Whedonesque : Comments on 4091 : Gellar to Appear at 2004 San Diego Comicon.

Well EdDantes, I guess you got the guest of all guest to see now. :)

Hey, I'm going to be there! Sweet!

Darn - I thought I was done scheduling going to cons this year - oh well always room for one more I guess - pre-ordering tickets for this now. :)

RavenU | May 28, 08:55 CET

Of all people......oy......

Will there be a sign outside the room that says, "Ms. Gellar will take no questions regarding her series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'."

No Joss.....No James.....No Eliza....I'd even rather see the Groosalug.....But no, we get SMG......

I should start setting out my veggies to rot.....;)

Rogue Slayer | May 28, 09:42 CET

I have a few friends who told me about Eliza Dushku's "Tru Calling" panel last year, and I just hope that "Buffy" fans show some restraint in their questions for Sarah.

From what I understand, one fan had the actual gall to ask Eliza (paraphrasing), "When 'Tru Calling' gets cancelled, would you do a 'Faith' series?" That's such an insult to her, her costars who were with her at the panel, and everyone else affiliated with the show.

If Sarah doesn't want to talk about "Buffy," or why she didn't guest-star on "Angel" this season, that's her choice. We may not agree with it, but we should respect it.

Oddjob | May 28, 10:15 CET

And who can forget that fan thanking Joss "for seven mostly great years" of Buffy. This type of fan just drives me up the wall.

Simon | May 28, 10:27 CET

Didn't Joss and Elisa were on other cons, and I had impression that James's going to any con available? Sarah'll be doing her first con and suddenly it's a bad thing? Now she's bashed even for appearing on a con? What's next, are you going to bash SMG for her choice of a nail polish or maybe accuse her in the global pollution? Sarah has plenty of fans, don't you think that your use of "we" in "But no, we get SMG..." is somewhat presumptuous.

I wish it wasn't in the summer, because then it would've been possible for me to go,but it's not, so I just hope for many reports from the con.

ilanit | May 28, 10:40 CET

Oy here we go again. Sarah is a holy relic and you can't even joke. For all those of the Church of Sarah, Rogue Slayer was just funnin', okay? How could anyone take that seriously? And again, the word 'bashing' is yanked out....oy....

Hey it's gonna be cool to see her, but of all the Buffy people she's not the one I'd like to see at a con most, because of all those people I have the impression she'd be the least inclined to talk about her Buffy past, and frankly that's mainly what I would want to hear stuff about. I hope I'm wrong.

And of course it's her choice, but we're Buffy fans, and we'd want to hear about Buffy stuff. So that's why it would be less fun for us. And that's all Rogue Slayer meant.

Btw her 'we' means her and me, since we're married, and we've been wanting to see many Buffy actors in person, and the only one so far for the Comicon is Sarah, who will probably not want to talk about Buffy too much. So Rogue Slayer joked about it. Please, lighten up and and stop acting like actors are Celestial Avatars or something.

"From what I understand, one fan had the actual gall to ask Eliza (paraphrasing), "When 'Tru Calling' gets cancelled, would you do a 'Faith' series?" That's such an insult to her, her costars who were with her at the panel, and everyone else affiliated with the show."

To people of the show that were there too, yeah. To Eliza? Only if they really said 'when' and not 'if'. If they said 'if' and only Eliza had been there then I don't see the problem. Some moron said he wanted her to do another cheerleader movie (Without even the slightest joking tone). THAT was an insulting thing to say.

Problem often is that they don't realize who people come for, or not enough at least. They're gonna come for Eliza and most questions will be about Buffy and Angel. Just like with the Van Helsing panel. They had Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Dracula, all three brides, the director, the Igor guy and some more. And guess what? 80% of all questions were for Hugh Jackman (Kate a distant second) and 80% of those were about X-Men. You could tell the others felt like chopped liver. And who wouldn't. But really, I coulda told them beforehand. just how it is. They should've just gotten Hugh, Kate and maybe the director.

EdDantes | May 28, 11:45 CET

"Some moron said he wanted her to do another cheerleader movie (Without even the slightest joking tone). THAT was an insulting thing to say."

LOL. Hey now. Bring It On is one of the most fun mainstream teen flicks in recent memory. It had a nice balance of equal opportunity eye candy (all the girls, Jesse Bradford and those two male cheerleaders), a couple fun song and dance numbers, and a great bit performance from this one actor playing a dance instructor who provides the winning lines, "Cheerleaders are dancers who've gone retarded" and "Follow me or perish, sweater-monkeys!" It also, refreshingly, had the lead character and her team not win a championship. Do you know how rare that is in brainless sports movies? They always try to get the message accross in those types of films that winning isn't everything, it's how you play the game...then give the team the championship anyway (The Mighty Ducks, for example). Way to follow through on a theme. Bring It On got my respect for actually have the main characters lose (okay, that's a bit harsh, they came in second).

