Marvel has once again reclaimed its title as the ruler of San Diego Comic-Con with its highly anticipated Hall H panel. It’s a shame that not everyone was able to witness their reign firsthand.
The truth of this statement within the fictional universe is yet to be determined, but Iron Man was undoubtedly the core of our franchise. Following Tony Stark’s ultimate sacrifice, the franchise has experienced a decline, with its previously unstoppable cultural impact now characterized by inconsistent and overwhelming production.
Despite five years of increasing darkness, the MCU is once again illuminated. Deadpool & Wolverine is set to surpass all previous R-rated movies in terms of box office earnings, and the electrifying announcements made by Kevin Feige and his team at SDCC have caused a frenzy online.
A sense of hesitant yet noticeable excitement is once again present. This can be attributed to the resurgence of belief (or at least, interest), all thanks to the return of the Marvel savior: Robert Downey Jr… but this time, he will portray the role of Doctor Doom.
Why Can’t We Stream San Diego Comic-Con?
Marvel’s panel was a stroke of genius, showcasing their skillful restraint after unintentionally revealing too much too soon. While fan-favorites like Mahershala Ali’s Blade, Armor Wars, Ironheart, and Spider-Man 4 were left out, it didn’t detract from the impact of the significant updates on Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, and the highly anticipated Avengers 5 and Secret Wars.
Next was Downey’s announcement as Doom, an explosive casting announcement that left fans, skeptics, and everyone in the middle completely stunned.
“New mask, same task.” Robert Downey Jr. surprises Hall H to announce his return to the MCU as Doctor Doom. pic.twitter.com/j1SEjzse3p
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 28, 2024
Just like me, you’ve most likely experienced the rush of serotonin from watching clips of the overwhelming response in Hall H. I can only envision the incredible atmosphere in the room. For many, SDCC will always remain a distant dream, lived vicariously through others.
Despite the pandemic that shall not be named, San Diego Comic-Con does not stream any of its panels, with the exception of the virtual cons in 2020 and 2021.
The reason for this is because of various factors. When something is easily accessible from home, individuals are less inclined to spend money to attend in person. By making it available for streaming, it diminishes its uniqueness, similar to watching behind-the-scenes footage from movies and TV series.
There is also an issue with the footage in that attendees are often presented with incomplete sneak peeks. This should not be scrutinized frame by frame by VFX ‘experts’ as it may expose any shots that are not up to par. If the footage is streamed online, it could potentially put more pressure on filmmakers to showcase fully finished clips.
SDCC is more than just the panels, as it also serves as a major marketplace that significantly contributes to the economy. Each year, the direct spending of attendees alone amounts to $90 million on average. Considering the impact on footfall and tourism, it begs the question of why there is a need for a more affordable remote option.
Ultimately, as with all things in life, money plays a crucial role – a point that Paul Atreides predicted, stating, “I perceive a solution… there exists a narrow path.”
San Diego Comic-Con Could Become a Pay-Per-View Event
My suggestion is not for SDCC to stream its Hall H panels for free. Such a move would not benefit anyone, except maybe the virtual attendees – but even then, the novelty would wear off quickly.
Other alternatives, such as pay-per-view, also exist. These options allow for the purchase of different levels of virtual access, including weekend passes, day passes, or individual panels (which may come at a higher cost compared to longer tickets). In addition, availability may be limited, highlighting the exclusivity of the experience even for those who are thousands of miles away.
Hands down, the most promising film previewed at the Marvel Hall H presentation was The Fantastic Four. Truly impressive. #SDCC #SDCC2024 #FilmThreatSDCC #FantasticFour #Fantastic4 pic.twitter.com/AvQB7QXqZt
— Chris Gore (@ThatChrisGore) July 28, 2024
Footage from Comic-Con is often leaked (you mean to say that you haven’t seen Fantastic Four’s Galactus on your timeline?), but panels could be watermarked to prevent unauthorized sharing on other websites.
Perhaps, SDCC could also collaborate with a streaming platform. Netflix has already ventured into the high-end live event industry with WWE, so it would make sense for SDCC to do the same.
Disney plans to leverage its platform for D23 later this year, with select portions being streamed to subscribers globally. Asad Ayaz, the company’s Chief Brand Officer, described the event as being similar to their Super Bowl or Comic-Con weekend.
A PPV livestream serves as a self-sustaining form of entertainment, allowing people to attend and catering to fans who are unable to travel to the US. It also benefits journalists, such as myself, by providing access to panels without the need to monitor multiple Twitter accounts. Additionally, YouTubers can react to the event, sparking further discussions, and interviews can be conducted in person to encourage press attendance.
Aside from those practical considerations, the MCU still needs to regain the trust of its audience. Deadpool & Wolverine is not an accurate measure as it relies on pre-existing affection, much like Spider-Man: No Way Home. The focus should be on creating belief in what is new, rather than relying on nostalgia.
“Welcome people into the sacred Hall H, where they can experience the exhilarating atmosphere of fandom. “It’s a cost I am prepared to bear. Even if I am the sole individual, I have faith that I am not alone in this.”
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