Actor Johnny Depp makes an
appearance at a panel held for his new movie "Alice in Wonderland" at
the Comic-Con International 2009 convention held in San Diego Thursday,
July 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)It was only Thursday but the San Diego Comic-Con rolled out some big cinema personalities.
The mighty "Twilight" triumvirate of Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson appeared before a reportedly enthusiastic (severe understatement) collection of fans. And just to show that skinny upstart, Pattinson a thing or two about getting the cheers, Johnny Depp appeared to represent for "Alice in Wonderland."
OK, maybe it was just so he could appear on behalf of the Disney film due to hit theaters March 2010.
The Associated Press' Sandy Cohen reports on the appearance of Wonderland's Tim Burton ("Edward Scissorhands"), who imagines, sketches and shapes almost every detail of his pictures. The studio provided costumes, set pieces and designs from the highly-anticipated flick to show a crowd of appreciative film and fantasy fans.I'm hitting the convention today to see what's what -- more from me later.
To see the comprehensive coverage of the "Alice in Wonderland" panel from the Associated Press or view the trailer please read on.
SANDY COHEN
AP Entertainment Writer
Fans step into the world of 'Alice in Wonderland'
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Behind a nondescript storefront on a quiet downtown street lies a passage into the world of "Alice in Wonderland" as seen through Tim Burton's eyes.
Disney's traveling exhibit of props, costumes, sketches and set models from the movie is on display at the 40th annual Comic Con. The pop-culture convention is being held at the San Diego Convention Center through Sunday.
Two misshapen wooden doors lead into the rabbit hole, where a giant Alice (in mural form) overlooks a glass case filled with bottles and boxes. Another case holds one of the 17 dresses Alice wears in Burton's (and costume designer Colleen Atwood's) Wonderland.
A second pair of doors lead to the Mad Hatter's tea party. The table is set with cakes, scones and the original teapot from the movie, due in theaters next year. One of Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter costumes is on display, complete with a wild orange wig and famous hat.
In the corner are two enormous flowers with human faces. Look closely and notice the faces move.
The last room introduces the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), with her heart-shaped scepter, eyeglasses and executioner's ax. Her heart-shaped throne anchors the room. A miniature model of her court sits beside it, near a display of her jewel-encrusted gown. A painting of the Red Queen with flaming red hair and tiny heart-shaped lips hangs nearby.
The White Queen's gown is also on display, as is the armor Alice wears when she fights "the monstrous Jabberwocky."
Burton came to Comic Con on Thursday to show the trailer for "Alice." The director said the 3-D peek through the looking glass is his most challenging film yet.
"It's the first time we've done a lot of green screen," he said. "It starts to freak you out after a while."
Burton also brought Depp to the panel. Flashbulbs popped and the crowd erupted in cheers. Depp waved, then he and Burton left the stage.
Oren Aviv, president of production for Walt Disney Studios, said Burton sketched the various costumes, characters and settings for years before taking on the project.
"To see this world come to life," Aviv said, "it's amazing."
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