San Diego Comic-Con 2026 cosplay brings capes, costumes and cameras
Cosplayers have filled the San Diego Convention Center as Comic-Con 2026 opens, with TMZ showcasing Getty photos from the event.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
San Diego Comic-Con 2026 cosplay is already front and center, with fans turning the San Diego Convention Center into a parade of capes, armor, wigs and camera-ready outfits, according to TMZ.
TMZ published a Getty-backed photo gallery from the fan event, calling it the first batch of cosplayers photographed at this year’s gathering. The images focus on attendees dressed for the convention floor, where elaborate costumes remain one of Comic-Con’s biggest traditions.
Comic-Con is underway in San Diego, and TMZ described the convention center as packed with fans showing off costumed looks. The outlet also noted that the event has become a major stop for Hollywood promotion, while still giving fans space for costume-driven fun.
What is happening at San Diego Comic-Con 2026?
Comic-Con 2026 is bringing fans, studio promotion and cosplay to the San Diego Convention Center. Cosplay is the fan practice of dressing as characters or character-inspired creations, and it is one of the most visible parts of the annual event.
TMZ’s coverage highlighted the contrast that defines the convention: Hollywood comes to sell upcoming projects, while attendees bring the floor to life with their own homemade or carefully assembled looks.
The outlet also pointed to another early moment from this year’s convention: Johnny Depp appearing as Ebenezer Scrooge. TMZ reported that Depp previewed the look for an upcoming holiday film based on “A Christmas Carol.”
According to TMZ, the movie is due out in November and marks a major studio comeback vehicle for Depp after the public chapter involving Amber Heard. No additional details about the film’s cast or release plan were included in the report.
The convention’s cosplay galleries are split across at least two TMZ photo collections, including one focused on “hot shots” from Comic-Con 2026 and another highlighting creative cosplayers. Both galleries are credited to Getty in the outlet’s presentation.
The takeaway from the floor so far is simple: Comic-Con is doing what Comic-Con does. Studios are bringing stars and projects, fans are bringing costumes, and San Diego is once again serving as the weekend home base for pop culture’s most dressed-up crowd.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.