On the first day of New York Comic Con 2024, directors Anthony and Joe Russo (Avengers: Endgame, The Gray Man) joined stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt on stage to give fans an in-depth look at their upcoming Netflix film, The Electric State.
New York Comic Con, a highly anticipated event for fans of all things pop culture, experienced some unforeseen challenges during its recent edition.
One prominent issue that surfaced was related to internet connectivity. As attendees flooded the Jacob K. Javits Center, the sheer volume of people attempting to access the internet led to significant congestion. This resulted in slow and unreliable connections, making it difficult for many attendees to utilize their devices for various purposes, including accessing event information, sharing their experiences on social media, and staying connected with friends and fellow fans.
In the experience of attendees at the event, Artist Alley was notably devoid of activity. Many talented artists were displaced from Artist Alley to accommodate more renowned and costly comic artists on the show floor. Consequently, several convention-goers missed out on encountering talented artists simply because they were unaware of their presence on the show floor. During the event, they had the opportunity to engage with an outstanding artist, Kelly McMahon, who shed light on the fact that most artists had to actively contend for a spot at Artist Alley, revealing the competitive nature of securing a table at the event. It was also a bad time for the center’s wifi to not work as many artists had QR codes displayed on their desks along with the payment swipes. The problem is, the bad connection affected their sales tremendously.
Another hiccup at the event was the difficulties some attendees faced when trying to access QR codes. QR codes are commonly used for various purposes at conventions, from ticket scanning to accessing exclusive content. However, it was reported that several attendees had trouble scanning these codes due to technical glitches and network issues. This inconvenience, though not universal, did disrupt the smooth flow of activities for some con-goers, highlighting the importance of reliable technology infrastructure at such large-scale events.
On a rather bizarre note, the event also witnessed an incident that left attendees baffled. Reports emerged that an individual defecated on the show floor, creating an unsanitary and uncomfortable situation for everyone present. This incident not only marred the convention’s overall atmosphere but also raised questions about event security and the behavior of certain attendees. It served as a reminder that maintaining a safe and respectful environment at conventions like New York Comic Con is essential for the enjoyment of all participants.
This year’s New York Comic Con left some attendees feeling a bit underwhelmed in terms of the vendor presence. While the convention traditionally boasts a diverse array of vendors offering a wide range of merchandise, there was a noticeable shortage of vendors in comparison to previous years.
Additionally, some felt that there was an overemphasis on anime-related content, which, while exciting for fans of the genre, may have overshadowed other facets of pop culture. Furthermore, the show floor appeared strikingly similar to what attendees had experienced in previous editions of the event, with little to no discernible innovations or unique attractions. Overcrowding was also an issue, as the convention was bustling with attendees, leading to long lines and congested walkways, making it a challenging environment for many to navigate comfortably.
This contrast with San Diego Comic-Con was particularly evident in the available activities and experiences for attendees. Many participants felt that New York Comic Con offered fewer engaging and unique opportunities compared to its West Coast counterpart. San Diego Comic-Con has earned a reputation for its immersive attractions, exclusive panels, and high-profile celebrity appearances. In contrast, some attendees noted that New York Comic Con lacked the same level of excitement and innovation in its programming. The striking difference in the scale and diversity of activities between the two conventions became quite evident for those who had experienced both.
Overall, the combination of the ongoing labor strikes and a perceived deficit in offerings at New York Comic Con contributed to a less satisfying experience for some attendees. While the convention still provided a platform for fans to connect and celebrate their passions, the differences between this year’s New York Comic Con and other major events in the fandom world became quite apparent, leaving attendees and enthusiasts looking forward to more robust and engaging experiences in the future.
At New York Comic Con, the executive producers of Disney+’s new adaptation of the beloved “Goosebumps” spoke with the press. The producers, known for their expertise in creating thrilling and family-friendly content, shared insights into their approach to reviving the classic series.
The audience was treated to a sneak peek of what to expect from the new “Goosebumps” series, with promises of spine-tingling adventures, nostalgic callbacks, and fresh, modern twists. Their presence at the convention generated significant buzz and anticipation for the upcoming show, reminding fans that the eerie tales of R.L. Stine are set to captivate a new generation of viewers on the Disney+ platform.
