ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY plans to raise the bar even higher at Comic-Con 2017 by presenting its first-ever Icon Edition of fan-favorite panel, “Women Who Kick Ass,” featuring Atomic Blonde star and producer Charlize Theron on Saturday, July 22. Theron, an Oscar-winning actress who consistently embodies strength, searing intelligence and steely determination on screen, is the perfect icon to inaugurate this annual panel which celebrates and recognizes the most powerful, empowering female stars in pop culture.
Theron will be featured on the cover of EW’s “Inside Comic-Con,” a bonus issue, which will be distributed by F.Y.E – For Your Entertainment – sponsored street teams on the ground in San Diego throughout the weekend, and can be purchased beginning Thursday, July 20, on all tablet devices. The cover story, written by EW senior writer Sara Vilkomerson, is a must-read for Comic-Con attendees. Vilkomerson will also interview Theron at the “Women Who Kick Ass” panel. Additionally, EW’s always-popular Comic-Con preview double issue will hit newsstands nationwide July 14.
“Comic-Con has always been a celebration of and for the fans, and their favorite stars and franchises. This year, we’re so excited to host our annual panel, ‘Women Who Kick Ass,’ with the ultimate kick-ass icon, Charlize Theron,” said Henry Goldblatt, Editor in Chief of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY. “In 2017, EW’s Comic-Con coverage will be bigger and better than ever, as we double-down on content across all our platforms, including EW Radio on SiriusXM and the new addition of ‘EW: The Show,’ from our streaming network, PEN, in the EW Studio and from the convention hall floor.”
Once again, the EW Studio at the Hard Rock Hotel will be the ultimate talent destination. For the eleventh consecutive year, EW.com will deliver non-stop video content and commentary from the convention, offering fans immediate and intimate access to Comic-Con’s biggest stars. Viewers can also get in on the festival action, while EW’s award-winning writers and editors interview the TV and film industries’ biggest names in the EW Studio. Guests will stay refreshed with Peet’s Cold Brew in EW’s Hospitality Suite, thanks to sponsor Peet’s Coffee.
The EW Studio will be a one-stop shop for the leading TV and film stars to promote their upcoming projects. For the fifth year, SiriusXM’s Entertainment Weekly Radio channel will air interviews and coverage with EW Morning Live hosts Dalton Ross and Jessica Shaw, and LA Daily hosts Julia Cunningham and Kyle Anderson. Entertainment Weekly Radio’s Comic-Con broadcast will begin Thursday, July 20 at 3pm ET and will air through Monday, July 24 on SiriusXM channel 105.
For the first time ever, PEOPLE/ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY Network (PEN)’s “EW: The Show” will make its Comic-Con debut and broadcast talent interviews from the EW Studio. Host Lola Ogunnaike will bring “EW: The Show” to the San Diego Convention Center floor to witness all the super-heroic action along with coverage from the streets for chats with stars and fans, giving viewers intimate access to the pulse of the city, a close-up look at the memorable costumes, and a window into the after-hours action that makes Comic-Con such a unique event.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY will also host two “EW After Dark” evening events in the EW Studio; the FX Networks-sponsored “After Dark” will feature cast members from The Strain, Archer and Legion, while the Marvel “After Dark” will feature the casts of Marvel’s The Defenders, Marvel’s Inhumans and The Gifted.
No Comic-Con experience would be complete without EW’s legendary closing night party on Saturday, July 22. The poolside fete will once again take place at FLOAT at the Hard Rock Hotel and will attract some of Hollywood’s biggest film and television talent in a celebration of all things pop culture. This year’s highly anticipated party will feature activations from presenting sponsor HBO and participating sponsor Peet’s Coffee, along with tunes from DJ Michelle Pesce.
Along with reporting on all of the weekend’s festivities, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY will host the following panels:
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY 2017 COMIC-CON PANELS
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY presents
BRAVE NEW WARRIORS
EW’s laugh-filled conversation with TV’s hottest male heroes: Rodrigo Santoro (Westworld), Ricky Whittle (American Gods), Richard Rankin (Outlander), David Harbour (Stranger Things), Christopher Meloni (Happy!), and Colin O’ Donoghue (Once Upon A Time). They’ll discuss the thrill of playing popular characters, their sometimes awkward encounters with fans, and the highs (and lows) of a career in Hollywood. Moderated by EW editor at large Lynette Rice.
Friday, July 21, 1:45pm – 2:30pm, Ballroom 20
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY presents
WOMEN WHO KICK ASS – ICON EDITION WITH CHARLIZE THERON
Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road. Cipher in The Fate of the Furious. Queen Ravenna in Snow White and the Huntsman. Meredith Vickers in Prometheus. Aeon Flux. For more than a decade, Oscar winner Charlize Theron has embodied strength, power, searing intelligence and steely determination on screen. Now, as she explodes into summer in her new movie, Atomic Blonde, EW senior writer Sara Vilkomerson sits down for a no-holds-barred conversation with a woman who defies the rules—and creates her own.
Saturday, July 22, 2pm – 2:45pm, Hall H
“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.
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
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