San Diego Conic-Con 2026:
HBO Max Brings Green Lanterns, Big Bang Theory, and Westeros to San Diego
If there was ever any doubt that HBO Max was going all-in on Comic-Con this year, consider it erased.
From stepping inside The Big Bang Theory universe to training with the Green Lantern Corps and returning to Westeros, HBO Max is bringing one of the most ambitious fan experiences of San Diego Comic-Con 2026.
With immersive activations, Hall H panels, exclusive merchandise, advance screenings, and interactive experiences spread throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, HBO Max has built a weekend that’s every bit as exciting outside the convention center as it is inside.
The Big Bang Theory Universe Expands
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Experience
📍 Sparks Gallery
530 Sixth Avenue
Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
One of the biggest surprises on this year’s schedule is STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE, the new Max Original comedy spinning out of The Big Bang Theory.
Fans will have the chance to step inside Stuart’s Comic Center of Pasadena, recreated as an immersive multiverse adventure where visitors discover their own comic book hero archetype while navigating alternate realities inspired by the series.
Expect interactive storytelling, photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise, and personalized collectibles.
Hall H Panel
Thursday, July 23 (2:15 PM – 3:15 PM)
The series also gets the Hall H treatment with an advance screening followed by a panel featuring creators Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady, alongside stars Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, John Ross Bowie, and Brian Posehn.
The discussion will be moderated by none other than Felicia Day, making this an easy addition to our Thursday schedule.
Fans can also catch the cast earlier that day during a signing at the DC Booth (#4544) from 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM.
Join the Green Lantern Corps
Reservations Required
Reservations open Monday, July 13 at 9:00 AM PT and are expected to disappear quickly.
Visit hbomax.com/lanternstraininghq to reserve your spot.
Lanterns Training Headquarters
📍 Venue 808
808 J Street
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
As lifelong comic fans, this is the activation we’re circling on our map.
LANTERNS isn’t just getting a Hall H panel. It’s bringing fans into the world of the Green Lantern Corps.
The Lanterns Training Headquarters invites attendees to prove they’re worthy of wearing one of the most iconic rings in comics through a series of interactive challenges inspired by the upcoming HBO series.
Participants will test their courage, solve mysteries, complete tactical exercises, and ultimately earn a custom Green Lantern ring to take home.
There will also be exclusive merchandise, interactive Snapchat experiences, and even Lantern Recharge Stationsthroughout the Gaslamp where fans can cool off and charge their phones.
Hall H First Look
Friday, July 24 (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM)
Hall H welcomes the cast and creative team behind what could become DC’s next flagship television series.
Appearing are:
- Kyle Chandler (Hal Jordan)
- Aaron Pierre (John Stewart)
- Garret Dillahunt
- Poorna Jagannathan
alongside creators:
- Chris Mundy
- Damon Lindelof
- Tom King
Fans can expect exclusive footage, never-before-seen clips, and a deep dive into the highly anticipated series before it premieres this August.
For DC fans, this feels like one of the biggest television events of Comic-Con.
Return to Westeros
Saturday, July 25
10:00 PM – 11:15 PM
Room 6DE
If dragons are more your speed, HBO Max also has something special planned.
House of the Dragon returns to Comic-Con with an advance screening of Season 3, Episode 6, introduced by co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal.
Advance screenings have become some of Comic-Con’s most memorable events, and seeing an episode before the rest of the world is always a treat for dedicated fans.
Why We’re Excited
HBO Max understands something that makes Comic-Con special.
Fans don’t just want to watch their favorite stories.
They want to step inside them.
Whether that’s browsing Stuart’s comic shop, proving yourself worthy of a Green Lantern ring, or returning to Westeros before the rest of the world, HBO Max has built experiences that let fans become part of the worlds they love.
For us, Lanterns is the standout. Green Lantern has long deserved a definitive live-action adaptation, and with a creative team led by Damon Lindelof, Tom King, and Chris Mundy, we’re eager to see the first footage.
That said… don’t be surprised if we spend just as much time hanging out inside Stuart’s comic shop.
HBO Max SDCC 2026 At a Glance
Thursday, July 23
- Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Experience opens
- Lanterns Training Headquarters opens
- STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE Hall H Panel (2:15 PM)
- DC Booth Signing (12:30 PM)
Friday, July 24
- LANTERNS Hall H Panel (1:30 PM)
- Interactive experiences continue
Saturday, July 25
- House of the Dragon Advance Screening (10:00 PM)
- Final day for Lanterns Training Headquarters
Sunday, July 26
- Final day for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe experience
We’ll be on the ground all week at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, bringing you the biggest news, exclusive interviews, panel coverage, and behind-the-scenes moments from the convention floor and inside the press rooms. Be sure to follow Saturday Morning Cereal and follow us on X @StayClassySDCC for live updates throughout the show.
