The purchase of Marvel by The Walt Disney Company remains one of the most significant deals in the history of modern Hollywood. Let us now examine the timeline of Disney’s acquisition of Marvel.
Further complexities to consider are the financial terms of producing Marvel movies and the implications of the deal for rival studios such as Universal. Keeping this in mind, we have also examined the monetary aspects of the agreement.
The creation of the MCU further expanded Disney’s already extensive presence in the film industry, with numerous other brands also falling under the company’s umbrella.
This agreement caused a significant impact on the film industry and led to the creation of some of the most financially successful movies, with both positive and negative consequences.
When Did Disney Acquire Marvel?
On December 31, 2009, Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment.
Despite the fact that the purchase had undergone more rounds of consideration than multiverses, it was finalized on New Year’s Eve, 2009 – proving that there was no rest for the wicked.
Exactly one year after the highly anticipated release of Robert Downey Jr.’s comeback film, Iron Man, in 2008, the Marvel IP had already shown its worth, prompting Disney to take advantage of the opportunity.
In August 2015, Marvel Studios, previously a separate entity, became a part of Walt Disney Studios. As a result, Kevin Feige began reporting to Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn instead of Marvel Entertainment’s CEO Isaac Perlmutter. However, Marvel Television and Marvel Animation remained under the Marvel Entertainment banner.
On March 29, 2023, during a wave of layoffs, Disney’s larger business units absorbed Marvel Entertainment, which encompassed both Marvel Comics and Marvel Games.
How much did Disney buy Marvel for?
The acquisition of Marvel by Disney totaled $4 billion.
Despite the initial shock, the investment proved to be highly lucrative due to the immense success of the Infinity Saga.
With the acquisition of over 5000 Marvel characters, Disney now had an almost limitless supply of potential material to explore for future movies.
Who did Disney buy Marvel from?
Prior to Disney’s ownership, MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings was the owner of Marvel Entertainment, which was under the ownership of Ronald Perelman.
On January 6, 1989, the American banker and businessman purchased it for $82 million from New World Entertainment Ltd.
Despite facing financial struggles, Marvel Entertainment declared bankruptcy in 1996 but ultimately recovered through a merger with ToyBiz.
Other Companies Owned by Disney
Disney’s ownership extends beyond Marvel Entertainment and also includes 20th Century Fox’s IP, Lucasfilm for Star Wars, Pixar, and numerous other properties.
All of these companies are owned by Disney:
- Marvel Entertainment
- Lucasfilm
- Pixar
- 20th Century Studios
- Hollywood Records
- ABC
- ESPN
- Vice Media
- Steamboat Ventures
- Club Disney
- Disney Channel
- Disney Music Group
- Disney Studio Services
- Disneyland Resort
- Disney Cinemagic
- Disney experiences
- Disney Junior
- Disney Store
- Disneynature
- Hulu
- National Geographic
- Walt Disney Pictures
Ever since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox (now known as 20th Century Studios), they have also gained the rights to the Fantastic Four characters and the X-Men movies.
Despite being owned by Sony Pictures, Spider-Man’s presence in the MCU’s superhero movies was made possible through a mutually beneficial licensing agreement between Marvel Entertainment and Tom Holland’s Peter Parker.
Essentially, Mickey Mouse earns $200 each time he goes past the square labeled ‘Go’.
What was the largest purchase made by Disney?
Surprisingly, Disney’s most expensive acquisition was 20th Century Fox, with a price tag of $71.3 billion.
Disney announced the acquisition in December 2017, and the purchase was completed in March 2019.
Disney recognized the immense value of Fox due to its long-standing success, popular blockbuster franchises like Avatar, and the critically acclaimed studio Fox Searchlight. They also saw the untapped potential in some of their top films, including the iconic Alien brand.
Phew. Who can come to the rescue like Elle Woods?
In the near future, fans can anticipate the release of highly-anticipated Marvel films such as Deadpool 3 and Avengers 5. Additionally, the Alien Romulus release date from the 20th Century franchise is approaching on the dark horizon.
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