During the press conference at New York Comic Con, Executive Producer Rob Letterman took the opportunity to discuss the approach to the new “Goosebumps” series compared to its earlier iterations. Letterman emphasized the importance of staying true to the essence of R.L. Stine’s iconic tales while also infusing them with a fresh, contemporary twist.
He explained that the advancements in technology and storytelling techniques since the original “Goosebumps” series allowed the creative team to dive deeper into the eerie and supernatural elements, making the scares even more captivating. Moreover, Letterman highlighted the commitment to bringing the beloved characters and monsters to life in a way that would resonate with both dedicated fans of the classic books and a new generation of viewers. His insights provided an exciting glimpse into the approach that would make the upcoming “Goosebumps” adaptation a thrilling and faithful reimagining of the beloved series.
“I think that the big difference was that like the books, this was serialized. And so it is complicated to tell a story that has lots of interconnections and stuff. And so that was the huge difference,” he said.
Nicholas Stoller, one of the Executive Producers behind the new “Goosebumps” series, emphasized the necessity for the franchise to evolve with the times when we asked him. He noted that while the original “Goosebumps” captivated a generation of readers and viewers, the modern audience has different expectations and a changed media landscape. Stoller stressed the importance of preserving the essence and eerie charm of R.L. Stine’s stories while adapting them to cater to today’s audience.
“Trying to get it elevated where it would appeal to people who may have grown up on the books and are in their thirties and forties now, as well as young, younger teens and people who have no experience with Goosebumps inspired us to make a show that works for everybody,” he said. “And we also tonally, in putting in addition to obviously the goose bumps and the horror stuff wanted to draw upon, like movies that we all loved as kids, like the John Hughes movies or, you know, like a TV show, like Freaks and Geeks or Edge of Seventeen likes that stuff that really respects kids.”
We asked Hilary Winston, one of the Executive Producers of the new “Goosebumps” series, about the show’s approach. Winston emphasized the importance of grounding the narrative in authenticity and transparency. She noted that, while “Goosebumps” is known for its supernatural and spine-tingling elements, maintaining a sense of relatability and emotional depth is key to engaging the audience. This approach ensures that the scares and thrills are not only entertaining but also resonate with viewers on a more profound level. By striving for a balance between the fantastical and the emotionally authentic, “Goosebumps” aims to deliver a compelling and unforgettable storytelling experience for its audience.
“This show is really grounded,” she said. “How would you actually react if this stuff was happening in your life, if you really found a haunted mask? Like, how would you act? And that’s one of the things that we always talked about in the writers and production room.”
Scott Gimple, the chief content officer of the popular television series “The Walking Dead,” recently clarified the timeline of Melissa McBride’s introduction to The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Amidst discussions during the press conference at New York Comic Con, Gimple shed light on when the talented actress, known for her role as Carol Peletier, joined the cast.
“We were always building to getting to a second season that included Melissa,” he said.
Scott Gimple’s perspective is also aligned with Norman Reedus. Both Gimple and Reedus share the view that Melissa McBride wanted to be on the spinoff. Rather than having her from the show’s inception, they aimed to ensure that Carol’s entry into the series was well-crafted and meaningful, aligning with the character’s evolution and the narrative’s progression.
“She was on board for the first day. And the media says this, social media says that, I literally told the truth. She’s been here since day one,” said Norman Reedus.
Scott Gimple also reflected on the unique aspects of The Walking Dead and its early seasons compared to the different storytelling on Daryl Dixon. He discussed the show’s origins, highlighting the presence of a core group of characters in its initial stages. Gimple emphasized the significance of focusing on Daryl Dixon’s character and experiences as a means to establish the foundation of the series. This approach allowed for the introduction of Carol Peletier at a later point in the storyline of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, contributing to the show’s dynamic character development.
“I think it allows for richer storytelling and it just doesn’t rely on two characters that you already know, because then there are less places to go. I think it allowed Daryl to grow. And, you know, the thing I love about having Norman and Melissa as executive producers is they’re involved in their characters’ storytelling,” said Gimple.
Fans at New York Comic Con got to see the season 1 finale of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon three days prior to it airing on television. This choice was based on a keen understanding of the character’s significance and the desire to reacquaint viewers with her character’s return in a compelling way. Gimple emphasized the importance of showcasing Carol’s return as a pivotal moment in the show’s narrative, underlining the impact it had on the live audience and the overall storytelling.
