Marvel marks Comic-Con homecoming with a showstopper

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Marvel Studios took a year off from Comic-Con, but it came back with a pow on Saturday with a spectacle and star-filled presentation offering exclusive looks at Spider-Man:

Marvel brought out the production value for "Doctor Strange ," starting out that portion of the presentation with a smoke and light show, which cleared to reveal star Benedict Cumberbatch on the stage.

Director Scott Derrickson said he wanted to make sure the "mind-trippy visuals" of the comics were an integral part of the film, which bows in November.

The crowd went wild for an extended look at a scene with the adorable Baby Groot — a CG tree character, who in the last film was full-sized and voiced by Vin Diesel — staging an escape from captivity with Yondu (Michael Rooker) and Rocket Racoon (Bradley Cooper).

Kurt Russell, also present for the panel, was confirmed as Star Lord's (Pratt) father in a newly release trailer, resulting in a resounding cheer from the audience.

Marvel closed things out on a high note, however, with an obligatory all-Marvel photo, including the new Captain Marvel herself — Oscar-winner Brie Larson, who was greeted with a rapturous standing ovation.