Comic-Con 2015: Bam Smack Pow’s 8 Biggest Hall H Wishes

Steve Lam

Every year, Comic-Con gets bigger and bigger, so it’s no question that fan wishes will only grow to match the hype. And 2015 will most likely be the most extravagant yet. With WB/DC making a point that they will own the comics landscape with a large push of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the pop culture nerd-fest will be inundated with anything Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Justice League.

However, let’s not forget that there are other things that will also try and ride on the opportunity of getting fans’ attentions. With those precursors, we know that everything comics, film, and television will be bringing out their big guns in terms of marketing hype. Of those events, the biggest are usually presented in the famous Hall H — currently the biggest room in the Convention Center and able to seat 6100 guests.

Fans young and old have hopes and dreams for their favorites in this room of dreams, and Bam Smack Pow is no different. Therefore, this year, we present to you Bam Smack Pow’s first ever Hall H Wishes — a list we hope will be fulfilled by the various presenters.

And while the Hall H slate got underway on Thursday, it really kicks into high gear on Friday and Saturday, so we’re not too late with our fondest hopes for what we’ll see.

Next: It's time for WB/DC to really shine

Noon of Justice

(Write-up by Steve Lam, Bam Smack Pow Staff Writer)

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Why noon? Well, noon is when the sun is the highest and brightest. Forget about dawn. Forget about first light. I want WB/DC to bathe me in glorious rays of their most iconic superheroes — Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg. I don’t care if they’re not ready, I want to see clips of action and heroism. I want earth shattering fight scenes that will rock fans to their core.

For months, we got teases of scenes and still images. We then had an IMAX teaser trailer event — which wasn’t even dampened when a bootlegged copy of the teaser appeared online early — that gave us more questions than answers. Nonetheless, it was still pretty awesome. But we want more. Fans have only seen Superman and Batman in separate scenes, sans the attached clip that was part of the IMAX trailer event where the two face off briefly.

Not only do we want to see Superman actually fighting Batman, but we want to see Wonder Woman get in on the action as well. Director Zack Snyder and actress Gal Gadot have stated that their version of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman will have godly strength and can leap so high that it would appear she was actually flying. Show us a Wonder Woman that will match feats with the Man of Steel.

We know that Aquaman and The Flash only have very brief cameos in the film. However, it would be nice to see a glimpse or two of the both of them in action. At least show us Ezra Miller in the iconic scarlet uniform.

Let’s also not forget about the villains. We saw still shots of Lex Luthor bald and with long hair (presumably it was a wig seeing how strange it looked). We now want to see Luthor facing off with Superman. Show us a Luthor who’s threatening. Give us one who will make the version seen in the DC animated universe and Smallville look like softies (and those two versions are already pretty threatening). There has to be a reason as to why Jesse Eisenberg purposely confirmed his attendance.

Finally, all the fans know that Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is basically Justice League-lite. That’s why Snyder and company should just show us a group shot of all the heroes together. Last year, one of the photographers claimed to have done something amazing, but remained secret about it. This could be it, and we should see that revelation this year.

Next: Superman will have his day again

Man of Tomorrow

(Write-up by Steve Lam, Bam Smack Pow Staff Writer)

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Readers of Bam Smack Pow will know that I’m the guy who’s all about DC, and within that realm, all about Superman. I can’t get enough of the Man of Steel. That’s why I’m hoping that one of the announcements in Hall H will be a Man of Steel (2013) sequel. By now, it’s pretty much basic knowledge that Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is not a follow-up to the 2013 film (actor Henry Cavill himself had to reiterate that fact to Entertainment Weekly in their interview). It will be very Batman-focused, introducing the Dark Knight into the DC Cinematic Universe while also acting as a precursor to the Justice League.

Superman deserves a proper sequel. In Man of Steel, Clark Kent/Kal-El was still learning how to be a hero. He’s not the perfect godly white knight we all know from the comic books … and that’s okay. I think a sequel will help his character arcing. I’m really digging the imperfect Superman director Zack Snyder has created while still retaining the essence of the iconic character.

I’m also going to make this prediction. If and when they do announce a sequel to the Man of Steel, I guarantee that they will call the film Man of Tomorrow.