Kris | May 28, 12:14 CET

god 7 years of a cult show, and not one single convention

a movie that took a few months to make? - and she's at comicon

that's disgusting

aapac | May 28, 12:30 CET

Considering that I never see jokes(especially mean ones)about others actors of Buffyverse, I would say that they are holy relics and Celestial Avatars,to say that Sarah is,for me it's probably the biggest joke of all.
And I would love to lighten up, but the truth is that lately I open any topic related to SMG with trepidation,because I know that there will be said something mean or unpleasant about her.And it's very tiring.Why other actors can be discussed peacefuly,yet when it comes to SMG, some people feel obligated to tell something bad or mean about her even in the most innocent topics(like this one)? This phenomenon really baffles me.

Comicon has a security provided by big studios for their stars that Buffy conventions just can't afford.I doubt that organizers of BTVS cons really wanted to take a chance like that, especially since Sarah's appearance probably would have brought more people than usual.Plus, I don't think they could afford to pay for her appearance, considering that bigger stars paid more many and she's the biggest.
Like I said , no matter what's the topic, people always find something bad to say about SMG.

[ edited by ilanit on 2004-05-28 10:59 ]

[ edited by ilanit on 2004-05-28 11:02 ]

ilanit | May 28, 12:34 CET

no, SMG just didn't do Buffy conventions. Full. Stop.

nothing about high appearence fees, or security, or anything - she chose not to do them - she had a personal commandant which went something like 'thou shalt not do conventions'

aapac | May 28, 13:04 CET

Well, it's good that you're so in the know,aapac. I guess,I have no choice but believe you after your full of proofs statement.

ilanit | May 28, 13:12 CET

i come from buffydownunder, we have an annual convention - there were attempts to find out about her availability, but her managing team specifically stated that she doesn't do conventions. nothing about it being australia, nothing about not offering enough money. she just doesn't do conventions. period.

aapac | May 28, 13:15 CET

While it would be remiss of me to say that I don't feel just a little put-off that SMG's first appearance at ComicCon (and let's face it, she could've attended any time in the last seven years) is to promote a film and not Buffy (and one has to wonder if her attendance even now doesn't have something to do with contractual obligation), there's one simple fact about all of this that I can't deny - Sarah Michelle Gellar is an actress. She performed a role. She performed it very, very well. She owes me nothing beyond that. I may not be fond of her attitude towards Buffy, but I suppose that would only matter if she and I were friends or something and it mattered one whit what I thought about her as a human being.

She does a job. She entertains. I'll be delighted to find out about her new film, speaking as a horror film buff. If there's a moratorium on Buffy questions, then I'll deal. She'll be there to promote The Grudge - may ask her about that.

Saying that much? It's ComicCon. There's a million and five things to do that aren't even Buffy-related, much less SMG. :D I'm looking forward to having a blast.

TheJoyofZeppo | May 28, 13:36 CET

Yes, that's true... She was a damn good character and played it damn well

And while I would love to love her as a person, she has done nothing to make me feel that way, and i don't particularly care either way, so my attention moves to those that make me happy - like amy, j., emma and david

[ edited by aapac on 2004-05-28 11:42 ]

aapac | May 28, 13:42 CET

That's better,aapac.Thanks for the information.But I still don't understand why it's disgusting,probably because I just don't care what my favorite actor and actress do in real life(unless it's something really bad,like criminal bad)as long as they act and I can see and enjoy their acting.I don't want anything else from them.

ilanit | May 28, 13:53 CET

Woo, carryin' on with the ASH luv! "I got Xander!"

TheJoyofZeppo | May 28, 14:00 CET

I could swear that SMG did do cons in the beginning, not many, but a handful. Trying to find an article that confirms this, but I'm almost positive.

syd | May 28, 14:12 CET

In future, we will ensure regulated & clocked bashing time for all actors. We're all about equal opportunity here at Whedonesque. Even veteran con-favourites like ASH should be allowed their time in the shithouse. It's only fair.

Caroline | May 28, 14:16 CET

I think in the first year she went to RPG events - I know some people remember her coming to the Columbus, Ohio one but that was mostly for appearance sake. Whatever team won the BTVS RPG she would meet them and give them their prize. Funny thing though when she was on the soap opera she would do their conventions, maybe she was burnt out after them.

RavenU | May 28, 14:24 CET

In 1999, Sarah Michelle Gellar was listed as the actress most likely to be stalked by the Los Angeles county Sheriff Department. I think that puts a stop to a lot of public appearances.

Anne 5_by_5 | May 28, 15:47 CET

David Ducoveny on X files was like that as well, he liked the fans, but he wanted his private life after filming the show, given he was doing the show for 7 years straight full time, I can understand that, why spend any more time doing things for X files when your devoting 7 years to it etc, that's the biggest fan prize.

Sarah seems that way as well, private person Given the show is over now, she has more time, so nothing surprising.

SeanValen | May 28, 16:28 CET

"Considering that I never see jokes(especially mean ones)about others actors of Buffyverse..."

Really? Not even about David Boreanaz's forehead, or weight?

