Comic‑Con International continued its blockbuster run in downtown San Diego on Saturday, July 26, 2025, with a full slate of marquee Entertainment Weekly panels, immersive fan experiences, and exclusive surprises that underlined the con’s influence as a cultural and charitable hub.
The day began with a buzz at 1:45 p.m. in the Indigo Ballroom, where This Is Us star Sterling K. Brown and creator Dan Fogelman discussed their Hulu political thriller Paradise. Moderated by EW’s Gerrad Hall, the panel offered a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, the show’s themes, and audience impact. The panel reached a peak when Shailene Woodley made a surprise appearance, marking her first Comic-Con since 2016. She was met with enthusiastic applause as EW premiered an exclusive clip of her season-two debut in the episode titled “Graceland.”
At 2:30 p.m. in Ballroom 20, the “Brave Warriors” panel gathered Robbie Amell, Jamie Roy, David Zayas, and Babou Ceesay for a conversation about their genre-defining roles. Moderated by EW Editor‑in‑Chief Patrick Gomez, the panel touched on career trajectories, character evolution, and the balance between persona and authenticity in the entertainment industry.
The momentum carried through to 4:45 p.m. in Hall H, where the “Bold School” panel showcased the talents of Taylour Paige, Cote de Pablo, Madeleine McGraw, Harriet Slater, and Violet McGraw. Led by EW’s Maureen Lee Lenker, the actors reflected on pivotal career moments, sharing stories of rejection, resilience, and artistic growth. Cote de Pablo humorously recalled a botched audition for Fame, while Madeleine McGraw shared an early career memory involving a wardrobe mishap that turned into a breakthrough opportunity.
Beyond the panel rooms, fans were treated to lively outdoor activations. The Comic‑Con Popsicle Truck served character-themed frozen treats, complete with collectible trading cards. Meanwhile, the Funko Pop! Yourself experience allowed attendees to create customized figures, with select celebrity-signed items auctioned off in support of the Motion Picture & Television Fund, which assists industry professionals in need.
Inside the Hard Rock Hotel, EW’s 17th annual studio hosted interviews and livestreams with talent from series including Outlander, Upload, Gen V, The Rookie, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Later in the evening, EW wrapped up the day with a private closing night party at the FLOAT rooftop, co-sponsored by Starz. The event drew an A-list crowd and celebrated another successful day of fan and industry engagement.
The broader Comic-Con programming on Saturday kept fans on their toes. Hall H featured high-profile presentations such as Project Hail Mary with Ryan Gosling, Peacemaker Season 2 with James Gunn and John Cena, and the premiere of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. In Ballroom 20, fan-favorite animated shows like The Simpsons, Futurama, and Family Guy kept attendees laughing and engaged.
This year’s Comic-Con extended well beyond the convention center, with pop culture-themed installations, fan zones, and offsite experiences spread across San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. From cosplay gatherings to spontaneous street performances and nighttime festivities, the city transformed into a hub of creativity and celebration.
Saturday, July 26, emerged as one of the convention’s most dynamic days, blending celebrity insight, storytelling excellence, and fan-driven energy. Panels offered heartfelt and humorous reflections, while outdoor activations connected fandom with charitable causes. The surprise celebrity appearances and premiere footage underscored Comic-Con’s continued relevance as a platform that bridges entertainment with meaningful community engagement.
