San Diego Comic-Con originally featured primarily comic books, aptly getting its name as a comics convention. In its 45th iteration this year, Comic-Con has grown to become a haven for showcasing entertainment media and pop culture.

Over the years, it has highlighted stars, writers, producers and hundreds of personalities of popular culture from the past and the present as well as future shows and titles lined up for release.

According to the convention's website, it started from the modest origin of an intimate gathering of enthusiasts in U.S. Grant Hotel's basement in 1970. Comic-Con has now evolved into an important platform for marketing used by Hollywood and other multimedia outlets such as studios and networks. It is where they get to directly exhibit their offerings to a passionate audience of more than a hundred thousand fans in a carnival-like setting.

According to LA Times, this year's Comic-Con promises a long list of big names and stars, including such beloved actors Daniel Radcliffe and Benedict Cumberbatch, who will make their first visit to the convention.

Cast members of AMC's "The Walking Dead" and HBO's "Game of Thrones" will be present as well. Other television shows which will be making an appearance this weekend include "The Big Bang Theory," "True Blood," "Sons of Anarchy," "The Following" and "Arrow" among others. Anticipated new-comers will also be present, namely "Gotham," "The Flash" and "Outlander."

Variety reports that while fans can expect hundreds of surprises and features, one of the biggest names will be missing in action -- J.J. Abrams is not expected to arrive and give a preview of "Star Wars: Episode VII." The popular sci-fi film franchise might not have an official presence in the highly anticipated event except for the new animated series called "Star Wars Rebels" which is set to be released on the Disney Channel this fall. Zack Znyder's "Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice" will not be present either.