UPDATED! DISNEY STUDIOS Buys MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT!
Comments(44)
- By Venkman
Where in the hell did this come from!? I woke up this morning to the news that the world famous Disney Studios has bought Marvel Entertainment for the price of $4 billion dollars! This gives Disney control of more than 5,000 Marvel characters, which includes Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor. In return, Marvel gets itself a huge marketing infrastructure. Here are the details according to the official press release.
Building on its strategy of delivering quality branded content to people around the world, The Walt Disney Company has agreed to acquire Marvel Entertainment, Inc. in a stock and cash transaction, the companies announced today.
Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney on August 28, 2009, Marvel shareholders would receive a total of $30 per share in cash plus approximately 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share they own. At closing, the amount of cash and stock will be adjusted if necessary so that the total value of the Disney stock issued as merger consideration based on its trading value at that time is not less than 40% of the total merger consideration.
Based on the closing price of Disney stock on Friday, August 28, the transaction value is $50 per Marvel share or approximately $4 billion.
“This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney’s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories,” said Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Ike Perlmutter and his team have done an impressive job of nurturing these properties and have created significant value. We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney.”
“We believe that adding Marvel to Disney’s unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation,” Iger said.
“Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses,” said Ike Perlmutter, Marvel’s Chief Executive Officer. “This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney’s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world.”
Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel including its more than 5,000 Marvel characters. Mr. Perlmutter will oversee the Marvel properties, and will work directly with Disney’s global lines of business to build and further integrate Marvel’s properties.
So what does this all mean for Marvel and their movies? Marvel seems to have been making a lot of smart decisions lately and I don’t think it is going make a dent in the plans that they have in development. In fact, it could bring us more of these types of movies in different mediums. Full length animated and CGI animated Marvel movies anyone?
I’m sure we will definitely see more direct-to-DVD videos, both live-action and animated. Marvel had a lot of freedom making their movies while they were on their own. But now that Disney has taken the studio under it’s giant mouse ears, will these new Marvel movies end up being Disneyfied? I hope to hell they don’t let Jerry Bruckheimer produce any of these films! Of course I fear that all Marvel films both live-action and animated are going to end up up being overly kid -friendly. I’ve been enjoying what Marvel has been doing, now I don’t know what to expect. I guess we’ll just have to wait to see how everything is affected. I fear for the worst, but hope for the best. Only time will tell. What do you all think?
It seems that as of right now not much is going to chance except for the film branding. Disney spent $4 million bucks on this thing and I don’t think they intend on screwing it up. We will find out a few years a year or two down the line just how much this will affect Marvel.
Updates!
In a conference call, the companies said that the deals for movies for characters at other studios (Spider-Man, X-Men, etc.) will stay in place under the terms set by Marvel and the other studios.
John Lasseter met with Marvel last week about a possible team-up between Marvel and Pixar and got “pretty excited, pretty fast.” They say there’s definitely an opportunity there. Ok, that would be freakin cool.
The deal with Paramount Pictures to distribute “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America” and “The Avengers” stays in place as well, but Disney would like to self-distribute down the line. “When the time comes we’ll take a closer look at it.” It was actually stated that the deal still included five films, so that is one more film after “The Avengers.”
Walt Disney President Bob Iger said specifically that Disney will have an “if it ain’t broke…” attitude when it comes to the future of Marvel films. All of the creative control, including use of 3D, which characters will get movies, etc, will remain in the hands of the people who know the Marvel Universe best: the people at Marvel. Disney does not intend to come in and take control of Marvel’s creative world.
JoeQuesada Twitterd some stuff on the matter:
G’ morning, Marvel U! Welcome to this moment in history. Everyone relax, this is incredible news and all is well in the Marvel U.
I haven’t seen this much excitement in the Marvel halls since… well, ever!
Everybody take a deep breath, all your favorite comics remain unchanged and Tom Brevoort remains grouchy.
If you’re familiar with the Disney/Pixar relationship, then you’ll understand why this is a new dawn for Marvel and the comics industry.
Disney executives went to great lengths during the call to make the point that they don’t pretend to be more expert than Marvel is in handling their characters, citing the hands-off relationship Disney has had with Pixar since the acquisition of that studio. Disney said Marvel manages the properties from a business perspective very intelligently and trusts them to make the right decisions for these products for a long time to come.
Disney said the deal was attractive not just because they’re buying great characters, stories and brand, but about working with people who know these characters best and how best to work with them in other media.
Again, referencing the Pixar deal, Disney finds working as one company with Marvel removes friction and creates value that’s very compelling. Licensing offers very attractive opportunities, but nothing is better than being one. International expansion of Marvel properties through Disney was cited as a potential growth area.
Cable channel Disney XD is currently running about 20 hours a week of Marvel content and Disney has been looking to license more Marvel content and this deal gives them that opportunity as well as the opportunity to expose these characters internationally.
With regards to video game publishing, Disney praised Marvel’s licensing agreements with some of the best video game producers and publishers in the business and said moving forward they will consider what’s best for each individual property as each licensing deal comes up for renewal and that there would likely be a blend of licensed and self-produced/self-distributed titles.
