We look forward to San Diego Comic-Con International every year, and in 2024 we (Richard and Sarah Woloski) will be hosting TWO Star Wars panels! We have several fans and friends also hosting panels, including Melissa Truth Miller and James Floyd of STAR WARSOLOGIES. Read on for a compilation of all the Star War-focused and Skywalking Network panels/events at SDCC (July 25-28, 2024).

Anything in Blue is Skywalking Network!

Thursday, July 25

10:00 AM: Pocket Full of Robots: Droid Building 101 – Hear an interactive presentation on building your favorite Droids from the Star Wars universe utilizing various construction methods and materials including ABS, aluminum, PLA, PETG, styrene, wood, and many, many more. From part runs to 3D printing, the world of droid building has never been more accessible to beginning makers. Presented by San Diego Droidbuilders: Ruben Camerino, Matt Greenberg, Cory Hall, Anastasia Hunter, Ermer Twaño, and Keith Vargas. Room 7AB

11:15 AM: 10th Annual Musical Anatomy of a Superhero – Award-winning composers Rob Simonson (Deadpool & Wolverine), Christopher Lennertz (Gen V, The Boys), Leopold Ross (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,Shogun), Michael Abels (Star Wars: The Acolyte), and Sherri Chung (Found, Gremlins) discuss their scores with clips and conversations moderated by Oscar Award–winning composer Michael Giacchino (The Batman, Spider-Man: Far from Home). Introductions by Ray Costa (Costa Comm. producer/consultant). Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

11:30 AM: Marketing Movies and Writing Cartoons – Our good friend Craig Miller, whose Hollywood career dates back to working on the original Star Wars, tells tales of marketing genre films of the 1980s including Superman II, The Thing, Krull, The Dark Crystal, The Last Starfighter, The Black Cauldron, and more, as well as writing animation ranging from Curious George and The Smurfs to The Real Ghostbusters, G.I. Joe, and Beast Wars. Room 29C

12:00 PM: Science of Futurama – The Planet Express gang has been delivering hilarious and heartwarming adventures for 25 years, bringing with it all sorts of sci-fi hijinks. Cryogenics! Interplanetary and interdimensional space travel! Mutants! Old New York under New New York! Time travel! Nibbler! Seymour! Panelists will tackle all these and more with their Professor Farnsworth–level brains. They include Dan Vebber (Futurama co-executive producer), Jeff Westbrook (Futurama writer and story editor), Sydney Hamilton (aerospace engineer), Claire Meaders(biology educator), Becca Peixotto (archaeologist), and Sam Wynns (conservation biologist). Moderated by James Floyd (Skywalking Network Star Warsologies podcast, Star Wars Insider magazine). What about Zoidberg? Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

3:00 PM: Spotlight on Jo DuffyJo Duffy has written comics including Power Man and Iron Fist, Catwoman, Batman, Wolverine, Fallen Angels, Nestrobber, Glory, Crystar, Elvira, Defenders, Punisher, and Star Wars, as well as the English-language edition of Akira. She has written short stories, essays, the comic book biography of Saint Francis, and an adaptation of Kipling’s Jungle Book, and is the co-writer of two Puppet Master movies. She was the managing editor of Epic magazine and an editor at Marvel Comics, handling such titles as Elektra, Daredevil, Dreadstar, Groo, Doctor Strange, Hulk, and ROM. Hear about all this and more when she is interviewed in this spotlight by Mark Evanier. Room 4

4:15 PM: Star Wars: Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away – From The High Republic to the Age of Rebellion, join storytellers of all kinds in this epic celebration of creativity across the Star Wars Galaxy, with exciting reveals from upcoming books, comics, and games. Moderated by Patton Oswalt, this panel will bring together writers, artists, and actors from across the Star Wars Galaxy, including the voice cast behind the upcoming open-world scoundrel adventure Star Wars Outlaws: Humberly Gonzalez (Kay Vess), Jay Rincon (ND-5), and legendary Star Wars voice actor Dee Bradley Baker (Nix, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: The Bad Batch). Attendees can also expect a sneak peek at what is next for upcoming Star Wars books and comics from Justina Ireland (Defy the Storm; Mission to Disaster), Tessa Gratton (Temptation of the Force), and Cavan Scott (Star Wars: The High Republic: Children of the Storm). Ballroom 20

