'Percy Jackson,' 'Alien: Earth,' 'Abbott,' 'Fantastic Four' take over San Diego Comic-Con grounds
From a mythological diner to Philly block parties and alien crash sites, SDCC offsite events deliver major pop culture energy
SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Comic-Con is in full swing, and even if you didn't score a coveted badge, there's still plenty of action happening just outside the convention center.
The streets around SDCC have been transformed into a playground of immersive fan experiences, with Disney leading the charge.
One of the highlights is a trip to the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" diner, where the food talks back and the gods just might take your order. This immersive experience blends live performances, interactive storytelling and a mythological twist on a classic roadside eatery.
Fans are transported into the Sea of Monsters at Fifth Avenue and L Street.
"It makes you feel like you're in the world," said fan Kari Lane. "There was a storm, but we were safe."
While her chosen god wasn't among the options, Lane still walked away with exclusive collectibles from the series, which premieres its second season on Disney+, December 10.
Across the street, fans of ABC's "Abbott Elementary" can swing by the "Very Abbott Block Party," where a full neighborhood party is underway. Grab a Philly water ice, hop on the Ferris wheel and explore the school's "Lost and Found" for exclusive giveaways.
"It feels like you're at a school fair... except this one has a massive Ferris wheel," said fan Lauryn Alexandria.
A new season of "Abbott Elementary" premieres October 1 on ABC.
Eisner Award-winning author Tony Weaver also stopped by, calling the series "one of the most influential shows of this era of television." Season 5 of "Abbott Elementary" is coming in October on ABC with past seasons now streaming on Hulu.
The "Abbott Elementary" cast joined in on the block party fun!
Things take a darker turn nearby, where a mysterious crash site has landed on the SDCC grounds. FX is back this year with a chilling activation for the upcoming series "Alien: Earth," complete with a downed ship and never-before-seen alien specimens. The series premieres August 12 on FX and Hulu.
"It's the wreckage of the ship," said Logan Allison, an "Alien" superfan. "You get to see the different parts of the ship, and then there's the long tunnel with air flowing, so you don't know what's looming around the corner. It's really creepy, really eerie."
In anticipation of "Predator: Badlands" coming to theaters on November 7, fans at the convention could step into an immersive "Predator" experience at the 207 Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel.
The popular spot was transformed into scenes directly from the film itself.
"Seeing stuff like this really showcases the craft," said fan Travis Frame, who works as a set designer in Hollywood. "This is like walking through physically versus seeing it on screen, but it really shows the dedication."
At San Diego Comic-Con, the Google Play Rewards Lab brought Marvel Studios' "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" to life with a four-part immersive experience featuring interactive pods themed to each hero's powers—inviting visitors to stretch, smash, fly and bend light while earning Google Play Points along the way.
For a more laid-back vibe, head over to Hank Hill's Backyard. The "King of the Hill" activation invites fans to kick back Texas-style with a grill-out atmosphere and a shot at Alamo Pong bragging rights. One guest, Amanda Castrillo, told us, "This is great. It's so immersive. It's so fun." She walked away with a custom hat, some Alamo water and an apron (which she won from acing a boot toss contest!).
At the Disney Plus Throwback booth, fans got to pose in a nostalgic photo booth. Stream your favorite oldies now in the Disney Plus Throwback Collection.
The revival of the series debuts August 4 on Hulu.
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The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of FX, Hulu, Disney+ and this ABC station.
