-ups in the recent past, especially after new showrunner Alex Kurtzman told the reigns. In addition, Kurtzman is also reported to be working with the network to develop multiple shows based on the original series.

Given the circumstances, SDCC attendees can expect some news on the season 2 premiere date as well as a possible trailer debut. 

 9. 'Preacher' takes over Hall H

Sign up Jesse Custer and gang for the 2018 SDCC. The cast of comic book adaptation 'Preacher' has been confirmed for the Hall H panel, with leading trio Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, and Joseph Gilgun making an appearance alongside executive producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, and showrunner Sam Catlin. 

The series, known for its outrageously dark humor is currently in its third season, so chances are some juicy details about the upcoming episodes might surface during the discussion.  

10. World Premiere of Hulu's 'Castle Rock'

The horror-themed anthology from J.J. Abrams and Stephen King is all set for a world premiere at the SDCC. Attendees will, in fact, be treated to the entire first episode of the Hulu series. Shortly after the premiere, cast members Sissy Spacek, Bill Skarsgard, Melanie Lynskey, and Jane Levy would be joining the panel, all ears for the curious questions.