My official first day of San Diego Comic-Con 2025 was a packed one, that included activations for ABC’s Abbott Elementary Block Party, Hulu’s King of the Hill, FX’s Alien: Earth, Disney+’s Percy Jackson, Peacock’s Twisted Metal, Shudder’s Clown in a Cornfield, HBO Max’s Peacemaker Peacefest & South Park, a Thunderbolts* ice cream truck, a press room for Paramount+’s NCIS: Tony & Ziva, a Penn & Teller panel, and more. If you missed my recap of Preview Night, check it out here.
I started off Thursday with a 9am press preview tour of Disney Entertainment Television’s four activations before they opened to the public at 11am. We actually started even earlier since a few of the other press folks were trying to make the Percy Jackson panel, We only had about 5 people in our group, which made it really easy to walk around and see everything.
ABC’s Abbott Elementary Block Party
First up was the Block Party for ABC’s Abbott Elementary, which was similar in feel to last year’s A.V.A. Fest. At the entrance to the Block Party was a photo opp with large statues of our favorite Abbott faculty. During the regular hours, folks are given a punch card here to keep track of their activities, but they didn’t have those yet.
As we headed in to the right, there was the Lost & Found booth. You stepped up to a tablet and entered your name, and selected your favorite color of either a bucket hat or zippered bag. The artists would then get to work, personalizing your selected swag with your name. Then they would call out your name when your item was ready. The folks in the booth were having a lot of fun with this, calling out names like we are all little children whose items were just found and turned in.
In the center of the activation was a large Ferris Wheel that gave riders a few minutes to enjoy the sights of the con from an eagle eye view. (When entering the activation, a waiver was required due to this ride). At another one of the activation’s booths, folks would take a photo of you, which would then be converted into a drawing and printed out like a poster. And the final stop was a Water Ice station where you could select a tasty treat from a variety of different flavors. Behind the Ferris Wheel was the pin redemption station. For visitors who completed all of the activation’s activities (as indicated on their punch card) would receive a box set of pins, while those who just did some would get an individual pin.
It was another fun year with an immersive experience in the world of Abbott Elementary, plus we got to take home some cool swag to remember the Philly block party.
Hulu’s King of the Hill
Next, we headed across the street for Hulu’s activation. Unlike the previous two years where the Animayhem activation covered the wide variety of animated shows on Hulu, this year it was focused solely on King of the Hill, which returns for a new season on the streamer next month.
As we entered the activation, there were various games like bean bag tossing and throwing rings onto boots to play. They were giving out prizes like aprons and coozies (and I heard, later on, pin sets) to those who won the games, and tattoo stickers for the runner-ups. There were also photo opps with large cardboard cutouts of the characters, Dale’s Dead Bug car, a lawnmower, and more.
There was also a customized hat station that allowed visitors to select a hat color and KOTH-themed patch and watch their cap being made. Across from this was a hydration station offering coffee and tea, and cans of Alamo water. There was also a food station, but this was unfortunately not open yet when we went through, despite the signs offering breakfast burritos.
Even though the activation was in the same space as the Hulu Animayhem activations for the past two years, it felt a bit smaller. Though, I think King of the Hill fans will still appreciate this slice of Arlen in San Diego, with some fun activities, food and swag,
FX’s Alien: Earth
Similar to how Hulu’s activation was no longer Animayhem and just a single show, FX’s SDCC presence was also concentrated on a single show this year, the upcoming Alien: Earth. However, things were broken into two sections, each with a separate line.
The first part of the activation showcased some interactive technology. This included immersive VR worlds created for Apple’s Vision Pro, panoramic environments for Apple and MetaQuest devices, which will roll out with each episode, and phone/watch backgrounds for all devices. They also showcased the high-tech podcast studio that was built on site and that would be utilized throughout the weekend. At this portion of the activation we were given a bundle of swag that included a notebook, bookmark, sticker and pin.
Next, we headed to the other half of the activation, which was a recreation of the wreckage from the series. There were no jump scares or aliens roaming about, just some creepy environments to walk through. Those who wanted the more immersive and scary experience needed to go at night for the “Code Red” experience. At the end of this section, we were handed another bundle of swag, including a massive globe-shaped jawbreaker, a can of a futuristic orange-flavored drink, and a pin.
Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians
The final stop of our DET tour was for the Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. This activation took over the Gaslamp space that NBC Universal had been using at SDCC for as long as I can remember. It was made to look like a diner. Outside, on a tablet, we entered our names and took a quiz. Based on this, we were claimed by one of the Gods—I was assigned to Athena.
