“Deadpool & Wolverine” has arrived — and Comic-Con, with its hordes of Marvel fans, celebrated the only superhero flick of the summer with a surprise screening and special guests.
The sprawling convention celebrating all things pop culture kicked off Wednesday, and a panel celebrating the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine” was the main attraction for Thursday. Scores of fans sported clothing or costumes featuring the movie’s characters.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, who play the titular superheroes, joined director Shawn Levy in the San Diego Convention Center’s famed Hall H on Thursday, along with Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige.
Everyone who got in was treated to a screening of the movie, which Reynolds said was the “worst kept secret on Earth,” as many fans had speculated they would show the full movie.
The crew joined the audience for the screening and came back onstage after, expressing thanks for letting them experience their movie with a crowd.
“If there’s still any question about the importance of experiencing something with a crowd, that just changed everything. That was astounding — the best movie experience of my life, so thank you,” Feige said.
Jackman added, “That was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I’m so privileged to have watched it with all of you.”
With generally positive reviews, rousing enthusiasm at Comic-Con and an endorsement from Taylor Swift where she called the film a “joy portal,” Marvel’s latest movie is set to be a box- office hit. It has gotten off to a supercharged start, breaking the Thursday preview record for an R-rated movie. The comic-book film sold an estimated $38.5 million worth of movie tickets Thursday, Disney said Friday.
Flav steps into hype man role: Flavor Flav stopped for hugs, handshakes and high-fives as he made his way around the Team USA House at the Paris Games on Thursday. He never stopped smiling.
“This is quite an experience for me right now, you know, because the only time I’ve ever seen the Olympics was on TV,” Flav said. “You know what I’m saying? But I always wanted to see what it felt like being there. So now I got the opportunity to be here. It’s the best.”
Flav, a founding member of the hip-hop group Public Enemy, is in Paris as part of his duties as the official hype man for USA Water Polo — a partnership that came together after he connected with U.S. captain Maggie Steffens on Instagram in May.
Flav, 65, is embracing his new responsibilities with his usual brand of seemingly boundless enthusiasm.
“I’m so ready, man. ... I’m so hype right now about this sport,” said Flav, wearing a custom USA Water Polo clock around his neck. “I wish I was playing it. I’m hyping myself up right now to ask them to let me on the team.”
July 27 birthdays: Actor John Pleshette is 82. Actor Betty Thomas is 77. Singer Karrin Allyson is 62. Actor Julian McMahon is 56. Actor Nikolaj Coster- Waldau is 54. Comedian Maya Rudolph is 52. Singer Pete Yorn is 50. Actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers is 47. Comedian Heidi Gardner is 41. Actor Taylor Schilling is 40.