Marvel already pays each distribution studio anywhere from $20 to $60 million per picture to distribute it, and with the way some of the Marvel properties have been handled, I would think Disney might consider buying the rights from Paramount, Sony and Fox to get the franchises home faster and begin gaining control of the marketing/distribution of their newly acquired investments. That is, however, just my opinion; there has been no talk of that happening. Paramount Studios said this in a press release earlier today regarding their collaboration with Disney/Marvel:
“Paramount Pictures has enjoyed a productive and fruitful relationship with Marvel Studios from the start of our distribution agreement in 2005. So much so, we announced a five-picture slate distribution deal last year which includes worldwide distribution rights for upcoming films: ‘Iron Man 2,‘ ‘Thor,’ ‘Captain America,’ ‘Avengers,’ and ‘Iron Man 3.’ This distribution deal will be unaffected by today’s transaction. We look forward to continuing to work with Marvel and, with today’s announcement, to working with Disney to replicate the incredible success of ‘Iron Man‘ on all our future collaborative projects.”
Honestly, I don’t see Disney messing with Paramount at all because, frankly, they really did do a kick-ass job with Iron Man. Same goes for Sony and the job they did with the Spider-man franchise but look out Fox, you could be in a world of hurt.
One of the first things readers started asking about was Pixar and what would happen with a partnering of them and Marvel. It’s a natural assumption though because, well, comic books and animation go hand-in-hand. I don’t think we have to concern ourselves with major titles getting the CGI animated treatment. Going back to my earlier reference, if a project does get the green light, then it very well will involve some of the lesser known Marvel characters – but either way, only good things can happen with a Pixar/Marvel partnership.
I know this has been a lot to take in and honestly it’s not over by a long shot. The deal still has to go to an anti-trust review board and then to the shareholders and all of that could take as long as the rest of the year to accomplish. Plus, the contracts with the other studios will not expire for several more years. I’m sure we will be hearing more news trickling here and there as time marches forward, but try not to be dismayed by the whole ordeal. I think this can only be good for all parties involved and that includes the fans.
Besides, now I can finally buy something at the Disney store that isn’t the Beast, the Genie, a prince (unless you count Namor) or a dwarf. The Sub-Mariner is a project that has long dragged its feet; maybe now it can get the funding to move forward – starring Zach Effron of course (*snort* I kid, I kid). After all is said and done I think “Walt joining the Bif Bam Club” (special shout out to Screen Rant writer Mike Wilkerson’s dad for that line) is a good thing, but only time will tell if I’m correct.
After the initial shock has worn off and you’ve had a chance to think about it, what do you think about the merger/buyout of Marvel by Disney? Are there any ideas you would like to them see capitalize on?
Disney Buys Marvel
- Bad News (60%)
- Good News (40%)
Total Votes: 2,335
Loading ...Source: Indie Wire, Yahoo News, Film School Rejects, CNN Money, Fox Business