Before we entered the diner we were each handed two tokens, and upon entering the doorway, we were also given a bottle of water, and sent into the diner to explore. Everything was really intricately designed, there was a photo opp at a diner table, and the young demigods behind the counter were in character interacting with the diners. Suddenly there was some commotion as a sea creature attacked the back window of the diner. But the glass held up, and we were the told to visit the Weird Sisters at the other end of the diner to redeem our coins for swag. One coin would give you your choice of color of a water bottle with the symbol of one of the gods on it, and the other would get you either a tan baseball cap with the Percy Jackson logo, or a t-shirt, depending upon what was printed on the coin. We were also given a claim check, which could be presented at the Disney Hyperion book booth in the convention center to get a limited edition print.
There were also boxes of blue donuts at the end of the diner counter, but those may have only been there for the press preview. However, after last year’s donut choking incident at the Hulu Animayhem activation, I thought to myself, “Not this year Disney!”
This was probably my favorite of the four Disney Entertainment Television activations. I thought the actors did a great job of staying in character and interacting with the visitors to make it feel very immersive.
After leaving the activation, I stopped at the Phineas & Ferb photo opp next door, and then headed to the convention center to redeem my claim check (they said I was the first to do so). Then I headed back to the Gaslamp area.
Peacock’s Twisted Metal Bumper Battle
My next activity was a scheduled time to see the bumper cars Peacock had set up to promote the upcoming second season of Twisted Metal (which premieres with 3 episodes on July 31). They took over a parking lot, bringing several cars from the series, and having folks dressed up like Sweet Tooth, Dollface, Mr. Grimm and more roaming around interacting with guests.
When it was our turn, we got into the cars and had at least 5-10 minutes of mayhem crashing and bumping into one another while a wisecracking Calypso provided snarky commentary, calling out insults at the drivers, and using an air gun to rile up the audience.
After stepping out of the arena, they were handing out cardboard Sweet Tooth masks, and there was a photo opp to make it look like you were being thrust from an explosion.
Coca-Cola x Star Wars “HOLOCREATOR” Activation
Right next to the Twisted Metal activation was a Coca-Cola x Star Wars “HOLOCREATOR” Activation, so we decided to stop over and have a look.
When visitors step inside, they are handed a can of Coke with a limited-edition Star Wars character design. There were two small side compartments with curtains for taking photos, but they were pretty stark and their purpose wasn’t really clear. There was a QR code to access the HOLOCREATOR app on the wall, but nothing specific to the app inside the activation. (I had already tried the app outside of this activation last week.) Perhaps you could use these two stark rooms to try out the app. And just before the exit, there was a photo opp to take your picture in front of a large Darth Vader statue.
As I was heading to my next scheduled event, I passed a Popsicle truck sponsored by EW Magazine, handing out Spider-Man popsicles and and a pack of Fantastic Four art cards. So I grabbed one of those to eat as I walked to the grassy area behind the Omni hotel.
Thunderbolts* Treatz Truck
Disney/Marvel had set up an area on the lawn to celebrate the digital release of the Marvel Thunderbolts* film, offering a fun Wheaties box photo opp, and a free ice cream treat.
After getting my photo taken, I was handed a digital code for the movie, and ordered my free ice cream—I opted for the Winter Soldier Swirl. It was a refreshing break on a hot, busy day! Plus, I look forward to checking out the movie again on digital at home.
Shudder’s The Clown in a Cornfield Experience
Next I headed towards the Hilton Gaslamp for The Clown in a Cornfield Experience. This year AMC took over its usual space to celebrate the August 8 premiere of Clown in a Cornfield on Shudder. I had already seen the movie in the theater and was excited to see how they would bring this world to life at SDCC.
As you stepped up the stairs to the activation, you were met with a banner advertising the annual Founder’s Day celebration for the fading midwestern town of Kettle Springs, Missouri, and its mascot Frendo the clown. The line circled around the town square where everything was decorated for the parade, and in-character townsfolk interacted with the visitors, warning them about the maze, but ensuring them that if they were locals, they’d be just fine.
