Fans who are expecting to hear announcements about the next "Spider-Man," "Ninja Turtles," or "Transformers" installments during this year's San Diego Comic-Con may be disappointed as their movie studios have announced that they will have to skip the event.
Variety recently revealed that both Sony Pictures and Paramount Pictures will be missing in the exhibitors' roster for the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con next month. Marvel Studios is also an absentee this year, as confirmed by "Guardians of the Galaxy" filmmaker James Gunn early in March.
The studios' decision to skip the international multi-genre trade exhibit is based on necessity, a spokesperson told the website.
"It wasn't a knock against Comic-Con, the film cycles just didn't allow it," the spokesperson explained.
Several sources told the site that Sony and Paramount do not have a film ready for promotion in time for this year's exhibit, while Marvel already released its new "Avengers" roster during a past event last October.
However, fans still have a lot to look forward to at the legendary Hall H exhibit, since Warner Bros. chose the venue to unveil more details about the highly-anticipated "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" movie. Lionsgate will also be in attendance to discuss "The Last Witch Hunter" starring Vin Diesel, and Jennifer Lawrence's final "The Hunger Games" film, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2." Meanwhile, the 20th Century Fox is also expected to reveal more updates about the next "Fantastic Four" installment as well as unveil an "X-Men" teaser during its appearance this year.
But all those who will attend the exhibit are expected to follow the new set of rules that will be implemented during the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. In the official blogsite Toucan, the organizers posted several updated rules regarding the use of special technologies during the event. One of them is the prohibition of using selfie sticks or similar devices.
It says: "With so many people in attendance, protruding cameras or phones sticking up in the air are a definite hazard. Drones and other flying devices like helium balloons and other helium-filled products are also not allowed inside the premises."
Live-streaming apps and Google Glass use are also prohibited in the areas where exhibits and panels will take place. Also, smoking inside the premises, including vapes and e-cigarettes are strictly banned during the event.
The 2015 San Diego Comic-Con is scheduled to take place from July 9 to 12 at the San Diego Convention Center.
