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SAN DIEGO — Johnny Depp made a striking entrance at Comic-Con International on Thursday, stepping into the shoes of Ebenezer Scrooge as the renowned pop culture event commenced. Clad in a top hat and a long overcoat, Depp emerged from a storefront featuring a sign for 'Scrooge and Marley,' humorously questioning the attendees, 'Do you have jobs? It seems like you have a lot of free time. Why are you here?' His playful banter drew laughter and cheers, with the audience responding joyfully with 'Merry Christmas!'

This appearance signifies Depp's return to cinema with the film 'Ebenezer,' which is scheduled for release on November 13, marking his first studio project in eight years. His unique promotional approach, which took place outside the main panels, aligns with a rising trend among Hollywood studios to utilize guerrilla marketing strategies at the convention. Since its inception in 1970 with a mere few hundred attendees, Comic-Con has grown tremendously, with over 120,000 fans expected this year.

Despite worries regarding the capacity of San Diego's venue, Mayor Todd Gloria confirmed that Comic-Con will continue to be held in the city until 2030, highlighting the convention's significance for fans, creators, and local businesses. 'This reflects our shared commitment to the fans, creators, businesses, and workers who make Comic-Con unlike anything else in the world,' Gloria stated as the expo kicked off.

Attendees like PJ Richardson, who journeyed from Orlando, Florida, shared their enthusiasm about the scale of the convention. 'It’s the Mecca. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so we had to come. This was a thousand times more,' he expressed, amazed by the extensive collection of toys and collectibles on display. The event also included a panel featuring the K-pop group ENHYPEN and director Catherine Hardwicke, showcasing the diverse cultural interactions that occur at Comic-Con.

Cosplay remains a vibrant highlight of the convention, with fans donning intricate costumes and participating in photo opportunities. Brionna Slavalk, dressed as an elf paladin from 'Critical Role,' commented on the creativity present, acknowledging fellow attendees in remarkable outfits. Comic-Con has broadened its scope to include cosplay contests, panels on various subjects, and major film presentations, including Marvel's eagerly awaited 'Avengers: Doomsday' panel scheduled for Saturday. As the convention progresses through Sunday, anticipation grows for upcoming projects and the unique community that Comic-Con nurtures.