Next: Please make this the brightest day

Show Us Green Lantern(s)

(Write-up by Steve Lam, Bam Smack Pow Staff Writer)

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There’s been recent buzz in the area concerning a Green Lantern movie. The first rumor through the grapevine came from Tyrese Gibson, who’s been lobbying himself — Sean Young-style (for people too young to know what I mean, here’s a YouTube video uploaded by Sean Young herself) — to be John Stewart. Well, maybe not that far, but you know what I mean.

I have nothing against the guy, but I would actually like someone with a bit more gravitas. However, aside from that little tidbit, the big rumor is that Chris Pine — Captain Kirk in the rebooted Star Trek film franchise — is up for the role of Hal Jordan. Originally, it was rumored that Pine was auditioning for the role of Steve Trevor, the love interest for Wonder Woman.

The most current news is that WB/DC may not be just looking at a solo Green Lantern film, but a film that encompasses the Green Lantern Corps with multiple human protagonists: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Kyle Rayner. When I first heard that news, I completely geeked out thinking of the possibilities. Could WB/DC be creating small islands of superhero teams and then have a war that spans multiple films? Will they be drawing on any one particular storyline? The Blackest Night, perhaps?

I have a feeling that WB/DC will surprise us by doing a fake-out and then bringing multiple actors on stage. They will then present the actors as the new Green Lanterns.

Next: The forgotten Justice Leaguer

Martian Manhunter Solo Film

(Write-up by Steve Lam, Bam Smack Pow Staff Writer)

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What’s the Justice League without Martian Manhunter? How can WB/DC forget about the team’s senior founding member, the bad-ass Martian who can equal Superman in power and then some? To tell you the truth, if WB/DC were ever interested in a period piece akin to Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Martian Manhunter will give them the ability to do it. The film can open in 1955 where Dr. Erdel accidentally teleports J’onn J’onzz from Mars. Since Martian Manhunter can shapeshift, aging won’t be a factor when the story calls for him to be in the present day. On top of that, Martian Manhunter can reveal himself after he sees the amazing feats of Superman, knowing that there’s finally someone else just as alien as him.

Honestly, there are so many directions they can go with this. Martian Manhunter really deserves a standalone film. He can definitely be a compelling protagonist. First off, he’s a kindhearted, wise hero. Second, he’s experienced such immense loss that audiences will immediately sympathize with him. If WB/DC is looking to up the drama in their movies, this is the character to do it with. Yes, strange as it may sound, I think they should use an alien to make their most emotional movie. Hey, Marvel Studios gave audiences the feels with a talking raccoon and a tree who could utter only one phrase.

My dream is that during WB/DC’s Hall H presentation, the presenters start tossing out to the audience Martian Manhunter’s favorite snack: Oreos. I would imagine fans would start cheering immediately.

Next: Squad Surprise

Suicide Squad, Assemble!

(Write-up by Nick Tylwalk, Bam Smack Pow Editor-in-Chief)

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Okay, that battle cry wouldn’t make too much sense for the mostly villainous government ops team, and it’s probably trademarked by Warner/DC’s main competition. The point I’m trying to make is that while the studio has been very open about its plans to promote Batman v Superman, it’s been strangely quiet about Suicide Squad.

That fact is even stranger considering that there were many more leaks from the set of David Ayer’s film than we saw from Zack Snyder country. We’ve already seen, for instance, that the Joker is going to get a merry chase from Batman, so some of the cats for this movie are clearly out of the bag.

So hopefully Warner and DC simply embrace that spirit and show us that scene for real. Or anything really, as it feels like it could be time for a proper Suicide Squad teaser. Yes, its release is still more than a year away, but by the time Comic-Con 2016 rolls around, it’ll be home stretch time. Might as well give us something while you’ve got the floor Warner, particularly since the studio can’t count on Marvel Studios sitting out next year’s show.

And what would excite the folks crammed into Hall H more than if Will Smith, Jared Leto, Cara Delevingne and company walked out onto the stage unexpectedly? Since Ben Affleck will already be there, he and Leto can engage in some good-natured verbal sparring. Hard to imagine there could be a better Hall H moment this year than Batman vs. The Joker for a new generation.

Next: Embrace the Fear

More to Fear?

(Write-up by Nick Tylwalk, Bam Smack Pow Editor-in-Chief)

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Let me start by saying that I’m too squeamish to be a regular watcher of The Walking Dead, much as I admire its success. That puts me in the minority, I know, and later this summer, the franchise’s many fans will have even more reason to be excited when Fear the Walking Dead shambles onto AMC.

