Top 20 Comic-Con Surprises of All Time
#20: Joker’s Wild
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The same year attendees were treated to a first-look at Jared Leto’s Joker in the “Suicide Squad” trailer, another Clown Prince of Crime crashed Comic-Con. At the panel for Fox’s “Gotham,” the cast discussed what to expect in Season 2 with the rise of the villains. As one fan started to ask a question, the microphone was suddenly swiped by someone else in the crowd. It was none other than actor Cameron Monaghan, who appeared in Season 1 as Jerome Valeska – a villain who sent off some serious Joker vibes. In true Joker fashion, Monaghan caught everyone off guard, asking Ben McKenzie about his tolerance for pain. The Detective Gordon actor vowed to find Jerome as Monaghan was carted off by security.
#19: “Iron Man” Trailer Premiere
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Today, “Iron Man” is regarded as one of the greatest superhero movies ever, as well as the game-changer that launched the MCU. Leading up to its premiere, however, comic book readers were a bit uncertain. Marvel’s film adaptations had been hit-and-miss, Robert Downey Jr. was struggling to make a comeback, and Jon Favreau wasn’t known for directing large-scale action pictures. The skeptics were silenced at the “Iron Man” Comic-Con panel, however, as Favreau unveiled a special trailer made specifically for comic book fans. Not only did Downey demonstrate that he was born to play Tony Stark, but the rousing trailer proved that Favreau had a clear understanding of the source material and the keen visual eye to bring it to life.
#18: Marvel Returns to Hall H
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After sitting out SDCC last year, Marvel returned with a vengeance in 2019, laying out almost the entirety of phase 4 in a jam-packed Hall H appearance. Between sequels for characters like Doctor Strange and Thor, and new additions like Shang-Chi and the Eternals, the panel was so full of info that fan favourites like Black Panther, Captain Marvel and even the Fantastic Four took a backseat to Black Widow’s upcoming movie as well as a slew of Disney+ shows. Oh and by the way, Mahershala Ali is gonna play Blade, and if it seems like we’re trying to cram that into this entry it’s because that’s how we felt when Feige & Co. dropped that juicy detail at the very end of the panel!
#17: Karen Gillan Shaves Her Head
As Amy Pond on “Doctor Who,” Karen Gillan became instantly recognizable thanks to her ravishing head of red hair. In order to portray Nebula in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Gillan not only draped herself in blue makeup but also shaved her head bald. Before revealing her new look, Gillan decided to have a little fun during a panel at Comic-Con. The crowd was stunned when Gillan removed her utterly convincing wig, which was actually made from her own hair. Gillan was so ecstatic that she threw the wig into the crowd, although she suddenly realized that might’ve been a mistake.
#16: Joss Whedon & J. J. Abrams, Together at Last
Joss Whedon and J. J. Abrams have helmed some of the biggest franchises in the history of fandom, making them Comic-Con royalty. You can imagine everyone’s excitement when these visionaries took to the stage together at 2010 Comic-Con, leading some to believe that they might be teaming up on a project. While that sadly wasn’t the case, both filmmakers had huge individual announcements for the crowd. Whedon confirmed once and for all that he was directing Marvel’s “The Avengers,” as many had hoped and predicted. Abrams, meanwhile, discussed several projects he had lined up, including his upcoming collaboration with Steven Spielberg, “Super 8.” While the panel was full of fun teases, the real treat was listening to these two discuss filmmaking, storytelling, and everything nerdy.
#15: Justice for Barb
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Despite only appearing in a handful of episodes, Barb became a breakout character in the first season of “Stranger Things.” Actress Shannon Purser even earned a guest acting Emmy nomination for her role. Many fans were disappointed with the character’s untimely exit, hoping that she’d somehow return in Season 2. While Barb’s fate on the show wasn’t retconned, Purser did return to steal the show at Comic-Con. Catching everyone off guard, Purser appeared as an audience member, asking if Barb would be brought back. The cast confirmed that she would not, but at least Purser was welcomed to stay for the rest of the panel. We guess you could call that justice.
#14: “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” Premiere
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Although the film was unfortunately a box office Bob-Omb, fans knew that Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Bryan Lee O'Malley’s graphic novels was destined for cult status following its explosive debut at Comic-Con. After a panel where star Michael Cera dawned Captain America garb, Wright invited several fans who had been given 1-Up buttons to attend a premiere screening of the film. Those lucky audience members got to follow Wright directly from the panel to the theater where the secret screening took place. Not only was this a once in a lifetime opportunity, but it also demonstrated why “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” was truly a movie that had been made for fans. As a bonus, the screening came complete with a live performance from Metric.
