Comic-Con 2026: Marvel returns to Hall H and 'Spaceballs' sequel hype begins

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Avengers appear set to return to Hall H as Marvel Studios uses Comic-Con International to build hype for the December release of “Avengers: Doomsday” — and chart a path forward as audience interest in superhero films has waned.

That panel on Saturday is the most-anticipated hour of the nation’s biggest pop culture convention, which opens in San Diego on Wednesday evening. Early bird shoppers can snag exclusive collectibles like a $25 “KPop Demon Hunters”-themed Hot Wheels Porsche 911 and $60 “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” customizable Funko figure set.

More than 120,000 people are expected at the four-day expo, which began in 1970 with a gathering of several hundred sci-fi and comics fans and an in-person appearance from Marvel icon Jack Kirby.

Comic-Con has grown to include cosplay contests, autograph booths, obstacle courses, concerts and panels covering everything from video games — new titles feature Wolverine and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — to movie poster art and fencing. (Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden and “Ghosts” actor Asher Grodman will discuss “Hollywood’s Love Affair With Fencing” on Thursday.)

DC Studios, which like Marvel sat out last year’s Comic-Con because the publicity campaign timing wasn’t right, will showcase its HBO “Lanterns” series with a “training headquarters” activation in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and a Friday panel featuring stars Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler.

That presentation, like Marvel’s, will be in the convention center’s 6,500-person premier showcase: Hall H. Livestreams aren’t allowed inside but online reaction from fans in attendance can swiftly lift — or doom — a film or TV show’s prospects.

Another prestige TV highlight: Actors from “Widow’s Bay” are expected to pay a visit to the bayside convention center on Saturday as Apple TV celebrates the comedy-horror series’ 19 Emmy nominations.

Comedy fans won’t need to comb the desert to find updates on “Spaceballs: The New One,” the focus of a Friday panel. The film set for release next year features Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman and 100-year-old Mel Brooks reprising their roles from Brooks’ 1987 parody.

Matt Armstrong, of San Diego, dressed as the character Luigi from the Mario Kart video game series, greets attendees during preview night for Comic-Con International on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

A Comic-Con attendee takes a cell phone picture of a bust of a male velociraptor from the film "Jurassic Park III" at the Elite Creature Collectibles booth during preview night at Comic-Con International on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Zeb McCollum of Winston-Salem, N.C., dressed as the character Vox from the "Hazbin Hotel" streaming series, strikes a pose before preview night at Comic-Con International on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Comic-Con attendees take pictures of model figures at the Sideshow Collectibles booth during preview night at Comic-Con International on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Daniel Huerta, from Simi Valley, Calif., poses for a photo dressed as "Red Guardian" during preview night for Comic-Con International on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in San Diego. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

FILE - Signage appears during Comic-Con International in San Diego on July 26, 2024. (Photo by Christy Radecic/Invision/AP, FIle)

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick in this year's draft, signed a four-year, $57.27 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday.

The Raiders hold a fifth-year option.

Mendoza was the last of the Raiders' 10 draft picks to sign.

“I’m excited to get this thing signed," Mendoza said on the team's social media post. "I’m excited to be a part of the silver and black. Can’t wait.”

He ran the third-team offense in organized team activities and minicamp, but is expected to take on a larger role in training camp, which begins Wednesday.

Veteran Kirk Cousins, who signed a free-agent contract worth $20 million guaranteed, enters camp as the No. 1 quarterback.

How long Cousins hangs on to that spot will be the main storyline in camp and perhaps into the season.

Mendoza hopes to translate the success he experienced in his final season of college football in which he won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to its first national championship.

Also, star pass rusher Maxx Crosby said on his podcast “The Rush” that he would join the rookies for their training camp. Crosby has been working his way back from knee surgery.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Fernando Mendoza accepts the best college athlete, mens sports award at the ESPY Awards in the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

FILE - Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza throws during the NFL football team's practice Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/John Locher)