Invisible Green | May 28, 17:12 CET

Perhaps this is a good moment to point out that, over the last few years, the San Diego Comicon has become more and more about Hollywood blockbusters (Spider-Man, Harry Potter, even tripe like Gothika) and less and less about comic books, Trekkies and other typical "con" fare. If this event were called "The Big Damn Hollywood Blockbuster Convention" (a name which would be more apropos lately), nobody would be complaining about SMG's willingness to appear. She's doing this dog and pony show to promote her movie; not as some kind of favor to Grudge fans or Buffy fans. It's just another stop on what I'm sure will turn out to be a long and draining press tour.

wren | May 28, 17:24 CET

I have one question, when going to a comic convention does one just show up, or do you need to buy tickets? Because I live close by and I really want to go now.

Gio | May 28, 18:10 CET

I have one question, when going to a comic convention does one just show up, or do you need to buy tickets? Because I live close by and I really want to go now.

You can order tickets at their website: http://www.comic-con.org/

Or you can just show up to whatever day you want to go and buy a pass for that day. Or you can buy passes for all the days. But if you go there to buy your pass, you have to wait in a line about a mile long(no joking, it took us almost 2 hours to get to the ticket gate last year). I'd recommend ordering!

Didn't Joss and Elisa were on other cons, and I had impression that James's going to any con available? Sarah'll be doing her first con and suddenly it's a bad thing? Now she's bashed even for appearing on a con? What's next, are you going to bash SMG for her choice of a nail polish or maybe accuse her in the global pollution? Sarah has plenty of fans, don't you think that your use of "we" in "But no, we get SMG..." is somewhat presumptuous.

Actually, James is doing very few cons this year. Mostly ones he can play with his stupid band at. Joss is usually at the San Diego con, but there's no word yet. Eliza has done a few. Sarah doing a con is not in and of itself a bad thing. It's a bad thing for me that she's the only Buffyverse person there, and she probably won't be talking about Buffyverse stuff. I would much rather see Mark Lutz or James Leary than SMG. It's my personal preference. I don't much care for SMG. To me, she seems fake in public, and by many accounts, is a bitca in private. Whether or not you believe those accounts is your business, but there is usually a grain of truth in many rumors. I don't see her coworkers going, "Hmm, let's ruin SMG's reputation by making up mean things and telling them in interviews." I mean, do you say the kinds of things said about her if she's perfectly pleasant? Anyway, defend, defend, it doesn't matter either way to me. Just trying to explain why she's not my top choice to see at a con, as opposed to James Marsters who I've not heard a negative thing about(and if I did, and it was credible, I'd lessen my opinion of him, not defend him until I was blue in the face).

And yes, SMG has her fans. Good for her. The 'we' I was talking about was me and hubby, because we have more or less the same view of her.

I could care less about her nailpolish, and I know that Republicans are responsible for global pollution.

Rogue Slayer | May 28, 18:33 CET

"Considering that I never see jokes(especially mean ones)about others actors of Buffyverse..."

Really? Not even about David Boreanaz's forehead, or weight?

Or his excrutiating glee that his show was cancelled? Yeah, DB is one that I used to think very highly of, but in light of recent events, my opinion has dropped dramatically.

Rogue Slayer | May 28, 18:43 CET

I can't believe how alike we think on this Rogue Slayer. I could have written all your posts on this thread! ;)

Willowy | May 28, 19:59 CET

Willowy, it's nice to see I'm not alone here! :)

Rogue Slayer | May 28, 20:15 CET

The only credible story that I've heard it's the one about not telling her co-workers that she's quit the show.And I'm old enough and worked in enough places to know that there's always other sides to the story.So until I hear Joss' and Sarah's sides,I'll withhold my judgement.And you can save your not so subtle attempts to make me feel stupid or ashamed for being SMG's fan,it's not gonna work.Like I said before,I don't care how are my favorite celebrities in real life(unless it's something really bad,like he/she's a criminal or a racist, or something as bad),so even if every ludicrous rumor about SMG was true,it's still won't matter to me.She's not my friend,family or co-worker and never will be.And the most important thing is that I don't know her.
And I don't really care that you don't like SMG, my main complain
was that I can't open a topic about Sarah without reading the same nasty comments and things that said about her tread after tread after tread.I guess,I just didn't said it right.But after a year of constant bashing almost on every site,I'm tired just from reading the same things over and over again.How people don't get tired from writing it over and over again?
But I realise that it's my personal problem,so I have a solution that's better than Caroline's.From now on I'll read just the news, this way the comments won't bother me and I won't bother anyone else who want to say not so nice things about SMG in every topic available.

[ edited by ilanit on 2004-05-28 18:19 ]

ilanit | May 28, 20:16 CET

She's like the girl who slams her home town because she has moved to the big city now. People gotta remember what made and formed them.

Mort | May 28, 20:19 CET

Why does this always turned into a SMG is she nice/bitch discussion?

Rogue Slayer, why do you have to talk about why you don't like her in this thread? It's always the same story. Everyone has their own opinion it's really not that necessary to repeat that every single time.

I dont like Spike and I'm to the point that I can't see JM face anymore, but you won't see me post in JM thread about why I don't like him. I just avoid the JM thread and I didn't watch Angel S5.

editing, I'm gonna do the same as ilanit I'll read just the news.

