San Diego Comic-Con canceled its yearly convention for the second time in a row this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. This was after an uninterrupted 50-year run, and it was pretty devastating to fans, though we fully expected it. But the convention’s cancellation was given with a promising surprise in the form of a Thanksgiving weekend in-person event. I was personally a little confused by this choice, as I know families usually have Thanksgiving plans set in stone, but figured many fans would be excited. Actors and studios, however, were not so excited.
In a recent report from THR, it has been rumored that aside from the public pushback on social media following the announcement, a big and unhappy response is brewing in Hollywood. One rep for a studio that has hosted Hall H panels in the past said of the event:
“We love San Diego Comic-Con and would love to support, but what actor or producer is going to give up their first post-vaccine Thanksgiving holiday with family to travel to San Diego to publicize a project?”
Another added:
“During the pandemic, we’ve had Wonder Woman and The Mandalorian, but what we haven’t had is a hug from our parents and grandparents. Talent are not going to want to give up time with their families at Thanksgiving this year of all years. I have no idea what the organizers are thinking.”
A PR rep with clients who have appeared in Hall H panels notes their talent is, so far, “refusing” to attend, though the rep adds they would likely come around if ordered to by a studio. Safety is also a concern of many potential attendees who are wondering if this is too much too soon. One veteran producer who is a staple of Comic-Con was quoted saying, “I would never ask anyone to do anything that was remotely dangerous, but it’s the studio that does the asking. And I would tell them I side with any actor that doesn’t feel comfortable.”
While the event will take place Friday-Sunday, for many prepping to attend would mean traveling on the holiday. Some have suggested that Halloween would be a much more understandable alternative.
It will certainly be interesting to see how this all pans out. What do you think of the event as it stands? A good idea, change the date, or just call things off and go back to normal next year?