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Johnny Depp scolded Comic-Con International attendees in character as Ebenezer Scrooge as the nation's biggest pop culture convention opened Thursday, emerging from a faux snow-lined downtown San Diego storefront marked with a "Scrooge and Marley" sign.

According to the Associated Press, the actor, clad in an overcoat and top hat, called out to the gathered crowd: "Do you have jobs? It seems as though you have so much spare time. Why are you here?" As onlookers recorded on cellphones and called out "Merry Christmas!", Depp responded gruffly, "I can only say you're all very, very strange people. Humbug!" before shuffling back inside the building.

Johnny Depp's 'Ebenezer' marks embattled star's first studio film in eight years'Ebenezer', set for release November 13, represents the actor's return to a major film production after an extended absence from the screen. His appearance on the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter—outside any official panels—reflects a more guerrilla-style approach to marketing that some studios have adopted at the expo in recent years.

More than 120,000 people are expected at the four-day convention, which began in 1970 with a gathering of several hundred sci-fi and comics fans. The event has since evolved into a major platform for entertainment industry announcements and fan engagement.

Comic-Con to remain in San Diego through 2030San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced Wednesday that the convention would stay in the city through 2030, addressing earlier concerns that the city's event and hotel space may not be enough to hold growing crowds. Organizers had previously floated moving to Los Angeles or another large city. Gloria said the announcement "reflects our shared commitment to the fans, creators, businesses and workers who make Comic-Con unlike anything else in the world."

PJ Richardson, 44, drove cross-country from Orlando, Florida, with his family for his first Comic-Con International experience. "It's the Mecca. It's once-in-a-lifetime, so we had to come. This was a thousand times more," he said, marveling at the magnitude of toys and collectibles on display at the bayfront expo.

ENHYPEN meets 'Twilight' cast at Comic-Con vampire storytelling panelThe K-pop group ENHYPEN joined Catherine Hardwicke, director of the first 'Twilight' film, and franchise actors Peter Facinelli and Ashley Greene at a Thursday panel discussing vampire storytelling. The moment exemplified the cross-pop culture exchanges that define the convention experience.

Comic-Con 2026: When cosplay and fandom collideCosplayers of all levels of skill and fandom unite with homemade costumes and photos. Brionna Slavalk, 27, traveled from Indiana dressed as the elf paladin Vaelus from 'Critical Role', a Dungeons & Dragons-themed web series, with her skin painted purple. "I am partial to the body paint. I think it looks really neat when people do that," she said. "It's a blast."

Hall H panels and major superhero announcements dominate Comic-Con scheduleThe superhero franchise is using the convention to build hype for the December release of 'Avengers: Doomsday', with the ensemble set to return to Hall H on Saturday—the most-anticipated hour of the four-day event. The presentation aims to chart a path forward as audience interest in superhero films has waned.



Comedy-horror 'Widow's Bay' and 'Spaceballs: The New One' highlight prestige contentActors from the comedy-horror series 'Widow's Bay' are expected to visit the bayside convention center on Saturday to celebrate the production's success and connect with fans.

Comedy enthusiasts will find updates on 'Spaceballs: The New One' at a Friday panel, with the film set for release next year featuring Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman and 100-year-old Mel Brooks reprising their roles from Brooks' 1987 parody, demonstrating Comic-Con's continued role as a launching pad for major entertainment properties across genres and generations.