Friday at Comic-Con International saw the same waves of thousands and thousands of people in downtown San Diego, both inside and outside of the San Diego Convention Center, showing that the long lines and beating sunshine would not deter the masses.
Cosplayers showed up in full battle gear, body paint, high heels, fake heads, masks and every other costume piece you can think of, handmake, order online or 3D print. It was also another day of star sightings, including three-time Academy Award winning director Guillermo del Toro.
The San Diego Union-Tribune’s reporters, editors and photographers were roaming around looking for the most interesting things to see. Here’s what they found.
This article will be updated throughout the day.
“Halo” continues to be a popular choice for cosplayers
Christopher Loomis from Denver, Colorado, as a Spartan cosplayer from the video game “Halo” at Comic-Con. (Maya Santiago / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Christopher Loomis from Denver, Colorado, said he has been San Diego Comic-Con 10 times and has been sporting his Spartan cosplay, from the video game Halo, for the past six years. He said the hand made design took him six months to create and he continues to make alterations and hone is craft each year. “I love coming out here and seeing all my friends,” Loomis said. “I think the friendship is my favorite part.”
— Maya Santiago
AMC Theatres inside Comic-Con
AMC Theatres made an appearance inside the exhibit hall as booth No. 3945. This was the scene Friday at Comic-Con. (Maya Santiago / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The AMC movie booth draws fans in with a recreation of a classic movie theater entrance, complete with a menu of film-inspired merchandise, including hats, blankets and plush toys. The selection features items tied to recent releases such as “Supergirl,” “The Odyssey” and “Toy Story 5” alongside fan favorites from Harry Potter and Hello Kitty, which continue to sell out quickly, according to Tiffany Scantlebury-Wheeler, AMC’s merchandising marketing manager. Visitors can pose for photos and shop for exclusive merchandise inspired by their favorite films. “We wanted to tease and show fans what we have coming, but also bring back some of their favorites,” said Scantlebury-Wheeler. No. 3945. Exhibit Hall.
— Maya Santiago
Fans fight to save their beloved franchise
A flyover banner was seen above the San Diego Convention Center on Friday pushing for Amazon MGM Studios to save a “Stargate” series which was reportedly canceled before it hit screens. (Phillip Molnar / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
A flyover banner was seen above the San Diego Convention Center on Friday pushing for Amazon MGM Studios to save a “Stargate” series which was reportedly canceled before it hit screens. (Phillip Molnar / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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A flyover banner was seen above the San Diego Convention Center on Friday pushing for Amazon MGM Studios to save a “Stargate” series which was reportedly canceled before it hit screens. (Phillip Molnar / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
A small plane was flying over the San Diego Convention Center on Friday morning with a banner asking fans to “save Stargate.” A new show in the “Stargate” franchise was recently scrapped by Amazon MGM, frustrating some fans. The banner could be seen by attendees of San Diego Comic-Con International walking in the Gaslamp Quarter.
— Phillip Molnar
The Lodge by Paramount+
Republic City Marketplace, “Avatar” bar at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Dutton Bar at Dutton Ranch at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
An authentic model of the U.S.S. Enterprise used in the original pilot and series at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
“Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender” Republic City Marketplace at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Dutton Ranch display at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
A “Star Trek” DJ at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
“South Park” and UFC signs at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
A “Star Trek” bartender does the Vulcan salute at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The herding game at Dutton Ranch at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
“South Park” display at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
“Star Trek” Cosmic Drops and Vulcan Sunset cocktails at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Republic City Marketplace, “Avatar” bar at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Lodge, an immersive experience by Paramount+, returns to Happy Does Bar the Gaslamp District this year. It features cocktails, swag, games and photo-ops for many popular shows. Fans can explore the U.S.S. Port Galley for “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” where they can enjoy nutrition cubes and drinks like Cosmic Drops and Vulcan Sunset while vibing to an alien DJ. They can also explore the Republic City Marketplace from “Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender” or find their way through “South Park.” On display as well are UFC and “Dutton Ranch.”
— Madeleine Kashkooli
The Daily Bugle
A marketer Friday morning was handing out copies of “The Daily Bugle,” the fictional newspaper in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Phillip Molnar / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
A marketer Friday morning was handing out copies of “The Daily Bugle,” the fictional newspaper in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Phillip Molnar / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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A marketer Friday morning was handing out copies of “The Daily Bugle,” the fictional newspaper in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Phillip Molnar / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
A marketer Friday morning was handing out copies of “The Daily Bugle,” the fictional newspaper where Spider-Man works as a photographer, under the Gaslamp archway. The promotion was for the upcoming film, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” The newspaper was light on articles and more focused on advertisements for Spider-Man toys.
