Jackson to make 1st Comic-Con appearance

New Zealand-born filmmaker Peter Jackson says he plans to make his first appearance at Comic-Con International in San Diego next month.

He said he is attending to support TriStar Pictures’ District 9, a movie he produced.

Jackson’s previous film credits include The Frighteners, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong.

The District 9 panel discussion is to take place in the San Diego Convention Center’s Hall H July 24. Jackson will speak on the panel with the film’s director, Neill Blomkamp, and star, Sharlto Copley, Sony Pictures Entertainment said in a news release.

After all these years, I’m thrilled that I finally have the opportunity to visit San Diego for Comic-Con, Jackson said in a statement. I am especially excited that I am attending to support ‘District 9.’ Neill is a tremendously talented young director and he’s made an extraordinary film, so it was important to me to come to San Diego to spread the word. I look forward to attending my first ever Comic-Con and I know that those who visit us on July 24 in Hall H will be in for quite a ride.

District 9 is slated for release in U.S. theaters Aug. 14.