"Welcome to Derry" and "Peacemaker" Headline San Diego Comic-Con 2025 — Here’s Everything to Expect
Get ready for chills, laughs, and a whole lot of fan-fueled excitement! HBO Max is making a massive return to San Diego Comic-Con 2025 with two of its most anticipated series: "Peacemaker" Season 2 and "Welcome to Derry," the upcoming prequel to IT. And judging by the schedule, surprises are lurking behind every corner—especially if you’re a fan of Pennywise or John Cena’s chaotic antihero.
Here’s your full breakdown of everything happening at SDCC 2025 with HBO Max, including panel times, cast appearances, exclusive trailers, and even… Pennywise-themed pedicab rides. Yes, really.
🎬 Peacemaker Panel – Saturday, July 26 | Hall H | 3:30–4:30 PM
The fan-favorite DC series Peacemaker is officially back! After the explosive first season and Peacemaker’s unforgettable appearance in The Suicide Squad, anticipation for season 2 has reached a fever pitch—and Comic-Con is about to blow it wide open.
The Hall H panel promises to be one of the biggest of the con. Showrunner James Gunn will be joined by:
-
John Cena (Peacemaker himself),
-
Danielle Brooks (Leota Adebayo),
-
Jennifer Holland (Emilia Harcourt),
-
Freddie Stroma (Vigilante),
-
Steve Agee (John Economos),
-
Frank Grillo,
-
Sol Rodriguez, and
-
Tim Meadows,
All will be present to answer fan questions, tease new characters, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming next. Most excitingly, the global trailer for Season 2 will debut live during the panel. Expect fireworks—both figurative and literal—when Cena steps into the spotlight again.
What Can Fans Expect?
While HBO Max has kept season 2 plot details under wraps, insiders suggest the story will dig deeper into Peacemaker’s emotional backstory while introducing new villains tied to the expanding DCU under James Gunn’s vision. With Frank Grillo joining the cast, the stakes are bound to escalate.
🎈 Welcome to Derry Panel – Saturday, July 26 | Room 6DE | 9:15–9:45 PM
Later that night, things take a chilling turn as HBO Max introduces the world of Pennywise once again with "Welcome to Derry", a prequel to Stephen King's iconic IT saga.
This exclusive panel will feature executive producers Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the visionary duo behind the IT movie adaptations. They’ll offer fans a first look at the premiere episode, along with a brand-new teaser trailer guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.
Set in the 1960s, Welcome to Derry explores the terrifying origins of Pennywise the Dancing Clown and how the haunting legacy of Derry, Maine, first began. The show dives deep into the mythology of King's universe, offering long-time fans and horror newbies alike a chilling expansion of the world we thought we knew.
Will We See Pennywise?
While casting for the infamous clown remains tightly guarded, rumors suggest Bill Skarsgård may reprise his role in some form, though no official announcement has been made. Regardless, horror fans will not want to miss this spine-tingling panel. Room 6DE may never feel safe again.
🍦 Don’t Miss the Pennywise Pedicabs and Ice Cream Giveaways!
It’s not just panels that are making noise. HBO Max is taking over the streets of San Diego with Pennywise-inspired pedicabs roaming around Friday and Saturday. Fans can score a free ride in these spooky transports, complete with red balloons, creepy lighting, and a soundtrack that will make your skin crawl.
Plus, brand ambassadors will be stationed throughout the area handing out “chilling sweets” — free themed ice cream treats inspired by Welcome to Derry. It’s the perfect way to cool down after a long day of cosplay and line-waiting, but keep an eye out… you never know who might be lurking nearby.
🎟️ Why This Year’s SDCC Panels Matter for HBO Max
2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for HBO Max’s genre slate. With Peacemaker bridging the comedic and emotional sides of the new DC Universe and Welcome to Derry diving into horror lore, these two shows represent the platform’s broad—and ambitious—approach to storytelling.
For James Gunn, Peacemaker season 2 is not just a sequel—it’s a tone-setter for what the new DCU will feel like. And for the horror community, Welcome to Derry might be the most important Stephen King adaptation since Doctor Sleep or The Stand reboot. Expectations are high, but the talent involved has a proven track record.
📣 Final Thoughts: A Weekend to Remember for Comic-Con Fans
From John Cena’s explosive return to Derry’s terrifying origins, HBO Max’s presence at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 promises to be epic. Whether you're lining up for Hall H madness, wandering around for free Pennywise pedicab rides, or catching exclusive trailers, there’s something for every fan.
So if you’re attending SDCC this year, make sure to mark your schedule:
-
✅ Peacemaker Panel: Saturday, July 26 | 3:30–4:30 PM | Hall H
-
✅ Welcome to Derry Panel: Saturday, July 26 | 9:15–9:45 PM | Room 6DE
-
✅ Pennywise pedicabs and ice cream: Friday & Saturday across the SDCC area
Whether you're there in person or following online, this is one event you don’t want to miss.
0 Comments