Although many of the convention’s biggest appearances are traditionally kept secret until stars walk onto the Hall H stage, the announced lineup already includes major names from film, television, music, wrestling and the comic-book industry. John Cena, Jessica Biel, Michelle Yeoh, Hunter Schafer, Green Day, Guillermo del Toro, Rebecca Ferguson, Common, Nathan Fillion, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kate McKinnon, Kyle Chandler, George Takei and Shaboozey are among the celebrities currently expected in San Diego.
Comic-Con’s 2026 Exhibit Hall will open from 6-9 p.m. on Preview Night, followed by four full days of programming, signings, screenings and studio presentations.
The list remains subject to change, and additional surprise guests, especially those connected to Marvel Studios, are expected to be revealed once the convention begins.
John Cena, Jessica Biel And Apple TV Take Over Hall H
Apple TV will occupy Comic-Con’s largest stage for the first time with a two-hour Hall H showcase on Saturday, July 25. The presentation is expected to feature five upcoming films and series: “Matchbox The Movie,” “Silo,” “Dark Matter,” “Mayday” and “Widow’s Bay.”
John Cena and Jessica Biel will headline the “Matchbox The Movie” portion of the presentation alongside Arturo Castro, Sam Richardson and Teyonah Parris. Inspired by Mattel’s miniature vehicles, the action film stars Cena as a CIA agent reunited with childhood friends for a high-stakes international mission.
Cena, who transitioned from professional wrestling into one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action and comedy stars, has become a Comic-Con favorite through projects including “Peacemaker,” “The Suicide Squad” and the “Fast & Furious” franchise.
Biel first gained national attention through “7th Heaven” before moving into movies including “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “Blade: Trinity” and “The Illusionist.” More recently, she has appeared in and produced television projects including “The Sinner,” “Candy” and “The Better Sister.”
The Apple TV event is scheduled for Saturday from 2-4 p.m. in Hall H.
Rebecca Ferguson, Common And Tim Robbins Return To The World Of “Silo”
Apple TV’s presentation will also bring several members of the “Silo” ensemble to San Diego.
Rebecca Ferguson is expected to appear alongside Common, Tim Robbins, Ashley Zukerman, Jessica Henwick, Alexandria Riley and series creator Graham Yost. The dystopian science-fiction drama follows the inhabitants of a massive underground structure who have been told that the world outside is uninhabitable.
Ferguson is also widely known for playing Lady Jessica in the “Dune” films and Ilsa Faust in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. Common is an Academy Award-, Emmy- and Grammy-winning rapper and actor, while Robbins’ career includes “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Mystic River” and “The Player.”
The same presentation is also expected to include Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly for “Dark Matter,” with John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein appearing for the upcoming action-comedy “Mayday.”
Michelle Yeoh And Hunter Schafer Bring “Blade Runner 2099” To San Diego
Two of the most recognizable actors on this year’s schedule—Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh and “Euphoria” star Hunter Schafer—are expected to appear in connection with Prime Video’s “Blade Runner 2099.”
Yeoh won the Academy Award for Best Actress for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and has also starred in “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Wicked” and the “Star Trek” franchise.
Schafer rose to prominence through HBO’s “Euphoria” and has since appeared in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” “Kinds of Kindness” and the video game adaptation “The Legend of Zelda.”
Yeoh, Schafer and showrunner Silka Luisa are scheduled to participate in IGN’s live Comic-Con coverage on Friday. The series will also be featured alongside “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” during Prime Video’s official convention programming.
Green Day Heads To Comic-Con
Comic-Con’s celebrity lineup will extend well beyond actors and filmmakers.
Green Day members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool are expected in San Diego to promote “Nimrods,” a comedy project also involving Mason Thames, Bobby Lee and director Lee Kirk.
The appearance will bring one of the world’s biggest rock bands to the convention during a particularly busy year for musicians crossing into movies, television, comics and other forms of storytelling.
Green Day’s participation is scheduled as part of IGN’s live Friday broadcast from San Diego. The program will run from 3-7 p.m. Pacific time and feature interviews and appearances tied to many of the weekend’s biggest projects.