5:45 PM: Star Wars: The High Republic Authors Autographs Session Sails Pavilion – Autographs

6:45 PM: Sci-Fi, Space, and the Universe – Award-winning creatives, actors, and experts discuss some of their favorite sci-fi series and films, including the latest knowledge of space and the universe as sci-fi is quickly becoming sci-fact. Featuring Gigi Edgley (actor, Farscape, Star Trek Continues), David Howard (writer, Galaxy Quest), Leilani Shiu (actor, Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon, Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi), James Ganiere (Emmy Award–nominated director/producer), Dr. Morgan Cable (NASA research scientist Mars, Titan, Europa), and Dr. James Tuttle Keane (NASA scientist). Room 6A

Friday, July 26 – Unofficial “Star Wars Day” at SDCC!

10:00 AM: Exploring Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Explore Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge as the expansive lore of this land within Disneyland and Walt Disney World is unveiled. Uncover the secret stories behind the planet Batuu and Black Spire Outpost and learn how its iconic attractions and characters fit into the larger Star Wars universe. Kristine and Martin Smith (Heroes of the Halcyon podcast), Mars Suhardi (cosplayer and prop maker), and Holly Frey (Full of Sith, Stuff You Missed in History Class podcasts) also discuss what’s new on Batuu and deep dive into the food, locations and imagery that transport you to a galaxy far, far away. Whether you’re an honorary citizen of Batuu or a first-time visitor, join in the fun! All attendees will receive an exclusive Black Spire Outpost souvenir! Room 7AB

11:00 AM: Lucasfilm: High-End Star Wars Collectibles – Lucasfilm’s Brian Merten invites you to come by and hear what’s happening in the galaxy of Star Wars high-end collectibles. You’ll get a look at some awesome items that will become available soon, as well as learn what drives the people who strive to make the items that provide a connection to the stories, characters, and artifacts that we all love. Room 7AB

12:00 PM: Star Wars Memories – Our friend Craig Miller, Lucasfilm’s original director of fan relations, presents a slideshow on the early days of Lucasfilm and the marketing of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back to fandom and the rest of the world. You’ll hear stories about 20th Century Fox’s market research on making Star Wars, George Lucas’ original explanation for the Millennium Falcon‘s 12 parsec Kessel Run, picking Leigh Brackett to write The Empire Strikes Back, the wrap party Carrie Fisher threw, Underwear That’s Fun to Wear, taking Droids to Sesame Street, and more. Room 7AB

1:00 PM: Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics: First EU Story! Richard and Sarah Woloski (Skywalking Through Neverland, Today in Star Wars History) and Dee Tails (The Force Awakens, Solo: A Star Wars Story) give a spirited breakdown of the first expanded Star Wars universe story, issues 7-10 (1977–1978). This includes the story, artwork, and legacy of these comics. The colorful panels by Howard Chaykin, Tom Palmer, and Gil Kane will be projected for everyone to see. Room 7AB

2:00 PM: Hasbro Star Wars Panel – Members of the Hasbro Marketing & Design teams discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line, including the Black Series and The Vintage Collection. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro’s latest action figure offerings from throughout the saga. Word on the Holonet is there may also be a few surprises. May the Force be with you! Room 7AB

3:00 PM: Star Wars Trading Card Collecting – David Neuhausel (Sci-Fi Coalition, Star Wars trading card collector), Shawn Mullen (Sci-Fi Coalition founder), William O’Neill (Star Wars artist), and Tom Resendez (501st Legion trading card collector) discuss aspects of collecting vintage to modern Star Wars trading cards. They’ll cover master sets, sketch cards, and chase cards to offshoot sets such as the 501st and then talk about the most famous Star Wars card of all, if not overall, the infamous X-rated C3PO card! Room 7AB

