Comic Con 2016: 18 best events to watch out for at San Diego, from Game of Thrones to Suicide Squad

Possible trailers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Walking Dead season 7, and Sherlock season 4

This year’s San Diego Comic-Con is set to be another incredible event, with almost every pop-culture TV show, film franchise, and Comic book series appearing at the celebratory event.

With the schedule having been released, revealing when the dozens of panels will take place, fans are curiously seeing what they can and can’t make.

To help out both those attending and those at home, we’ve rounded up the 18 must-see events at this year’s event, ranging from Game of Thrones to The Simpsons.

1. Marvel’s Luke Cage - Thursday 5:45pm - 6:45pm

What to expect: Having debuted in Jessica Jones, excitement for Luke Cage is at fever pitch. Yet very little footage of the show has been released. A small trailer hit the internet earlier this year, so expect a full-length one to drop at the event. Fingers crossed for the cast to be there as well.

Official write up: The cast of the upcoming Netflix original series Marvel's Luke Cage make their first-ever appearance, answering questions and giving fans a look at exclusive footage from the highly anticipated series, ahead of its September 30 global debut on Netflix. Moderated by Jeph Loeb (executive producer and Marvel's Head of Television).

2. Sausage Party Filmmaker Conversation - Thursday 5:45pm - 6:30pm

What to expect: Seth Rogan’s R-Rated animated comedy is coming to Comic-Con; straight after a panel featuring Rogan and Evan Goldberg, the film will be shown to the attendees, so expect fan reactions to hit Twitter soon after.

Official write up: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have been the masterminds behind some of the world's most outrageous, inventive, and hilarious comedies, and now they are going into the world of animation for Sony Pictures and Annapurna Pictures' Sausage Party: the world's first R-rated CG animated comedy. The film is about a group of supermarket products on a quest to discover the truth about their existence and what really happens when they become chosen to leave the grocery story. Not only will you hear all about it as Seth and Evan lead a conversation, you can see the movie for yourself. Following the conversation, attend the pre-party starting at 6PM at the Mad House Comedy Club, Horton Plaza and screening at 8PM at the UA Horton Plaza 8 Theater (attendees at the panel should check in at the theater by 7:45PM for guaranteed screening admittance).

3. Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion's Con Man Panel - Friday 10.30am - 11.30am

(Vimeo (Vimeo)

What to expect: One of the best web-series to have graced the internet in the past few years was Con Man, detailing the adventures of a fictional Tudyk as he visits Comic-Cons across the world. A sneak peak at season two looks set to be shown. Expect the discussion to touch on Firefly at the very least.

Official write up: Alan Tudyk (Firefly, Powerless, Star Wars: Rogue One) and Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog), along with P. J. Haarsma, Felicia Day, Nolan North, Mindy Sterling, and many more, discuss their wild ride with Comic-Con HQ on season 2 and the amazing friends and unforgettable fans who made season one possible. You can expect plenty of surprise guests, giveaways, and one very special sneak peek! Moderated by Nathan Fillion.

4. AMC’s The Walking Dead - Friday 1:00pm - 2:00pm

What to expect: With season six of The Walking Dead finishing on a huge cliff-hanger, no doubt everything from this panel will be scrutinized with a fine toothed comb by fans of the series. A sneak peak at season seven also looks in order, hopefully revealing some interesting new details.

Official write up: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, Chandler Riggs, Sonequa Martin-Green, Michael Cudlitz, Josh McDermitt, Ross Marquand, Christian Serratos, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan join executive producer and showrunner Scott M. Gimple, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer Dave Alpert, and special effects makeup supervisor and executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist,Talking Dead). The panelists will discuss the shocking finale of season 6 and a sneak peek into season 7, debuting in October on AMC.

What to expect: Civil War hit cinemas earlier this year and quickly grossed over $1 billion dollars worldwide, one of the biggest releases of 2016. While you shouldn’t expect any big reveals, writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely will surely have some thorough insight into the Marvel mega-hit.

Official write up: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (writers of Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: Winter Soldier) discuss the joys and challenges of adapting the beloved comic tale into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Backstory Magazine publisher Jeff Goldsmith (host of The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith podcast). Bring your question!

6. Game of Thrones Panel and Q&A Session - Friday 2:15pm - 3:15pm

What to expect: Season six has only just wrapped, but attention has already turned to season seven. Fingers crossed for some reveals - perhaps Bran actor Isaac Hempstead Wright will explain how his character’s time-travelling is going to play out?

