San Diego Comic-Con 2017: 'Game Of Thrones,' 'The Defenders,' 'The Walking Dead'

SAN DIEGO, CA – Panels for “Game of Thrones,” “The Defenders” and “The Walking Dead” were the highlights of the second day of the 48th Comic-Con International.

Alas! For the first time ever, HBO’s “Game of Thrones” is actively airing its season while Comic-Con is happening. This gave fans the novel opportunity to discuss Season 7 five days after its world premiere.

HBO unveiled a 60-second trailer for future episodes — teasing a massive battle to come and the first meeting between Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and Jon Snow (Keith Harrington).

Before cast members Alfie Allen, Jacob Anderson, John Bradley, Gwendoline Christie, Liam Cunningham, Nathalie Emmanuel, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Conleth Hill and Sophie Turner were introduced, their former castmate Kristian Nairn, known for his character Hodor, was introduced to resounding applause as the panel’s moderator.

Marvel had plenty of surprises for the hardcore fans in Hall H during its presentation of “The Defenders” on Friday, including a surprise screening of the first episode of the upcoming Netflix series.

As Marvel TV’s Jeph Loeb was about to introduce the panelists, The Punisher himself, Jon Bernthal, surprised everyone as he came to the stage. However, this was not the only surprise they had on hand.

Fans were also treated to a clip from his upcoming standalone Netflix series.

Cast members Charlie Cox, Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, Finn Jones, Sigourney Weaver, Élodie Yung, Jessica Henwick, Deborah Ann Woll and showrunner Marco Ramirez were the panelists.

Last but not least, Marvel also announced that “Iron Fist” Season 2 is coming to the streaming giant.

On a somber note, AMC’s “The Walking Dead” panel at Comic-Con began with a tribute to John Bernercker, the stuntman who died July 14 on the show’s set.

"John passed away this week after he was injured doing something he loved ... helping tell stories that excite, entertain and give people escape," executive producer Scott Gimple said.

AMC then unveiled the new five-minute trailer for Season 8 of the popular zombie series.

Comic-Con, the annual celebration of the popular arts, will run through Sunday at the convention center, Central Library, Hilton Bayfront Hotel, the Horton Grand Theatre and the Marriott Marquis Hotel and Marina. Organizers are urging the use of public transit because of the huge crowds of attendees and gawkers expected in downtown San Diego.

More 2017 Comic-Con news:

• San Diego Comic-Con 2017: Watch Halle Berry Chug Whiskey Like A Champ
• San Diego Comic-Con 2017: Convention Kicks Off With 'Kingsman: The Golden Circle,' 'Bright,' 'Death Note'
• Cosplay At San Diego Comic-Con Day 1: Photos Of The Day
• San Diego Comic-Con 2017 Schedule: 'The Walking Dead,' 'Game of Thrones,' 'Stranger Things'

Top Photo: "The Defenders" Cast and Crew attend 2017 Comic-Con: Krysten Ritter, Finn Jones, Jeph Loeb, Executive Producer, Jessica Henwick, Charlie Cox, Marco Ramirez, Executive Producer, Mike Colter, Elodie Yung and Sigourney Weaver (Photo by Dan Steinberg)