There is something we must never forget about this $4B Disney-Marvel deal: This would have never happen without the genius of a lot of Marvel artists since the 1960's , and especially one man: Stan Lee.
When i heard this amazing news yesterday, knowing that Stan Lee already had a deal between Disney and his company POW! Entertainment, i thought that he may have been the go-between between Disney and Marvel - a bit like Roy Disney was for the Pixar deal some years ago. Finally, it was not the case, as you will learn it from Stan himself in this interview recorded yesterday.
As everybody is wondering what will happen now, what effects on theme park attractions, animation, etc this deal will have - like Honor Hunter did in his excellent articles on Blue Sky Disney - here is the first effect and it's not necessarily a bad news for Marvel fans. As Variety revealed it 20th Century Fox is starting "the process of overhauling one of its big Marvel Entertainment franchises, “Fantastic Four”.
Although the 2005 “Fantastic Four” and 2007 sequel “Rise of the Silver Surfer” directed by Tim Story were not as great as fans would have hope, the new Fantastic Four movie could be better as "The studio has hired Akiva Goldsman as producer...and a new script will be written by Michael Green, the “Heroes” co-executive producer who co-wrote “Green Lantern,” the Martin Campbell-directed Warner Bros film"
Also, "Though Marvel Entertainment owns and finances properties like “Iron Man” and “Thor”, Fox controls “Fantastic Four” in perpetuity as long as it continues making the films". The important words here are "as long as it (Fox) continues making the films".
There is little doubt that yesterday's announcement was an electro-shock to 20th century Fox. In two words, if they want to keep the license, they better do these films, and quick!
By the way, it's interesting to know that "Fox has the same arrangement on Marvel Comics properties “X-Men”, “Daredevil”, and “Silver Surfer” - which, despite an appearance in the "Fantastic Four" sequel, is still a Fox priority for a solo film".
So, may be we will finally see a Silver Surfer movie...the Silver Surfer is my favorite Marvel character and i'm waiting for that movie since 40 years!
Variety also says that "Marvel is a producer and financial participant through a licensing agreement signed before Marvel franchises had the drawing power they have now. In fact, the original deal was made back when Marvel was struggling to pull itself out of bankruptcy in 1997". With yesterday's deal Marvel is definitely out of bankruptcy and the first good effect of it is that all Hollywood Studios who have a license with Marvel have definitely understood that it's time to move their ass if they want to keep these licenses. And if they could produce real good Marvel Superheroes movies, that would be even better.
Have a look at the Variety full article here and to the excellent "Disney's purchase of Marvel is a super deal" L.A .Times article too.
Video: copyright FOX
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