Uncertainty Hangs Over Comic-Con in Wake of Hollywood Writers and Actors Strikes

San Diego’s homegrown pop culture extravaganza Comic-Con International arrives this week with questions, speculation and a touch of mystery that might even outdo the comic books and movies it celebrates.

The event will run July 20-23 from its usual home at the San Diego Convention Center. Once again, it is expected to attract a huge crowd of fans, entertainment industry representatives and global media.

But the cloud of uncertainty hovering over Comic-Con this year stems from a collision of circumstances that include a Hollywood writers’ strike that is expected to keep away creators of popular television shows and movies. In addition, an actor’s strike announced just before the  opening of the Con is expected to keep away many of the big celebrity actors who attend the show.

And on top of that, several major entertainment companies, including Disney, Marvel and Netflix are not scheduled to make major presentations at the event.

But, as they say in the business, the show must go on.

And it’s definitely going on, with more than 135,000 people expected to attend the event that is headquartered at the convention center but has expanded to include activities throughout the downtown Gaslamp Quarter.

David Glanzer, Comic-Con’s chief spokesman, said earlier this month that organizers were refraining from speculating or forecasting about the event, while remaining optimistic.

“We continue to diligently work on our summer event in the hopes of making it as fun, educational, and celebratory as in years past,” he said.

There will still be plenty to keep fans occupied.

There will be the usual anime and film screenings, an art show, special guests including authors and cartoonists, the popular Masquerade costume competition and the exhibit hall will be stuffed with all manner of vendors and organizations.

However, the strikes and other circumstances have begun to take a toll on Comic-Con’s schedule. As of Saturday, several panels were reportedly being cancelled. Among those were panels for the popular television shows “Abbott Elementary” and “That ’70s Show,” according to The San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog. Several autograph signing sessions were also cancelled.

Not everyone is lamenting the fact that Comic-Con may have fewer celebrities and big panels.

William Nericcio, an English professor who also works with San Diego State University’s Center for Comics Studies, said this year’s Con will give fans an opportunity to explore the broader pop culture world.

“If you go to Comic-Con to quench the thirst for Hollywood stars cavorting in spandex with loud, unfathomable, exploding CGI backgrounds, it will be days of sadness for you at Comic-Con 2023,” said Nericcio, who has attended about 10 Comic-Cons.

“However, if your love derives from a love for the various indy and corporate engines of comics and the amazing artists that drive these various universes, then you are likely in for a treat as the absence of film and streaming media loving folks will leave more time and space for what makes Comic-Con Comic-Con — comics!” he said.