SDCC 2025: Star Wars and Skywalking Network Panels

We look forward to San Diego Comic-Con International every year, and in 2025 the Skywalking Network is represented by SIX panels and meet-ups! You can meet both Richard and Sarah of Skywalking Through Neverland, and Melissa Truth Miller and James Floyd of STAR WARSOLOGIES at their various panels and events.
We also love anything Star Wars, so read on for a compilation of all the Star Wars-focused and Skywalking Network panels, meet-ups, and autograph sessions at SDCC (July 23-27, 2025).

Anything in Blue is Skywalking Network!

Thursday, July 24

11:00 AM: 11th Annual Musical Anatomy of a Superhero – Music has always been an important supporting character in movies; this goes to another level in the superhero film genre, along with other heroes this year, where the music sets a tone that helps define a character, an impending battle, or a triumphant moment. This year’s panel continues the tradition of showcasing unreleased music and videoclips from upcoming and recently released projects. Leading Hollywood composers will explain the process and challenges of creating music behind the superhero genre, along with collaborating with the director, producers, and the franchise. The event is produced by Costa Communications and sponsored by ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and the SCL. Featuring: Simon Franglen (Avatar: Fire & Ash), Mick Giacchino (Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, The Penguin), Brandon Roberts (Star Wars: Andor), Alex Seaver (Arcane), Ian Chang (Thunderbolts*). And special guest moderator: Michael Giacchino (Fantastic Four: First Steps). Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

11:00 AM: Unusual, Weird, and Rare Star Wars Collectibles and Information – What is the rarest SW collectible? Who has the world’s largest Star Wars collection? Who has the largest database of released Star Wars items? Hear “out of this world” stories with pictures of how Star Wars props, prototypes, and treasures are discovered. Learn what it was like running the first and only Star Wars store called Star Force Collectables. Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

12:00 PM: Star Wars: Andor – From Resistance to Rebellion – Fighting the tyranny of the Galactic Empire is dangerous work, whether in the halls of power on Coruscant or in the dark recesses of the Outer Rim. Panelists will dive deep into the popular show Star Wars: Andor, especially season 2, and examine themes of resisting authoritarianism and aspects of outright rebellion. How do the choices made by Cassian Andor, Mon Mothma, and Luthen Rael make the galaxy more free but also more perilous? Psychologists Drea Letamendi (Lattes with Leia, The Arkham Sessions, Aliens Expanded) and Catherine Hicks will take you into the minds of Imperial loyalists like Dedra Meero and insurgent fighters like Saw Gerrera. Also charging into the fray will be speculative fiction author Jendia Gammon (Atacama, Doomflower, The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern), San Diego State rhetoric and writing instructor Robert Dagnall, and American Indian studies professor Desmond Hassing. Moderated by James Floyd (Skywalking Network Star Warsologies podcast, Star Wars Insider magazine). Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

2:00 PT: Nightmare Notes – “Nightmare notes” are the bane of every animation writer. Writers talk about the oddest, most left-field notes they’ve ever gotten on their scripts—and maybe some of the good ones, too. Craig Miller (The Real Ghostbusters, Beast Wars), Elise Allen (Barbie: Fairytopia, Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train), Henry Gilroy (Star Wars: Rebels, Batman: TAS), Michael J. Beall (The Eggventurers, Action Pack), and Kirk Kushin(Hello Kitty, PAW Patrol). Room 29AB

2:00 PM: Star Wars: Andor: From Resistance to Rebellion Autographs Session – James Floyd writer/podcaster (Star Wars Crossword Puzzles and Other Word Games from a Galaxy Far, Far Away, Star Warsologies), Jendia Gammon, author/editor (Atacama, Doomflower, The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern). Sails Pavilion – Autographs

