Top 10 Comic-Con Surprises of All Time

Today, “Iron Man” is regarded as one of the greatest superhero movies ever, as well as the game-changer that launched the MCU. Leading up to its premiere, however, comic book readers were a bit uncertain. Marvel’s film adaptations had been hit-and-miss, Robert Downey Jr. was struggling to make a comeback, and Jon Favreau wasn’t known for directing large-scale action pictures. The skeptics were silenced at the “Iron Man” Comic-Con panel, however, as Favreau unveiled a special trailer made specifically for comic book fans. Not only did Downey demonstrate that he was born to play Tony Stark, but the rousing trailer proved that Favreau had a clear understanding of the source material and the keen visual eye to bring it to life.

As Amy Pond on “Doctor Who,” Karen Gillan became instantly recognizable thanks to her ravishing head of red hair. In order to portray Nebula in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Gillan not only draped herself in blue makeup but also shaved her head bald. Before revealing her new look, Gillan decided to have a little fun during a panel at Comic-Con. The crowd was stunned when Gillan removed her utterly convincing wig, which was actually made from her own hair. Gillan was so ecstatic that she threw the wig into the crowd, although she suddenly realized that might’ve been a mistake.

Despite only appearing in a handful of episodes, Barb became a breakout character in the first season of “Stranger Things.” Actress Shannon Purser even earned a guest acting Emmy nomination for her role. Many fans were disappointed with the character’s untimely exit, hoping that she’d somehow return in Season 2. While Barb’s fate on the show wasn’t retconned, Purser did return to steal the show at Comic-Con. Catching everyone off guard, Purser appeared as an audience member, asking if Barb would be brought back. The cast confirmed that she would not, but at least Purser was welcomed to stay for the rest of the panel. We guess you could call that justice.

Let’s be honest, the buildup to “Batman v Superman” was a lot more fun than the actual movie. That being said, the hype train took us on quite a ride and it all began at this mind-blowing panel. On the heels of “Man of Steel,” there was little doubt that we’d be seeing another Superman movie in the near future. Director Zack Snyder upped the ante at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con, though, having actor Henry Lennix read a passage from “The Dark Knight Returns” and unveiling the then-untitled film’s logo. After years of eagerly waiting, it became clear that DC’s finest were finally going to duke it out on the big screen.

As the first entry in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, “The Force Awakens” became arguably the most anticipated movies of the 21st century. The filmmakers thus went all out at Comic-Con 2015, uniting several key cast members and revealing a behind-the-scenes look at the film. Director J. J. Abrams and company took things one step further, however, inviting the audience to a live “Star Wars” concert that same night. In a truly unprecedented move, everyone in attendance then walked to another location where lightsabers were handed out. The musical extravaganza came complete with fireworks, a video message from composer John Williams, and a live orchestra playing various iconic “Star Wars” themes. Just plain awesome!

On “Breaking Bad,” Bryan Cranston played a drug kingpin hiding in plain sight of the authorities. Likewise, Cranston managed to blend right into the crowd while attending Comic-Con in 2013. The actor roamed the halls wearing a Walter White mask, passing himself off as just another cosplayer. So, you can imagine everyone’s shock when Cranston took to the stage at the “Breaking Bad” panel and finally removed the hauntingly realistic mask. Cranston and co-star Aaron Paul proceeded to make out with the mask, earning laughs and applause all at once. Who would’ve guessed that the most memorable Comic-Con costume that year would come from a celebrity dressed as himself?

Cranston isn’t the only actor who has attended Comic-Con in a self-referential disguise. During a panel for “The Amazing Spider-Man,” an enthusiastic fan dressed as the web-slinger grabbed a mic before the Q&A session even began. Proclaiming his excitement to be at his first Comic-Con, the fan removed his mask to reveal he was actually Andrew Garfield. Dropping his fake accent, the British-American actor went on to read a passionate speech about the profound impact Spider-Man has had on his life, as well as how honored he felt to be playing such a beloved character. It’s moments like this that demonstrate the unlikely influence heroes on the printed page can have, giving readers everywhere hope.

Superhero crossovers are nothing new, but how often do you get to see the X-Men and Fantastic Four taking a selfie together? At Comic-Con 2015, Chris Hardwick united the casts of “X-Men Apocalypse,” “Fant4stic,” and “Deadpool” on the stage. He even nabbed Channing Tatum, who had landed the title role in the upcoming “Gambit” movie. With Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Lawrence, and numerous others lining up, Stan ‘The Man’ Lee himself suddenly showed up to take the picture. Fox’s track record when it comes to Marvel movies may not be perfect, but they did give us an unforgettable Comic-Con moment for the ages. Also, the Academy should seriously create a category for Best Cameo!

Between “Thor” and especially “The Avengers,” Tom Hiddleston cemented himself as a fan favorite in the MCU. Not too long before “Thor: The Dark World” hit theaters, Loki quite literally stole the show at Comic-Con. With the lights suddenly going out, the God of Mischief’s commanding voice emerged from the darkness and spread throughout Hall H. Everyone’s excitement peaked when the lights came back on with Hiddleston in full costume. With fans chanting Loki’s name, Hiddleston continued to stay in character as he recited a grand monologue. Upstaging the casts of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron” is no easy feat, but everyone was kneeling to Loki at this panel.

It’s only fitting that we began this list with Iron Man and will be closing it out with the Avengers. After Nick Fury’s initial meeting with Tony Stark, we knew an even bigger universe was unfolding. Things got real at the 2010 Comic-Con, as Samuel L. Jackson introduced Clark Gregg, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and Robert Downey Jr. The names just kept coming with Downey introducing us to Hawkeye, Jeremy Renner, the new Hulk, Mark Ruffalo, and the director behind this ambitious film, Joss Whedon. Fans would have to wait two long years to watch the actual movie, but seeing the cast together for the first time was an epic moment in itself.