[ edited by Kate on 2004-05-28 18:32 ]

Katy | May 28, 20:19 CET

Before things get out of hand here, I would like to see people refraining from making comments that could be construed as having a go at another poster. And personally, I am so bored with the pro and anti SMG debate. It's been done to death. It would be greatly appreciated if it doesn't happen again.

Simon | May 28, 20:44 CET

Thanks Simon. I 2nd, 3rd and 4th that!

redfern | May 28, 20:49 CET

Oh please, I don't see 'bashing' of SMG being an agenda here, lots of fans feel bitter about her non-appearences in cons for 7 years, they are fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It was only natural to want the star of the show in cons. Thing is SMG didn't want to do cons for BTVS, she does this con because it's a feature movie. That's canon.

The other thing is, this is a general board, we're all in fair game. No one guarantees that you'll only see positive comments about the actors or the characters. One say a negative thing, you disagree. That's called discussion and that's why the boards exist.

ETA: Sorry Simon, didn't see your post.

[ edited by pelinxf on 2004-05-28 18:53 ]

pelinxf | May 28, 20:52 CET

Rogue Slayer, why do you have to talk about why you don't like her in this thread? It's always the same story. Everyone has their own opinion it's really not that necessary to repeat that every single time.

I was merely explaining why, because someone had wanted to know why SMG being at a con could be seen as a bad thing.

The only credible story that I've heard it's the one about not telling her co-workers that she's quit the show

We probably differ in what we consider credible.

And you can save your not so subtle attempts to make me feel stupid or ashamed for being SMG's fan,it's not gonna work

Never meant to make anyone feel ashamed or stupid. SMG's fans are her fans. She has more and less rabid ones, as any actor has. I'm a fan of her acting, just not of her. I don't feel stupid or ashamed.

I can't open a topic about Sarah without reading the same nasty comments and things that said about her tread after tread after tread.I guess,I just didn't said it right.But after a year of constant bashing almost on every site,I'm tired just from reading the same things over and over again.How people don't get tired from writing it over and over again?

I feel the same way about the Sarah apologists. I made a little joke that was obviously meant as such(the fact that I don't like her notwithstanding) and people can't seem to accept a joke and have to jump to her defense. Trust me, SMG doesn't need defending against my views or thoughts or opinions. I'm certain she doesn't care what someone like me thinks, so why do her fans have to get in such a huff over a joke? Boggles my mind.

So yeah, if people challege me over a little joke, I'll respond and explain my pov.

I am so bored with the pro and anti SMG debate

I am too, which was why I was just bringing levity to a touchy subject(SMG doing a con for a movie but not for Buffy). But I am sadly reactive. If people challenge my statements(and especially JOKES, for God's sake), it's hard not to reply.

Rogue Slayer | May 28, 21:03 CET

You still trying to make me feel stupid.And that's my last post, Bye.

ilanit | May 28, 21:35 CET

You still trying to make me feel stupid.And that's my last post, Bye.

Ok, I'll refrain from the obvious grammar and spelling issues just to say, no, I'm not trying to make you feel stupid for being a fan of SMG. If you read that in my post, that's a personal issue of yours. I'm sorry that you get that from my posts. I could easily think you're trying to imply that *I'm* stupid for not liking SMG, but I don't see that in your posts.
Um, bye.

Rogue Slayer | May 28, 21:41 CET

I agree with you Simon -- it would be wonderful if the SMG debate didn't happen again. But I'm sure you've noticed, as I know I have, that these things are continuosly started by the same handful of people. I've come to expect it from them by this point, though I wish I could be proven wrong in future posts.

MindPieces | May 28, 21:54 CET

All that said, I hope that she allows some Buffy questions, though I do agree it would be rude since she's promoting The Grudge. But you gotta figure, most people who will come to that presentation will not be fans of 'The Grudge'. They'll be fans of the actors and actresses in the film. And since the movie's not even out, there isn't a whole lot you can ask about it.

I think my question will be, "While making this wonderful version of The Grudge, did you find yourself calling upon your experiences on Buffy at all?" or maybe "While filming The Grudge in Japan, did it make you think of the time that Spike killed a slayer in China?" See? I'm being polite in asking about her film, but then really getting what I want out of it! ;)

But what I really wanna ask is: "What's it like rolling around with a near-naked James Marsters for hours on end?"

that these things are continuosly started by the same handful of people. I've come to expect it from them by this point, though I wish I could be proven wrong in future posts.

Well, if you're referring to me, again, I made a joke that someone took as a major slam on their favorite actress. Me saying I don't like someone doesn't mean that someone who does like that person has to get defensive. If someone says "I hate James Marsters" I will wonder why and may even ask, but I don't feel the need to get my hackles up because my opinion differs with someone else. And also, again, stating why you have an opinion of someone isn't bashing. It's why I usually like to qualify my responses(if someone gets defensive) with reasoning instead of just saying, "I hate SMG"--which I don't hate her anyway. But I've noticed, the more reasoning I give here, the more people get defensive and deny negative things about a particular actress. So it's a bit of a tough situation. If I say I don't like her, people complaing I'm just bashing. If I give justification for my feelings, it's even more bashing.