Official write up: Based on the bestselling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, HBO's Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series Game of Thrones concluded its 10-episode sixth season in June and will begin filming its seventh season later this year. The series, executive produced and written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, is an epic story of treachery and nobility, set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years. Cast panelists include (in alphabetical order) John Bradley as Samwell Tarly, Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth, Nathalie Emmanuel as Missandei, Conleth Hill as Varys, Faye Marsay as The Waif, Hannah Murray as Gilly, Kristian Nairn as Hodor, Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Bolton, Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark, and Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark. Moderated by Rob McElhenney (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia).

7. Marvel Television: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. - Friday 3:00pm - 4:00pm

(Marvel/Disney)

What to expect: Season three of Marvel’s non-Netflix TV show finished with quite the bang earlier this year, fans now eagerly expecting season four and the continued adventures of the Inhumans. Exclusive footage is set to show, hopefully from the upcoming season.

Official write up: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. executive producer and head of Marvel Television Jeph Loeb and cast members Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, Henry Simmons, Elizabeth Henstridge, and Iain De Caestecker, co-creators and executive producers Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, and executive producer Jeff Bell share the secrets, lies, and dangers of making season 3! See exclusive footage and surprise moments, and be the first to learn what's in store for season 4! The action-packed series from Marvel Television returns this fall, only on ABC.

8. [adult swim]: Samurai Jack - Friday 3:15pm - 4:00pm

What to expect: Samurai Jack is back! And we know very little about it. Chances are director Genndy Tartakovsky will have a lot to say about the show returning to our TV screens, and perhaps an exclusive look at what’s to come.

Official write up: Creator/director Genndy Tartakovsky, head writer Darrick Bachman, art director Scott Wills, storyboard artist Bryan Andrews, and character designer Craig Kellman give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming revival of hit animated action-adventure series Samurai Jack. Moderated by Tom Kenny (Samurai Jack, Spongebob Squarepants).

9. AMC’s Preacher - Friday 6:30pm - 8:30pm

What to expect: Preacher has proven a huge hit among many comic book fans, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s onscreen adaptation staying faithful to the tone of the source material while Dominic Cooper has shown he can be a brilliant leading actor. Expect revelations about the first season as well as what’s to come.

Official write up: Executive producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg join comic book co-creator and series co-executive producer Garth Ennis and members of the cast including Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, Joseph Gilgun, Ian Colletti and Graham McTavish in a panel moderated by Kevin Smith, to discuss the first season of the hit series. Join the panelists for a live reading of the newest episode, airing Sunday, July 24 at 9pm on AMC, followed by a Q&A session.

10. DC Rebirth: Batman - Saturday 11:15am - 12:15pm

What to expect: DC are putting on a number of events based on their comic book Rebirth, but none will be as closely examined as the one focusing on Batman. Details on the Dark Knight’s story arc will either excite comic book fans or prove controversial, you’ll just have to wait and see.

Official write up: Even after 75 plus years of stories, the family of Batman comics couldn't be any hotter! The DC Rebirth talent behind your favorite Dark Knight tales present an exclusive look at what's in store for the World's Greatest Detective! With Julie and Shawna Benson (Batgirl and the Birds of Prey), Tom King (Batman), Scott Snyder (All-Star Batman), James Tynion IV (Detective Comics), and others, this is the best time to explore Gotham City.

11. Warner Bros. Pictures - Saturday 11:30am - 1:30pm

(Warner Bros.)

What to expect: Warner Bros. have a pretty packed schedule, including the likes of Suicide Squad, Justice League, Fantastic Beasts and The Lego films. Expect some exclusive footage, new trailers, and some of the cast popping along.

Official write up: A sneak peek at upcoming releases.

12. The Simpsons - Saturday 12:00pm - 12:45pm

What to expect: With The Simpsons heading into its 600th episode (600!), show creator Matt Groening is heading to Comic Con for what could be an extremely exciting panel. Alongside him will be The Simpsons Movie director David Silverman: could an announcement of a new movie be on the way?

Official write up: The Simpsons is heading into its 600th episode. Creator Matt Groening, executive producers Al Jean and Matt Selman, supervising director Mike B. Anderson, Oscar-nominated director of The Simpsons Movie David Silverman, and voice of Bart Simpson Nancy Cartwright offer some juicy tidbits on the 28th season and beyond!

