Marvel Television returns to WonderCon in Anaheim with the fan-favorites Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, and Legion. Making its WonderCon debut, Marvel Rising will showcase the world premiere of its newest animated special Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron before it premieres on Wednesday, April 3rd on Marvel HQ. Join Marvel for these not to be missed panels with the popular cast and creators, featuring premieres of never-before-seen footage, exclusive signings, and a few fun surprises along the way – all starting Friday, March 29 through Sunday, March 31.
Full schedule below. Jump in on the conversation by using #MarvelWonderCon:
MARVEL TELEVISION AND ANIMATION SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, MARCH 29th
MARVEL’S CLOAK & DAGGER – EXCLUSIVE SIGNING – 3:00PM
Marvel and Freeform will be hosting an exclusive autograph signing with series stars Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Emma Lahana, executive producer/showrunner Joe Pokaski, and executive producer and Head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb from the critically-acclaimed series Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger.
MARVEL’S CLOAK & DAGGER PANEL
Anaheim Convention Center, March 29, 2019 – 4:45PM – North 200A
Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger is back for an exciting second season with a must-see panel featuring series stars Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Emma Lahana, executive producer/showrunner Joe Pokaski, and moderated by executive producer and Head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb. Be the first to see an extended sneak peek of season two before the series premieres on Thursday, April 4th on Freeform! It’s going to be mayhem!
*Talent is subject to change.
LEGION PANEL
Anaheim Convention Center, March 29, 2019 – 6:00PM – North 200A
Legion, based on the Marvel Comics by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz, tells the story of David Haller, a man who believed himself schizophrenic only to discover that he may actually be the most powerful mutant the world has ever seen. Join the producers and cast for a conversation about what fans can look forward to in the upcoming third season premiering on FX in June 2019.
SATURDAY, MARCH 30th
MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. – EXCLUSIVE SIGNING – 11:15AM
Marvel will be hosting an exclusive autograph signing with series stars Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, Elizabeth Henstridge, Henry Simmons, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, and Jeff Ward, along with executive producers Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon, Jeff Bell, and Jeph Loeb from the fan-favorite series Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..
MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. PANEL
Anaheim Convention Center, March 30, 2019 – 1:45PM – Arena
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is returning to Anaheim with a show-stopping panel. Be the first to experience the premiere episode of the highly-anticipated sixth season together with some of your favorite stars including Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, Elizabeth Henstridge, Henry Simmons, Natalia Cordova-Buckley, and Jeff Ward, along with executive producers Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon, Jeff Bell, and Jeph Loeb. After the exclusive screening, join the cast and producers and catch up on all things Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. with a fun and lively Q&A that you won’t want to miss. This action-packed series from Marvel Television will return in May 2019 on ABC.
*Talent is subject to change.
SUNDAY, MARCH 31ST
MARVEL ANIMATION PRESENTS: MARVEL RISING: HEART OF IRON – WORLD PREMIERE
Anaheim Convention Center, March 31, 2019 – 11:45AM – North 200A
Join our Squirrel Girl Milana Vayntrub, our Ms. Marvel Kathreen Khavari, our Inferno Tyler Posey, and our Hala Ming-Na Wen, along with Cort Lane (SVP, Animation and Family Entertainment) and Marsha Griffin (VP, Animation Current Series and Development), for an action-packed panel moderated by Kristin Cruz that will showcase the world premiere of the brand-new animated special Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron. Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron will introduce Riri Williams a.k.a. Ironheart to the Marvel Rising universe, voiced by Sofia Wylie (“Andi Mack”), in an epic adventure that sees Ironheart teaming up with the Secret Warriors to face-off against Hala the Accuser in their epic penultimate battle! Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron will premiere on Wednesday, April 3rd on Marvel HQ.
*Talent is subject to change.
MARVEL RISING: HEART OF IRON – EXCLUSIVE SIGNING – 2:30PM
Marvel will be hosting an exclusive autograph signing with series stars Tyler Posey, Ming-Na Wen, Milana Vayntrub, Kathreen Khavari, and surprise guests for the brand-new animated series, Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron.
Please note that all signings will be added to the WonderCon online Exclusives Portal on March 7th and at that time WonderCon Anaheim badge holders can log-in and create a list of exclusive signings they’d be interested in attending. On March 19th, WonderCon attendees will be selected at random and receive an email confirmation with more details.
Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger season two will premiere on Freeform on Thursday, April 4th at 8|7c. Legion season three will premiere on FX in June 2019. Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns this May 2019 on ABC. Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron will premiere on Wednesday, April 3rd on Marvel HQ.
Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger is produced by Marvel Television and ABC Signature Studios. Legion is produced by FX Productions and Marvel Television, with FXP handling the physical production. Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios.
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.
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