3:30 PM: Healing Art: Superman, Star Wars, Sumos, and Spirits – Wayne Lo (ILM VFX art director, Clone Wars designer), Eisner Award winners Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese, Superman) and Thien Pham (Family Style), cartoonist Brianna Loewinsohn (Raised by Ghosts), and Frank Ordaz (by live video—Emmy & Oscar award winner, Return of the Jedi, Star Trek II, Goonies, E.T.) discuss the interplay of creativity, readership, viewership and the healing power of art, as well as offer first-hand accounts of art overcoming mental, emotional, spiritual and even physical trauma and illness. From Kryptonian creative catharsis to Tatooine plein-air paintings, from a bowl of Pho in San Jose to inspired challah bread in Oakland, this panel serves it up so fresh; like a side salad from Regula, grown underground, it could change your life! Come early, or a seat could be as rare as Jogan fruit on Coruscant! Room 26AB

6:00 PM: Marvel, DC, or Star Wars: Who’s Winning IP in 2025? The Ringer-Verse takes stock of 2025 in IP. In a year that’s been busy, what’s been the best and worst so far? Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marqyuis San Diego Marina

Friday, July 25 – Unofficial “Star Wars Day” at SDCC!

10:00 AM: Lucasfilm Publishing: Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away – From the days of the High Republic to the Rise of the First Order, join storytellers from across the Star Wars galaxy to hear behind-the-scenes stories from authors Tessa Gratton, Soo Lee, Ian McCaig, Charles Soule, and more, and be the first to see sneak peeks and hear exciting reveals from upcoming creative projects. Moderated by Michael Siglain! Room 7AB

11:00 AM: Lucasfilm: High-End Star Wars Collectibles – Lucasfilm’s Brian Merten invites you to hear what’s happening in the galaxy of Star Wars high-end collectibles. You’ll get a look at some exciting new items as well as learn what drives the people who strive to make the items that provide an authentic connection to the stories we all love Room 7AB

12:00 PM: Star Wars and More Movie Memories – Our friend Craig Miller, Lucasfilm’s original director of fan relations, has a Hollywood career that dates back to working on the original Star Wars. He tells tales of marketing genre films of the 1980s like The Empire Strikes Back, Superman II, The Thing, Krull, The Dark Crystal, The Last Starfighter, and others, as well as writing animation ranging from Curious George and The Smurfs to The Real Ghostbusters to G.I. Joe and Beast Wars. Room 7AB

12:00 PM: Celebrating the Puppetry Arts – Puppets have entertained and educated the masses for centuries, but the artistry also changes and advances with new technology. Professional puppet builders and performers share insights from their careers working on franchises like Star Wars and the Muppet movies, as well as their experiences with nontraditional puppetry like animatronics, motion capture, and claymation. Panelists include Cheralyn Lambeth (puppet builder, Dinosaurs!, Avenue Q), Kirk Thatcher (writer and director, The Muppets Haunted Mansion), and Fon Davis (model maker, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline). Moderated by Melissa T. Miller (Star Warsologies podcast). Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

12:30 PM: Autograph Session with Doug Chiang – Doug Chiang, Lucasfilm senior vice president/executive design director (Doug Chiang: The Cinematic Legacy (Volume I) & The Star Wars Legacy (Volume II)). He will be signing a limited number of prints from his book on sale Dec 2025 from Abrams Books. Sails Pavilion

1:00 PM: Star Wars Books from Random House Worlds – The Force is strong with these books! Tom Hoeler (editorial director at Random House Worlds), Gabby Munoz (editor at Random House Worlds), New York Times bestselling author Charles Soule (Star Wars: Trials of the Jedi), and audiobook narrator Marc Thompson discuss the epic conclusion of Star Wars: The High Republic and take a deep dive into upcoming books set in a galaxy far, far away from Random House Worlds. 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

2:30 PM: Autograph Session with Charles Soule, author – Sails Pavilion

3:00 PM: 3D Printing the Star Wars Universe – 3D printing has made it easier than ever to let your inner Star Wars geek go wild by creating fun and functional printed armor, droids, helmets, props, memorabilia, and more. From designing your own lightsaber to custom fitting a helmet, 3D printing makes creating all your favorite things accessible to Star Wars enthusiasts everywhere. Learn how you can get started from Anastasia Hunter, David Neth, Ermer Twano, Matt Greenberg, and friends. Room 7AB

