San Diego Comic-Con is gearing up for another blockbuster year, and Collider is bringing back one of its most anticipated events: the Directors on Directing panel. This year's lineup features a powerhouse trio—Zach Cregger (Barbarian, Weapons) and the directing duo Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley (Game Night, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves). They'll sit down for an in-depth conversation about the art and craft of filmmaking, moderated by Collider's Steve Weintraub.
The panel, scheduled for Thursday, July 23, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Hall H, promises a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from script development to on-set stories. Attendees can expect candid insights into how these directors bring their unique visions to life, plus a few surprises that Collider is teasing as unmissable.
Meet the Directors
Zach Cregger first made a name for himself as a member of the comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U Know before co-directing and starring in Miss March. But it was his 2022 horror hit Barbarian that truly put him on the map. The film, starring Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, and Justin Long, earned critical acclaim and multiple awards, including a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Amy Madigan. Cregger followed that up with Weapons, starring Josh Brolin and Julia Garner, cementing his reputation as a master of blending horror and comedy. Now, he's taking on a thrilling reinvention of the Resident Evil franchise, set for release on September 18. The new film follows Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier caught in a nightmarish race for survival.
Goldstein and Daley first teamed up to write and direct the 2015 Vacation reboot, but it was Game Night (2018) that made them Hollywood's go-to duo for sharp, comedic blockbusters. They continued that streak with Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves in 2023, and their upcoming Apple TV+ film Mayday, starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, premieres this September. The duo is also in talks to write, produce, and direct a new original Star Trek film for Paramount. Beyond directing, they've written hits like Spider-Man: Homecoming and Horrible Bosses.
What to Expect at the Panel
Collider's Directors on Directing panels are known for their intimate, behind-the-scenes look at moviemaking. Last year, the event featured Paul Feig and the late Rob Reiner, who shared hilarious stories from sets like When Harry Met Sally… and Spinal Tap. This year, Cregger, Goldstein, and Daley will dive into their past projects and future plans, offering fans a rare glimpse into the creative process. Whether you're a budding filmmaker or just love movies, this is a can't-miss event.
For more on directors who've made the leap from comedy to horror, check out our article From Punchlines to Panic: 6 Directors Who Mastered the Comedy-to-Horror Leap. And if you're curious about other SDCC panels, don't miss our coverage of Critical Role's Ashley Johnson, Laura Bailey, and Marisha Ray Headline Collider Ladies Night Live.
Mark your calendars for July 23—this is one panel you won't want to miss!
