Another year, another San Diego Comic-Con, another weekend of me being glued to my computer waiting for announcements about my favorite TV shows. And this year has not disappointed. Here are some of the best reveals and trailers so far:
**Marvel & Netflix’s “Luke Cage,” “Iron Fist” and “The Defenders”**
After the major success following the release of “Daredevil” and “Jessica Jones,” this partnership has been lining up new project after new project to share in the coming year or so. Like most things in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, these shows are all connected. Luke Cage was a recurring character on “Jessica Jones” who deserved a show of his own, and “The Defenders” intends to bring together all the heroes currently starring in their own Netflix originals to fight for their city in a miniseries.
The beauty about these Comic-Con teaser trailers is that they reveal the tone of the show without giving you much insight into the storyline. Out of all the shows, people probably know the most about “Luke Cage” because he was a previously recurring character, and the teaser trailer is just making fans of him more excited. “Iron Fist” is a show I don’t know anything about, so I’m intrigued to see what else we’ll get to see in the coming months leading to its premiere.
“The Defenders” has the shortest teaser trailer but might have the most pressure to be successful. This is like “The Avengers” of the TV world. It has to unite multiple superhero storylines in a seamless way that won’t seem clunky or unnecessary. If it does it well, it will set a precedent for future Marvel TV endeavors. If it fails, well … who knows. For now, I’m just going to rewatch the trailer a few hundred more times.
**Game of Thrones**
The panel at Comic-Con discussed what happened during season six and helped speculate about what might happen during season seven. But what really captured the internet’s attention was the sharing of the season six blooper reel. Two minutes of the actors tripping over their lines and sharing a few choice swear words at the same time. It’s pure fun, and really, isn’t that what Comic Con’s about?
**Bates Motel**
The show announced that in its fifth and final season, Rihanna will be taking on the iconic role of Marion Crane, who checks into the Bates Motel in the movie “Psycho.” The internet might explode. This makes me want to marathon it before it ends just so I get to witness Rihanna in her first major television role with the rest of the world. Who knows? Maybe she’ll be like Lady Gaga and win a Golden Globe for her performance.
**American Gods**
Even if you haven’t heard the name Neil Gaiman before, you’ve probably witnessed his work in some shape or form. The movie “Coraline” is based on one of his novels, he’s written for shows like “Doctor Who” and even adapted the English script for Hayao Miyazaki’s “Princess Mononoke.” His 2001 novel “American Gods” is being adapted into a television series on Starz with Bryan Fuller at the helm and fans are excited. The first trailer was released during Comic-Con and it looks fantastic. The cast is great, the story is great, and hopefully, this show will be great.