Marvel/Epcot Discussion on Podcast

[TCups4Me]

The discussion about the possibility of a themed area based on Black Panther's Wakanda coming to Epcot was interesting and makes sense. In my January DIS article, "A Marvel-ous Future World?", I had fun speculating on the future of Marvel at Disney theme parks. Universal does NOT hold all the Marvel characters hostage and that is exciting for fans. Marvel at both destinations is only a win for us. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and if Guardians of the Galaxy gets some super-hero neighbors at Epcot!

And for the record, no, I don't believe Black Panther attractions belong at Animal Kingdom because the world is set in Africa. It belongs wherever the other Marvel properties are based. I agree that Hollywood Studios would have been the ideal location for Marvel properties but this could be a positive change for Future World. It really needs an update because the Disney purists are not a large enough market to sustain it.

I look forward to getting back to work writing for The DIS. I had to take some time off due to my husband's unexpected medical emergency. But with 4 seizures, 2 911 calls, 3 hospital stays, and 1 benign brain tumor removed, I am ready to return to writing about all my favorite Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel topics!

Liz

 

[TheMaxRebo]

First, I hope your husband is ok - sounds very stressful!

I would love to see a Wakanda land but it just seems weird to create a land based on a character that you can’t use in the land due to the agreementnwith Universal since Black Panther was an official Avenger at one point

 

[rteetz]

First, I hope your husband is ok - sounds very stressful!

I would love to see a Wakanda land but it just seems weird to create a land based on a character that you can’t use in the land due to the agreementnwith Universal since Black Panther was an official Avenger at one point

Yep, I don't see them building something based on Black Panther when they cannot currently use that character. The two major properties we know they can use is Guardians and Dr. Strange. It's unclear after that.

 

[TCups4Me]

Completely agree that Black Panther is likely tied up in the contract restrictions (and therefore no Wakanda), but I think it depends on the long-term potential of the character.
Contracts can be renegotiated, especially for characters that were not widely known among the average theme park tourist and haven’t been significantly used by Universal. I think Disney would fight if they felt it was worth it.

And it wouldn’t be a land but rather a portion of a larger super-hero themed area. If not Black Panther, I think we’ll still see a greater Marvel presence as they introduce lesser-known heroes.

 

[rteetz]

Completely agree that Black Panther is likely tied up in the contract restrictions (and therefore no Wakanda), but I think it depends on the long-term potential of the character.
Contracts can be renegotiated, especially for characters that were not widely known among the average theme park tourist and haven’t been significantly used by Universal. I think Disney would fight if they felt it was worth it.

And it wouldn’t be a land but rather a portion of a larger super-hero themed area. If not Black Panther, I think we’ll still see a greater Marvel presence as they introduce lesser-known heroes.

The contract is a really interesting entity and very complex. I am sure Disney and Universal have had lawyers who have gone over it several times already. Both companies seem to be pretty pleased with it at the moment too. Universal gets to keep popular characters and Disney gets money for their use.

 

[TCups4Me]

The contract is a really interesting entity and very complex. I am sure Disney and Universal have had lawyers who have gone over it several times already. Both companies seem to be pretty pleased with it at the moment too. Universal gets to keep popular characters and Disney gets money for their use.

Yes, but that contract is killing my dreams!

 

[SorcererHeidi]

@TCups4Me -= Hope your hubby gets better and better from here on out!!!