Disney to Buy Marvel for $4 Billion

[cyberbox2]

To me, it just doesn't feel very Disney like. The majority of the characters that we have come to know and love were created with Walt's input and vision. They have a very special quality to them.

Marvel is in another world altogether and not one I would call "The Happiest Place on Earth"

I like spiderman just as much as the next guy but keep them at Universal!

 

[mnra]

Just going out on a limb here, Bob Iger said 3 or 4 years ago that a new theme park in Orlando was not in the forseeable future.

I'd venture to guess the Marvel characters would end up finding their way into Hollywood Studios somewhere. Maybe it's time to take a bulldozer to the Backlot Tour.

It's still hard for me to believe Mickey Mouse and Spiderman will be sharing the same address.

I would agree spider man etc would be a better fit at Hollywood studios. I think Iger figure he had some spare cash around and instead of investing in new attractions just buy something and collect the revenue off of an already successful character. Wonder what his bonus will be for doing this deal.

 

[txvjc]

As far as the parks go, I imagine that the Universal/Marvel deal is pretty tight and long lasting...have a feeling Universal is just going to be paying Disney royalties now instead...I think Disney is more interested in the media aspect of Marvel (comics, movies, games) than trying to get their characters into the parks...I also imagine if Disney starts distributing the Marvel films it'll be under another one of their brands (like Touchstone)...if/when Marvel characters ever appear at WDW I would imagine they would isolated (as far as rides and walkarounds) to a section in DHS much like they have at IOA, I can't see them buliding an entire park for them

 

[stitchlover]

My husband sent me this story and his first thoughts were a fifth park. I told him I think we will see characters at DHS long before we hear talk of another park. It will be interesting to see how this affects Universal. Do you think all the Disney lawyers are busy this morning looking for a loophole out of the relationship/contracts with Universal?

 

[mnra]

My husband sent me this story and his first thoughts were a fifth park. I told him I think we will see characters at DHS long before we hear talk of another park. It will be interesting to see how this affects Universal. Do you think all the Disney lawyers are busy this morning looking for a loophole out of the relationship/contracts with Universal?

I would think that the lawyers already looked at ways to get out of the contract. The existing contract would be considered before you place a offer of this size. I just wonder how buying this helps them? Are there more spiderman movies comming out and since I don;t have little kids anymore. Are the characters in Marvel super popular.

 

[Snork]

What is this "universal" everyone keeps talking about...?

I am in the middle on this. I like the idea of Marvel Comics having some money in it, but I am nervous about some of my favorite not-so-family-friendly characters. I will be upset if I see Stitch dressed up like The Punisher (which would never happen, I know).

I look at box office returns for the Spiderman, Iron Man, and X-Men movies. I feel that if Disney puts outs a few good Marvel movies they will recoup the 4 billion and would not have to fill the parks of spandex clad characters. Although Black Widow would be nice....

 

[baby1disney]

I would think that the lawyers already looked at ways to get out of the contract. The existing contract would be considered before you place a offer of this size. I just wonder how buying this helps them? Are there more spiderman movies comming out and since I don;t have little kids anymore. Are the characters in Marvel super popular.

The Marvel Comic characters ARE SUPPPPPER popular!!! Just ask any boy under the age of 10-12 and they'll tell ya!!!

As far as a fifth park is concerned, I think they could definitely fill it up!!! If they mix the two superheros together(Disney's and Marvel's), that park would be the bomb!!! Plus....for all of those families that have only boys for kids...what a great way to attract them now to come!!

 

[mnra]

When people think of a fifth park what size park are they thinking about. Magic Kingdom, Epcot or Hollywood Studios. I am not sure of all the marvel characters? Are their more then the main 3 that people have mentioned here.

 

[G66]

From a parks perspective, I wouldn't be too excited or concerned at this point. This is about much more than the theme parks. My guess is the first thing we might see is a Marvel Weekends much like Star Wars. I would have to think that any type of major character integration or an attraction would be at least a decade away.

No doubt though, the Mouse just tightened the screws on Universal. I'm not so sure that is a good thing. Universal helps keep the Mouse in check. You think prices are high now...

 

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

http://money.aol.com/videos/video/main/disney-ceo-on-marvel-entertainment-acquisition/3752079452

from this interview,it sounds like we will def. see marvel in the parks

 

[WaltD4Me]

Here is a video of Bob Iger talking about this on CNBC.

http://money.aol.com/videos/video/main/disney-ceo-on-marvel-entertainment-acquisition/3752079452

Can't wait....