3:30 PM: Focus on Don Glut – Don Glut is the writer/creator of the popular comics Dagar the Invincible, The Occult Files of Doctor Spektor, and Tragg and the Sky Gods. For Warren Publishing, he authored tales for Creepy, Eerie, and Vampirella, and for Marvel, his writing could be found in, among others, Captain America, The Invaders, Kull the Destroyer, Solomon Kane, Star Wars, and What If…? Don also has more than 80 books to his credit, including The Dinosaur Dictionary and the authorized novelization of the movie The Empire Strikes Back. This year, he’s receiving the coveted Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing, and he’ll discuss his amazing career in this spotlight interview with Finger Award chairman (and Comic-Con Special Guest) Mark Evanier. Room 10

4:00 PM: Star Wars Trading Card Collecting – David Neuhausel (Star Wars trading card collector), Shawn Mullen (Star Wars vintage collector, Science Fiction Coalition founder), William O’Neill (Star Wars artist), and Tom Resendez (501st Legion trading card collector) discuss aspects of collecting vintage Star Wars trading cards. From master sets, sketch and chase cards to offshoot sets such as 501st trading cards, they’ll explore this type of collecting that started back in 1977 when people discovered that galaxy far, far away. Plus, a lively discussion on the most famous Star Wars trading card, if not the most famous overall, the X-rated C3PO card. Room 7AB

5:00 PM: The Saga Museum of Star Wars Memorabilia. Collectors Steve Sansweet (founder of Rancho Obi-Wan, former head of fan relations at Lucasfilm), Gus Lopez, and Duncan Jenkins, and board members Anne Neumann, Michael Wistock, and Rich Smolen discuss the history and background of four of the world’s foremost Star Wars memorabilia collections and their plans to open a public, world-class museum to exhibit and preserve these objects. Preview items to be auctioned at Comic-Con Museum on Sunday to support this effort. Q&A to follow. Room 7AB

6:00 PM: The 501st Legion: Star Wars Villainous Costuming – Legion members Dean Amstutz, Kevin Weir, David Neth, David Ancheta, Sara Wetmore, Milan Nguyen, and Todd Mullin from the Imperial Sands and Southern California Garrisons provide an overview of the creative process that bring Stormtroopers, Tusken Raiders, Boba Fett, or Kylo Ren from the silver screen into reality. They will speak about the process for working with armor parts, small prop and soft costume construction, and 3D modeling and printing. They will also discuss membership, from initial interest through final approval.. Room 7AB

7:00 PM: This is Our Way: Mandalorians, Inclusion, and Adaptive Costuming – Members of the Mando Mercs Costume Club explore how the Mandalorian way embraces disabilities, both in the Star Wars universe and in our own, through inclusive storytelling and costume adaptations that make armor accessible to all. Room 7AB

8:00 PM: The Dad Batch Podcast: Walking Workbench – Steven Schultz, John Rodriguez, Brian Cook, Luke Yates, Joe Lara, and Ramey Chanadet dive into the cosplay scene at SDCC as they bring the costuming community together to share tips, tricks, and encouragement for costume builds from all around Comic-Con. Room 7AB

8:30 PM: The Psychology of Star Trek vs. Star Wars: Episode 7 – This is not your typical space battle! Turbocharged with brain science and fun facts, this discussion will explore, explain, and celebrate the “psy” in sci-fi! Squaring off are pop culture psychologists Dr. Drea Letamendi (UCLA, The Arkham Sessions) and Dr. Ali Mattu (YouTube’s Dr. Ali), who will team up with the persuasive viewpoints of guests Ronald D. Moore (writer, Star Trek: The Next Generation; Deep Space Nine) and Diana Lee Inosanto(actress, Ahsoka; Star Wars: Tales of the Empire). Impartially moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions). Room 29CD

