Jackson to make 1st Comic-Con appearance

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UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., June 8 (UPI) -- New Zealand-born filmmaker Peter Jackson says he plans to make his first appearance at Comic-Con International in San Diego next month.

He said he is attending to support TriStar Pictures' "District 9," a movie he produced.

Jackson's previous film credits include "The Frighteners," "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "King Kong."

The "District 9" panel discussion is to take place in the San Diego Convention Center's Hall H July 24. Jackson will speak on the panel with the film's director, Neill Blomkamp, and star, Sharlto Copley, Sony Pictures Entertainment said in a news release.

"After all these years, I'm thrilled that I finally have the opportunity to visit San Diego for Comic-Con," Jackson said in a statement. "I am especially excited that I am attending to support 'District 9.' Neill is a tremendously talented young director and he's made an extraordinary film, so it was important to me to come to San Diego to spread the word. I look forward to attending my first ever Comic-Con and I know that those who visit us on July 24 in Hall H will be in for quite a ride."

"District 9" is slated for release in U.S. theaters Aug. 14.