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Movie Magic and Mayhem Take Center Stage at Comic-Con

Hollywood Studios Thrill Crowds with Previews and Exclusives

Cillian Murphy (The Scarecrow), from the new Warner Bros. film, Batman Begins

Hollywood once again moves to Comic-Con for the weekend, and with the blockbuster results fans have come to expect from the show. This year marked the inaugural session of the new 6,500-seat auditorium, Hall H, and even with the additional seating programs were jam-packed with attendees eager to hear more about their favorite projects and celebrities.

Warner Bros. kicked off the comics-to-film presentations by offering the first convention discussion about the upcoming Batman Begins, starring Christian Bale. Comics author and Batman Begins screenwriter, David S. Goyer, was joined by actor Cillian Murphy, who's playing the Scarecrow in this latest installment of the Batman franchise. Super cool Batman Begins pins were also handed out to Comic-Con attendees during the weekend.

Keanu Reeves, star of 'Constantine' based on the DC VERTIGO comic, 'Hellblazer'

Keanu Reeves, star of Constantine based on the VERTIGO comic, Hellblazer

Another Warner release generating intense heat was Constantine, based on the VERTIGO comics series Hellblazer. Stars Keanu Reeves and Djimon Hounsu and with director Francis Lawrence were on hand to tackle questions from fans. The audience was also treated to the world premiere of an 18-minute reel featuring scenes from the 2005 release.

Jamie King, Rosario Dawson and Jessica Alba were on-hand to promote the eagerly awaited Sin City

Comics creators also made their way into the grand hall to discuss their latest film projects. Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean spoke about MirrorMask, the live-action/CG animated film from the Jim Henson Company that Gaiman wrote and McKean directed. MirrorMask follows the story of Helena, a 15-year-old girl who goes on a fantastic journey filled with magic and illusion. Similarly, writer/artist Frank Miller was on hand with co-director Robert Rodriguez to preview exclusive scenes from the eagerly anticipated Sin City movie. The duo brought actors Rosario Dawson, Jamie King, and Jessica Alba, and for those who saw the presentation, Sin City's 2005 release date can't come soon enough.

Stars Jessica Biel and Ryan Reynolds were on-hand
to discuss Blade: Trinity

From New Line Home Video, actors David Wenham (Faramir) and Billy Boyd (Peregrin 'Pippin' Took), along with producer Rick Porras, offered a first look at The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Special Extended DVD Edition. Then from New Line Cinema, actors John Cho and Kal Penn got on stage for their film, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle. Later, director David S. Goyer and actors Jessica Biel and Ryan Reynolds wowed the crowd with a presentation on Blade: Trinity.

Stars Jude Law and Bai Ling of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Paramount Pictures stunned attendees outside the Convention Center when they inflated two giant robots for the release of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. And if that wasn't enough, inside Hall H the studio brought actors Jude Law, Bai Ling, Giovanni Ribisi, producer Jon Avnet and director Kerry Conran to answer questions and show clips. Then on a more humorous twist, Paramount later brought down South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for a preview of their new film Team America, which uses puppets ala Thunderbirds for the main cast to skewer all things political.

Three of the new Fantastic Four. At left, Ioan Gruffudd (Reed Richards) and Jessica Alba (Sue Storm) share some behind the scenes moments with fans. At right, Emmy award winning actor, Michael Chiklis (Ben Grimm), 'toys around' with his alter-ego (The Thing).

Jennifer Garner, star of Elektra, introduced a sneak peek of the film

This summer also marked the release of some long-awaited sequels, and 20th Century Fox didn't disappoint fans. They brought stars Sanaa Lathan and Lance Henriksen of Alien vs. Predator as well as creature effects supervisors Alex Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr. The studio upped the ante with a special clip reel for Elektra, introduced by the film's star, Jennifer Garner. And just when fans couldn't ask for more, Fox chose Comic-Con to introduce three of the four stars from the eagerly awaited Fantastic Four movie: Michael Chiklis (Ben Grimm), Jessica Alba (Sue Storm), and Ioan Gruffudd (Reed Richards). Director Tim Story was also on hand to answer questions.

Surprise appearances are a mainstay at Comic-Con. For example...
Rick McCallum, producer (left) and Hayden Christensen, Anakin Skywalker (right), from Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Some of these appearances were last-minute surprises. While fans were quick to post reviews on the Internet, nothing can take the place of being an attendee and seeing those stars and creative forces first hand. So plan accordingly for 2005; you might not know until the weekend who's going to be there, but trust us, you won't be disappointed.

Creator Joss Whedon and the cast of the film Serenity
based on his Firefly TV series

Other Movie Moments at Comic-Con 2004:

Con favorite Joss Whedon brought the nine-member cast of Serenity, his movie based on his cult-favorite TV series Firefly.

Director Mick Garris and star Jonathan Jackson talked about the new Stephen King adaptation Riding the Bullet.

Screen Gems showed scenes from Resident Evil: Apocalypse.

Rob Zombie previewed his new movie The Devil's Rejects.

Lions Gate Entertainment offered a sneak peek at Open Water, their summer hit about two people stranded in shark-infested waters.

Director Richard Kelly talked about the re-release of cult hit Donnie Darko.

Actors Jennifer Tilly and Billy Boyd spoke about Seed of Chucky.

Shaun of the Dead stars Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright chatted up their horror/comedy.

Disney/Pixar gave an exclusive look at The Incredibles with director Brad Bird, and the fan response predicted what came true: Another huge hit!

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Sarah Michelle Gellar made her first Comic-Con appearance promoting her film The Grudge

Paramount Pictures placed two gigantic robots outside the Convention Center at Comic-Con 2004 to promote Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Djimon Hounsou (Midnite) gave fans a glimpse of Constantine

Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean introduced MirrorMask

Jessica Alba introduced not one, but two films, to Comic-Con fans, Fantastic Four and Sin City

'South Park' creators Matt Stone (pictured) and Trey Parker gave audiences a sneak peak at their newest wacky creation 'Team America'

South Park creators Matt Stone (pictured) and Trey Parker gave audiences a sneak peak at their newest wacky creation Team America

Actors Billy Boyd (Peregrin 'Pippin' Took, above) and David Wenham (Faramir, below) offered a first look at The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Special Extended DVD Edition

Actors John Cho and Kal Penn got on stage for their film, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle

Stars Lance Hendricksen and Sanaa Lathan gave fans a behind-the-scenes peek at 'Alien vs. Predator'

Stars Lance Hendricksen and Sanaa Lathan gave fans a behind-the-scenes peek of the eagerly awaited Alien vs. Predator

'Seed of Chucky' star Jennifer Tilly introduced this newest addition to the 'Child's Play' saga

Seed of Chucky star Jennifer Tilly introduced this newest addition to the Child's Play saga

'Open Water' stars Blanchard Ryan and Daniel Travis shared their experiences of filming in open waters with live sharks

Open Water stars Blanchard Ryan and Daniel Travis shared their experiences of filming in open waters with live sharks

Jonathon Jackson discussed his work as star of the film adaptation of Stephen King's Riding the Bullet