Movies & TV / News

New York Comic Con Planning Return for In-Person Event in October, SDCC in Thanksgiving Receiving Pushback From Hollywood

April 1, 2021 | Posted by Jeffrey Harris
New York Comic-Con, NYCC

As previously noted, the San Diego Comic-Con is expected to return with an in-person convention later this November during Thanksgiving Weekend. An article on the return for the Thanksgiving Comic-Con from The Hollywood Reporter also stated that New York Comic-Con has a return for an in-person event in the works for the month before in October. The report also noted that San Diego Comic-Con returning for an in-person event is receiving private backlash from high-level sources within the entertainment industry.

Per the report, New York Comic-Con is being planned for a return as an in-person event from October 7-10 at the Javitz Center. Additionally, per a a spokesperson from convention organizer ReedPop, a virtual element is being planned for the convention at the same time. Certain dealers and companies were also reportedly asked in recent weeks by ReedPop about their interest for an in-person event.

With San Diego Comic-Con slated to happen on a difficult holiday weekend, an anonymous comic industry player told THR that NYCC happening on a non-holiday weekend could be an opportunity for the convention to offer brands and artists a more convenient chance to exhibit at an in-person event. Additionally, New York could also be seen as a middle ground for traveling West Coast and European talent.

Meanwhile, on the SDCC, the decision to hold an in-person event this year in Thanksgiving was a derisive one. Multiple entertainment studio, publishing, and publicity sources informed THR that pushback on SDCC opting for such an inconvenient set of dates is expected to happen.

A rep for a studio that has previously hosted major Comic-Con Hall H panels in the past was quoted as saying, “We love San Diego Comic-Con and would love to support, but what actor or producer is going to give up their first post-vaccine Thanksgiving holiday with family to travel to San Diego to publicize a project?”

Another added on Comic-Con opting for a Thanksgiving weekend convention, “During the pandemic, we’ve had Wonder Woman and The Mandalorian, but what we haven’t had is a hug from our parents and grandparents. Talent are not going to want to give up time with their families at Thanksgiving this year of all years. I have no idea what the organizers are thinking.”

A publicity rep with clients who have previously appeared for major Hall H panels at Comic-Con in the past said that, thus far, their clients are “refusing” to attend the convention over Thanksgiving weekend. However, the rep stated that they might come around if they are given marching orders to do so by a studio.

Another veteran entertainment producer, who has frequently appeared at Comic-Con, expressed safety concerns. The producer told THR “I would never ask anyone to do anything that was remotely dangerous, but it’s the studio that does the asking. And I would tell them I side with any actor that doesn’t feel comfortable.”

Other safety concerns are that even in November, people might still need to quarantine after traveling. And any safety mishaps involving the coronavirus could risk and cause further delays with entertainment productions.

Another studio source stated that Halloween would’ve been a better option for Comic-Con to return this year, and that timeframe is still currently unbooked for the San Diego Convention Center schedule.

On March 29, SDCC organizers, Comic-Con International, acknowledged the backlash toward the Thanksgiving weekend dates for the convention with the following statement:

“As longtime fans ourselves, we have attended many conventions over that holiday weekend, opting to spend Thanksgiving day with family and the rest of the weekend with friends and our families of choice. While this is not unusual in the convention trade, we understand this choice is not optimal for everyone. Currently we do not know whether having this event in November is even feasible as we are still in the midst of the pandemic.”

ReedPop and New York Comic Con have not yet announced the full, official details for the 2021 convention.