Convention - SDCC 2024 : Kevin Smith's Panel Delivers Nostalgia, Excitement, and Big Announcements for Fans

By Mulder, San Diego, Convention center, Hall H, 27 july 2024

San Diego Comic-Con 2024 became a haven for film enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados when Kevin Smith, the legendary filmmaker, writer, and director, took to the stage in Hall H on Saturday, July 27th. As Clerks celebrated its 30th anniversary, fans eagerly gathered to witness what was promised to be an unforgettable panel. Kevin Smith, known for his charismatic presence and sharp wit, delivered beyond expectations, unveiling new projects, sharing insider stories, and engaging the audience in his signature humorous style.

The highlight of the panel was the exclusive first look at the trailer for Kevin Smith's latest film, The 4:30 Movie. Set in 1986, the film is a nostalgic love letter to a bygone era, following a group of teenagers who spend an entire day hopping from one movie to another in a single theater, a practice fondly remembered by Kevin Smith from his own teenage years. The film stars Austin Zajur in the lead role, with notable cameos by Rosario Dawson, Justin Long, and Harley Quinn Kevin Smith—Kevin Smith’s daughter and Austin Zajur’s girlfriend. The inclusion of these familiar faces, all of whom have been regular collaborators with Kevin Smith, added a layer of warmth and familiarity to the project.

Kevin Smith recounted the challenges of filming during the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, which was later joined by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) strike. Despite his strong support for the strikes, Kevin Smith managed to continue production by securing a waiver from SAG. He explained to the audience that his film, a low-budget venture with a modest $3 million budget, was able to proceed because it posed no threat to the goals of the striking unions. Our movie is not a threat to SAG or WGA. It doesn’t set back the cause, Kevin Smith assured, giving fans a glimpse into the complexities of making films during such tumultuous times.

As the panel progressed, Kevin Smith thrilled fans with the announcement of his 17th film, Jay and Silent Bob: Store Wars. This new entry in the View Askewniverse, Kevin Smith’s interconnected cinematic universe, will focus on the iconic duo, Jay and Silent Bob, as they navigate the challenges of running a weed dispensary. The plot thickens as they find themselves in a heated rivalry with a competing store, leading to the titular store wars.

Jay and Silent Bob, first introduced in Kevin Smith’s debut film Clerks, have since become beloved characters, appearing in multiple films including Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), and their own spin-offs, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (2019). Kevin Smith reflected on how these characters have evolved over the years, maintaining their relevance and charm through changing times and audiences.

In addition to the big reveals, Kevin Smith couldn’t resist teasing another project that has long been in the works—Moosejaws. Described as Jaws with a moose, the film has been a subject of much speculation among fans. While Kevin Smith did not dive into extensive details, the mere mention of Moosejaws was enough to send ripples of excitement through the crowd. This tease further showcased Kevin Smith’s knack for blending humor with the unexpected, promising a unique cinematic experience that only he could deliver.

Throughout the panel, Kevin Smith shared anecdotes from his 30-year career, providing fans with a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the making of some of his most iconic films. He recounted stories from the set of Clerks—a film that he famously funded by maxing out credit cards and selling his comic book collection—and reflected on the journey that has led him from those humble beginnings to becoming a respected and beloved figure in the film industry.

Kevin Smith also took time to answer questions from the audience, offering his usual blend of humor and insight. His responses ranged from deep dives into the creative process to lighthearted banter about his favorite moments from past conventions. The Q&A session, a hallmark of any Kevin Smith appearance, allowed fans to engage directly with the filmmaker, further cementing the bond between him and his audience.
Before wrapping up the panel, Kevin Smith reminded fans to catch his podcast, Fatman Beyond, where he would continue to share his experiences at SDCC 2024 and delve deeper into his upcoming projects. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans, acknowledging that their unwavering support has been the driving force behind his continued success.

San Diego Comic-Con 2024 was a significant milestone for Kevin Smith, offering both a celebration of his past work and a tantalizing glimpse into the future. With The 4:30 Movie set to captivate audiences, the return of Jay and Silent Bob in Store Wars, and the promise of Moosejaws on the horizon, Kevin Smith’s creative journey shows no signs of slowing down. Fans left Hall H with anticipation and excitement, eager to see what the next chapter holds in the ever-entertaining world of Kevin Smith.

Filmography (director) :
1994 - Clerks
1995 - Mallrats
1997 - Chasing Amy
1999 - Dogma
2001 - Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
2004 - Jersey Girl
2006 - Clerks II
2008 - Zack and Miri Make a Porno
2010 - Cop Out
2011 - Red State
2013 - Jay & Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie!
2014 - Tusk
2016 - Yoga Hosers
2019 - Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
2022 - KillRoy Was Here
2022 - Clerks III
2024 - The 4:30 Movie

Filmography (actor) (selective) :
1994 - Clerks
1995 - Mallrats
1997 - Chasing Amy
1999 - Big Helium Dog
1999 - Dogma
2000 - Vulgar
2001 - Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
2006 - Southland Tales
2006 - Catch and Release
2006 - Clerks II
2007 - Live Free or Die Hard
2010 - 4.3.2.1.
2016 - Yoga Hosers
2019 - Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
2020 - Max Reload and the Nether Blasters
2022 - Clerks III

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Photos and video  : Boris Colletier / Mulderville