9:00 PM: 3rd Annual Star Wars Trivia Party! Teams compete in spirited rounds of Star Wars trivia ranging from the movies and TV series to charades. 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 in this 3rd annual “competition of chaos” event. You don’t have to be a trivia expert, and you are guaranteed to learn new Star Wars fun facts. Prizes! Prizes! Prizes! Room 7AB

Saturday, 7/26

10:30 AM: Doug Chiang: A Conversation About Star Wars and Beyond – Doug Chiang (senior vice president & executive design director at Lucasfilm) will hold a fireside chat to discuss his career as a film designer and share insights on working on Star Wars. Chiang speaks candidly about his evolution to becoming a better artist and gives a special preview of his upcoming two-volume, 800-page, deluxe slipcased book, Doug Chiang: The Cinematic Legacy (Volume I) and The Star Wars Legacy (Volume II), on sale Dec 2025 from Abrams Books. The book features over 2,300 drawings and paintings—many of which have never been seen before. John Romulo (digital asset coordinator at Lucasfilm) will moderate the conversation Room 29CD

3:00 PM: Beyond Solo: The New Digital Era of Creator Collaboration – Panelists explore how today’s creators are teaming up across platforms to shape the future of animation, voice acting, and entertainment IP. They will offer insights into how creative teams bring original content to life in today’s hyper-connected, cross-platform world. Moderator Hunter Peterson(Honkai: Star Rail, SCP: Explained on YouTube) will lead the discussion with producer and actor Christopher Sean (Ultraman: Rising, Star Wars: Visions), creative director Nicholas Cabana (Claynosaurz), lead animator Kevin Temmer (Glitch Productions, The Amazing Digital Circus), producer and voice actor Dina Sherman (Bleach, Genshin Impact), and YouTube creator Victoria Vincent (VEWN). Room 25ABC

8:00 PM: The Dad Batch x Thank the Maker: Family Feud – The hosts of The Dad Batch and Thank the Maker podcasts put their collective Star Wars knowledge to the test in a friendly game of Family Feud.

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Virtual Cantina Meet-Up @ SDCC. Free and open to the public! The 3rd annual SDCC meet-up of Star Wars friends from the Star Wars Celebration Los Angeles 2027 Facebook Group and Virtual Cantina Network. Richard and Sarah Woloski will be there, along with several Skywalkers. More info. Ace Porter Bar, Omni San Diego Hotel

Sunday, 7/27

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Mixer for Science-Minded Geeks – Come chat with scientists and science-minded geeks at San Diego Comic-Con! Comic-Con badge required to attend. STEM professionals will be on hand to speculate on fun fandom-based questions you may have. Many of them are doing panels throughout the con, so if you don’t get to ask your questions then, come by and continue the conversation. Hosted by Cosplay for Science, Star Warsologies, and the San Diego Science Writers Association.) Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

10:00 AM: Yours, Mine, and Ours – These authors tell new stories within and beyond the worlds we know. Jeffrey Brown (Hulk Teach, X-Men: Days of Future Fun), Tessa Gratton (Star Wars: The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown), Megan Shepherd (Hour of the Pumpkin Queen), Charles Soule (Star Wars: Trials of the Jedi), and David Walker (Big Jim and the White Boy) discuss what it’s like to work with existing characters and worlds and what it means to contribute to and expand beloved fandoms. Moderated by Amy Ratcliffe (Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy). Room 24ABC

11:00 AM: Sneak Peek: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art – Legendary filmmaker George Lucas, Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro, and Academy Award-winning artist Doug Chiangexplore the power of illustrated storytelling and offer a sneak peek of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, moderated by Grammy, Emmy, Academy Award-nominated, and Golden Globe Award-winning artist, Queen Latifah. Hall H

About SDCC 2025

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 2025 runs from Preview Night July 23 through Sunday, July 27 at the San Diego Convention Center. Find more info here, and follow us on socials as we cover the entire convention!