Farewell, Marvel
October 30, 2009
On August 28, Disney officially bought over the comic company, Marvel, at a price of $4 billion.
“This is perfect from a strategic perspective,” Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger told CNNMoney.com. “This treasure trove of over 5,000 characters offers Disney the ability to do what we do best.” In a conference call, Iger also mentioned that it would provide Pixar Animations with additional opportunities as well.
While both Disney and Marvel reached a mutual commitment, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko held the most significant opinions as the creators of the original Marvel characters. In fact, Lee, 86, envisioned Marvel as the next Disney.
“I love both companies,” said Lee in an interview with the Associated Press. “From every point of view, this is a great match.”
This deal not only advances financial situations for both companies but also increases popularity as well. “Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing business,” Marvel Chief Executive Ike Perimutter said to CNNMoney.com. “This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney’s tremendous global organization around the world.”
Disney is further working to encourage an increased audience of boys and men. With releases of the princess classics, Hannah Montana films, and the Jonas Brothers Concert Experience, the male audience has significantly diminished. Hopes are that Wolverine and Spiderman will change that.
Currently, Marvel still holds contracts with Paramount, Sony, and Fox, but it is not hesitating to start projects with Disney soon. Under an established contract, Marvel is expected to release five more films with Paramount, including the fourth installment of Spiderman.
But until then, fans have been entertaining internet surfers with the top hookups between Disney and Marvel characters, one of which is Minnie Mouse and Spiderman. To view the rest of the Top Ten list, visit http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-subtext/2009/08/top-ten-disney-marvel-hookups.html.
Reema Rao, Editor-in-Chief