13. Star Trek - Saturday 2:00pm - 3:00pm

What to expect: 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Comic-Con stalwart Star Trek, with dozens of panels about the iconic show taking part at this year’s event. On Saturday, however, one of the biggest will take place, featuring discussions by the likes of William Shatner, Scott Bakula, and Michael Dorn.

Official write up: September 8, 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Star Trek's first broadcast. What began as a TV show became a window into the future and a reflection of our greatest hopes and dreams. By envisioning a world where technology and science improve the human condition, and where peace and unity transcend conflict and separation, Star Trek has inspired children, parents, engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and viewers around the world. It's also spurred countless real-world innovations and "firsts," giving name to a Space Shuttle (the Enterprise), launching one of the first and most passionate worldwide fandoms, and featuring the first interracial kiss on American network television. Join William Shatner, Scott Bakula, Michael Dorn, Jeri Ryan, and Brent Spiner for a conversation moderated by Bryan Fuller, executive producer of the new Star Trek television series coming to CBS All Access, following its network premiere in 2017.

14. Aliens: 30th Anniversary - Saturday 3:15pm - 4:15pm

What to expect: Another anniversary, this time of the iconic space film Aliens. Director James Cameron is taking a break from working on those four Avatar sequels to attend the event, while Ripley herself, Sigourney Weaver, will also be in attendance. Expect a few words on Alien 5 as well.

Official write up: Writer/director James Cameron (Avatar) and producer Gale Anne Hurd (The Walking Dead) join cast members Sigourney Weaver (Avatar), Bill Paxton (True Lies), Lance Henriksen (Millennium), Michael Biehn (The Terminator), and Paul Reiser (Red Oaks) for a look back at the iconic science fiction classic in honor of the film's 30th anniversary.

15. The Flash Special Video Presentation and Q&A - Saturday 5:00pm - 5:45pm

What to expect: Having overtaken Arrow as the best DC show on TV at the moment, The Flash have proven to be hugely popular at events. The cast and crew behind the series will be at the event answering questions on season two and offering some words on the upcoming season three.

Official write up: Parallel universes and doppelgangers and man-sharks, oh my! The second season of The CW's highest-rated series had more than its fair share of twists and turns, but none compared to Barry Allen's jaw-dropping decision to go back in time and save his mother from his arch-nemesis, Reverse-Flash, a decision that called the entire timeline into question. But fear not fans, you won't have to wait until the fall to start getting answers to some of your most pressing questions, as the cast and creative team behind the show will be giving fans insight into the show's highly anticipated third season. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW; The Flash: The Complete Second Season will be released on Blu-ray combo pack, DVD, and Digital HD on September 6.

16. Marvel Studios - Saturday 5:30pm - 6:45pm

What to expect: Doctor Strange and Guardians of the Galaxy 2 are likely to be big features of this Marvel panel - expect new footage from both as well as the likes of Chris Pratt and James Gunn to appear on stage.

Official write up: Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige and special guests provide an inside look at the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

17. Sherlock - Sunday 10:00am - 11:00am

Cumberbatch will be back for another series of the BBC detective drama, expected early next year (BBC)

What to expect: On the final day of Comic-Con, one of the last big panels is about the BBC’s worldwide hit, Sherlock. Hopefully, Gatiss and Moffatt can both answer some questions on the Christmas special and the upcoming season four.

Official write up: Amanda Abbington (Mary Watson), Mark Gatiss (co-creator/executive producer/writer), Steven Moffat (co-creator/executive producer/writer), and Sue Vertue (producer) discuss the latest adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his long-suffering faithful friend, Dr. John Watson. Moderated by Chris Hardwick. Coming to PBS Masterpiece during the 2016-17 season.

18. FOX's Action Showcase: Prison Break and 24: Legacy - Sunday 12:30pm - 1:30pm

What to expect: With both Prison Break and 24 back on screens, expect revelatory information on both from the actors themselves.

Official write up: Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies, Robert Knepper, and producers Vaun Wilmott and Michael Horowitz greet fans fresh out of production to share their behind-the-scenes experiences from set and show a special sneak peek of all new footage! The legacy continues with Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton), Miranda Otto (Homeland, Lord of the Rings), and Jimmy Smits (Sons of Anarchy, Star Wars: Episodes II &III), who join the creators/producers of the original 24-Howard Gordon, Manny Coto, and Evan Katz-for a special fan presentation of the highly anticipated new series.