Will Marvel Studios Attend San Diego Comic-Con 2017?

Disney is Its Own Universe

The first thing to note is how Disney has played its long game since Bob Iger took over as CEO in 2005. The studio has added Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars to its ranks, and made bold expansions into the Asian market. These are not the moves of a company trying to integrate itself into the larger geek culture - they are the moves of a company trying to become the epicenter of its own culture.

Establishing a sub-culture these some kind of gathering that celebrates and promotes that culture - and that's exactly what D23 can do for Disney and its widening range of properties. Marvel Studios has been scaling back its presence at the 'Con the last few years - so it wouldn't be surprising if there wasn't a decisive separation at last, this year.

There But Not There

Of course, Disney doesn't need to vacate Comic-Con entirely - as New York Comic-Cons and some slower SDCC years have clearly shown, Marvel Studios can still have a presence at a 'Con, without doing something as big as a major Hall H presentation.

There are interactive displays they can unveil (something like the Infinity Gauntlet and/or a display of the battle world the film will partially take place in), and new footage or trailers that can be run on loop in the main show room, and released to the public online at the same time. Cast signings, special screening events... plenty of ways to get the loyal 'Con fanbase psyched, while still keeping D23 as the venue for the big show.

Reruns

The final thing to consider about Marvel's potential presence at Comic-Con is that the studio could easily show up and give fans a thrill - especially since they material the bring to the convention could be reruns of what debuts at D23 first!

D23 2017 is taking place on July 14-16, 2017; Comic-Con 2017 is a week later on July 20 - 23. That means that Marvel can dangle exclusive material to debut at the D23 convention, while Comic-Con attendees (and the larger public) have to wait a week in order to see it.

That's the kind of 'Option C' thinking that can get Marvel all the attention it wants, while still promoting its in house convention, and pleasing the entirety of its fanbase. If the celebrity casts only have to make an appearance at D23 (to smaller crowds and less press), they'd probably be happier for it, as well.