 

[sc9500]

I hate spiderman.. I wish they would have invested the money in a star wars influx...

 

[mnra]

Here is a video of Bob Iger talking about this on CNBC.

http://money.aol.com/videos/video/main/disney-ceo-on-marvel-entertainment-acquisition/3752079452

Can't wait....

that is so funny lisa

 

[JB2K]

I'm just wondering how Marvel's superheroes fit into Disney's "family friendly" themes.

About as much as those Disney-produced films by Miramax and Hollywood Pictures.

 

[baby1disney]

When people think of a fifth park what size park are they thinking about. Magic Kingdom, Epcot or Hollywood Studios. I am not sure of all the marvel characters? Are their more then the main 3 that people have mentioned here.

OMG!!! Yes!!! You have the whole X-Men thing..Spider-Man and his friends, Fantastic 4, and a whole slue of others!! Trust me...as a mom and a wife aof Marvel comic lovers...I'm pretty sure they could fill a whole park!!

From a parks perspective, I wouldn't be too excited or concerned at this point. This is about much more than the theme parks. My guess is the first thing we might see is a Marvel Weekends much like Star Wars. I would have to think that any type of major character integration or an attraction would be at least a decade away.

No doubt though, the Mouse just tightened the screws on Universal. I'm not so sure that is a good thing. Universal helps keep the Mouse in check. You think prices are high now...

I didn't think about the price hike....but in the same light...it couldn't be any higher than when you buy tickets for Disney and then go over and pay for Universal..right?!?

 

[yitbos96bb]

I'm scratching my eyes in disbelief on this one. It just doesn't seem right to me.

And yes, what will happen with Marvel Super Hero Island at Islands of Adventure? If Universal has to retheme that area I'll just cry. Universal spent $75 million on the Spiderman attraction alone back in the late 90s.

"Holy change of fortune Batman"!

Makes sense if you look at it from a wide perspective and not just a WDW perspective.

1) 5000 character library

2) Marvel films are very hot... They won't get access to Spidey, Xmen, Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America films since those have been optioned, but there are a TON of characters to produce new films.

3) They know how to market... WELL. The problem is their brands have all appealed to Tween Girls... Nick killed them with the Boys. This levels the playing field or gives them an advantage.

4) From what I have been reading the IOA and Universal Japan licenses are long so I doubt they will go anywhere soon. However, this is a win win. If the licenses don't have exclusivity, Disney can use them in the PARKs... BUT I REALLY HOPE its just the studios as they don't fit elsewhere... or a 5th gate more IOA style. Also, IOA either has to gut their park and their best ride, OR keep paying Disney for it. Win Win.

5) You get Stan Lee. Creative and Smart.

Smart Business Move. The cost is my only concern... it will depend on how DIsney leverages it. Iger seems better at leveraging brands than Eisner who hurt the Muppet Brand big time (hopefully the Jason Segal movie will revive them).

 

[WaltD4Me]

About as much as those Disney-produced films by Miramax and Hollywood Pictures.

And exactly where do you see anything related to those adult properties anywhere out there really associated with Disney? Marvel has characters, like Spiderman, The Hulk, ect...they aren't just going to just make movies with them, they will be incorporated into "Disney's World" ... Bob Iger himself said they are looking to capitalize on the "boy market."

 

[yitbos96bb]

I am stunned. I think Disney has enough of it's own material/characters to do a 5th park without spending 4 billion dollars aquiring characters and rights to things they didn't create. I know they bought the Muppets, which they haven't done anything much with at all, but at least they mostly fit in with Disney. I think it would be super weird to have a Disney Super Hero park. I am really, really surprised by this.

And we are going to have to wait 3 weeks to hear what Pete has to say about it!

You are looking at this to narrowly. DOn't focus on the parks, focus on the Entertainment division... This means new established Film characters and animation and will target the Tween Boys (and adult males).

 

[yitbos96bb]

I 'm betting that this has only a minimal impact on Universal in the short term. I have to assume that Marvel had licensing agreements in place with Universal which Disney must now honor (or buy themselves out of). Once those contracts have expired, Universal better be ready to tackle some serious re-theming.

Those licensing deals are lucrative. Its win-win, especially if there is no exclusivity agreement. US either rethemes or pays Disney to do nothing.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I'm just wondering how Marvel's superheroes fit into Disney's "family friendly" themes.

Marvel, for the most part, is violent but kid friendly. Nothing more violent than they watch already. DC, especially the Vertigo brand, is darker with more sex in it, IMHO.