San Diego, CA – July 23, 2025 – The San Diego Convention Center buzzed with excitement Wednesday evening as the annual San Diego Comic‑Con opened its doors for Preview Night, launching the four-day fan extravaganza with a surge of energy and anticipation. Thousands of eager fans flooded the venue when gates opened at 5 p.m., some having waited for hours in winding lines that stretched for blocks.
Preview Night traditionally serves as an exclusive early window for badge-holders to explore the exhibit floor, claim limited-edition merchandise, and get a jumpstart on the immersive activations Comic‑Con is known for. This year proved no different, with major entertainment brands unveiling sneak peeks, fan-first giveaways, and teaser content that immediately sparked conversations online.
While the official programming doesn’t begin in earnest until Thursday, organizers used the evening to build excitement for what’s to come. Highlights of Thursday’s schedule include a 20th-anniversary tribute to Avatar: The Last Airbender, a panel on Twisted Metal Season 2 featuring cast and producers, and first looks at the sequel to Five Nights at Freddy’s, a film franchise that continues to resonate with younger audiences.
One notable absence from this year’s convention is Marvel Studios, which opted to skip the 2025 event. Their decision, while surprising to some, has opened the door for rising studios and under-the-radar properties to command the spotlight. Smaller publishers, independent creators, and new IPs now find themselves in a rare position to capture fresh fan attention and broaden their reach.
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Despite Marvel’s absence, enthusiasm among attendees was undeterred. Social media feeds lit up with real-time updates from inside the hall, with hashtags like #SDCC2025 and #ComicConPreviewNight trending throughout the evening. Exhibitors reported brisk traffic at booths and strong interest in limited-edition collectibles, many of which sold out within hours.
“Electric—a real celebration of pop culture from every corner,” said one attendee who traveled from Phoenix, Arizona, for his tenth Comic‑Con. “Preview Night has become more than just a sneak peek—it’s a tradition, a pilgrimage for fans.”
The event also drew praise from longtime vendors and panel organizers, many of whom noted the high level of engagement from attendees. Cosplayers, in full elaborate regalia, posed for photos alongside towering displays and branded pop-up installations from companies like Netflix, Amazon Studios, and gaming giant Capcom.
This year’s Comic‑Con arrives at a pivotal moment for the entertainment industry. After a year of shifting release calendars, ongoing consolidation in the streaming space, and the growing influence of AI in animation and storytelling, the convention offers a crucial stage for creators to connect directly with fans. It’s also a powerful reminder of the staying power of fan-driven communities in shaping entertainment trends.
Entertainment Weekly is expected to release a full gallery and interviews from Preview Night later this evening, capturing some of the behind-the-scenes energy and revealing more details about what attendees can expect as the convention continues through the weekend.
While the main event has only just begun, Preview Night’s success underscores the enduring appeal of San Diego Comic‑Con. More than a gathering of pop culture devotees, it’s a touchstone of fandom that reaffirms how shared passions can create a sense of belonging and excitement on a grand scale.
With anticipation building for major announcements and surprise appearances in the coming days, one thing is certain: Comic‑Con 2025 is off to a soaring start.