4:00 PM: The 501st Legion: Star Wars Villainous Costuming – Get an introduction to the creation of fan-made villain costumes from all Star Wars movies and beyond. Legion members Linds Cepak, Dean Amstutz, Kevin Weir, David Neth, David Ancheta, Joe Lara, and Todd Mullin from the Imperial Sands and Southern California Garrisons will provide an overview of the creative process that brings Stormtroopers, Tusken Raiders, Boba Fett, or Kylo Ren from the silver screen into reality. They will discuss membership, from initial interest through final approval, and talk about the process for working with armor parts, small prop and soft costume construction, and 3D modeling and printing. Room 7AB

4:00 PM: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace screening. Grand 5, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

5:00 PM: 2nd Annual Star Wars Trivia Competition of Chaos! Teams compete in spirited rounds of Star Wars trivia ranging from movies and TV series to parody songs. Hosts Richard and Sarah Woloski (Skywalking Through Neverland, Today in Star Wars History) and Leilani Shiu (The Mandalorian, Obi-Wan Kenobi) facilitate the fast-paced fun as teams answer quirky trivia questions. You don’t have to be a trivia expert and you may even learn Star Wars fun facts. Prizes! Prizes! Prizes! Room 7AB

7:00 PM: Law of The Acolyte – Star Wars has its murder mystery with serious civil rights violations in The Acolyte. Can Jedi read a suspect’s mind without violating the right against self-incrimination? What are the use of Force concerns in law enforcement? Is it legal for Jedi to detain someone and question them without informing the suspect of their right to counsel and right to remain silent? Do witches have a religious freedom to use the Force? What are the legal constraints for deciding who has power? Find out with circuit judge John Owens, magistrate judge Stacie Beckerman, magistrate judge Stan Boone, Christine Peek Esq., Stephen Tollafield Esq., and Joshua Gilliland, Esq. (Greenan, Peffer, Sallander & Lally LLP). Organized by The Legal Geeks. Room 7AB

8:00 PM: From Cosplay to Hollywood: Professionals Share Their Secrets – The “Droid Master” Chris Bartlett (actor, The Mandalorian and other Star Wars shows), Adam Meir (special effects movement performer for film and TV), Christopher Childers (Spider-Man movement creator), Christopher Canole (Dude Vader), Allan B. Holt (costume fabricator/casting specialist for major motion pictures), and Dee Tails (creature actor as seen in Star Wars) join forces in teaching you what it takes to break into the professional performing arena as a costumed character. Moderated by Sandy Scheller (former artistic creator of Amargosa Opera House). Audience participation is optional as movement techniques are demonstrated. Be prepared to have fun. Room 23ABC

8:00 PM: The Mando Generation: Costuming with the Mando Mercs – Members of the Mando Mercs Costume Club look to inspire a new generation of Star Wars enthusiasts by sharing their tips and knowledge of costuming to get you started with the creation and club approval of your own armor. Room 7AB

Saturday, 7/27

11:15 AM: The Toys That Made Us – The series The Toys That Made Us reinvigorated love for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Wars, Barbie, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Star Trek, and other toys fans have grown nostalgic for. Now, after nearly 5 years since its last episode, friend of the show Brian Volk-Weiss (Netflix’s The Movies That Made Us, Disney’s Behind the Attraction) and the Nacelle team share an update about the future of the “documentary series about the toys that we all know.” Room 6A

12:30 PM: Jazwares 2024 Sneak Peek – Collectible connoisseur Jeremy Padawer debuts new collectibles from the Jazwares Vault, Pokémon, Squishmallows, Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron, Total Anime, AEW, and Hello Kitty and Friends. Expect the unexpected with epic brand updates from Jazwares panelists Jamie Sikorski, Aaron Margolin (Pokémon brand and design), Megan Holgate (Squishmallows marketing), Jordan Patick, Gihoon Song (Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron brand and design), Greg Mitchell, Daniel Jung (AEW brand), Selah Estrada, Ray Gordon (Total Anime brand), and Elena Wilson (Hello Kitty and Friends design). Room 5AB

https://sandiego.nerdnite.com/2024/06/28/science-x-pop-culture-mixer-at-sdcc/4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Science x Pop Culture Mixer: Love science and pop culture? Come chat with real-life scientists about your favorite fandoms! Open to all, no Comic-Con badge required. Scientists and science writers will be on hand to answer any of your questions, pop culture-related or not. Have a poolside drink (cash bar) and mingle with other science-minded folks. Hosted by Cosplay for Science, the San Diego Science Writers Association, San Diego Nerd Nite, and Star Warsologies. Scientists from the Fleet Science Center and the American Association for the Advancement of Science are also participating. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, South Pool Patio