And I've also come to realize, many folks here can't take a joke, unfortunately.

[ edited by Rogue Slayer on 2004-05-28 20:08 ]

Rogue Slayer | May 28, 21:57 CET

I was on the site last night when Typhon24 posted the link and the first thing that popped into my head was, ‘I wonder when the dirt is going to start flying…’ Ah, the predictability of the SMG debate. *Yawn* Bored, now.

I’m really looking forward to The Grudge and it’s great she’s going to be out promoting but doesn’t she (or her people) realize that 99% of the questions people ask her are going to be about Buffy? I mean especially at a Con and although this Con in particular is about a million other non-Buffy things, Buffy and Angel fans packed the conference hall for Joss last year. I just wonder how she is doing to handle the “What were your feelings on the Spike/Buffy rape scene in Season 6?” or “Why didn’t you guest on Angel this year? Did your Aunt really die, were there really “scheduling conflicts”?” or the now infamous “Thanks for seven mostly great seasons of Buffy.” -type questions/comments.

If I were there promoting a new project I would want most the focus to be on just that, the new project. Not that she should ignore the inevitable Buffy-related questions, those are her roots after all. I just can’t see the experience being enjoyable for her. That’s not to say I won’t be there watching what happens.

Karen | May 28, 22:21 CET

But isn't it also a testament to an actor's status that they cause any amount of furor? At least she's big enough for people get be so concerned over. I bet no one cares if Adam Busch is a jerk or not! And hey, isn't it something that someone who doesn't like the person or the character(me) thinks she's a great actress? At least it's a happy meeting point! ;)

Anyway, I should get to work....my boss probably thinks I'm just goofing off on the net all day.....!!!

Rogue Slayer | May 28, 22:22 CET

Rogue Slayer -- I just think that after all of these SMG debate posts, it's kind of obvious that many folks around here are going to take offense to even the smallest snarky or jokey comment. That may be unfortunate, but if it was me I'd probably just keep the snark to myself instead of saying something that will knowingly cause...well, all of this, yet again.

Though to be fair, I wasn't referring strictly to you. Though yes, I've read enough posts to know your opinion on SMG and to kind of expect you to be one of the snarkbusters.

I don't really care to argue with anyone's opinion of any actor or actress -- we're all entitled to what we think. I'm just tired of the endless debate, especially on a board where the comments section is often more fun than the news items themselves.

MindPieces | May 28, 22:38 CET

Wow, I had no idea I'd be starting this. Personally, I plan on going to the con this year and I'm kinda stoked she's showing up. Sorry to start a thing. To Whedonesque's credit, however, this is some of the more articulate net fighting I've seen in a while. So, uh...kudos? :)

Typhon24 | May 28, 22:53 CET

I'm glad SMG is going to do Comicon. I hope people are polite and respectful of her if she wants to primarily take questions concerning The Grudge, but really, unless you've seen the Japanese original or are somehow privy to pre-production scenes from the version she's in, how can she reasonably expect people's questions not to veer away from it into Buffy-verse territory? Fans are fans because of appreciating concrete things, not speculative ones; we love because of the experience. We've seen her in Buffy, and not The Grudge, so of course we're more enthusiastic about the one than the other.

If she chooses not to take Buffy questions, that will be her preogative.
I would hope that she has some lingering warmth or affection for that character, though, and that she realizes how important a figure Buffy remains for many people. (For myself, that role is the only thing that has really distinguished SMG from many other talented actresses in my eyes; I adore her as Buffy, and I can't understand why she wouldn't feel the same. But I'm not her, and she's got reasons for feeling as she does, I suppose.)

Personally, I wasn't aware that there is a lot of SMG bashing going on around the 'net. I wonder why that is. If those who don't like her don't all know each other, why does this issue of her being unlikeable/difficult/
unfriendly keep coming up everywhere? If it isn't based on real incidents, why does it persist? A general consensus is being arrived at by many fans, somehow. Not that I know what that is, exactly. I'm just noting that one exists (based on the remarks in this thread alone). I would imagine she's aware of this? If so, it seems as though she doesn't care, which is probably the best way to handle the situation if she doesn't want to deal with an image problem head-on (if that's indeed what it is).

I don't have any feelings about her as a person one way or the other. It's just funny to me that she's such a lightning rod for comment. And I include myself here. I've never really seen her in anything besides Buffy* (although I'm interested in The Grudge and am planning to see it if it looks good), yet here I am, provoked to post. It's bizarre, I admit.

Re: The Comicon itself -- I'm a little jealous. I live far away, and it's too expensive for me to travel to CA for a con right now (I'm saving for a trip to LA later in the year). But I'm glad SMG is finally making an appearance so people who want to see her, for whatever reason, will get that chance. May everyone who's lucky enough to go have a great time -- including Miss Geller herself.

(* I did see Scooby Doo and didn't like it, but I'm willing to give her another chance to redeem herself on the big screen in something with a little more intelligence.)

Wiseblood | May 28, 23:04 CET

So, did any of you even READ what Simon posted?

