HBO Max is returning to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 with an exciting lineup of immersive fan experiences, exclusive screenings, and star-studded panels celebrating some of its biggest upcoming and returning series.
Running throughout Comic-Con International, this year’s activations spotlight the new DC series LANTERNS, the upcoming comedy STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE, and HBO’s hit fantasy drama HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. Fans attending the convention will have the chance to step inside interactive worlds inspired by the shows while also enjoying exclusive previews before they premiere.
Step Inside STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE
Beginning Thursday, July 23, fans can visit “The Comic Center of Pasadena,” the fictional comic shop from STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE.
Inspired by the world of THE BIG BANG THEORY, the interactive experience lets visitors discover their own hero archetypes through a series of fun, story-driven challenges. As fans move through multiple realities, they’ll encounter the offbeat humor, quirky characters, and multiverse chaos that define the new Max Original comedy, which premieres July 23.
Join The Green Lantern Corps
Also opening July 23, LANTERNS will invite Comic-Con attendees to report for duty at the “Lanterns Training Headquarters.”
The immersive activation puts fans through a series of interactive fearlessness tests designed to determine whether they have what it takes to join the legendary Green Lantern Corps. The experience offers one of the first hands-on looks at the highly anticipated DC Studios series ahead of its August 16 premiere.
HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Returns To Westeros
Fans of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON will also have something special to look forward to.
On Saturday, July 25, HBO Max will host an advance screening of Season 3 Episode 6, giving attendees an early look at one of the season’s biggest episodes before it officially premieres on HBO and HBO Max.
With immersive activations, exclusive footage, and fan-first experiences spread throughout Comic-Con weekend, HBO Max is once again making a major presence at one of the entertainment industry’s biggest annual events.
Full Details for STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE:
- Beginning Thursday, July 23 and open through Sunday, July 26, HBO Max will debut an immersive fan experience inspired by STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE, inviting fans to step inside the series’ expanding multiverse. The activation brings Stuart’s “The Comic Center of Pasadena” to life, transforming the familiar comic shop from THE BIG BANG THEORY universe into a portal‑hopping journey through multiple worlds tied to the show. Designed as an interactive, story driven experience, guests will move through a series of in‑world touchpoints – beginning with a portal walkthrough and culminating in a reveal that challenges fans to discover their hero archetypes, with each path connected to a character from the series. Along the way, fans will encounter interactive moments, photo‑ops with a replica machine from the show, plus exclusive merch and a personalized collectible takeaway
STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE | Sparks Gallery – 530 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA
- Thursday, July 23: 11:00am – 7:00pm
- Friday, July 24: 11:00am – 7:00pm
- Saturday, July 25: 11:00am – 7:00pm
- Sunday, July 26: 11:00am – 3:00pm
- On Thursday, July 23, HBO Max will host the STUART FAILS TO SAVE THE UNIVERSE panel at the San Diego Convention Center in Hall H from 2:15pm – 3:15pm. The event will feature an exclusive advance screening of the highly anticipated Max Original spinoff of THE BIG BANG THEORY, followed by a must-see panel packed with surprises and featuring creators Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady, plus stars Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, John Ross Bowie, and Brian Posehn. Moderated by Felicia Day. Earlier in the day, the cast and creators will hit DC’s booth (#4544) for a signing session from 12:30pm – 1:00pm.
Full Details for LANTERNS:
- From Thursday, July 23 through Saturday, July 25, HBO Max will invite fans to prove their fearlessness at the “Lanterns Training Headquarters” experience. Inspired by the setting of Rushville, Nebraska, the activation unfolds as a guided training journey where fans will receive a briefing from the Guardians and will be evaluated through a series of interactive challenges designed to reveal if they have what it takes to wear the ring. Along the way, guests will move through hands-on experiences including target practice, trust-based challenges, maze navigation, and escape‑room style mystery scenarios set within in‑world environments like a Sheriff’s office and dive bar. The experience culminates for trainees with a custom Green Lantern ring to take home, an opportunity to simulate using a Green Lantern ring on a Snapchat powered interactive mirror and the opportunity to purchase exclusive LANTERNS merch from Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products.
- Sign-ups for the “Lanterns Training Headquarters” activation will open on Monday, July 13 at 9:00am PT at hbomax.com/lanternstraininghq. Reservations are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. All guests must be 18 or older to attend. Follow @greenlantern on social media for more information and sign-up details.
- HBO Max will also partner with local businesses in the Gaslamp district for surprise swag giveaways in addition to a LANTERNS Recharge Station for fans to cool off and charge their phones using Lantern Batteries.
LANTERNS Training Headquarters | Venue 808 –808 J St,San Diego, CA
- Thursday, July 23: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Friday, July 24: 11:00am – 9:00pm
- Saturday, July 25: 11:00am – 9:00pm
- On Friday, July 24, HBO Max will host the LANTERNS panel at the San Diego Convention Center in Hall H from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Step into the world of the Green Lantern Corps as Kyle Chandler (Hal Jordan) and Aaron Pierre (John Stewart) unite with Garret Dillahunt (William Macon), Poorna Jagannathan (Zoe), and visionary co-creators Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King. Prepare for an epic deep dive into the highly anticipated new series with an exclusive first look with never‑before‑seen clips and behind‑the‑scenes insights.
Full Details for HOUSE OF THE DRAGON S3:
HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Season 3 Fan Screening | San Diego Convention Center, Room 6DE
- On Saturday, July 25 from 10:00-11:15 p.m. in San Diego Convention Center Hall Room 6DE, HBO Max will host a special advance fan screening of Season 3, Episode 6 featuring an introduction from co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal.
Editor-in-Chief | Seat42F, a leading source of entertainment news, information, television and movie resources.