Once inside, there were no cameras allowed. As we made our way through the dark corn maze, various clowns would pop out, somw with chainsaws, or run by quickly, giving us jump scares. I am not a big haunted house person, and was quickly questioning my decision to do this. So I was that guy i my group constantly cracking jokes to deal with the fear. We eventually made it to a barn and closed the door. However, there were clowns looking in the windows and banging on the door, and there was a timer rapidly counting down on an explosive device. We had to search the room for a key to the other locked exit in order to get out in time.
We made it out in the nick of time and found ourselves in another carnival setting. Here there were some photo opps and carnival games. We were given a snack and a drink ticket, which could be redeemed for your choice of flavors of slushy and a jar of either gummy sharks or peach rings.
As we exited the activation, we were also handed a Clown in a Cornfield bag containing a bag of popcorn and a poster.
Overall, it was a fun time, with the immersive actors and environment while waiting in line, the haunted house-like maze, and the games/swag/food at the end. If you want to check out Clown in a Cornfield when it premieres on Shudder on August 8, they are currently offering a free 30 day trial with code CLOWNPLUS30.
Press Room for Paramount+’s NCIS: Tony & Ziva
After this, I headed over to the Bayfront for my first press room of the con. It was for Paramount+’s upcoming new series NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which premieres September 4.
I have actually never seen an episode of the “mothership” NCIS series, but I did watch a screener of the premiere of this new series to prep for the press room, and I quite enjoyed it. Unlike the other NCIS shows, this series is serialized, following one storyline across the 10 episodes, rather than being a case-of-the-week procedural. Since this is more of the type of show I am drawn to, and the fact that I enjoyed the first episode, I plan to watch more this Fall. However, some fans are likely to be disappointed that the series will not air on CBS and will require a streaming subscription. NCIS: Tony & Ziva also takes advantage of its non-broadcast nature, dropping F- and S-bombs just because it can.
In the press room, we got to speak with showrunner John McNamara, and series stars/executive producers Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly. Look for those interviews to be posted soon.
Penn & Teller: 50 Years of Magic Panel
Right across the hall from the press room was the Indigo Ballroom, so I got in line for the final panel of the day, Penn & Teller: 50 Years of Magic. I have always enjoyed Penn & Teller’s blend of magic and comedy, and it was fun to hear them reminisce about their 50 years in the business.
Teller did actually talk during this panel, though at one point Penn jokingly spoke on his behalf. They finished things out by bringing a young boy to the stage to do a card trick.
I’m likely never going to see these guys perform in Vegas, so it was wonderful to get the chance to see them live on stage here in San Diego!
HBO Max’s Peacemaker Peacefest
To celebrate the upcoming second season of Peacemaker, DC/HBO Max took over a nightclub to put on Peacefest, giving visitors the chance to attend hourly rock concert performances.
While waiting in line, attendees were given Peacefest bandanas. Then, upon entering the venue we were handed plastic Peacemaker masks. On the ground floor was a photo booth, as well as the concert stage/floor, some props from the series, and a merch booth. On the second level were some gaming stations, the bar (serving Arizona alcoholic and non-alcoholic tea products), and a balcony overlooking the stage. Apparently on the third floor there was the opportunity to meet Eagley (waiver required) but I opted out of that. I took my spot on the balcony and waited for the band to take the stage.
The band played for about 20 minutes. Since we were the final show of the night, they listened to the crowd’s demands for an encore, and came back for one more song. As we left the venue, the band was there thanking the audience and shaking hands.
Afterwards, I had a ticket for the late night session of the South Park activation. It was a bit of a hike to get there, and some of the areas I walked through looked a bit sketchy. Once they let us in, I discovered it was primarily photo opps, a merch booth, unpriced food that turned out to be ridiculous stadium prices, and a cash bar. This was far from what I was used to at other activations, where everything had been free. This seemed absurd given that the show had just signed a $1.2B deal!
On the main stage they were doing a trivia contest. Not really being a South Park fan, I knew none of the answers. Then an acapella group took the stage, but as soon as they began their profanity-laced song, I quickly realized why I don’t watch the series, and left. They handed me some pins as I exited (so at least there was something free).
As I made my way back to the gaslamp, I passed by the theater where they were showing early previews of the new The Toxic Avenger movie, for which I had previously signed up for a ticket. However, the theater was small, and they were already turning people away, handing out large foam hands and 5-foot cardboard mops to those in line. I grabbed the free swag—I knew those two things weren’t going to make it into my luggage, but that giant mop made me feel a bit safer walking trough this sketchy area as I made my way back to my hotel room, and called it a night.
It was a very long and busy first day! Look for my Day 2 recap soon.
