I knew Saturday was not going to be just another Saturday from the moment I woke up and sat down with the LA Times and a cup of coffee. At that moment the world stopped for me, it was so surreal, there it was the article I had been waiting for, my brother and I were on the front page of the paper talking about our history in show business and our various television shows. The phone did not stop ringing. Everyone was calling to congratulate us on the piece and how exciting it was to see Sid and I in print. I just knew the excitement would not stop there because a few hours later Sid and I were on our way via private jet to San Diego for Comic-Con and even my daughter Kendra came along to take part in the fun. This marked Sid's first experience to Comic-Con and you could sense his excitement as we flew with the Universal Pictures team to speak on a panel for LAND OF THE LOST alongside director Brad Silberling and stars Danny McBride, Anna Friel and Jorma Taccone.
First stop on the Comic-Con tour was the Hard Rock Hotel where Sid, Brad and I were interviewed on-camera and took some photos for EW.com. This was a great start to a definitely exciting day in San Diego. I had been to the convention before a few years back when it was much smaller than it is now. Driving down Harbor Drive, we watched out of the car window as massive crowds walked the streets in various costumes and outfits. Maybe next year people will be dressed as Sleestak or even Chaka.
As we prepared for the panel we sat in the green room grazing the catered food table with the cast from THE MUMMY: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and PINEAPPLE EXPRESS. And, when it was our time to go on stage, Sid and I were a little nervous but excited at the same time. As the lights came up, I was taken back by the excitement that came from the crowd, the clapping and yelling was enough make anyone weak at the knees. I couldn't even see all the faces in the crowd, as there were 6,000 people in the audience looking on as we spoke about the movie and how excited we are to see it on the big screen. The crowd got a glimpse of the Sleestak and roared with laughter as Will Ferrell did a special video message where he was answering questions "live" and had the audio fail on him so he couldn't hear anything from the Comic-Con panel. The crowd went crazy as they watched Will, just stare into the camera, confused and in silence – it was hilarious. After the panel I was even able to say hello to some old friends that came to watch.
During the press line, Sid and I were able to discuss our hopes to further the Krofft Empire by taking more of our shows from the Krofft vault to the big screen. 50 lucky Comic-Con attendees were given tickets to meet Sid, myself, Brad, Anna and Jorma as we said hello and signed autographs for a diverse group of fans some of those just learning about LAND OF THE LOST and others who grew up watching the series.
Overall, both Sid and I had a great experience in San Diego. It may have been short but it was worth every minute. Both Sid and I want to thank the wonderful team at Universal Pictures as well as the amazing cast and crew of LAND OF THE LOST. Most especially, thank you to you the fans and attendees of Comic-Con that came out to support the film.
Remember, LAND OF THE LOST hits the theatres July 17, 2009.