After sitting out last year’s convention, Marvel Studios is back where it belongs. The studio’s Saturday Hall H presentation is expected to be the centerpiece of Comic-Con 2026, with Avengers: Doomsday taking center stage as Marvel attempts to reignite excitement for the MCU ahead of its December release.
But Marvel won’t have the spotlight entirely to itself. DC Studios, Mel Brooks’ long-awaited Spaceballs sequel, Apple TV+, and several highly anticipated games are all looking to steal headlines over the four-day convention.
Five Things to Watch
1. Marvel’s Hall H Gamble
This is Marvel’s first Hall H presentation since Doomsday‘s trailer generated renewed excitement.
Expect:
- New Doomsday footage
- X-Men cast announcement
- Surprise cast appearances
- Possible teases for Phase 7
- Maybe one “Holy crap!” announcement.
Marvel also has panels for:
- Marvel’s Wolverine
- X-Men ’97 Season 2
- Marvel Rivals
- Comics
- Midnight Universe
2. DC Brings Lanterns
DC isn’t bringing Superman. Instead, it’s betting on HBO’s Lanterns. Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler headline Friday’s panel while DC transforms part of the Gaslamp District into Lantern headquarters.
It’s DC’s biggest SDCC push since James Gunn relaunched the studio.
3. The Schwartz Awakens
One of the surprise hits of Comic-Con could be… Spaceballs: The New One. Mel Brooks, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, returns alongside Rick Moranis and Bill Pullman.
The Friday panel will almost certainly debut footage.
4. Marvel Games Goes Big
Marvel isn’t just selling movies anymore. Comic-Con includes major showcases for:
- Marvel’s Wolverine
- Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls
- Marvel Rivals
The Wolverine panel is especially intriguing after years of relative silence from Insomniac.
REELated:
Marvel drops first ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ trailer
5. The Convention Floor
More than 120,000 fans are expected.
Among the exclusives:
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day Funko set
- KPop Demon Hunters Hot Wheels
- Hasbro Marvel Legends exclusives
- New LEGO Marvel sets
- Magic: The Gathering x Marvel experience
Comic-Con has evolved far beyond comics, but 2026 feels like a return to its blockbuster roots. With Marvel reclaiming Hall H, DC back in force and one of comedy’s most beloved franchises making an unlikely comeback, San Diego once again becomes the center of the pop culture universe.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