Will Disney3D be used for Marvel movies? That will be determined by those who are in charge of producing Marvel’s theatrical films.
When asked if there was potential for cross-polination between Marvel and Pixar, Disney said that Pixar’s John Lasseter has met with key Marvel creative executives recently and the group got “pretty excited, very fast.” Disney will look at all opportunities and thinks there are some exciting product that could come from this sort of partnership.
Disney said this deal is expected to benefit Marvel’s retail efforts, being able to leverage Disney’s shelf space and relationships with major chains and distributors.
The deal began when Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger reached out to Marvel Chief Executive Ike Perlmutter earlier this year. Again, Disney noted that they believe in the creative team at Marvel and see no reason to upset that applecart.
Disney has not made any real estate decisions and sees no reason to move Marvel Studios from their headquarters in Manhattan Beach, California. No mention of Marvel Publishing’s offices in New York City was made.
Disney has pretty much given up developing their own projects. They bought Pixar and now Marvel because they've run out of their own material. Here's hoping they don't mess with Marvel Studios.
Yeah me too, but i i don't think that Disney wants to change to policy of the Marvel Entertainment as long as they bring Money in….
" Disneyfied " this is the same term I used when I told my buddy about the merger earlier this morning. I'm hoping this ONLY means that Disney will put their name on everything, sell stuffed Marvel characters and stickers, and make new cartoons. NO MORE> or the mouse gets it, bub! Snikt!
You bring up a very valid point! They don't screw with Pixar's stuff, but Pixar is family friendly, will they let Marvel films do what they want? What about Marvel Animation? They have been making these great violent Bloody direct to DVD movies. Will Disney allow for Bloody animated films?
Thats what I'm hoping for!
I am terrified by this. I’ve wanted a good Captain America movie since I was a child. I pray Disney does not mess with Marvel’s creative freedom. Ugh, this could suck balls!
Coming soon, Professor X's School Musical, Iron Mantana, Peter Panker.
I've got to admit, little worried here, Marvel's been a massive part of my life ever since I was a little girl, if Disney fucks it up, I don't know what I'll do.
With Disney on board I can totally see them casting Will Smith in the role of Captain America.
Holy inferiority complex, Batman!
(I know…wrong universe…I was trying to make a point.)
What happens if they want to get into the darker side of Marvel characters and put out an R-rated movie about…I don't know…the Green Goblin or something? Would it be safe because Sony already has the rights to the Spidey franchise or would we (who want to see such movies) be SoL?
Oh, crap! We're gonna see a comic book of Jonas Brothers? It's the end of ther world!
Ha ha!
What about all those universal studios rides? Hulk, Spider-man, will they move to disney land or be rebranded.
Disney will change things. This is Bad Bad news.
Universal Studios has done nothing with them. I went there a few weeks ago and all the Marvel stuff is all color faded and not being taken care of. It'll probably stay there, but expect Disney to develop Marvel World.
I do not believe Disney will change things. They are smart when it comes to business and know when they have something that stands already on its on. Plus doesn't Disney own Buena Vista? That is like their pg-13/R company. So they can always have it go through that if need be. I personally think they just want their reach in another age/gender range and that's it. It's a smart money move, not a personal creative move. if anything we'll get to see the old TV shows on Disney Channel maybe. They don't bother Pixar, they give them the reach they need and Marvel needs that as well. It does great here but that is it. Plus, now they have more money needed for the movies.
Well…..that's capitalism for ya! Not sure how I feel about this yet. Not really a Disney fan and I loved that Marvel wasn't owned by anyone (unlike DC) But that has all changed now. Hopefully this doesn't turn out bad.
This could be a good thing, maybe disney won't mess with the film producing side of the business too much, hopefully. Also this brings Marvel very close to ABC studios, which could mean High Quality live action super-series' since lost is over they could be fishing for a super replacement in that demographic, which could be awesome if its done right. Plus I agree with venkman I don't see them F***ing this up because it will be a cash cow if the products r good and disney's marketing is on target. Plus Disney has to see how effective mature comic book films can be when marketed to their intended demographic.(i.e. The watchmen)
Come on Disney don't F*** the bright future of the marvel movie universe!
It sounds like they want to sit back and reap the rewards of being a share holder and not actually get their hands dirty – like what they have been doing with pixar. Disney already picked up a dying Spectacular Spider-Man season 1 & 2 and are talking about renewing…. then this comes up.
I dunno – I am fearful but also giddy like a 5 year old about the idea of Disney making theme resorts… c'mon, you would buy a room at the Stark Tower or the X Mansion wouldn't you? Then do a day at the Marvel Park?! the money that goes into those things… I can see their production value being raised overall…
what could possibly be worse than X3 and Spider-man 3 or even wolverine origins?! At this point a merge might be a great idea because then they now have the money to do everything right rather than cut corners for producers that don't car about quality products – they just want the merch $ of distribution…..
still – I'm holding my breath for their first project together….
can't wait for the marvel world! I was also dismayed at Universal Studios Cali…. even their Marvel shop was crappy. as per my post I can't wait to book my room at the disney marvel resorts…. X mansion anyone?!
