“Snowden” director Oliver Stone made his first-ever appearance at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday and dropped a bomb, indicating NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden is something of an enigma.
“Right now, Snowden is a larger than life story of what’s happening right now under our noses and it affects the majority of you, in our audience,” Stone said as he opened his first appearance on stage at Hall H at San Diego’s convention center.
Stone described at length the effort he and his team spent trying to really get to know Edward Snowden — from visiting him in person in Moscow to discussing the Snowden case with the journalists at The Guardian who covered the scandal when Snowden, an analyst for the NSA, became a whistleblower against the U.S. government’s secret surveillance programs.
But even after everything they did to try to see the big picture, Stone said, they never quite got there.
“We went as far as we could,” Stone said. “There are things that we don’t know.”
Stone revealed he faced a lot of hurdles trying to get the movie funded. “It was turned down by every major studio,” he said. “It was definitely self-censorship [on the part of the major studios]. I don’t believe there was an agency like the NSA lurking in the background.”
Stone shared he finally got money from France and Germany, also getting domestic distribution from Open Road.
Stone went on to quash any potential conspiracy theories about the NSA’s involvement in the project. “They did not interfere with us,” he said. “I have no knowledge or suspicion that they did.”
“Snowden” star Joseph Gordon Levitt appeared on the panel, too, along with co-stars Zachary Quinto and Shailene Woodley.
The film enters theaters Sept. 16.
9 Comic Con Panels We Can't Wait to See: From 'Star Trek' to 'Snowden' (Photos)
Comic-Con 2016 is upon us, so TheWrap has compiled a list of the biggest and best panels that you shouldn't miss when you wing your way to San Diego.
"Snowden" When: Thursday, 11:45 a.m. Where: Hall H
The world has long awaited the arrival of Oliver Stone's biopic of the infamous NSA whistleblower, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. After several release date delays, the film will screen for the first time in Hall H before its Sept. 16 theatrical premiere.
Every Marvel/Netflix series has generated tons of buzz and this one looks to be no different. Mike Colter will reprise the role he originated on "Jessica Jones" as the titular hero, who has impenetrable skin thanks to an experiment gone awry.
In addition to first-look footage from the show, we might also get new information about "The Defenders" miniseries, which will see Cage team with, Jones, Daredevil and Iron Fist.
"The Walking Dead" When: Friday, 1 p.m. Where: Hall H
Everybody's favorite zombie apocalypse series has become a mainstay at Comic-Con. But this year, the cast and creators will have to face down a convention hall filled with fans who are no doubt still stinging from the Season 6 finale cliffhanger. Expect some fireworks to fly.
"Game of Thrones" When: Friday, 2:15 p.m. Where: Hall H
Season 7 hasn't even begun filming yet, so don't expect any first looks at this panel. But who doesn't relish the chance to see the stars of this megahit dish on every nuance from Season 6? Maybe they'll even address a few of those lingering fan theories.
"American Gods" has been trying to become a TV series since at least 2011, when HBO picked up the beloved Neil Gaiman novel for adaptation. It's been a long road to get here, but with the combination of Starz, Bryan Fuller and star Ricky Whittle, we can only hope that the long-awaited story of Shadow Moon has been worth the wait.
Warner Bros. Studios When: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Where: Hall H
Fans can expect in-depth looks at "Suicide Squad," "Kong: Skull Island," "Wonder Woman," "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" and "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." Get excited.
Warner Bros
"Star Trek" When: Saturday, 2 p.m. Where: Hall H
Cast members from every "Star Trek" series, including William Shatner and Jeri Ryan, will come together to celebrate the franchise's 50th anniversary. Bryan Fuller, showrunner for the upcoming CBS All Access series, will moderate. There's a good chance he could also bring some first-look footage or cast members from the new show with him.
Marvel Studios When: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. Where: Hall H
Disney has been gradually pulling away from Comic-Con in favor of its own rival convention D23, but Marvel's annual Hall H presentation still remains consistently surprising.
"Doctor Strange" footage seems like a sure bet this year, but we can't help but notice rumored "Captain Marvel" actress Brie Larson will also be in town, promoting "Kong: Skull Island." Official confirmation that she is our Carol Danvers would certainly keep up the tradition of Marvel thrilling 6,500 fans who camp out overnight just to hear what the company has to reveal.
That collective groan you heard one early morning in May was fans reacting to The CW putting its highly anticipated new show "Riverdale" onto its less favorable midseason schedule -- and with it, the lack of any footage or promotional material.
Without any photos or trailers from the comic book adaptation, those in attendance will be the first people anywhere to get a glimpse of the new Archie, Betty and Veronica.
Open Road Films
