Apple TV+ today revealed a fan-favorite lineup of panels of its celebrated original series, marking its debut at the world’s largest fan-based convention, San Diego Comic-Con International. The panels will feature cast and creative teams from the hit thriller “Severance,” lauded alternate-reality series “For All Mankind” the acclaimed workplace comedy “Mythic Quest,” plus a not-to-be-missed panel featuring some of today’s greatest storytellers from “See,” “Invasion,” “Foundation” and “For All Mankind” to share their world-building insights with fans.
In addition to these must-see panels, attendees will have the opportunity – if they dare – to get “severed” as they immerse themselves in the world of Lumon Industries at an innovative “Severance” installation at the Hard Rock Hotel. The experience will take new Lumon employees through their first day on the severed floor where all of their senses will be required if they hope to be reunited with their ‘outtie.’ The experience is created in partnership with Ben Stiller and the show producers.
San Diego Comic-Con International is set to take place from Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24. Dates, times and locations for all panels will be announced closer to the event.
Apple TV+’s original series panels at San Diego Comic-Con International will include:
Courtesy of Apple TV+
Inside “Severance”
Executive Producer and director Ben
Stiller, creator and executive producer Dan Erickson and cast members Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Dichen Lachman and Jen Tullock share “Innie” secrets from season one of the Apple TV+ critically acclaimed series.
Courtesy of Apple TV+
The Alternate World of “For All Mankind”
Creators and executive producers Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi are joined by executive producer Maril Davis and cast members Joel Kinnaman, Shantel VanSanten, Jodi Balfour, Sonya Walger, Krys Marshall, Cynthy Wu, Casey Johnson, Coral Peña and Wrenn Schmidt to discuss the propulsive third season of the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ alternate reality series.
Courtesy of Apple TV+
The Players of “Mythic Quest”
Creator, executive producer and star Rob McElhenney joins co-creator and executive producer Megan Ganz, executive producer and star David Hornsby and cast members Charlotte Nicdao, Danny Pudi, Imani Hakim, Jessie Ennis and Ashly Burch take a deep dive into the critically hailed Apple TV+ workplace comedy and share an exclusive first look at the upcoming third season.
Storytellers of Apple TV+
Creator and executive producer Ronald D. Moore of “For All Mankind,” executive producer Simon Kinberg of “Invasion,” “See” executive producer and showrunner Jonathan Tropper and creator and executive producer of “Mythic Quest,” Megan Ganz will discuss creating the unique worlds of their series and share exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming episodes. David S. Goyer will also join from the set of “Foundation” with a special sneak peek at the upcoming second season.
“Severance”
From director and executive producer Ben Stiller and creator Dan Erickson comes “Severance.” Mark Scout (Adam Scott) leads a team at Lumon Industries, whose employees have undergone a severance procedure, which surgically divides their memories between their work and personal lives. This daring experiment in “work-life balance” is called into question as Mark finds himself at the center of an unraveling mystery that will force him to confront the true nature of his work… and of himself. Endeavor Content serves as the studio for the series.
Season one of “Severance” is available to watch now on Apple TV+.
“For All Mankind”
In season three, the Red Planet becomes the new frontier in the Space Race not only for the US and the Soviet Union, but also an unexpected new entrant with a lot to prove and even more at stake. Our characters find themselves going head-to-head as their ambitions for Mars come into conflict and their loyalties are tested, creating a pressure cooker that builds to a climactic conclusion. “For All Mankind” is produced by Sony Pictures Television.
Seasons one and two of “For All Mankind” are available to watch now on Apple TV+ and season three premiered on June 10 with new episodes launching every Friday through August 12.
“Mythic Quest”
“Mythic Quest” follows the team behind the biggest multiplayer video game of all time. Co-created by Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Megan Ganz (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), the series stars McElhenney as the fictional company’s creative director, Ian Grimm, and also includes Danny Pudi, Imani Hakim, Charlotte Nicdao, Ashly Burch, Jessie Ennis, Naomi Ekperigin and David Hornsby, who also executive produces. The series is produced for Apple TV+ by Lionsgate, 3 Arts Entertainment and Ubisoft Film & Television.
Seasons one and two of “Mythic Quest” are available to watch now on Apple TV+.
Courtesy of Apple TV+
“Invasion”
From Academy Award-nominated and two-time Emmy Award-nominated producer Simon Kinberg and David Weil, “Invasion” is a sweeping, character-driven science fiction drama series that follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. Set across multiple continents, “Invasion” stars Shamier Anderson, Golshifteh Farahani, Sam Neill, Firas Nassar and Shioli Kutsuna. The series comes from Apple Studios.
The first season of “Invasion” is available to watch now on Apple TV+.
Courtesy of Apple TV+
“See”
“See” takes place in the distant future, after a deadly virus decimated humankind. Those who survived emerged blind. Jason Momoa stars as Baba Voss — the father of twins born centuries later with the mythic ability to see — who must protect his tribe against a powerful yet desperate queen who wants the twins destroyed. Alfre Woodard stars as Paris, Baba Voss’s spiritual leader. The series is produced by Chernin Entertainment and Endeavor Content.
Season three of “See” will debut on Friday, August 26, 2022.
Seasons one and two are available to watch now on Apple TV+.
Courtesy of Apple TV+
“Foundation”
Based on the award-winning novels by Isaac Asimov, “Foundation” chronicles a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire. The series is produced for Apple TV+ by Skydance Television.
Season one of “Foundation” is available to watch now on Apple TV+.
“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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