"It would be greatly appreciated if it doesn't happen again."

It would be even more appreciated if it didn't CONTINUE after a mod has stated the thread's derailed.

We've decided that in future, we may delete comments we think are *potentially* able to inflame and derail a thread.

Caroline | May 28, 23:09 CET

. I live far away, and it's too expensive for me to travel to CA for a con right now

Understandable, but just for general info, for how huge this con is, it's very affordable. It was about $90 bucks for hubby and me to both get full 4-day passes. I think it was $25 per day per person at the door last year, if I remember correctly.

Rogue Slayer | May 28, 23:17 CET

My point in my first post about the stupid question that was directed at Eliza was that "Tru Calling" hadn't even aired yet, and the "Buffy" fan who had asked the question just assumed that it was going to be cancelled.

True, FOX is notorious for cancelling good quality programming ("Firefly" and "Wonderfalls" among countless others), but that didn't her the right to insult Eliza and the rest of her "Tru Calling" cast and crew like that.

I expect an even worse trainwreck to happen when Sarah's onstage and fielding questions from the audience.

And I hope to be there to document it all. :)

Oddjob | May 28, 23:26 CET

I expect an even worse trainwreck to happen when Sarah's onstage and fielding questions from the audience.

And I hope to be there to document it all. :)

Unfortunately, I agree with you. I want to hear about Buffy stuff, but I think it's very inappropriate to ask her about that stuff when she's promoting something else. BUT, like you, I will be there nonetheless, because there will be people stupid/rude/bold enough to ask those questions that I want to know about!! And some I don't, I'm sure.

Rogue Slayer | May 28, 23:31 CET

It was about $90 bucks for hubby and me to both get full 4-day passes.

Wow, that is pretty good, and a lot less that I figured.

Still, with the flight and hotel running me anywhere from $600+, not including transportation on the ground, food, sundries, and of course cool stuff from the con itself, it's out of my range for now. I'm sure the whole event is quite mind-boggling. I hope I can make it out there eventually. After I go to LA this winter, I might even have a place to stay in the future.

I apologize, Caroline, if it seems I wasn't paying attention. Yes, I have been living under a rock (edit: where I also forgot how to spell). It won't happen again. :)

[ edited by Wiseblood on 2004-05-28 21:54 ]

Wiseblood | May 28, 23:46 CET

Never been to any of these but I'd enjoy seeing SMG in person (or any of the other actors and writers from the show). I would imagine, though, that she will most likely get tons of questions about Buffy and she is always asked about Buffy during interviews and always responds enthusiastically so I don't see it being a problem for her to talk about it.

I hope you guys who are going give us a nice review later! Especially if Rogue Slayer gets an answer to the rolling around the floor with James Marsters question!!

Oh, and I'm all for the deleting of comments that could start this endless debate going on and on. They always take away from the actual topic and some great opportunities for good discussions end up being missed. I'm excited about The Grudge movie coming out and would've liked to have read more discussion about that.

Firefly Flanatic | May 28, 23:55 CET

I'm interested in The Grudge, too, blwessels. Has anyone here seen the original film? I've looked for it at my local video stores but haven't come across it yet. It sounds enticing -- what I've read of the premise sort of reminds me of the Angel episode 'Billy'.

I just saw the Chinese film The Eye earlier this week (I understand it's also been optioned for an American remake), and a few weeks ago got to see a Japanese/Czech cyberpunk thriller, Avalon. Both were excellent. Asian horror/sci-fi films are lately becoming my favorite spin on the genre.

Wiseblood | May 29, 00:04 CET

I agree with the Mods decision - as with most other Mod decisions, as they keep this place one of the spiffier Buffy/Angel/Firefly/Fray/Wonderfalls/Astonishing X-Men discussion boards out there.

As for ComicCon, I said it before, I'll say it again - WOO! EdDantes and Rogue Slayer, I'll be looking forward to possibly bumping into you, tho' I doubt we'll be like "Rogue!" "Joyof!" "OMG!" because, you know, Internet pseudonyms and a total lack of knowing what the other looks like and all.

TheJoyofZeppo | May 29, 00:12 CET

Wiseblood -- For those interested in seeing the original version of The Grudge, this news story from CreatureCorner.com may be of interest:

The distributor announced today that, in conjunction with Vitagraph Films (Bubba Ho-Tep), they'll be releasing Shimizu's original Ju-On: The Grudge on the big screen in theaters throughout Los Angeles and New York on July 23rd. Later, Ju-On's run will expand to Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle.

I assume it'll be hitting DVD sometime thereafter. If you'd like to read the full news story, check it out here.

MindPieces | May 29, 00:18 CET

There are trailers for and film clips from the original version here.

Simon | May 29, 00:31 CET

If SMG has a Q&A I really can't see there being a ban on BtVS questions since, as others have pointed out, a Q&A restricted to a movie nobody has seen will be half an hour of deathly silence, the odd tumbleweed drifting across the stage, a dog barking in the distance and SMG looking at her watch.

