Breaking: Industry Giants Netflix, Disney, and HBO Back Out Of Comic-Con Amid Growing Tensions

Several major companies have decided not to participate in this year's San Diego Comic-Con due to concerns over a potential SAG-AFTRA strike. As the industry continues to grapple with an ongoing writers' strike, negotiations between the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and writers have failed to address important issues such as fair compensation, streaming residuals, and restrictions on AI usage. With the possibility of a strike looming, SAG-AFTRA is currently in talks to avoid this outcome before June 30.

According to Variety, numerous studios, including Disney (and its subsidiaries Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), HBO, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Netflix, have withdrawn from the event. This means that actors will be unable to participate in panels or other promotional activities. As a result, highly anticipated series and movies like Loki season 2, Ahsoka, Kraven the Hunter, The Exorcist, One Piece, and House of the Dragon will not be featured in panels at the convention.

What Comic-Con Could Look Like This Year

This year, Comic-Con panels and presentations are expected to undergo significant changes. While the comic book and cosplay sectors will remain largely unaffected, the convention halls may feel emptier than usual due to the withdrawal of several studios. However, there are still a few studios and streamers who have either expressed interest or have scheduled presentations. Amazon Studios will be promoting The Wheel of Time season 2 and The Boys: Gen V, while other potential attendees include Warner Bros., Max, Paramount Pictures, NBC, and their streaming service Peacock.

If the SAG-AFTRA strike proceeds, additional studios are likely to withdraw. Nevertheless, some may choose to proceed with modified panel slates, exploring alternative methods to promote their comic-inspired, sci-fi/fantasy, or animated projects. Regardless of the outcome, Comic-Con 2023 is expected to offer a completely altered experience compared to this year's expectations.