It was a near inevitability, but it’s finally been confirmed: San Diego Comic-Con has been cancelled in light of the current COVID-19 crisis. On a statement on the official Comic-Con website today the non-profit organization announced the show would return next year.
In the statement the organization explained their decision. “For the first time in its 50-year history San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC), the organizers behind the annual pop culture celebration, announced today with deep regret that there will be no Comic-Con in 2020. The event will instead return to the San Diego Convention Center from July 22-25, 2021.”
They continued, “Recognizing that countless attendees save and plan for its conventions each year, and how many exhibitors and stakeholders rely upon its events for a major portion of their livelihood, they had hoped to delay this decision in anticipation that COVID-19 concerns might lessen by summer. Continuous monitoring of health advisories and recent statements by the Governor of California have made it clear that it would not be safe to move forward with plans for this year.”
Marvel, Nerdist
This is the right decision, but it’s obviously a huge blow to fans around the world who were still holding out hope that the show might go on. It’s also a blow to the local San Diego economy to lose tens of thousands of visitors. SDCC has been the single biggest date in entertainment, comics, and pop culture for decades. It’s only become more important as comic book movies have taken over the box office.
Though there are exceptions, Comic-Con is where big studios reveal their biggest news. Companies like Marvel and DC Comics share their long term movie plans. Aside from that, it’s also home to thousands of creators who make a large part of their living from exhibiting at the gargantuan show with over 130,000 attendees.
Nerdist
We’ll miss being at San Diego Comic-Con with you all this year, but it’s the right decision. We’re proud of the organizers for making this tough choice. They’re keeping the safety of fans, actors, creators, and artists at the forefront of their minds.
Featured Image: Flickr via Kevin Dooley