San Diego Comic-Con International is mere days away, and with it the promise of collectible grab bags and star sightings. But this year something else fans have come to expect might be missing: Leaked Trailers.
Director James Gunn, in a response to a fan’s question about upcoming Guardians of The Galaxy 2 via Facebook last week, hinted at the use of new technology to prevent fans armed with cell phones from leaking special previews intended for the diehards in Hall H.
Well, you might see something if you’re in Hall H on July 23 with me and the Marvel panel. Or if someone secretly films that – which is less likely to happen because of new technology, but I still know sometimes happens – then you’ll see it right after. If not then, it will be a short while.
While some would argue that trailers released for the Comic-Con audiences are advertising, meant to be released in some part to the masses anyway, industry executives disagree.
After last years Suicide Squad trailer was leaked, Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution for Warner Bros. released a rather harshly worded statement,
“We have no plans currently to release the Suicide Squad footage that leaked from Hall H on Saturday. It’s unfortunate and ultimately damaging that one individual broke a long-standing trust we have enjoyed with our fans at the convention by posting early material, which, at this point, was not intended for a wider audience. We are still in production on Suicide Squad, and will have a big campaign launch in the future. Our presentation yesterday was designed to be experienced in that room, on those big screens!”
Kroll’s statement is understandable, considering the fact that no artist wants audiences to judge their work on a rough draft, and sometimes that is exactly what Hall H fans are getting.
While the individual mentioned was far from alone, Gunn’s remark leads us to believe that the ire rained down from the studios was enough to push convention organizers to do their best to reduce the risk of leaked footage, protecting the integrity of upcoming features.
Gunn, and Marvel it would seem, are content with the added measures, but 20th Century Fox is not. The studio will not present a showcase at this year’s convention.
Last year’s leak of Deadpool footage is credited with a huge boost of free advertising from fans, and possibly even getting the film finished, but it doesn’t look like that is enough for Fox to risk further leaks. Fans who had hoped to see more Assassin’s Creed footage, and possibly a dash of the studios Untitled Wolverine project will simply have to wait until Fox releases trailers online.
While studios were outspoken in their displeasure of untimely releases, many released these same trailers only hours after they premiered in the hall, including Disney/Lucas Films Star Wars:The Force Awakens and Warner Bros’ Batman v. Superman:Dawn of Justice, giving fans unable to attend a chance to enjoy legally and without the long wait.
Hall H this year will be Warner Bros. heavy, with the studio presenting Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them, The LEGO Batman Movie, Suicide Squad, Kong: Skull Island. Marvel will bring more on the Guardians of the Galaxy as promised by Gunn, as well as Doctor Strange.
Only time will tell if this mysterious new technology will plug the leak, and if fans can wait five minutes to see the latest shiny new footage.
Will you be in Hall H, or at home trolling the net for leaks? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to Geek for the latest from San Diego Comic-con International 2016.
Images: HBO, 20th Century Fox, SDCCI
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