To promote a movie they use the stars fame to attract publicity. A roomfull of rabid Buffy fans who get the charm offensive will almost certainly rush out and see The Grudge. Treated badly they won't. Hopefuly the PR people, and SMG, will do a good job and we'll read glowing reports.

But I guess we'll have to wait and see...

zz9 | May 29, 01:15 CET

I think many stars avoid doing Cons when they are in cult hits because of the dreaded "typecasting", why William Shatner never did a con for Trek for many many years, also I am sure the stigma associated with con's doesnt help much either, the old "they all dress up like Spock and ask technical question on some obscure scene on episode 13 in Q&A sessions".

Some stars seem to love the interaction with fans though at cons, ASH made comments before he loves doing cons to mingle with fans, some though don't like it, they see their roles as jobs, and once the job if over thats it.

Nuke | May 29, 01:18 CET

blwessels and Wiseblood I have seen it in Istanbul Independent Film Festival earlier this year. I'll try to give some info without spoling it too much.

The Grudge is based on several characters and their brief stories in a house and the mysterious force in it. SMG's role can be considered as the main character but in the original version she doesn't have a boyfriend. I adore 'Billy' but The Grudge has no resemblance to it. It tells the story and the horror of the events through several peoples' eyes and in different time sets. I'm very curious in what degree they're going to change the original version. I personally liked 'The Ring' more but 'The Grudge' is a good movie.

pelinxf | May 29, 01:24 CET

Thanks for the Grudge links, fellas (I assume, at least in MP's case ;). I'll check 'em out when I get home from work.

Re: Peeps going to Comicon -- I was feeling sure there'd be a big Whedonesque posse representing there. Maybe you guys should all wear a badge with Puppet!Angel on it? Unless of course it's a secret infiltration...

(Edit: I enjoyed the original Ringu so much, I haven't had the guts to see the remake. Should I? So many movies don't seem to 'make the translation' (heh) from foreign to American formats that I'm a little skittish.)

[ edited by Wiseblood on 2004-05-28 23:33 ]

Wiseblood | May 29, 01:26 CET

Wiseblood, I saw both The Ring and Ringu and I liked The Ring better. I did see it first, so it may be that the one you see first is the one you'll like better. I just found it more suspenseful, it had better effects, and the characters seemed more realistic.

electricspacegirl | May 29, 01:36 CET

Wiseblood - I'm already hanging with another Buffy posse, so no go. But I'm all for wearing PuppetAngel art, anyway!

TheJoyofZeppo | May 29, 01:39 CET

Pelinxf - the Instanbul Independent Film Festival? I'd love to hear more about that!

And isn't Comicon about and for Comic books and the folks who collect them?

wissxwe | May 29, 02:05 CET

As for ComicCon, I said it before, I'll say it again - WOO! EdDantes and Rogue Slayer, I'll be looking forward to possibly bumping into you, tho' I doubt we'll be like "Rogue!" "Joyof!" "OMG!" because, you know, Internet pseudonyms and a total lack of knowing what the other looks like and all.

Well, I'll be hard to miss. I look just like Inara from Firefly! But hotter! And my hubby looks like Brad Pitt from Troy! But hotter! But seriously folks.....

If you see a very tall, cute(if I do say so myself) guy with a goatee and a short wife with no goatee, that'll be us! That and we'll be wearing shirts that say EdDantes and Rogue Slayer! Now how dorky would that be?? hehehe

Rogue Slayer | May 29, 02:26 CET

As a 20+ year attendee of the convention, my guess would be that SMG will show up on Saturday, the Absolute Zoo Day. This is not a friendly little con. Attendance last year was around 75,000. Neil Gaiman needed a row of stalwart Klingons to exit a hall unmolested. And that's just Neil, not Joss.

The crowd will include all kinds, but rabid Buffy-ites will certainly be in attendance. Ever since Whedon came during Buffy's Season 1 with Hannigan and Brendon, there's been a decided Mutant Enemy presence. Season 3 saw Whedon and EVERY regular cast member except SMG on a panel [Brendon, Hannigan, Head, Boreanaz, Carpenter, and Green. And scheduled opposite the Farscape presentation (about a month into the first season) with Black, O'Bannon, and Kemper, iirc]. Firefly got its world premiere there (he showed us the scene where Kaylee gets shot from the pilot).

Now, let's all hope somebody manages to get Whedon to come and talk about X-Men and/or Serenity.

kli | May 29, 02:33 CET

Well I was debating whether to go this year and this has decided it. I already have several other cast members autographs on my "Once More With Feeling" CD, and would love to try and get hers as well.

And as for the appropriateness, I see no problem. Buffy didn't really need promotion among genre fans, whereas her new movie does. I think it's exciting that we will get a chance to see her.

Mal'sGal | May 29, 02:41 CET

I liked the original Ringu better than the remake so I do think it's what you've seen first that ends up being your preference. But I did think the remake was good too. I do want to see the original Grudge movie but I want to see the new version first this time just because SMG is in it.

"If you see a very tall, cute(if I do say so myself) guy with a goatee and a short wife with no goatee, that'll be us!"RogueSlayer

When JoyofZeppo made the comment about possibly bumping into you guys at the convention, for some reason I pictured a tall man and a short wife. Now, is he a blonde and you brunette? If so, I think I may have some psychic abilities!!

