San Diego Comic-Con Panels, Celebs Backing Out ... As Actors Strike Begins

San Diego Comic-Con, arguably the biggest pop culture fan event of the year, is already feelin' the heat of the SAG-AFTRA strike ... because some of the hottest panels have already backed out.

The West Coast's biggest convention has already seen a handful of cancelations -- "The Rookie" pulled the plug on its scheduled signing event and and "That '70s Show" is no longer hosting its anniversary panel.

Prime Video's "Good Omens" also had plans to do both a panel and a signing, but has instead pivoted to hold an advanced screening for fans, showing its season premiere.

There are loads of other panels and meet and greets set to go down when SDCC starts up next week, including shows like "Abbott Elementary" and "What We Do in the Shadows" ... but time will tell if it all goes dark.

For those unaware, one of the many rules union actors have to follow involves staying away from conventions and fan expos ... so there's a high chance other actors will follow in dropping out.

There were already talks of studios pulling the plug before Thursday's strike call ... with Marvel being a big name that already said it wouldn't hold its big presentation.

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If the convention's looking for a desperate work-around, it can always hit up some look-alikes, like this fake Tom Cruise ... although we doubt that'll go over well.

Henry Cavill No Shows WB Comic-Con Panel ... Despite 'Superman' Rumor

Henry Cavill was rumored to possibly be a presence at Comic-Con this weekend on behalf of Warner Bros. -- but its time came and went ... and there was no red cape in the sky.

A Deadline report suggested there were rumblings Cavill might actually be appearing this weekend down at the event to talk more "Superman" during the WB/DC panel, which just wrapped ... and no sign of HC anywhere (unlike in 2012, where he was front and center).

So, yeah ... the rumor and/or report was BS -- which is a bummer, because fans were juiced about the possibility of Henry being announced for more movies in the titular role.

It's not in the stars, though, it seems. This would've been a perfect opportunity to signal some sort of plan about what Warner -- now fused with Discovery -- is going to do with their biggest IP ... but it sounds like they're still unsure of where the brand is going. That, or they're sure they're done with Cavill. Of course, some have already seen that coming.

Instead of 'Superman' news ... WB trotted out new trailers for 'Shazam! 2' and 'Black Adam' -- with The Rock actually making allusions to the Man of Steel in a hypothetical match-up.

Dwayne kept things close to the vest -- and at the same time ... did a major tease on the would-be fight between his character and Clark Kent. He says he'll defer from answering that for now ... because it depends on who's playing ol' Supes. AKA, Henry isn't cast ... yet.

2022 San Diego Comic-Con Cosplays Are Out Of This World!!!

This year's Comic-Con is in full swing in San Diego -- and as always, swarms of people are going all out to dress as their favorite pop culture creations and mash-ups.

2022's convention kicked off Friday, and the looks are just as impressive as what we've seen in years past ... including a father-and-son duo dressed as Homelander and Billy Butcher from Amazon's "The Boys."

There's even a sick trio of Poseidon with a couple of mermaids -- check out the detail.

Fans of "Stranger Things" will be runnin' up that hill after seeing a life-sized Vecna cosplay roaming the halls ... using a pair of stilts for extra height.

Of course, Comic-Con wouldn't be complete without some character mash-up costumes ... just ask Darth Austin Powers and his pink stormtrooper babes.

There's a Spider-Man decked out in Captain America-style garb, Boba Fett stuck inside a Boba tea cup, and Deadpool dressed as Doctor Strange.

Nick Jonas I'm Now a Comic Book Inspiration!!!

Nick Jonas is about to become an inspiration to an untold number of kids, because his life story is about to be memorialized in a new comic book.

The comic book -- which we're told has not been approved by or worked on with Nick or his  team -- will drop next month ... this according to Darren G. Davis at TidalWave Productions. It's 26 pages long, and it orbits around Nick's accomplishments and struggles.

The book centers around Nick's drive to become an accomplished singer and star while he battled a serious disease -- type 1 diabetes, which he disclosed to the world in 2007.

