The universe expands: “Alien” and “Tron” are reborn
The highly anticipated science fiction series “Alien: Earth” officially landed yesterday at the San Diego Comic-Con pop culture convention , where thousands of fans attended the world premiere of the first episode of the new television installment of the iconic franchise.
The series, created by Noah Hawley for FX, was presented in the legendary Hall H, the event's largest stage, before 6,500 attendees. "This is, by far, the biggest thing I've ever done," said Hawley, who also directed the pilot.
Set a few years before the events of Ridley 's original film Scott , “ Alien ” (1979), “ Alien : Earth” is executive produced by Scott and will hit streaming platforms in August. “If I have one skill in adapting these films, it’s understanding what the original made me feel and why, and trying to recreate that with a completely new story,” the showrunner said.
The panel featured the series' stars: Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Timothy Olyphant, Babou Ceesay, and Samuel Blenkin. Chandler, who plays Wendy, a hybrid of human consciousness and synthetic body, said, “I've always been a fan of science fiction and 'Alien.' I can't stop pinching myself. It's a dream.”
Less Marvel, more spaceThis year, Comic-Con has been less hectic in terms of attendance in Hall H, partly due to the absence of Marvel Studios. “Last year, we arrived the night before and waited hours to get in,” said Carla González, a fan who has been attending with her family since 2013. “Today, the first panel is about to start, and there are still empty seats. If Marvel were here, it would be packed.”
Still, the enthusiasm hasn't waned. One of the most anticipated moments was the panel for " Predator : Badlands ," directed by Dan Trachtenberg , who revitalized the franchise with "Prey" (2022). The new installment, which opens in November in US theaters, presents the "Predator" as prey rather than hunter for the first time. "He's fierce, tough, and a true antihero," the director commented.
Joining Trachtenberg were Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who plays the Predator, Dek.
“Tron” also shoneComic -Con 2025 also experienced one of its most anticipated moments yesterday with the presentation of “ Tron : Ares”, the third installment of the legendary science fiction saga, which will return to the big screen more than a decade after “ Tron : Legacy ” (2010).
The panel, which brought together fans of the digital universe created in 1982, featured its new star, Jared Leto, as well as the legendary Jeff Bridges, who will reprise his iconic role as Kevin Flynn. Also in attendance were actress Greta Lee and director Joachim Rønning, responsible for this new installment.
“It’s a franchise that’s always been ahead of its time,” said Leto, visibly excited to join the saga. “Tron was part of what made me fall in love with science fiction films.”
Ronning revealed that “Tron: Ares” will delve into the collision between the digital and human worlds: “In this film, technology not only spirals out of control, but also crosses into the real world with very real consequences.” According to the director, the film will explore themes such as artificial intelligence, identity, and the control of information.
Bridges, cheered by the Hall H audience, said it was "exciting to return to this world." The actor starred in the original 1982 film, considered a cult classic for its pioneering visual effects.
The story follows Ares, a program sent into the real world on a dangerous mission that could forever change the relationship between humans and machines. Although a full trailer wasn't shown, attendees were treated to exclusive scenes featuring stunning visual effects and a refreshed aesthetic that preserves the essence of the Tron universe. Disney has yet to confirm an exact release date, but "Tron: Ares" is slated to hit theaters in 2026.
Comic -Con 2025 will conclude on Sunday, July 27, after four days of presentations, panels, and exclusive premieres.
Agencies
The comedy "Resident Alien" bid farewell at San Diego Comic-Con after announcing its cancellation after four seasons. The cast, led by Alan Tudyk, emphasized that the series "deserved more" due to its loyal fan base. Alice Wetterlund, who plays D'arcy Bloom in the series, noted that, in an ideal world, there would be more seasons, while director Chris Sheridan appreciated giving early notice about the ending so he could enjoy filming. Sarah Tomko and Corey Reynolds highlighted how the project changed their lives and the cast's strong chemistry. Based on the comic by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse, the series follows an alien who assumes the identity of a doctor in Colorado while struggling with his secret mission on Earth.
“Cinema is therapy in times of division”American actor Mark Hamill , known for playing the legendary Luke Skywalker in the “ Star ” franchise Wars ,” he stated yesterday that given the divisions in the United States, escaping from problems through film becomes therapeutic.
“We’re so divided as a nation… I think escapism is therapeutic, to leave your problems behind and delve into other people’s problems,” he said in an interview at San Diego Comic-Con, where he’s promoting “The Long Walk,” the thriller based on Stephen King’s dystopian debut novel, out September 12 .
Projects like "The Long Walk" and "The Life of Chuck," in which he also stars and which has already premiered in the US, are what's needed "right now," he emphasized. In his project, Hamill plays The Major, the head of a military group in a story about teenagers who participate in a risky competition in which they must walk without stopping or be targeted by soldiers.
The 73-year-old actor has been critical of certain positions taken by Donald Trump's administration. He recently mocked a post by the Republican president celebrating May 4, International Star Wars Day, with an artificial intelligence-generated image of Trump holding a red lightsaber.
“Proof this guy is full of SITH,” he said on social media, referring to the dark forces in the films that are distinguished by these types of swords.
He also reacted when the FBI arrested Judge Hannah Dugan in late April for allegedly obstructing an immigration deportation order: “We've even gone so far as to arrest judges. What a level of fascism,” he wrote.
The Avatar universe is about to expand with a new animated series titled "Avatar: Seven Havens." Nickelodeon Animation Studios officially released the first teaser, after announcing the series on February 20 as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations for "Avatar: The Last Airbender." The first images were revealed yesterday during San Diego Comic-Con 2025.
“Avatar: Seven Havens” is the sequel to “The Legend of Korra” and follows the story of Pavi, a young Earthbender who discovers she is the new Avatar. The plot takes place in a world devastated by a cataclysm that divided civilization into seven havens, called the “Seven Havens.” In this new reality, the title of Avatar is perceived more as a threat than a symbol of hope.
Pavi, along with her long-lost twin sister, must unravel the mysteries of her origin and prevent the collapse of the Seven Paradises while being pursued by human and spiritual forces.
The series will have two seasons of 13 episodes each, with chapters of approximately 30 minutes. Directed by the original Avatar co-creators , Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko , the animation will be in 2D. The premiere is scheduled for 2027.
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