San Diego Comic-Con 2023 is set to undergo significant changes as several companies withdraw due to the possibility of a SAG-AFTRA strike. Currently, the entertainment industry is grappling with an ongoing writers’ strike that began on May 2 when negotiations between writers and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers failed to yield a satisfactory agreement regarding fair compensation and other critical issues such as streaming residuals and AI usage restrictions. SAG-AFTRA, the screen actors’ guild, is also on the brink of a potential strike if negotiations are not concluded by June 30.

According to Variety, multiple companies have already pulled out of this year’s San Diego Comic-Con in anticipation of a strike. As a result, actors will be unable to participate in panels or other promotional events. Studios that have either partially or entirely withdrawn from the event include Disney (including Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), HBO, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Netflix. Consequently, panels featuring highly anticipated series and movies like Loki season 2, Ahsoka, Kraven the Hunter, The Exorcist, One Piece, and House of the Dragon will be cancelled.

In previous years, Comic-Con panels and presentations have offered fans of pop culture valuable insights, major announcements, and exciting trailers for upcoming television and film projects. However, this year’s event is expected to look quite different. While the comic book and cosplay aspects of the convention will remain largely unaffected, the convention halls may feel somewhat empty.

Despite numerous studios withdrawing, there are still some studios and streaming services that remain undecided or have a few presentations planned. Amazon Studios will be in attendance to promote The Wheel of Time season 2 and The Boys: Gen V to some extent. Other potential participants include Warner Bros., Max, Paramount Pictures, NBC, and their streaming service Peacock.

Should the SAG-AFTRA strike proceed, more studios are likely to drop out. However, some may proceed with compromised panel schedules, seeking alternative means to promote their comic-inspired, sci-fi/fantasy, or animated projects. Regardless of the outcome, Comic-Con 2023 will undoubtedly offer a unique experience compared to what was originally anticipated for this year.