Shaboozey Makes His Comic-Con Debut
Grammy-winning country artist Shaboozey will make his first San Diego Comic-Con appearance with the debut of his original comic-book series, “The Outlaw Cherie Lee.”
The three-part Western expands the story of his album “The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales” and follows a woman seeking revenge against the gang responsible for killing her sheriff father.
Shaboozey is scheduled to sign early copies of the comic at the Funko booth at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 24. He will then appear during a live edition of “Get Rec’d With Straw Hat Goofy” from 7-8 p.m. in Room 6BCF. The presentation is expected to include a discussion of the comic and album, as well as a trailer narrated by Jamie Foxx.
Marvel Studios Returns To Hall H
The biggest celebrity question of Comic-Con 2026 remains unanswered: Who will Marvel Studios bring to Hall H?
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige is confirmed to return for a major presentation scheduled for Saturday, July 25, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The panel is expected to focus heavily on “Avengers: Doomsday,” which is scheduled for release later this year.
Marvel presentations have historically featured some of Comic-Con’s largest surprise appearances. Actors connected to the upcoming film include Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, Letitia Wright and numerous returning performers from the “X-Men” franchise.
Not all cast members are confirmed to attend, however, and Comic-Con has not announced the celebrity lineup for the presentation. Fans should therefore treat any names beyond Feige as possibilities rather than scheduled appearances.
Still, Marvel’s return is likely to produce at least a few major surprises. The studio has previously used Hall H to assemble entire casts, announce release plans and reveal performers who had not been publicly connected to upcoming films.
Kyle Chandler And Aaron Pierre Enter The DC Universe With “Lanterns”
Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre will headline one of Friday’s most anticipated panels for “Lanterns,” the upcoming live-action DC series centered on Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart.
Chandler, best known as Coach Eric Taylor on “Friday Night Lights,” will portray Jordan, while Pierre will play Stewart. They are expected to be joined by Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan and creators Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and Tom King.
The “Lanterns” panel is scheduled for Friday, July 24, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Hall H, with footage and new information about the series expected.
Jack Quaid Returns For “My Adventures With Superman”
Jack Quaid, whose credits include “The Boys,” “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” “Companion” and “Scream,” will appear for the third season of “My Adventures With Superman.”
Quaid voices Clark Kent opposite Alice Lee as Lois Lane. Both are scheduled to appear with Ishmel Sahid, Kiana Madeira and members of the show’s creative team.
The panel will take place Friday from 2-2:45 p.m. in the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Guillermo Del Toro Celebrates 20 Years Of “Pan’s Labyrinth”
Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro will return to Hall H for a 20th-anniversary celebration of “Pan’s Labyrinth.”
Del Toro will be joined by Ivana Baquero, who portrayed Ofelia; Doug Jones, who played the Faun and Pale Man; and cinematographer Guillermo Navarro. The presentation is expected to revisit the making of the 2006 fantasy film and preview its planned theatrical rerelease.
The filmmaker has long maintained close ties to San Diego and Comic-Con, frequently using the convention to discuss projects including “Hellboy,” “Pacific Rim,” “Crimson Peak,” “Pinocchio” and “Frankenstein.”
The “Pan’s Labyrinth” presentation is scheduled for Friday from 5:15-6:15 p.m. in Hall H.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan And Lauren Cohan Bring “The Walking Dead” Back To Hall H
“The Walking Dead” franchise will once again have a major Comic-Con presence with a presentation for “The Walking Dead: Dead City.”
Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Lauren Cohan are expected to appear alongside Aimee Garcia, Raúl Castillo, Jimmi Simpson and members of the production team. Morgan and Cohan portray Negan and Maggie, two longtime adversaries forced into an uneasy alliance in post-apocalyptic Manhattan.
The presentation is expected to include footage from the third season, which premieres shortly after Comic-Con.
The panel is scheduled for Friday from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Hall H.
Matthew Lillard Leads Prime Video’s “Carrie”
“Carrie,” Prime Video’s new adaptation of the Stephen King novel, will bring horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan and a large cast to Comic-Con.
