Disney Sues Over Musical Featuring 'Spider-Man,' 'Mary Poppins' and 'The Lion King'

[crazy4wdw]

From the Hollywood Reporter:

Disney Sues Over Musical Featuring 'Spider-Man,' 'Mary Poppins' and 'The Lion King'

A Pennsylvania theater group draws the company's ire by showcasing its popular works.

Disney might have decided not to file a legal objection to Escape From Tomorrow, a microbudget horror film whose poster features a Mickey Mouse-like blood-soaked hand. But the entertainment giant isn't ready to simply roll over on the intellectual property front, either.

The company is now drawing the line at a musical that attempts to showcase the glories of the genre with tributes to famous characters and songs. On Tuesday, in Pennsylvania federal court, Disney and some of its partners filed a lawsuit against Entertainment Theatre Group, doing business as American Music Theatre.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/disney-sues-musical-featuring-spider-637362

 

[Spacedog1975]

From the Hollywood Reporter:


http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/disney-sues-musical-featuring-spider-637362

Can't say I'm surprised. They are very protective of their characters/properties.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Can't say I'm surprised. They are very protective of their characters/properties.

AS they should be!

AKK

 

[beer dave]

Yep--- go get em.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Yep--- go get em.

^^^~This! Movies can easily go viral -- it would be virtually impossible to contain the film with all of the digital platforms available. But, theater is completely different -- they should know better!

 

[quexzea]

I hope they WIN! Those musicals are super cheesy imo and have no place on Broadway. Call me a snob, but if I fork over the cash for a NYC vacation I'm going to see a legit Broadway play. People need culture, and buying a ticket to see Spider-Man the musical is a cop-out - even for your kids. Take the kids to see a real play. Wicked is a good choice everyone will enjoy if you MUST choose a "safe" family play.

 

[beer dave]

I hope they WIN! Those musicals are super cheesy imo and have no place on Broadway. Call me a snob, but if I fork over the cash for a NYC vacation I'm going to see a legit Broadway play. People need culture, and buying a ticket to see Spider-Man the musical is a cop-out - even for your kids. Take the kids to see a real play. Wicked is a good choice everyone will enjoy if you MUST choose a "safe" family play.

Lion King is cheesy?

 

[Spacedog1975]

AS they should be!

AKK

Indeed.

 

[wiigirl]

Yep--- go get em.

 

[Lewisc]

The movie intentionally avoided violating any of Disney copyrights. The song from It's a Small world was replaced with something generic.

 

[quexzea]

Lion King is cheesy?

As a play? Yes, I think its a bit silly that there is a Broadway adaptation, but it's a major hit, so everyone must enjoy it. The comic book adaptations are even sillier... Lion King the film is marvelous.

 

[beer dave]

As a play? Yes, I think its a bit silly that there is a Broadway adaptation, but it's a major hit, so everyone must enjoy it. The comic book adaptations are even sillier... Lion King the film is marvelous.

I think the songs and musical arrangements of Lion King are some of the most impressive and emotionally charged musical productions ever created. I think this has a lot to do with its popularity-- even on the small level of FOTLK at disney. Best show in all the parks.