The comic book starts with Nick's rise to fame with the Jonas Bros. The group was incredibly popular but busted apart within a matter of a few years. Lots of folks wrote Nick and his brood off for good, but Nick wasn't about to wave the white flag.

The comic book then hones in on Nick's plan to become a solo artist ... something that lots of people in the music industry thought was a non-starter. Nick proved them wrong with "Jealous," and it cemented him as a lone singer.

Of course, the Jonas Bros. got back together and became more popular than ever. And, don't forget Nick also became a movie star with the blockbuster film "Jumanji." He then married another movie star ... the amazing Priyanka Chopra.

The hook -- he did all this and he's 28 years old.

TidalWave has entered these waters before, with a Dolly Parton comic book, so he's in good company.

The comic will be available on Amazon for $6.99 when it drops April 21.

Wesley Snipes Chillaaxx Daywalkers ... Mahershala Ali Will Kill it as Blade!!!

Wesley Snipes says there's absolutely no bad blood over losing his famous "Blade" role to Mahershala Ali ... it's just show business, baby!

Snipes admits the news -- which was just announced at Comic-Con last weekend as part of the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe -- came as a surprise ... but "it's ALL GOOD."

Snipes says ... "To all the DAYWALKERS losing their minds right now, Chillaaxx ... Such is the ‘business’ of ‘entertainment!’ Much peace to the MCU crew - always a fan."

Wesley also gives a shoutout to the late Stan Lee, saying "honor and respect to the grandmaster Stan."

As for Mahershala, Snipes congratulates him and calls him "a beautiful and talented artist whose expressions I look forward to experiencing for many years to come." He adds that he hopes to work with him some day.

The news came as a shock for some loyal "Blade" fans, who are upset about Wesley getting the snub, but he doesn't want them to fret. Snipes thanks them for their "incredible outpouring of love" but adds "‘nah fret nah worry, it’s not de end of de story.’"

Sounds like Marvel would be wise to give the man a cameo.

Fake Tom Cruise Dupes Massive Crowd at Comic-Con ... OMG, It's Tom Cruise!!!

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Tom Cruise made a splash at Comic-Con ... is what all these people thought when they saw a guy who was a dead-ringer for the 'Top Gun' star. And, boy, ya can't blame 'em.

This guy was dressed as TC at the comic book convention Sunday in San Diego, where he was decked in classic Maverick garb ... and riding shotgun in hot red Ferrari. With his Aviators on, this impostor was the spitting image of the actor -- and tons of folks bought it.

We got Fake Tom posted up in the whip as a bunch of guys and gals tried talking to him through the passenger window. Check it out ... they truly believe it's ol' Tommy boy.

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Our camera guy -- who spots the difference -- tries to get a answer out of FTC about the 'Top Gun' sequel (that he isn't involved in). He just grins at us though ... clearly having a good-ass time pulling a fast one on just about everyone around.

Ya gotta see some of the ladies' reactions here too, BTW -- it's classic freak-out fanfare ... and almost like Tom himself had just walked off a fighter jet fresh from a shoot.

Oh, and take a cue from this poor sap of a boyfriend who didn't properly record his GF talking to Fake Tom ... ALWAYS be up in a fake celeb's grill at ALL times, especially when your girl's hounding them.

That's good coupling 101, guys.

'Spider-Man' Star Tony Revolori Climbs a Tree at Comic-Con Party ... Escorted Out by Security

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'Spider-Man' star Tony Revolori channeled his movie character at Comic-Con, becoming the life of the party by climbing a tree with flash to spare ... and then getting booted right after.

Tony was at Entertainment Weekly's Comic-Con bash Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel rooftop bar, Float, in San Diego -- this following an epic day of Marvel revelations, including casting announcements for "The Eternals," "Blade" and other projects. Big superhero day.

Eyewitnesses tell us he was hanging out with some actors from Amazon's new web series "The Boys" ... when a little game of truth-or-dare got underway.

We're told somebody dared Tony to climb a tree that was nearby, and without hesitation ... he hopped right up there and made his way across some branches. Classic Flash Thompson, right?

