Comic-Con appears to be growing exponentially, and today the Exhibit Hall was fit to burst. With stalls ranging from original prints to the latest video games, there are hijinks aplenty for all fans of comic books, video games, and cinema alike. One of the main attractions (or detractions, depending on how much of a Comic-Con purist you are!) pulled around-the-block lines that encircled the San Diego Convention Centre: The Twilight Sagas New Moon panel. Panels run all day in a variety of rooms and for a range of niche interests. Hall H was alive with the buzz of anticipation for the following new movies... all available after the jump! The Imagigorium of Doctor Parnassus Terry Gilliam showed some sneak preview clips of his new film, with guest panelist Verne Troyer (Austin Powers). Gilliam discussed how the film takes place in the real world - or an imaginary version of it - that is different each time you visit it. Inevitably, they paid tribute to the late Heath Ledger; with Gilliam describing him as very old, with a wisdom far beyond his years.
"I often thought he was 100, or even 200 years old". He also commented that Ledger improved his performance with every role (by that logic, this should be his best role yet); a playful and fearless performer. When asked, he declared no comment on The Rum Diary, stating that
"we dont talk about that." The big news? Gilliam has officially confirmed that he has begun work on Don Quixote. Having found the perfect script, and then re-written it, he is currently scouting for actors and investment. Kick-Ass Mark Millar comic, directed by Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Stardust). Stars Nicholas Cage, not as we knew him in comic book movie Ghost Rider, but as the refreshingly humorous Nicholas Cage we can remember and appreciate from roles such as The Weather Man. Kick-Ass promises hilarious pastiche, along with being fast-paced, whimsical and astonishingly entertaining. Marking a departure from dark super heroes like Batman; here, the darkness is in the humour. If this audience was anything to go by, you will be shaking with laughter in your seats. Comic book creator Mark Millar even commented that it is by far the best film that he has seen this year. With advice like that, how could you possibly go wrong? Thirst Acclaimed Korean director Park Chan-Wook (Old Boy) flew in to San Diego for the first time to discuss his new movie. Winner of the jurys prize at Cannes, Thirst explores the psychological journey of a priest after he is infected with diseased blood, turning him into a vampire. Chan-Wook discussed, at length, his unique take on the vampire genre as he removes clichés at will. More to come on this tomorrow as I will be interviewing the director on Day 2. Green Lantern Ballroom 20 was filled to capacity at 9pm as "the nerdiest of nerds" gathered to witness the premiere of the new animated DC comics film, Green Lantern. Day 1 in Pictures