During the 2025 San Diego Comic Con, filmmaker, podcaster and my personal favorite of both, Kevin Smith had six events he was a part of including moderating three panels, recording a podcast episode, and doing a live reading.
Here is a recap of what was experienced shared by those who attended on their social media and from Kevin himself:
As you see, it began first thing, on Thursday with a live reading between Kevin and his right hand man onscreen, Jason Mewes. Fans shared photos and selfies with the two of them on Instagram and X.
The next day, Friday was arguably, Kevin’s busiest day. He had two panels to moderate back to back in the most famous room of the con: Hall H. First up was PREDATOR BADLANDS where there were many videos and photos sharing the introduction. A Predator comes on the stage and you see what it sees on the big screen. Then Kevin comes on the stage, waving innocently enough. The audience loved it and I admit, so did I. A clever way to share the latest of what is going on this franchise and unique way to introduce the moderator. Especially since the moderator is the always enthusiastic, self-described nerd, Kevin Smith!
This video clip by AJ Watson’s X account shares the full introduction of the Predator and Kevin Smith. When Kevin takes the mic, he comments that while he doesn’t speak the same language as the Predator, he is pretty sure, “ he said something about the Epstein files.”
During the panel, several accounts shared that Kevin made a commented that he stopped making good movies to make podcasts while the BADLANDS director Dan Trachtenberg stoped making podcasts and started making good movies. Dan had previously directed PREY which was widely acclaimed and my first Predator film. I had no idea what was going on and since the film was a prequel, popular, well received by critics and fans of the franchise, I went with that first. Dan had previously hosted three podcasts: THE TOTALLY RAD SHOW, GEEKDROME, CTRL+ALT+Chicken Podcasts.
Side note: I would argue Kevin has not made bad films. In fact, many critics and audiences have expressed how well his more recent films have been since he started podcasting. From the bizarre TUSK to CLERKS III that will leave you with tears in your eyes, believe it or not.
After the PREDATOR BADLANDS panel, Kevin continued with TRON ARES panel. 43 years after the first film and it is the third film in the franchise, it will continue the story with Jared Leto and Evan Peters but starring along side with them is Gillian Anderson and Jeff Bridges who reprises his role as Kevin Flynn, from the original 1982 movie. Kevin jokingly asked Gillian if this was her first sci-fi role to which she and everyone laughed along. If you are not aware, Gillian starred on the popular TV-show and its films, THE X FILES which arguably is one of the most famous sci-fi shows out there. The Laughing Place X account shares a thread of clips from the panel if you are interested.
Kevin ended the night with a recording of his podcast, Hollywood Babble-On with his co-host, Ralph Garman to a sold-out live audience.
Saturday, Kevin was moderating a panel where his good friend, Marc Bernardin and other guests spoke for MAKING MAVERICK MEDIA. Marc and Kevin do the Fatman Beyond podcast and that is my personal favorite of Kevin’s podcast. The two friends and writers have delightful banter and I am so glad they were able to work on projects together including Netflix’s MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE.
The panelists also included show runner and actress, Cheyenne Ewulu, and actress Tiffany Smith . In its description, the panel is about how, “Crowdfunding and financial creativity continue to allow entertainment producers to evolve in executing their vision on the big screen, on the small screen, on stage, and in published materials. Her from some of the true mavericks in the industry today about how they navigate the entertainment waters and how fans can take steps to join the fun.” Cheyenne shared some moments in an Instagram post.
Kevin’s time at SDCC ended with his own, AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH at Hall H where he announced some exciting news. Lionsgate has bought the rights for his film, DOGMA which was previously owned by Harvey Weinstein and his company. Planning a re-release in theaters, a new home release and a steenbok for the holiday season. Kevin shared the news on his Instagram afterwards. DOGMA was my introduction to Kevin Smith, my drive to become a storyteller and I for one, cannot wait!
So that was the busy time of Kevin Smith’s 2025 San Diego Comic Con! Lots happened, lots still to come!
Kevin and Marc also gave a recap of their time at SDCC for their podcast a week later, you can listen to it here.