Matthew Lillard is scheduled to appear with Summer H. Howell, Samantha Sloyan, Amber Midthunder, Alison Thornton and Siena Agudong. Flanagan, whose credits include “The Haunting of Hill House,” “Midnight Mass” and “Doctor Sleep,” will also participate.
Lillard remains especially popular among genre fans for his performances in “Scream,” “Scooby-Doo” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s.”
The cast is also scheduled to participate in IGN’s Friday programming.
Nathan Fillion Returns With “The Rookie”
Nathan Fillion, one of Comic-Con’s most dependable celebrity attendees, will return with ABC’s “The Rookie.”
Fillion has deep roots in fan culture through “Firefly,” “Serenity,” “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog,” “Castle,” “The Suicide Squad” and his voice work as Green Lantern. He currently stars as Los Angeles police officer John Nolan in “The Rookie.”
The panel is scheduled for Saturday from 1:45-2:45 p.m. in the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Rebecca Romijn, George Takei And More Celebrate 60 Years Of “Star Trek”
“Star Trek” will mark its 60th anniversary with a Hall H presentation featuring performers from several eras of the franchise.
Rebecca Romijn, Anson Mount and Ethan Peck are expected to represent “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” while George Takei, Michael Dorn, Jerry O’Connell and Robert Picardo are among the veteran franchise stars expected to join the celebration.
Romijn previously starred as Mystique in the original “X-Men” movie trilogy and currently portrays Una Chin-Riley in “Strange New Worlds.” Takei became a television icon as Hikaru Sulu in the original “Star Trek” series and films.
The presentation is scheduled for Saturday from 12:30-1:45 p.m. in Hall H.
Kate McKinnon Brings Medieval Chaos To Comic-Con
Former “Saturday Night Live” star Kate McKinnon will appear with her sister Emily Lynne for a panel devoted to their Audible comedy series “Heads Will Roll.”
The medieval comedy follows Queen Mortuana as she attempts to maintain her rule while navigating supernatural threats, political chaos and increasingly absurd complications.
McKinnon’s post-“SNL” film credits include “Barbie,” “Ghostbusters,” “Bombshell” and “The Spy Who Dumped Me.”
The panel is scheduled for Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Room 5AB.
Adria Arjona And Dan Stevens Preview “Onslaught”
Adria Arjona and Dan Stevens will appear in support of “Onslaught,” an upcoming science-fiction action thriller involving genetically engineered soldiers.
Arjona recently appeared in “Andor,” “Hit Man” and “Blink Twice,” while Stevens’ credits range from “Downton Abbey” and “Beauty and the Beast” to “Legion,” “The Guest” and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.”
The “Onslaught” panel is scheduled for Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Ballroom 20.
The “Lord Of The Rings” Cast Returns To Middle-earth
Prime Video’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” will bring another expansive ensemble to San Diego.
Expected participants include Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Daniel Weyman, Jamie Campbell Bower, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Charlie Vickers, Benjamin Walker and Owain Arthur.
The actors will discuss the next chapter of the Middle-earth series, which is among Prime Video’s most prominent Comic-Con presentations this year.
“The Vampire Lestat” Stars Head To Comic-Con
AMC’s expanding Anne Rice universe will also be represented.
Jacob Anderson, Eric Bogosian, Assad Zaman and Sheila Atim are scheduled to appear in connection with “The Vampire Lestat,” the continuation of the network’s critically acclaimed “Interview With the Vampire.”
Anderson portrays Louis de Pointe du Lac, while Bogosian plays journalist Daniel Molloy. The actors are expected to discuss the series during IGN’s Friday live broadcast.
Danny Trejo, Kevin Smith And John Cusack Join The Weekend
Several performers with longstanding Comic-Con followings will make appearances outside the largest studio presentations.
Danny Trejo will discuss his debut graphic novel, “Year of the Devil,” during a Saturday panel scheduled from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 6DE.
Kevin Smith will continue one of Comic-Con’s longest-running traditions with an evening appearance in Hall H. The filmmaker, actor and podcaster is scheduled to take the stage Saturday from 7:15-8:45 p.m.
