The organisers of San Diego Comic-Con have confirmed that this year's festival will go ahead as a virtual event and be open for all to 'attend' for free.
The annual festival normally takes place over five days in July at San Diego's Convention Center, with more than 100,000 people visiting to attend exclusive panel sessions from the top movie studios and TV broadcasters.
The coronavirus pandemic has made holding this year's festival in its usual form an impossibility, however, and now organisers have unveiled a replacement event called Comic-Con@Home to take place from July 22 to July 26.
"Circumstances involving the COVID-19 pandemic and California's restrictions against large gatherings have forced SDCC to cancel their 2020 international celebration that brings fans and professionals from all over the world to San Diego," said a spokesperson.
"Although conditions prevent celebrating in person, the show, as they say, must go on. With Comic-Con@Home, SDCC hopes to deliver the best of the Comic-Con experience and a sense of its community to anyone with an internet connection and an interest in all aspects of pop culture."
Organisers will announce more specifics in the coming weeks but expect to stream panels online, make exclusive merchandise available through its website and hold virtual gaming competitions.
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