Comic Con 2012 Kicks Off in San Diego: What to Expect?

Comic-Con International 2012 begins today at 9:30 PST in San Diego, marking the biggest pop culture event that celebrates the latest in comics, video games, movies, television shows and more.

The four-day convention this year is expected to draw more than 130,000 people (according to Variety.com) to the San Diego Convention Center, many of whom are expected to show up with costumes of their favorite superheroes or science-fiction characters.

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TV networks and major studios in Hollywood also participate showcasing upcoming films and TV shows, often unveiling never before seen footage.

One of the most anticipated movie presentations this year is "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," directed by Peter Jackson, ("Lord of the Rings" trilogy.) The panel will take place Saturday and Warner Bros is expected to unveil extended film clips and Jackson will answer questions from the audience.

"The scale of "The Hobbit" is larger, the anticipation is potentially greater, everything feels a little bit bigger," Wood told Reuters about the film. "For so long, people didn't think there would be a 'Hobbit' film, so the fact that there is finally, people have been anticipating this for a long time."

The movie doesn't hit theaters until December 14, 2012.

Other films holding panels will include, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 2," where actors Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner will hold a discussion.

 "Total Recall," "Resident Evil: Retribution," "Looper," "Elysium," "Django Unchained" and "Iron Man 3," are some of the movies to be presented.

Other celebrities expected to participate in the panels include Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger who will discuss "The Expendables 2," the cast of "The Walking Dead," and Robert Downey Jr. who will discuss "Iron Man 3."

Some of the highlights of this 43rd edition of Comic-Con will also be the 50th Anniversary of James Bond. Fans will be able to pose for photos with rides like the Aston Martin Volante and a parahawk from "The World is Not Enough."

"American Flagg" publisher First Comics celebrates its 30th year; "Walking Dead" publisher Image Comics celebrates its 20th anniversary; and the "Street Fighter" video game series celebrates 25 years.