In video of the climb, obtained by TMZ, you can see a security guard rush over and tell him to get down. He wasn't very high up, but the guy looked kinda pissy about it.

Tony made his way down as more guards showed up -- and he got quite the ovation from onlookers, who told him the stunt was worth it. Tony seemed to agree.

It appears he was escorted off the property, because we're told Tony wasn't seen at the event afterward. Cops weren't called, so no harm, no foul. Flash left without incident.

Something tells us Peter Parker would be overjoyed about this.

Comic-Con Huge Celebs Show Including 'GOT'

Comic-Con may be 100 miles from Hollywood, but it seems Hollywood made the trek to San Diego 'cause everyone showed up.

Partial list ...  Angelina Jolie, Chris Hemsworth, Salma Hayek, Tom Cruise, Conan O'Brien, Natalie Portman, Cory Booker, Orlando Bloom, Olivia Munn, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston,  Taron Egerton, Jessica Chastain, Cara Delevingne, Evan Rachel Wood, Jeremy Renner, Jerry O'Connell, John Bradley, Maisie Williams, Kristen Bell, Patrick Stewart, Norman Reedus, and Aisha Tyler.

Some of the panels ... "Game of Thrones," "The Eternals," "The Walking Dead," "Star Trek" Universe, "Riverdale," "Veronica Mars," "Black Widow," "Terminator: Dark Fate," and Marvel Studios.

Comic-Con continues Sunday.

Comic-Con 2019 San Diego Dress Up ... Check Out The Cosplay!!!

Comic-Con 2019 is in full swing down in San Diego ... where attendees are showing off their imagination and dedication with some seriously sweet costumes!!!

If you're missing out on the action, don't worry ... we've got you covered with the coolest cosplay looks ... including fan favorites like "Stranger Things" and some timeless classics like "The Simpsons" and "Star Trek" ... plus all the super heroes and movie characters you can handle!

These folks may look nerdy ... but their super fashion sense is outta this world. Click through the gallery and check out the cosplay in all its sweet, sweet glory.

Bonus points to the dog lovers who dressed up their doggo. Ya gotta see the cute pup.

Stan Lee's Daughter Sues His Ex-Biz Mgr ... He Worked Dad Like a Dog, Stole His Fortune

9:36 AM PT -- JC tells us, "Anyone who loved my father and respected his work should see Max Anderson as we do. My father was a loving and trusting man. He was all about love. He should never have been in business with a man like Max Anderson."

Kirk E. Schenck, attorney for Stan's Estate, says, "Elder abuse is becoming all too common, especially against high net worth individuals who have been highly functioning professionals during very sophisticated careers. Elder abusers use a systematic application of fear and alienation to mask their lies and financial wrongdoing."

Stan Lee's daughter, who's in charge of his family trust, is going after a business manager she claims almost literally robbed her father blind ... taking advantage of his old age in order to pocket hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In a lawsuit, Joan Celia Lee says Max Anderson managed Stan's memorabilia bookings -- the countless events Stan attended to sign autographs and meets fans -- but she says he was originally a Comic-Con security guard who befriended her father in a "sinister plot" to gain his trust. She compares it to one of Stan's Marvel comic book plots.

According to the suit, Anderson commonly gave Stan contracts and deals to sign ... even though Stan was in his late 80s and unable to read or understand what he was signing. She says her father suffered from severe degeneration of his vision .. and Max knew it.

Most alarming are JC's claims of "violent interactions" between Anderson and her father. In the docs, obtained by TMZ, she says Anderson got physical to pressure Stan into giving him "total control" of business affairs. JC claims others -- drivers, security guards and others -- witnessed these physical threats.

She also claims Anderson was skimming tons of cash from her father while taking him on the road to fan conventions. JC calls out one example from NYC Comic-Con in Nov 2017.

In the suit, she says Anderson collected $800k in revenue for Stan's appearance ... and kept more than $700k for himself -- although he was only contracted to get 10 to 25 percent.

