N.Y. Comic Con 2016 Preview: A 'Batman' Throwback, Harley Quinn, 'The Great Wall,' and More Must-See Movie-Related Panels

Launched in 2006, the New York Comic Con hits the big 1-0 this year and celebrates with a lineup of movie-related events geared for film enthusiasts of all ages. So whether you geek out over the ’60s (Batman and Roger Corman), the ’70s (Star Wars), the ’80s (Real Genius), or the ’90s (Power Rangers), there’s something on the schedule to get excited about. Here’s our curated guide to the movie panels we’ll line up to see.

These are the toys we’re looking for

Although Rogue One won’t have a major movie-related presence at NYCC, we can still play in that far, far away galaxy (and potentially sniff out some spoilers), courtesy of toy giant Hasbro’s presentation of its Star Wars wares. We call dibs on the K-2SO figure!

Hasbro Star Wars: Thurs., Oct. 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m., Room 1A21

Holy revival, Batman!

Adam West and Burt Ward are back as the Dynamic Duo, providing the voices of the Caped Crusader and Boy Wonder in the new animated film Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, the long-awaited sequel to their 1966 big-screen Batman and Robin adventure (an offshoot of the camp classic TV series). Cartoons really are the best, old chum.

Adam West Talks Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders: Thurs., Oct. 6, 2:30-2:45 p.m., NYCC Live Stage, Booth #154
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders Screening: Thurs., Oct. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Main Stage 1-D

Corman’s Car Shop

Who said the King of the B’s reign was over? No one! DIY filmmaking legend Roger Corman, who turned 90 this past April, revs his NYCC engine by introducing his 412th feature (!) as a producer, Death Race 2050, the new sequel to his 1975 favorite, Death Race 2000. Now with extra Malcolm McDowell in place of David Carradine.

Roger Corman’s Death Race 2050: The Future Is Now: Thurs., Oct. 6, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Room 1A06

Black Panther 101

With director Ryan Coogler currently set to start shooting Marvel’s Black Panther solo feature in early 2017, here’s a timely opportunity to brush up on the character’s illustrious 50-year history and learn which Easter eggs to watch for when the movie arrives in theaters in February 2018.

Marvel: 50 Years of Black Panther: Fri., Oct. 7, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, Room 1A06

Underworld Residents

2017 adds new movies to two of the most popular female-fronted genre franchises. In the case of Resident Evil, this sixth installment is being billed as The Final Chapter, so be prepared to say your goodbyes to Milla Jovovich’s Alice as she battles the Umbrella Corp. and its zombie hordes one last time. Meanwhile, Kate Beckinsale is back for more Blood Wars in the fifth Underworld feature. Both actresses will be on hand to introduce clips from their respective movies. When are we getting the crossover blockbuster, Resident Evil: Underworld?

Screen Gems: Resident Evil: The Final Chapter and Underworld: Blood Wars, Fri., Oct. 7, 1:30-2:30 p.m., the Theater at Madison Square Garden

Make a monkey out of Andy

Mo-cap master Andy Serkis receives NYCC’s equivalent of a lifetime achievement award with a solo “Career Conversation” covering his groundbreaking work, from Gollum to Caesar. And don’t be surprised if you see current footage of Serkis going ape with a sneak peek at War for the Planet of the Apes, due in theaters next summer.

Career Conversation: War For the Planet of the Apes Star Andy Serkis: Fri., Oct. 7, 3:00-4:00 p.m., the Theater at Madison Square Garden

The Mighty Quinn

The Joker’s No. 1 fan, Harley Quinn, celebrated her 25th birthday by becoming the breakout star of this summer’s blockbuster Suicide Squad, for which she earned more positive reviews than her beloved Mr. J. The current writers of the Harley Quinn solo comic will discuss her enduring appeal, and NYCC is also teasing an audio appearance by a “special surprise guest”; hmmm, might we hear a name that rhymes with, say, “Shargo Bobby”?

Harley Quinn: Past, Present and Future: Fri., Oct. 7, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Room 1A21

Off the wall

Matt Damon stars in China’s most ambitious attempt at an international blockbuster to date, working with legendary director Zhang Yimou. That union of actor and filmmaker alone is worth the price of admission.

A Look Inside Legendary’s Upcoming Action-Fantasy The Great Wall: Sat., Oct. 8, 12:30-1:30 p.m., the Theater at Madison Square Garden

Keanu Power

All together now: Whoa. Neo himself will be gracing NYCC with his presence to stoke our anticipation for John Wick: Chapter 2, the continuing adventures of Reeves’s puppy-loving assassin. And continuing the theme of revitalized ’90s action stars, Lionsgate will treat audiences to footage of the rebooted Power Rangers, starring Elizabeth Banks as the Rangers’ nemesis, Rita Repulsa.

Power Rangers and John Wick: Chapter 2: Sat., Oct. 8, 2:00-3:00 p.m., the Theater at Madison Square Garden

Going dark

As if Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice weren’t dark enough, here comes Justice League Dark, an animated adventure starring some of the DC Universe’s most skilled supernatural warriors. Matt Ryan reprises his TV role as John Constantine alongside magician Zatanna (Camilla Luddington), phantom detective Deadman (Nicholas Turturro), and the demon, Etrigan (Ray Chase). Here’s hoping Zack Snyder isn’t taking notes for his own Justice League movie.

Justice League Dark: Exclusive First Look: Sat., Oct. 8, 4:45-5:45 p.m., Main Stage 1-D

When we were brats

Children of the ’80s will want to be in the room for this conversation with Amy Heckerling and Martha Coolidge. Heckerling, of course, directed such seminal high school movies as Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Clueless, while Coolidge is the person we can all thank for gifting us with Val Kilmer (via Real Genius) and Nic Cage (courtesy of Valley Girl).

Brat Pack America: A Salute to ’80s Teen Movies and the Pioneering Directors of Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Real Genius: Sat., Oct. 8, 6:45-7:45 p.m., Room 1A24

Hulking Out

There’s no need to wait for Thor: Ragnarok for more Hulk-related action. Marvel Animation debuts a horror-laced Hulk cartoon feature that teams up the green giant with Doctor Strange and the Howling Commandos.

Marvel’s Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell: Sun., Oct. 9, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Room 1A06