The UK at San Diego Comic Con: What we're looking forward to

For five days in July, Southern California plays host to one of the world's most anticipated entertainment and pop culture events. With Preview Night occurring on July 24, San Diego Comic Con is so close that the excitement is almost unbearable. Cosplayers are putting on the finishing touches, vendors are preparing to be mobbed by eager consumers, and hotels are filling with guests and convention-goers alike. It all kicks off on Wednesday, when Mayor Todd Gloria, City Councilman Stephen Whitburn, Convention Center President and CEO Rip Rippetoe, San Diego Tourism Authority President and CEO Julie Coker and Comic-Con's Fae Desmond and David Glazer provide the official welcome. Even the "first dog" of San Diego will attend in costume.

Whether you are attending in California or trawling the internet for the latest news, there is a great deal to look forward to. Here are a few things based in UK entertainment that may whet your appetite while you're waiting for Hall H to fill up.

Coming Attractions: A new season in Middle Earth

Amazon Prime's explosive series Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is embedded in the memories of Tolkien fans and newcomers alike. The first season ended with the revelation of Sauron, the forging of three rings, and the departure of The Stranger whose identity is still a mystery.

A new trailer for the second season is predicted by Vulture.com to be released in San Diego, but should that not be true, there is still the panel led by J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay on Friday, July 26. Members of the cast will be on hand as well to give insights into what we can anticipate on August 29, when the story goes on.

Fan fun: Next year on Gallifrey

The most recent series of Doctor Who just finished airing and there are many questions to be answered as always. The Doctor is, as it so often happens, without a companion. The last episode, "Empire of Death," ends with a cryptic monologue from Anita Dobson's Mrs. Flood, breaking the fourth wall:

"But life goes on, doesn't it, ruthlessly? And what happens, you might wonder oh, what happens to that mysterious traveler in time and space known as The Doctor? I'm sorry to say his story ends in absolute terror. Night-night."

- Mrs. Flood

What that absolute terror entails is yet to be revealed, but fan panel "The Future of Doctor Who: Share Your Views with the Experts" is on the schedule. The billing expects to include British-born journalist, writer, and director Sandro Monetti. The Los Angeles-based creative is both a media consultant and entrepreneur and promises to be an intriguing contributor to the discussion.

Must-have Merchandise: Millie Bobby Brown's Funko Pop figure

Netflix's Stranger Things is a genre-bending phenomenon and its succcess would not be possibe without the contribution of Millie Bobby Brown. While she is now known for other projects such as Enola Holmes and Damsel, she began as Eleven, the mysterious child with astonishing powers.

Funko Pop is releasing a new Funko Pop vinyl figure for Eleven and it is exclusive to SDCC 2024. For those who can't make it to California, their Instagram page features partners who will retail the figures across North America.

We will be updating with news and interesting highlights from the convention as it progresses, but it promises to be an exciting time to be a geek.