#13: “Batman v Superman” Announcement
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Let’s be honest, the buildup to “Batman v Superman” was a lot more fun than the actual movie. That being said, the hype train took us on quite a ride and it all began at this mind-blowing panel. On the heels of “Man of Steel,” there was little doubt that we’d be seeing another Superman movie in the near future. Director Zack Snyder upped the ante at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con, though, having actor Henry Lennix read a passage from “The Dark Knight Returns” and unveiling the then-untitled film’s logo. After years of eagerly waiting, it became clear that DC’s finest were finally going to duke it out on the big screen.
#12: A New Doctor in the House
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When Peter Capaldi’s tenure as Doctor Who wrapped up in 2017, fans were surprised to learn that the sonic screwdriver would pass to Jodie Whittaker, making her the character’s first female incarnation. In addition to a new doctor, the upcoming series of “Doctor Who” also promised new companions and a new showrunner. Whovians were given a taste of what to expect going forward when the cast made their first public appearance together at Comic-Con 2018. Up until this point, the most we had seen of Whittaker’s Doctor was her brief appearance at the end of “Twice Upon a Time.” Between her adorkable arrival at Hall H and the ensuing panel, Whittaker quickly won over the audience before they had even seen Series 11.
#11: “Star Wars” Concert
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As the first entry in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, “The Force Awakens” became arguably the most anticipated movies of the 21st century. The filmmakers thus went all out at Comic-Con 2015, uniting several key cast members and revealing a behind-the-scenes look at the film. Director J. J. Abrams and company took things one step further, however, inviting the audience to a live “Star Wars” concert that same night. In a truly unprecedented move, everyone in attendance then walked to another location where lightsabers were handed out. The musical extravaganza came complete with fireworks, a video message from composer John Williams, and a live orchestra playing various iconic “Star Wars” themes. Just plain awesome!
#10: Henry Cavill’s Vendetta Against Will Smith
It’s always cool when a celebrity goes undercover at Comic-Con, seamlessly blending into the crowd by wearing a mask. At Comic-Con 2016, Henry Cavill exchanged his Man of Steel suit for a Guy Fawkes mask, or a “V for Vendetta” mask as DC fans might call it. As far as disguises go, this was only a minor upgrade from Clark Kent’s glasses. Nevertheless, “Supes” still managed to throw everyone for a loop, especially Will Smith. Signing autographs at a “Suicide Squad” booth, Smith was completely oblivious as Cavill approached. It wasn’t until after Smith posed for a photo with an unmasked Cavill that he realized Superman was in his presence. Surprising the fans is one thing, but fooling a fellow DCEU actor is quite another.
#9: Bryan Cranston’s Cosplay
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On “Breaking Bad,” Bryan Cranston played a drug kingpin hiding in plain sight of the authorities. Likewise, Cranston managed to blend right into the crowd while attending Comic-Con in 2013. The actor roamed the halls wearing a Walter White mask, passing himself off as just another cosplayer. So, you can imagine everyone’s shock when Cranston took to the stage at the “Breaking Bad” panel and finally removed the hauntingly realistic mask. Cranston and co-star Aaron Paul proceeded to make out with the mask, earning laughs and applause all at once. Who would’ve guessed that the most memorable Comic-Con costume that year would come from a celebrity dressed as himself?
#8: Rick & Morty Radio Show
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Waiting in between seasons of “Rick and Morty” is never easy, but at Comic-Con 2018, creators Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon gave a small group of fans something to tide them over. Along with voice actress Cassie Steele, Roiland and Harmon turned the Rick and Morty live soundtrack panel into a fake radio show. The show was given several names, including “Floop and Noop and Bloops Show” and “Snoopy Gloopo Asks the Scoops.” As you might’ve guessed from those titles, this panel wasn’t scripted and plenty of alcohol was involved. The people in attendance were supplied with headphones as Roiland injected songs and sound effects. The panel proved to be one of that year’s best-kept Comic-Con secrets and an insanely hilarious experience for everyone involved.