— Phillip Molnar
Harry Potter cosplayers
Harry Potter cosplayers, led by Kim Hutsell as Albus Dumbledore, gather together in front of Melvin Edwards’ “Breaking of the Chains” on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Harry Potter cosplayers, led by Kim Hutsell as Albus Dumbledore, gather together in front of Melvin Edwards’ “Breaking of the Chains” on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Harry Potter cosplayers, led by Kim Hutsell as Albus Dumbledore, gather together in front of Melvin Edwards’ “Breaking of the Chains” on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Harry Potter cosplayers continue to warm the hearts of Comic-Con attendees, even though the final film in the franchise was released almost exactly 15 years ago. This group of cosplayers, led by San Diego’s Kim Hutsell as Albus Dumbledore, said this was either their 10th or 12th anniversary of meeting up together, though Hutsell said he has been coming to Comic-Con since the 80s.
— Abby Hamblin
Director Guillermo del Toro hits the exhibit hall
Director Guillermo del Toro was seen signing autographs at Insight Editions booth No. 2129 Friday afternoon at Comic-Con. (Maya Santiago / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro held a signing for an exclusive “Pan’s Labryinth” art print and the collector’s Tarot del Toro bundle, followed by a meet-and-greet. The ticketed event was limited to the first 20 purchasers and sold out almost instantly during Wednesday’s preview night. Even after tickets were gone, eager fans continued lining up around the booth in hopes of catching a glimpse of the director.
— Maya Santiago
This family is dedicated to cosplay
The Ford Family from Atlanta, George, showed of their X-Men cosplay outside the San Diego Convention Center Friday. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Ford Family, which documents its cosplay on Instagram as @fordfamilystrong, was seen outside the San Diego Convention Center dressed as X-Men characters. From left: Aiden Ford as Gambit, Christopher Ford as Cyclops, Carter Ford as Wolverine and Alyssa Ford as Jubilee. The family, from Atlanta, Georgia, has previously cosplayed as the Addams Family, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” characters and “The Incredibles.”
— Abby Hamblin
A classic “Batman” cosplay
Marty Axiotis (Poison Ivy), George Axiotis (Robin), Wayne Jacobs (Batman) and Jackie Jacobs (Catwoman) traveled from the Washington, D.C. area to attend their first Comic-Con Friday. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
This crew of cosplayers, who want to make sure everyone knows they’re specifically representing the 1966 film version of “Batman,” traveled from Washington, D.C. to be in San Diego Friday. Asked their ages, the crew responded “over 60,” then, “over 50.” They said they’ve been friends for decades and it’s their first trip to Comic-Con.
— Abby Hamblin
Green Day in Gallagher Square
Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day surprises fans to promote their new film “Nimrods” during 2026 Comic-Con International: San Diego at Petco Park on July 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day surprises fans to promote their new film “Nimrods” during 2026 Comic-Con International: San Diego at Petco Park on July 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
(L-R) Billie Joe Armstrong, Tré Cool and Mike Dirnt of Green Day surprise fans to promote their new film “Nimrods” during 2026 Comic-Con International: San Diego at Petco Park on July 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Green Day stopped by Gallagher Square in Petco Park on Friday to promote an upcoming moving, sing a few songs and pass out merch to fans. (Phillip Molnar / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt walked out to greet the crowd at Gallagher Square at Petco Park Friday. (Phillip Molnar / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Green Day singer, guitarist and songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong throws merch to the crowd at Petco Park’s Gallagher Square Friday at Comic-Con. (Madeleine Kashkooli / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Green Day stopped by Gallagher Square in Petco Park on Friday to promote an upcoming moving, sing a few songs and pass out merch to fans. (Phillip Molnar / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day surprises fans to promote their new film “Nimrods” during 2026 Comic-Con International: San Diego at Petco Park on July 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong played a medley of songs from the band’s catalog on top of an ice cream truck Friday afternoon at Gallagher Square. After the songs, he threw T-shirts, cassette tapes and ice cream to attendees. The appearance was a promotion of new film “Nimrods,” inspired by the band. Mason Thames and Jenna Fischer, actors in the upcoming “Nimrods” movie, were also there and threw ice cream into the crowd. Bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tre Cool made people ice cream in the truck.
— Madeleine Kashkooli and Phillip Molnar
Mission Control: STEAM Activity Room
The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Back row: aerospace engineer Sydney Hamilton, inventor Cori Lathan, earthquake geologist Wendy Bohon, AI scientist Kay Savage, molecular biologist Beata Mierzwa and ecologists Johanna Varner and Tammy Goulet. Front row: neuroscientist Liz Engler-Chiurazzi, computer scientists Bea Gandica and Gracie Ermi. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
In the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, a group of organizations, including IF/THEN, the Fleet Science Center and Cosplay for Science, combine to form a fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE) from which visitors can learn about various skills and careers in science in a Mission Control program as they earn badges for completing missions. Ambassadors representing fields such as ecology, neuroscience, computer science and geology guide participants through the activities such as digging for and testing gems and collecting trading cards for various women in STEAM fields.
— Abby Hamblin