John Cusack will sign copies of the illustrated science-fiction book “Momo” on Friday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Autograph Area AA04.
Pearl Jam's Mike McCready Explores The History Of Grunge
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready will appear Thursday to discuss “Farewell to Seasons,” a graphic novel inspired by Seattle’s early-1990s grunge explosion.
McCready, who also played with Temple of the Dog and Mad Season, is scheduled for the panel “Mike McCready’s Alternative History of Grunge” from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Indigo Ballroom.
Chris Kattan And E.G. Daily Promote San Diego-Filmed Comedy
Former “Saturday Night Live” performer Chris Kattan will join E.G. Daily and other cast and crew members for “Concert Heroes,” an upcoming comedy about live-music culture.
Kattan is best known for characters including Mango and Mr. Peepers, as well as his starring role in “A Night at the Roxbury.” Daily is the longtime voice of Tommy Pickles in “Rugrats” and Buttercup in “The Powerpuff Girls.”
Much of “Concert Heroes” was filmed in San Diego. Its Comic-Con panel is scheduled for Saturday from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in the Indigo Ballroom.
Seth Green, Alex Borstein And The “Family Guy” Cast
“Family Guy” will return to Ballroom 20 with Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Jennifer Tilly and Arif Zahir among the cast members expected to attend.
Borstein has voiced Lois Griffin since the animated comedy premiered in 1999 and won two Emmy Awards for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Green voices Chris Griffin and is also the co-creator of “Robot Chicken.”
The panel is scheduled for Saturday from 1:30-2:15 p.m. in Ballroom 20.
Green is also expected at a Thursday Hall H presentation examining visual storytelling and the forthcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.
“Futurama” And “The Simpsons” Bring Animation Legends To Ballroom 20
Matt Groening will have a substantial Saturday presence with presentations for both “Futurama” and “The Simpsons.”
The “Futurama” panel is expected to include Billy West, John DiMaggio, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, Maurice LaMarche and David Herman. It is scheduled from 11-11:45 a.m. in Ballroom 20.
“The Simpsons” will follow from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with Groening, writers, animators and unannounced special guests expected to preview new material.
ENHYPEN Meets The Stars Of “Twilight”
K-pop group ENHYPEN will make a special Comic-Con appearance during “Bite Me: Calling All Vampires.”
The group will discuss its vampire-themed “Dark Moon” universe alongside “Twilight” director Catherine Hardwicke and actors Ashley Greene and Peter Facinelli.
The panel is scheduled for Thursday from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. in Ballroom 20.
Jim Lee, Frank Miller And Comic-Book Royalty
Comic-Con remains a celebration of the people who create comics—not only the performers who adapt them.
DC President, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee will appear in panels and signings throughout the convention. DC’s confirmed signing roster also includes Scott Snyder, Matt Fraction, G. Willow Wilson, Mark Waid, Joshua Williamson, Tom Taylor, Nick Dragotta, Jeph Loeb, Nicole Maines and numerous other writers and artists.
Lee and Jeph Loeb will reunite with Alex Sinclair and Scott Williams for a “Batman: Hush” signing Saturday from 10-11 a.m. Select DC signings will require advance wristbands.
Legendary writer and artist Frank Miller will also appear at Comic-Con to discuss his career and memoir, “Push the Wall.” Miller’s work on “The Dark Knight Returns,” “Daredevil,” “Sin City” and “300” helped reshape modern comics and their influence on Hollywood.
More Celebrity Announcements Are Almost Certain
Even this extensive list does not capture every actor, director, musician, writer and creator expected to be in San Diego.
Major panels frequently add or remove guests shortly before they begin, and studios routinely conceal their most important appearances. Marvel’s Hall H presentation is the clearest wild card, but surprise guests could also emerge during the Apple TV event, DC programming, “Star Trek” celebration and other studio showcases.
Comic-Con International runs July 23-26 at the San Diego Convention Center, with Preview Night on July 22. Attendees should confirm panel times through Comic-Con’s official schedule shortly before each event, as programming and celebrity appearances remain subject to change.
This article will be updated as additional guests and surprise appearances are announced.
Originally published July 18, 2026.
