San Diego Comic-Con 2025 brought a wave of excitement as studios, stars, and creators descended upon the annual pop culture event to share exclusive first looks, casting news, and franchise updates for some of the most anticipated movies and television shows. This year’s convention, which went on from July 24 to July 27, was one of the most memorable in recent years, thanks to surprise appearances and jaw-dropping announcements.
One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was the first-ever Comic-Con appearance by Star Wars creator George Lucas, who took the stage to unveil new details about the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, set to open in Los Angeles in 2026. Lucas, joined by filmmakers Guillermo del Toro and Queen Latifah as future guest curators, revealed that the museum will feature artwork from legends such as Charles M. Schulz, Jack Kirby, and Norman Rockwell, as well as original Star Wars props and concept art that have never been seen before.
During this year's convention, many movie fans were excited to have an exclusive first look at footage from major upcoming blockbusters, including Disney’s Tron: Ares, starring Jared Leto as the mysterious Ares alongside returning star Jeff Bridges. The film's theatrical release is set for October 10, 2025. Horror and science fiction fans were also buzzing after the debut of the trailer for Predator: Badlands, which follows a young Predator’s first hunt on Earth. The film, starring Elle Fanning, hits theaters November 7, 2025.
On the television side, FX and Hulu premiered the first trailer for Noah Hawley's new series Alien: Earth, which will explore the deadly clash between humans and synthetic lifeforms in a corporate-controlled future. The series is set to premiere on August 12, 2025.
Additionally, there were many casting announcements during the weekend of the convention. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 revealed that Scream star Skeet Ulrich has joined the highly anticipated horror sequel in a yet-to-be-revealed role. Meanwhile, the hit animated superhero series Invincible announced Matthew Rhys will voice the villain Dinosaurus in its upcoming fourth season. Creator Robert Kirkman also confirmed that the series will run for seven to nine seasons total, assuring fans that the full comic storyline will be adapted.
Attendees were also given sneak peeks at returning fan-favorite series, including Peacemaker: Season 2 (August 21), Gen V: Season 2 (September 17), Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2 (December 10), and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon: Season 3, which AMC confirmed will wrap up with a fourth and final season.
Nostalgia also played a huge role this year, as the first trailer for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues -- a follow-up to the beloved 1984 mockumentary -- was unveiled to enthusiastic fans. Comic book fans were treated to updates on Avatar: Seven Havens, Star Trek: Starfleet, Academy, and a newly announced Rick and Morty spinoff focused on President Curtis. Crossovers such as TMNT vs. Godzilla and Captain America vs. Xenomorphs generated some of the biggest buzz of the weekend.
San Diego Comic-Con 2025 left fans with plenty to look forward to over the next year. Whether you’re a Marvel die-hard or simply someone who loves nostalgia-fueled comebacks, the event’s reveals ensured the next 12 months will be packed with must-see movies and TV.