Firefly Flanatic | May 29, 03:16 CET

blwessels, hubby is rather sandy blonde and I am a brunette. Well, now a funky kind of red, but that's a whole other story..... Now guess our ages!!! :)

Rogue Slayer | May 29, 03:25 CET

He's 34 and you're 29?

Firefly Flanatic | May 29, 03:29 CET

wissxwe - I live in Istanbul and went to 'The Grudge' to see the original before I watch the new version, SMG factor was the first thing that got my attention to this film. Istanbul Independent Film Festival - !F - is a great festival which takes place a couple of months before the actual film festival. I love to give more info but don't want to hijack the thread. LOL. You can find more info in http://www.ifistanbul.com/2004/en/ . You can also find more info about The Grudge on the site. (sorry, couldn't figure out a way to post the link )

pelinxf | May 29, 03:33 CET

Ohh, so close, Blwessels. He's 32 and I'm 24! Guess our signs? It's the same one for both.....:)

Rogue Slayer | May 29, 05:03 CET

pelinxf - Thanks for the link!

wissxwe | May 29, 05:14 CET

Pisces?

Firefly Flanatic | May 29, 06:20 CET

Awww....Scorpios....well, you were close on most things though. You get half credit! :)

Rogue Slayer | May 29, 06:53 CET

http://www.comic-con.org/Pages/CCIWhatsNew.html
Be there and be part of this historic occasion!

Historical? While I'm relatively neutral as far as Sarah goes, I couldn't help but laugh a bit. The phrasing is a little overkill.

Anyway, there's some more info on the con if you follow the link.

[ edited by +Faith+ on 2004-05-29 05:01 ]

faith1984 | May 29, 07:00 CET

Oh well, I guess I won't start my own psychic hotline then ;)

Firefly Flanatic | May 29, 07:42 CET

Damn. 3 hours ago I sat here thinking, I'll bet you anything they're Scorpios. I just decided not to post my guess since the question wasn't aimed at me. :)

electricspacegirl | May 29, 07:51 CET

That's really funny, electricspacegirl, I was thinking the exact same thing! My husband is a Scorpio, very passionate people especially when arguing a point ;).

Karen | May 29, 07:58 CET

Yeah, Karen, that's what made me think Scorpio.

electricspacegirl | May 29, 08:00 CET

The funny thing is, I rarely get worked up about anything. Even this SMG stuff is just minor annoyance to me. Hubby now.....I can't count the times he will read me a story about Bush and go, "How can that NOT piss you off??!!!" My usual response is to shrug my shoulders and go, "Doesn't surprise me...." Then he gets worked up that I'm not more worked up. It's a funny cycle.
But yeah, if I have a point to make(and especially if people responding make no sense or can't back their facts up)I can get a bit warm.

And yes, as two Scorpios.....we are zee most passionate lovers in zee world!! ;)

Rogue Slayer | May 29, 08:13 CET

There are definitely different types of Scorpios my husband is extremely passive and laid-back but when he gets heated, watch out! Which makes for some very exhaustive arguments seeing as how I'm a Leo and you know... always right! =)

And my this has gotten off topic. Sorry!

[ edited by Karen on 2004-05-29 06:27 ]

Karen | May 29, 08:24 CET

Gawd Karen, I'm a Leo and my husband a Scorpio.

How funny that we were drawn together, so alike in the fire department, but so different everywhere else.

Willowy | May 29, 08:38 CET

Wow, Willowy, that's cool! I always thought it was funny to read about how incompatible Leos & Scorpios are seeing as how we just celebrated 10 years together just last week (2 of which married). We started seeing each other when were just freshman in High School and we've been inseparable ever since!

Karen | May 29, 08:46 CET

Huh. I'm a Scorpio with Leo rising, Capricorn moon and three planets conjunct in Sagittarius. My husband is a Sagittarius with Scorpio rising and moon in Taurus. We get along swimmingly. Whoo. Fire and water definitely make steam. ;)

Scorpios are traditionally into all the things that typify the Whedonverse: Vampires, horror, magick and the occult, philosophy, the arts, conspiracies, secret cabals and apocalypses, birth/death/rebirth, redemption...

If there was a survey of all Whedonesque posters, I wonder if Scorpios would be more heavily represented?

FWIW: SMG is an Aries and DB is a Taurus.

Wiseblood | May 29, 09:59 CET

I'm a Gemini.

Firefly Flanatic | May 29, 10:08 CET

I don't believe in star signs meself but if anyone is interested I'm Aries.

And if people are wanting to meet up at Comic Con, you could use Flickr to make arrangements etc.

Simon | May 29, 12:28 CET

Well, historic or no, it's going to be exciting.

My friend and I have a shiny nickel bet that Joss doesn't do any work on Serenity for the weekend just to attend. I say he won't be there, she says he will (apparently, he has a tendency to show up without much previous fanfare).

We shall see.

TheJoyofZeppo | May 29, 14:12 CET

May 28 2004