Context:

George Lucas is making a notable appearance at Comic-Con, not for his iconic 'Star Wars' franchise but to preview the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles. The event, moderated by Queen Latifah, will include a panel discussion with filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro and art director Doug Chiang, focusing on the museum's exploration of narrative art's history and traditions. Although Comic-Con wasn't a typical venue for Lucas during his filmmaking years, his influence remains significant in the realm of science fiction and popular culture celebrated there. The museum, co-founded with his wife Mellody Hobson, is set to open next year in Exposition Park and will house galleries, theaters, and various spaces within its 300,000-square-foot structure. This debut appearance marks a quieter and more culturally focused conclusion to the festival's usual lineup of sci-fi and superhero showcases.

Dive Deeper:

• George Lucas attends Comic-Con for a preview of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, marking his debut at the event not for 'Star Wars' but for a cultural initiative. This museum has been long in the works and aims to explore the diverse histories and traditions of narrative art.

• The panel discussion, featuring Guillermo Del Toro and Doug Chiang, will highlight the museum's focus on narrative art across different cultures and time periods. Queen Latifah will moderate the discussion, adding a distinguished presence to the event.

• Lucas's appearance at Comic-Con is significant as he is a pivotal figure in the creation of films celebrated at the convention, although he rarely used it as a platform during his filmmaking career. His influence is still deeply felt in the realm of science fiction and popular culture.

• The Lucas Museum, founded by Lucas and Mellody Hobson, is scheduled to open next year in Los Angeles' Exposition Park. The site will encompass an 11-acre campus with a 300,000-square-foot building designed by architect Ma Yansong, featuring galleries and two theaters.

• The museum's presence at Comic-Con serves as a quieter yet culturally enriching event compared to the festival's usual focus on big, bombastic sci-fi and superhero presentations. This shift highlights a broader appreciation for diverse forms of storytelling in art.