8:00 PM: Star Wars Fantasy Draft Thank the Maker Podcast – Musicians Adam Russell of Story Of The Year and Nick Ghanbarian of Bayside, and Princess And Scoundrel Podcast (Steven and Sara Maciel) build their ultimate “teams” featuring characters from the Star Wars galaxy. Who will win? That’s up to the audience! Special panel participants from RSVLTS will help moderate this epic team vs. team battle! Room 25ABC

8:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Virtual Cantina Meet-Up @ SDCC. Free and open to the public! The 2nd annual SDCC meet-up of Star Wars friends from the Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 Facebook Group. Richard and Sarah Woloski will be there, along with several Skywalkers. More info. Ace Porter Bar, Omni San Diego Hotel

8:30 PM – 11:00 PM: The Comic-Con Masquerade 50th Anniversary Event! In 1974 Comic-Con added a costume contest to its events, and it’s been a part of the convention ever since! Not a dance or party, it’s a stage event with trophies and generous prizes. Doors open for audience seating at 8:00. Worried about getting a seat? FREE tickets are given out at noon on Saturday near Ballroom 20, and also at the Masquerade Desk after 3:00. A ticket guarantees a seat but is not required, and those without tickets are welcome after the ticketed line has gone in. Overflow viewing on large screens is available in the Sails Pavilion and Ballroom 6A. The emcees will be writer/artists Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio, with special live intermission entertainment from The Corps Dance Crew and the Saber Guild Star Wars performance group. Ballroom 20

Sunday, 7/28

2:00 PM: How Science Advisors Make Sci-Fi Better – Time loops, multiverses, and pandas who know kung fu may seem unrealistic, but there are scientists involved in bringing those examples to life on-screen. Science advisors Erin Macdonald (current Star Trek TV shows), Clifford Johnson (Avengers: Endgame, Dark Matter), Stuart Sumida (Kung Fu Panda 4, His Dark Materials), Elizabeth Rega (Strange World, Lilo & Stitch), and Ronald Coleman (Joe Ledger book series) work with the creatives behind your favorite TV shows, movies, video games, and books to add a dose of reality to the magic of science fiction and fantasy storytelling. Learn about the questions they get asked and how they help writers, actors, directors, and designers bring just the right amount of facts to your favorite fiction. Moderated by Melissa Truth Miller (Skywalking Network Star Warsologies!) Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

2:15 PM: The Character of Music: The Art of Scoring for Animation – Step into the mesmerizing world where sound meets artistry, featuring an illustrious lineup of composers scoring animated projects. Unlike live action, composing for animation presents its own set of logistical challenges and creative opportunities. Discover how composers work hand in hand with animators and directors to weave a seamless tapestry of sound and imagery. The panelists include composers Kevin, Deana and Sean Kiner (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Star Wars: Rebels), Joy Ngiaw (Blush, Barbie Mysteries), Sherri Chung (Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai), and The Newton Brothers (X-Men ’97) and songwriter Alex Seaver (Arcane: League of Legends). The panel is supported by BMI and will be moderated by White Bear PR’s Chandler Poling. Room 6BCF

3:00 PM: Food Network’s Chef Duff Goldman: Creativity and Baking Jessica Tseang (The History Channel, Eisner Awards judge 2022) and celebrity chef Duff Goldman (Food Network, Duff x Baketivity) discuss his love for Star Wars, fandoms, the changing landscape of the culinary world, and what inspires his day-to-day creativity. Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

About SDCC 2024

San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC) is the premier event for all things comics and related popular art, including movies, television, gaming, interactive multimedia, and so much more! SDCC 2024 runs from Preview Night July 24 through Sunday, July 28 at the San Diego Convention Center. Find more info here, and follow us on socials as we cover the entire convention!

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