At another event, in Mexico City, JC says Anderson severely overworked her father ... making Stan sign and authenticate hundreds of merchandise items "until the point where Lee was worn out." She claims this marathon signing session left Stan unable to walk or talk ... yet he got none of the revenue.

Stan died in November 2018, and JC claims the abuse continued through March 2018 when Stan discovered what Anderson was up to and fired him. She believes Anderson conspired with one of Stan's nurses and another one of Stan's employees in the memorabilia biz.

She's suing all 3 of them for elder abuse, breach of contract and stealing.

Originally Published -- 6:56 AM PT

Stan Lee Bill Maher is 'Disgusting' ... Ripped by Stan's Co. for Trump Remark

Bill Maher just got a famous "Spider-Man" quote dropped on his head after he attacked Spidey's creator, Stan Lee ... accusing him of making Americans so dumb they elected Donald Trump.

Stan Lee's company, POW! Entertainment, responded to Maher's blog about the late, great Marvel honcho ... saying Bill's opinion "that Stan merely inspired people to 'watch a movie' is in our opinion frankly disgusting."

Stan's team added, "Countless people can attest to how Stan inspired them to read, taught them that the world is not made up of absolutes, that heroes can have flaws and even villains can show humanity within their souls."

And, their coup de grace ... "We will rely on another of Stan’s lessons to remind you that you have a powerful platform, so please remember: 'With great power there must also come -- great responsibility!'"

As we told you, Bill claimed Stan's loyal fans "pretended comic books were actually sophisticated literature" ... and said Trump "could only get elected in a country that thinks comic books are important."

Comic-Con 2018 Cosplay Playing Dress Up Serious Business!!

Attendees at Comic-Con's 2018 Cosplay immediately kicked things into third gear Day 1 with their studio-quality costumes ... trust us, they're incredible.

Comic-Con kicked off Thursday in San Diego and tons of fans flooded the city showing off their super fashion sense. It's pretty awesome ... from some freakishly realistic-looking Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Flash to an adorable family rocking The Incredibles' costumes.

Don't call them nerds anymore. They look like they can kick your ass ... and in style.

Stan Lee Hiya, Heroes ... Pneumonia's Got Me Down, I'll Be Back

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Stan Lee's finally revealing why he's had to bail on his throngs of Marvel Universe fans lately -- the comic book legend is fighting pneumonia like Spidey fights crime.

The Marvel co-creator recorded a personal message filmed by his friend and filmmaker, Keya Morgan, to update everyone on his health. You can tell the normally energetic 95-year-old is having a tough time ... but he reassures fans he is getting better.

As we reported ... Stan has been dealing with a string of issues besides his lungs recently -- from missing money, to a face-off with his former body guard and a heart health scare.

On the flip side, the "Black Panther" box office has gotta make him smile. As Stan puts it ... "Excelsior!"

Stan Lee Rushed to Hospital ... Ticker Trouble, Bub!

6:11 PM PT -- A spokesperson for Stan said he, "is doing well and feeling good, he is staying there for a few days for some check ups as a safety precaution."

Stan Lee was rushed to a hospital after falling ill at home ... TMZ has learned

Sources close to the comic book legend tell us ... Lee was taken to Cedars-Sinai Wednesday night after suffering shortness of breath and an irregular heartbeat. We're told he's still there, but in stable condition.

The 95-year-old canceled 2 major convention appearances last year for an illness, though he never revealed the specifics of his health struggles.

We've reached out to a rep for Lee ... so far, no word back.

'Justice League' Star Ezra Miller Flash Doesn't Get Drunk But He Does Kiss Fanboys!

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And the award for best drunken Comic-Con video goes to .... Ezra Miller, aka The Flash!

Ezra, who plays the speedy guy was swarmed by fans Saturday night in San Diego, and dropped some Flash trivia on them ... regarding booze. The way he explains it, his "Justice League" character can't help but handle his liquor.

Not sure that's true for Ezra though. Anyway, one fan wasn't buying it and jokingly asked to smell Ezra's breath. He got way more than a whiff of his breath ... he got a full-on kiss!

Fan appreciation is what Comic-Con's all about.

Well, that and sex.

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