I think we should let the Comic Books themselves respond to this news:
"Booooom! Raaaaaaar! Craaaaash! Zaaaap. Chips Ahoy! Fwwwpp! Fwiign! Zaaam! Cheetos! Zzzip! Blaaast! Cap'n Crunch!!! Pow! Pow! Power Wheels! Craank! "
… that is all.
When asked if there was potential for cross-polination between Marvel and Pixar, Disney said that Pixar’s John Lasseter has met with key Marvel creative executives recently and the group got “pretty excited, very fast.”
It has already started people, be prepared for the The End!
Disney waters things down, stamps stuff with its own brand of morality, and most likely will shrink the artist pool. None of that is good.
they sold out
Let us hope if they make changes it will be for the better. (No Spider-Man 3, X3, or Origins).
I think a team up with Pixar and Marvel would be awesome.
And the potential theme parks that can be made is getting me excited.
Just say not to disneyfication.
LMAO MARVEL ALWAYS SUCKED ,NOW THERE GONNA SUCK HAREDER LMAO!!!!!!
Disney is a freaking money hog tyrant that forgot the principles of their old master. Walt Disney once said "I dont make movies to make money, I make money to make movies" but for that company now, thats simply just not true. They buy companies and shut competition down and release movies for MONEY. A spy team of ginnea pigs? They didnt make it because it had HEART. They made it because they knew that stupid toddlers would laugh and say "bahaaaa they said poop in hand!". Now it wont be long before venom is saying that….just for money…thats what disney is now…and it sucks…god dammit Disney!!!
^ and THATS coming from a disney freak.
Disney also owns ESPN and ABC, have those been "Disneyfied"? I was shocked to see this move in the papers today (especially considering I was about to buy $500 in Marvel stock DAMN IT!) but I think it's brilliant as long as Disney stays out of the artistic argument. Frankly, Disney is run by Pixar and frankly has Pixar done anything poorly? I think the execs at Disney are smart enough to realize they will be putting out High School Musical, Hannah Montana and the X-Men and collecting money hand over fist.
Mark my words, this is much better than any Marvel/Fox collaboration!
Marvel blinked. They had the opportunity to take their property to the next level and start their own film production company. Instead they started parting it out and ultimately sold to Disney.
Cowards.
The Head of Disney Animation and Pixar John Lasseter is trying to change that. One day hopefully he will run Disney, because from everything I have seen of this guy, and read about, he has the same belief that Walt Disney had. If the future of Disney is in his hands, I think it will be a better place. Michael Eisner is the guy that turned Disney into the money whore.
You need to read a book called The Keys to the Kingdom: How Michael Eisner Lost his Grip, it is amazing and true.
Yes, but the red ink will actually use real blood from the Jonas's. It'll be epic.
this is slightly foreboding but on the bright side all the important projects (i.e iron man 2, avengers) are still proceeding as planned. besides, it cant be any worse than letting fox do the x-men. plus, comic book merch will be way easier to find if theyre selling it at the disney store. even though that is just really weird. wolverine, gambit, and hannah montana sharing shelf space? I think my brain just imploded.
im hoping that what they do with pixar is an indication that they will let marvel do what they do. and just put money into projects that deserve the money. DONT SCREW WITH MY COMICS DISNEY thats all i ask… please ?
"Walt Disney President Bob Iger said specifically that Disney will have an “if it ain’t broke…” attitude when it comes to the future of Marvel films. All of the creative control, including use of 3D, which characters will get movies, etc, will remain in the hands of the people who know the Marvel Universe best: the people at Marvel. Disney does not intend to come in and take control of Marvel’s creative world."
So long as they stick to their word, it's all gonna be ok.
P.S @ desdemona "it cant be any worse than letting fox do the x-men"
You're damn right there sweet cheeks, nothing can be worse than what fox did to the X-Men. Nothing. Not even the apocolypse.
Well, I hadn't thought of this, but could be cool.
Everybody calm down… Y'all are way overreacting. Both Marvel and Disney have people in place who are alot smarter than any of us. Disney is in this to make money… and that is what they are going to do… in a big way. To do that, they are smart enough to know not to alienate Marvel's core audience… Us. This can be a very poositive change for all of us who have been hoping to see more of our favorite charachters being brought into development, wether that be in live action movies, direct to video cartoons, etc. Remember, for every Iron Man movie there has been a Ben Affleck Daredevil. Marvel wasn't perfect (though they get points for having nothing to do with Superman Returns, which is more than DC can say) so this can't hurt. Seriously, wether you like Disney or not… The Incredibles is still arguably the best "comic book" movie yet anyway. Nuff Said!
Forget about Marvel! I want to know who's the artist that did that kickass Mickey as Wolverine!
http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/636820540_E5wz...
This will not turn out well, just wait and see. A lot of things are going to get fucked up, so yeah I am not excited about this news
lol i would much rather have an apocalypse than x-men 4…especially if one of those 4 horsemen happened to be whichever of the xmen was most recently suckered into being Death
and by the way, dont ever call me sweet cheeks
agreed!
Disney produced "Basic Instinct" under a different name. So i don't think owning Marvel will hamper the creative side of things.