Will Disney Destroy Your Favorite Marvel Characters?
Earlier this morning we posted a story about the merger of Disney Studio’s with comic book giant Marvel Entertainment. Disney sent out a press release stating their plans to purchase Marvel for 4 billion dollars. With these two giants coming together, what will happen to the individuality that Marvel has set for itself? Will Disney influence the future of Marvel films, and most importantly the comic books, what will happen to the comic books?!
Besides money, Disney’s main reason for purchasing Marvel was to tap into it’s young, male audience. This may come as a shock, but Disney fans are mostly young girls (who knew?).
The future of Marvel films, while under Disney’s ownership:
- Several Marvel properties are already in development or being produced as we speak. The studio has to uphold contracts with 20th Century Fox, Sony, Paramount etc.
- Once those studio deals expire, Disney will want all of the film projects under one roof.
- If you ever had hopes of a darker Wolverine film, you need to get over it. I don’t think that’s going to happen.
- While you’re at it, get real comfortable with those two R-rated Punisher movies that came out recently, because you won’t see the House of Mouse put their stamp on that bloodbath!
The future of Marvel comic books:
- Marvel CEO Ike Perlmutter will remain responsible for deciding where the companies library of 5,000 characters will show up within the Disney world, including video games, online content and television.
- There’s already been word that both companies want their distinctive characters to have “synergy” with each other.
- Marvel has some pretty dark, comic books in circulation, which may cause a problem for Disney’s family friendly image.
- I’ve seen crossovers between various characters before, but don’t do it Disney. DON’T DO IT. It will not be a pretty sight.
What’s the worst that can happen?
- Marvel will be unable to compete with the darker films from rival studio DC and Warner Bros.
- Certain existing properties may get an unwanted revamp.
- Subliminal Disney marketing may pop up in your favorite comics.
I think Jamal Igle from DC Comics put it best when he wrote on his Twitter: “To Marvel.. good luck with the new ownership. You’ll soon find out why they’re referred to in animation circles as Mouseschwitz.”
What do you think the outcome will be for the Marvel-Disney merger? Will there be a drastic change in their characters?
Monday, August 31, 2009 5:55PM
this is the end of our favourite characters and comic books…shocking decision
Monday, August 31, 2009 6:20PM
marvel school musical!!!! fail
Monday, August 31, 2009 6:25PM
Really? I mean honestly does Miramax have this problem? Lets list the movies they have put our while under the Disney banner.. Kill Bill.. The Crow.. Dogma.. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.. Pulp Fiction.. Yup no Chance anyone under a Disney Banner may put out anything other then Kiddie material.
Honestly don't kid yourself Diseny isn't buying or trying to buy Marvel property to Kill and Revamp.. Marvel Makes ALOT of many as it is especially seeing that price tag 4 Billion dollars is something you pay for a PROVEN commedity and brand name. When paying those prices you don't just tear it all down and trash it. Now they want the profits that Marvel pulls added to their bottom line.
Lets be honest Disney does ALOT of non-family friendly under subsidiary banners, and they will continue to do so as long as it makes them money.
Monday, August 31, 2009 11:30AM
I weep for the future. Good by house of Ideas i will miss you. Well other comic companies get ready for some talent to become available. You know Disney will get rid of most of the creative editors and writers in the Marvel bullpen fairly quickly. oh i’m sure they will keep some of the artistic talent but i wouldn’t be surprised if after awhile most of them are gone too. Can you say tons more indy books coming out in the next few years, and guys like Dark Horse, IDW and Dynamite are going to have thier pick of the creative litter. Damn it am I going to have to try and follow the DC universe nightmare again?
Monday, August 31, 2009 7:45PM
Why are most people acting like the sky is falling? As Rican pointed out, Disney does own properties aimed at markets that aren't little girls. Now Marvel is under the umbrella. Here's a shocker, Marvel wants a diversity of readers. They have a line called Marvel Kids, they have a series titled Mary Jane Loves Spider-Man. So it's not like Marvel hasn't been vying for new markets.
As for readers for superhero books, I doubt much will change. It can't get worse than the 90's, and if anything, Disney has more creative talent than Marvel. The last few Marvel events have had anti-climactic endings after such great starts. And on the movie tip, Disney didn't make Spider-Man to dance in the middle of the street in Spidey 3, Disney didn't make crappy X-Men 3 or Incredible Hulk. So let's not delude ourselves and think this is some perfect ivory tower that's been overrun.
Monday, August 31, 2009 4:12PM
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Monday, August 31, 2009 5:06PM
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009 9:40PM
this is stupid..isnt there a petition to get disney to drop marvel or something where do i sign up..this is complete and total bullsh*t….ugh!!!!
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