For the second consecutive year, Sony Pictures will be skipping San Diego Comic-Con, and this time, they’re not alone. Both Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios have also opted out of bringing major presentations to the annual convention — a notable absence from some of Hollywood’s biggest players in genre entertainment.
According to sources familiar with the planning process, Sony and Paramount simply don’t have material ready that would appeal to the highly enthusiastic audience in Hall H, the convention’s most prominent stage for blockbuster reveals. With several of their high-profile projects either in early development or not aligned with Comic-Con’s promotional calendar, the studios have decided to sit this year out.
Marvel Studios, which last missed the convention in 2011, has also decided not to present new footage or bring cast members to promote upcoming titles. A Marvel spokesperson clarified that the decision was not based on a lack of appreciation for Comic-Con but rather on timing:
“It wasn’t a knock against Comic-Con,” the spokesperson explained. “The film cycles just didn’t allow it.”
The decision makes sense from a logistical and financial standpoint. Staging an appearance at Comic-Con — especially in Hall H — can be expensive, requiring studio resources, travel coordination, and high-profile talent. With Ant-Man set for release just weeks after the convention and Captain America: Civil War still deep into production, Marvel may have decided the effort wasn’t strategically necessary this year.
That said, fans shouldn’t expect Comic-Con to be light on comic book movie content. Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment will have a major presence, with panels planned for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and a deeper dive into their developing cinematic universe. 20th Century Fox is also expected to make waves with a showcase of its upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, and possibly provide new details or footage from X-Men: Apocalypse.
Though some major studios are sitting this one out, San Diego Comic-Con remains a central hub for entertainment news, fandom celebrations, and exclusive first looks. This year’s event will take place from July 9–12 at the San Diego Convention Center.