The spinoff is a big deal, and while its success may be predestined given how insanely popular its older sibling is, it’s also a bit risky. The series is set in a different area and possibly a slightly earlier time than The Walking Dead, and it features characters who aren’t from the comics and were created especially for TV.

On top of all that, Robert Kirkman isn’t at SDCC this year, so the Fear panel needs something for fans to really sink their teeth into. The short teasers have been effective in showcasing a slightly different feeling of dread for the spinoff, but now it’s time to show people the walkers.

Make no mistake, this is a completely different kind of reveal when compared to the other things on our wish list. Fans already know what zombies in this world look like — there’s a pretty gruesome attraction that goes along with both shows over at Petco Park if you need a refresher — so this is more of a follow-through thing. We’ve witnessed how the Fear the Walking Dead characters are unaware of exactly how much danger they’re in and how the world is changed, now let’s see that set-up pay off.

In other words, it’s time for a full trailer, one with some horrific discoveries and perhaps some narrow walker escapes. After all, Hall H can be a showcase for the undead as well as super heroes.

Next: The Force could be strong, even without a new trailer

New Star Wars Movie, Old Faces

(Write-up by Nick Tylwalk, Bam Smack Pow Editor-in-Chief)

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Understand, I mean old as in characters we know and love, not old as in age. Then again, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher aren’t exactly spring chickens.

This is in response to the revelation that contrary to popular belief leading up to Comic-Con, there won’t be a new trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens during the Lucasfilm Hall H panel on Friday evening. In fact, no one except for director J.J. Abrams, writer Lawrence Kasdan and producer Kathleen Kennedy has been officially announced. So no trailer … and no actors?

I don’t believe that. I’m sure we can expect new main cast members John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver. What I’m not as certain of is if Ford, Hamill and Fisher will join them, but for maximum impact, that sort of has to happen.

In the first two teasers for The Force Awakens, we got just one line from Han Solo (an awesome one, but still) and what may or may not have been Luke and Leia’s hands. Also some voiceover from Luke, but that’s it. Gathering the whole cast in Hall H, old and new, would be the perfect way to whip fans into so much of a frenzy that they won’t even remember they were sad about not getting a new trailer.

Then Lucasfilm can drop the trailer on the world next month at D23 and boom, Star Wars knockout. I’ve seen some intimidating SDCC security folks, so I think they’re up to the challenge of sneaking Ford and company in unannounced.

Next: An unexpected alliance

Marvel and Fox Bury the Hatchet

(Write-up by Nick Tylwalk, Bam Smack Pow Editor-in-Chief)

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We’ve all heard about how different Marvel’s relationship is with Fox than the one it has with Sony. Two studios might have been able to come together to share Spider-Man, but too many bridges have been burned for that ever to happen with the X-Men or Fantastic Four, right?

Yeah, probably. But Steve Lam swung for the fences with his final Hall H wish, dreaming about a Martian Manhunter solo flick. I’m going even bigger (and less likely) here.

Marvel Studios doesn’t have a Hall H panel at Comic-Con 2015 this year, but Fox does. Those folks have plenty of movies to show; even if we just stick with super hero pictures, there’s both Deadpool and X-Men: Apocalypse to promote.

The thing is, Apocalypse is said to be the final film in its trilogy, and even though Fox has brought on younger actors to play some fan favorite mutants, they need something to do next. Like, say, a crossover with the Avengers?

If this was announced, it would help Marvel take the spotlight it seems to have ceded to its main competiton in one fell swoop. I don’t see how a Marvel/Fox deal could ever be kept quiet in this day and age, but it would absolutely steal the show, and right before Warner Bros. TV would take the stage on Saturday night.

Wishes don’t have to be practical, and this one certainly isn’t, but if it came true, it’d make all that camping out in line for a spot in Hall H worth it. At least it would to me.

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Steve Lam

Aside from the usual "Da-Da" and "Ma-Ma," Steve's other first words were "Superman," "Batman," and "Spider-Man" (or "Spy-Man" because he couldn't quite pronounce the "der"). With a lifelong comic book and cinema obsession, Steve is also a screenwriter looking to sell one of his stories to Hollywood.