Update on Fox Comic-Con withdrawal

Just received word from David Glanzer, spokesman for Comic-Con, saying reports that Fox canceled its panel presentation at least in part because the convention objected to the violence in their footage are untrue. Here's what he had to say.

I noticed this passage on your blog and wanted to set the record straight.

"What's more, they say the reason for the cancellation was that Comic-Con organizers considered the footage they planned to show for "Aliens v. Predator 2" and "Hitman" too violent for the increasing number of children and families at the show."

We never received any footage from Fox to consider. The statement that we deemed the material "too violent" is simply inaccurate.

While it's fun to imagine some huge spat between Fox and the Con, it's likely far from the truth. Programs often change as schedules change and scheduled talent sometimes having to cancel or reschedule for various reasons.

Also, the con has long reviewed footage, but has also allowed panels and previews for such R-rated pics as "300" and "Sin City." Since the con received no footage to review, it's even less likely that this is the reason for the programming change. 

Fox also still has a presence at the show with its TV programming and through Fox Atomic, and may still mount some kind of presentation.