On July 27th, legendary filmmaker George Lucas will appear at San Diego Comic-Con alongside Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro and acclaimed artist Doug Chiang. The trio will participate in an exclusive panel in Hall H, offering attendees an early glimpse of the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. The session will be moderated by Grammy-, Emmy-, and Golden Globe-winning artist Queen Latifah, who is also an avid fan of fantasy and pop culture. The event aims to highlight the importance of narrative art and its role in connecting cultures and generations.
Exploring the Role of Narrative Art in Storytelling
The panel, titled
“Sneak Peek of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art,”
will explore the timeless impact of illustrated storytelling. Discussions will cover a broad spectrum of visual narratives, from ancient cave paintings and hieroglyphics to contemporary media such as comics, digital art, murals, and sculptures. This conversation will emphasize how illustrated stories serve as a universal language that transcends time and culture, illustrating the enduring power of visual storytelling in shaping human experience.
Comic-Con’s Excitement About George Lucas’s Return
David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer of Comic-Con, expressed his enthusiasm for George Lucas’s first-ever Comic-Con appearance:
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome George Lucas to Comic-Con for the very first time. Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention, along with a booth featuring Howard Chaykin’s now legendary Star Wars poster as a promotional item. Now, to have Mr. Lucas return—this time to debut the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art—is a true full-circle moment. His lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and world-building resonates deeply with us and our community, and the museum’s mission to celebrate narrative art in all its forms perfectly reflects what Comic-Con has championed from the very beginning.”
George Lucas’s Vision for the Museum and Storytelling
As co-founder of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, George Lucas brings over 60 years of storytelling expertise and cultural influence. His commitment to bridging timeless narratives with innovative technology has shaped some of cinema’s most iconic works. Beyond filmmaking, Lucas has curated one of the world’s most extensive collections of narrative art, encompassing original comic book panels, magazine and book illustrations, paintings, photography, and cinematic artifacts. The museum reflects his long-held goal of showcasing how visual storytelling connects people, molds culture, and captures the essence of the human journey.
Guillermo del Toro’s Role and Artistic Contributions
Guillermo del Toro stands out as a visionary in modern filmmaking, known for his distinctive fusion of dark fantasy and visually rich storytelling. The Oscar-winning director and writer behind critically acclaimed films such as Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, and Pinocchio is also a passionate collector of monster memorabilia, rare books, and macabre illustrations. Del Toro shares George Lucas’s dedication to preserving compelling narratives and serves as a member of the museum’s Board of Directors, helping shape its artistic direction and mission.
Doug Chiang’s Impact on Visual Storytelling and Star Wars
Doug Chiang, an Academy Award-winning artist and production designer, has been instrumental in defining the visual style of the Star Wars franchise. Personally chosen by George Lucas in 1995 to lead the art department for the Star Wars prequel films, Chiang’s imaginative designs have brought to life iconic characters, vehicles, and environments across movies, theme parks, games, and live-action series. His expertise in transforming narrative ideas into compelling visual worlds continues to influence how audiences experience modern mythology and cinematic storytelling.
Queen Latifah’s Role as Moderator and Storytelling Advocate
Serving as the panel moderator, Queen Latifah brings her charisma, cultural awareness, and personal passion for storytelling to the discussion. A highly accomplished artist, she has won Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards and received an Academy Award nomination. Latifah’s diverse career spans music, film, and television, including her recent role as executive producer and star of the CBS series The Equalizer. Her profound belief in the unifying power of stories promises a compelling and insightful conversation with the panel of creators.
Overview of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
Scheduled to open in 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be a pioneering institution devoted to illustrated storytelling across various cultures and eras. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum’s collection showcases work from notable artists such as Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N.C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judy Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish. It also includes comic art legends like Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb, alongside renowned photographers including Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange.
The museum will also house the Lucas Archive, featuring models, props, concept art, and costumes from George Lucas’s filmmaking legacy. This extensive collection reflects the breadth and diversity of narrative art, underscoring its importance as a cultural and educational platform.
Design and Location of the Museum Campus
The museum’s architectural design is led by Ma Yansong of MAD, with landscape design by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA and Stantec as executive architect. Located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, the 11-acre campus will feature 300,000 square feet of innovative space including galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, café, retail store, and versatile community areas. The campus will integrate new green spaces, enhancing the cultural hub of the city and providing a vibrant gathering place for visitors to explore the rich history of narrative art.
Anticipated Impact and Future of Narrative Art Appreciation
The appearance of George Lucas, Guillermo del Toro, and Doug Chiang at SDCC underscores the cultural significance of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and its mission to celebrate the enduring power of storytelling. By bringing together visionary creators and engaging audiences in conversations about the art form, the museum aims to inspire future generations, deepen appreciation for narrative arts, and preserve these stories for years to come. As the museum’s opening approaches in 2026, anticipation continues to build for this landmark institution’s contribution to the arts and culture landscape.