#7: Andrew Garfield Undercover as Spider-Man
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Cranston isn’t the only actor who has attended Comic-Con in a self-referential disguise. During a panel for “The Amazing Spider-Man,” an enthusiastic fan dressed as the web-slinger grabbed a mic before the Q&A session even began. Proclaiming his excitement to be at his first Comic-Con, the fan removed his mask to reveal he was actually Andrew Garfield. Dropping his fake accent, the British-American actor went on to read a passionate speech about the profound impact Spider-Man has had on his life, as well as how honored he felt to be playing such a beloved character. It’s moments like this that demonstrate the unlikely influence heroes on the printed page can have, giving readers everywhere hope.
#6: Rally for Rose
Whether you loved or hated “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” the backlash against the film officially reached toxic territory when actress Kelly Marie Tran was bullied into deleting her Instagram account. This decision followed months of online harassment that Tran had endured from the ugly underbelly of fandom in response to her portrayal of Rose Tico. Fortunately, the Nerds of Color organized the Rally for Rose at Comic-Con 2018 to show that the fandom would not be swayed to the dark side. Some were dressed as Rose while others sported t-shirts featuring the character’s name and likeness in the style of Barack Obama’s iconic “Hope” poster. The surprise rally even caught the attention of Mark Hamill, who helped spread word of this rebellion against trolls.
#5: Stan Lee’s Photo with Superheroes
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Superhero crossovers are nothing new, but how often do you get to see the X-Men and Fantastic Four taking a selfie together? At Comic-Con 2015, Chris Hardwick united the casts of “X-Men Apocalypse,” “Fant4stic,” and “Deadpool” on the stage. He even nabbed Channing Tatum, who had landed the title role in the upcoming “Gambit” movie. With Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Lawrence, and numerous others lining up, Stan ‘The Man’ Lee himself suddenly showed up to take the picture. Fox’s track record when it comes to Marvel movies may not be perfect, but they did give us an unforgettable Comic-Con moment for the ages. Also, the Academy should seriously create a category for Best Cameo!
#4: 2007 “Dark Knight” Viral Marketing Campaign
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Few movies have generated more hype than “The Dark Knight” and that can be largely attributed to its brilliant viral marketing campaign. Leading up to the film’s release, 42 Entertainment made fans part of the experience through an alternate reality game. Comic-Con 2007’s best in-joke came in the form of U.S. dollar bills, featuring George Washington wearing Joker makeup and the words “One Dollar” replaced by “Why So Serious.” The bills sent fans on a scavenger hunt to Whysoserious.com where they were able to view a vandalized Uncle Sam poster and a teaser for “The Dark Knight.” It’s not about money, it’s about sending a message and this message had our anticipation at an all-time high.
#3: Tom Hiddleston Appears as Loki
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Between “Thor” and especially “The Avengers,” Tom Hiddleston cemented himself as a fan favorite in the MCU. Not too long before “Thor: The Dark World” hit theaters, Loki quite literally stole the show at Comic-Con. With the lights suddenly going out, the God of Mischief’s commanding voice emerged from the darkness and spread throughout Hall H. Everyone’s excitement peaked when the lights came back on with Hiddleston in full costume. With fans chanting Loki’s name, Hiddleston continued to stay in character as he recited a grand monologue. Upstaging the casts of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is no easy feat, but everyone was kneeling to Loki at this panel.
#2: Michael Keaton is Batman
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Every time a new actor is cast as Batman, Warner Bros. and DC can expect a load of hate mail. This trend began when Michael Keaton landed the titular role in Tim Burton’s 1989 film, much to the dismay of comic book readers who couldn’t see Beetlejuice playing the Dark Knight. A couple months after a negative fan reaction at a Chicago comic convention in 1988, Batman co-creator Bob Kane dropped by San Diego Comic-Con where he praised Keaton’s casting. Kane also answered questions and shared stills from the film. After the man behind the Bat gave his seal of approval, more fans decided to give Keaton a chance. Once “Batman” premiered the following summer, the naysayers completely forgot what they had been complaining about.
#1: Avengers Assemble
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It’s only fitting that we began this list with Iron Man and will be closing it out with the Avengers. After Nick Fury’s initial meeting with Tony Stark, we knew an even bigger universe was unfolding. Things got real at the 2010 Comic-Con, as Samuel L. Jackson introduced Clark Gregg, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and Robert Downey Jr. The names just kept coming with Downey introducing us to Hawkeye, Jeremy Renner, the new Hulk, Mark Ruffalo, and the director behind this ambitious film, Joss Whedon. Fans would have to wait two long years to watch the actual movie, but seeing the cast together for the first time was an epic moment in itself.