“We did want to keep quiet about some things so we thought it’d be awesome if the audience gets that surprise. I mean, from being in that room today and having seen it before and knowing what was coming, it’s just so exciting,” said Gimple. “She has been one of my favorite characters since before I was working on the show.”
During a press invited conference at New York Comic Con for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, Norman Reedus spoke candidly about the range of acting he has undertaken throughout this show compared to the main show when we asked him. Known for his iconic portrayal of Daryl Dixon in “The Walking Dead,” Reedus expressed his enthusiasm for embracing diverse characters and genres.
Norman Reedus, reflecting on expanding his range on his acting when we asked him, shared a glimpse into his thought process and motivation. As he discussed his enduring role as Daryl Dixon in “The Walking Dead,” he emphasized the personal and professional growth he has experienced over the years. Reedus candidly expressed his desire to evolve as an actor and explore new dimensions of character portrayal.
“I’m aging in real time and I’ve learned lots of lessons. I wanted to try to do something different. I spoke a lot about finding vulnerabilities in him (Daryl) and I don’t mind being the hero, I just don’t want to know that I am the hero,” said Reedus.
Reedus stressed the significance of working to earn character moments and commencing from a position of vulnerability. He aimed to genuinely capture Daryl Dixon’s challenging journey, where he grapples with both physical and emotional brokenness as he embarks on the next phase of his life. Additionally, Reedus underscored his intention to portray Daryl in a distinct manner, particularly in showcasing the character’s brighter moments, setting him apart from the main show.
“I wanted to earn the moments and I wanted to start low. And as he character, he’s broken when he gets there. He’s physically broken, and he’s finding himself again and becoming a man again in a different way.”
Norman Reedus opened up about a specific, pivotal moment in his acting career, which was the scenes he shared with Jeffrey Dean Morgan in Season 7, Episode “The Cell” of “The Walking Dead.” In these scenes, Reedus aimed to portray his character, Daryl Dixon, in a raw and unvarnished manner. He sought to strip Daryl down to his most vulnerable state, emphasizing the character’s brokenness and vulnerability. Reedus explained that the intention behind this approach was to create a compelling character arc in which Daryl could rebuild himself from the ground up, both emotionally and physically on The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.
“We did it with Negan in The Cell. I remember being the guy down here and trying to fight my way back up and when Negan is like, ‘what’s your name?’ And I don’t say Negan. That’s like a “fuck yeah” moment, you know? I wanted to be stripped down starting from zero.”
Ever wonder what David Harbour’s life was like before Stranger Things? It may not be what you would’ve expected.
Success as an actor is often hard to define. Sometimes critical acclaim or commercial profitability are the metrics used to define success. However, there’s another lesser attained category that only a few actors ever get the honor of being – a cult classic. Thanks to Stranger Things, David Harbour has certainly hit that mark. He hasn’t always been the household name he is today and chances are most fans wouldn’t have known his life prior to the culture defining Netflix series. But judging from the response at New York Comic Con this year, they certainly wanted to know more and David was happy to share about his life prior to the show.
For starters, he grew up in New York in the East Village and stayed there for much of his life as he pursued a career as an actor. However, he wasn’t exactly dominating the big or small screen in any capacity. His appearances were mostly confined to recurring roles on short lived TV series and doing off Broadway plays. It got to the point where he was started to worry about where next month’s rent would come from. He was on a tv series that had just shot its first season and he needed it to get renewed to ensure he’d be fine financially for the coming months. He waited by the phone and hoped to get the good news, but when the phone rang, it didn’t go the way he wanted.
As you can imagine, he was saddened by the news, but it was relatively short lived. Not too long after, he got a call to audition for a certain Netflix show – Stranger Things. After auditioning though, he wasn’t exactly encouraged. He figured at first that someone with a better track record or name would get selected as it was a fairly large role and he was right. Someone else did get selected but ended up rejecting the role. Who passed up on that opportunity, we may never know, but the rest, as they say is history.
It was really great getting this story and many others like it from David and other cult classics at Comic Con. Be sure to check out the other coverage here on the Knockturnal for more interesting stories like this.
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