"While Disney owns all Marvel IP, Universal has distribution rights to Hulk and Namor," the analyst wrote. Now Open - Get Details. The film was Universal Pictures' second attempt at a Hulk film after the critical and commercial disappointment of Ang Lee's 2003 film. If, or when, Universal chooses to forgo distribution, Disney will immediately pick up those distribution rights for a solo Hulk movie. In 2018, Disney generated $20.3 billion in revenue, while Universal Theme Parks generated $5.7 billion. These findings just state that the deal is ending, it doesnt mean that Disney would get the rights back if the deal ends. But with Comcast's NBCUniversal controlling the two superheroes' distribution rights, Bazinet suggested a deal could be in the offing. This is also why the Hulk only appears in the various Marvel Studios movies as a supporting character, such as in The Avengers films or Thor: Ragnarok. Disney has the ability to use this property in a variety of ways, including making new movies, TV shows, and games. In The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (which was recently published by Abrams Books), it's noted that Universal and Marvel publicly agreed upon a new deal regarding the Hulk film rights in 2006. This follows how Hulk has been utilized in the MCU. Big changes have been taking place behind the scenes at Disney ever since Bob Iger returned as CEO, with one popular theory being that the company will sell its 67% stake in Hulu. Why Marvel's Namor & Hulk Film Rights Are So Complicated Back then, Marvel Entertainment were an independent company and so the Studios operated as just production, working with outside distributors. The Return Of Superman: A Show That Positively Portrays Fathers, The 1978 Superman Film And Its Iconic Sequel Superman II. With the acquisition of Marvel in 2004, Disney increased its popularity even further among people who do not read comic books. Photos not available for this variation. A consistently evolving entertainment industry landscape where Marvel is the biggest game in town means the only certainty is that one can never say never. Father, veteran, and storyteller. Now with Disney about to buy Fox, all the characters have returned to the Marvel comics and are now also being used in licensing, merchandise and gaming. New evidence posted to Reddit seems to indicate that Universals Hulk distribution agreement could end in June of 2023. This is why The Incredible Hulk, the character's only solo outing in the MCU, was distributed by Universal. Since The Incredible Hulk, the character has appeared in all four Avengers movies, as well as cameos in Iron Man 3, Captain Marvel, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and supporting roles in Thor: Ragnarok and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. in a statement, a spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood said the park experienced a "brief power dip which resulted in exiting guests from some attractions", due to a "power interruption" from the utility Southern California Edison. Namor will make his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which will be released in theaters on November 11. Whether you are a die-hard comic book fan or someone who has never even picked up a comic book, there is a Marvel movie out there for you. That means more production time and higher costs with the extensive effects necessary. However, Marvel could attempt to regain the rights to the characters for Phase 5 and beyond. No, Universal does not own any Marvel characters. Disney may sell its 67% stake in Hulu for more Marvel rights: Citi Its been more than a decade since fans first saw The Incredible Hulk sequel starring Mark Ruffalo. If you have never seen a Marvel movie, I highly recommend you check one out. Universal had been working with Marvel on a number of projects, including a theme park attraction based on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride at Islands of Adventure. After Ang Lee's regrettable Hulk film in 2003, Universal agreed to let Marvel Studios make the next picture, distributing The Incredible Hulk. Index | About | based on the reaction to the character since The Avengers, it's working. Also, after She-Hulk introduced Skaar, Hulk's son, and began planting seeds of a Hulk story many have longed to see, it is no secret that solo films for both characters would be welcome in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. RELATED:The Marvel's Release Date Pushed Back To November. "As such, if Disney makes a Hulk or Namor film, Comcast can distribute the film on . The deal between Universal and Disney is iron clad; however, it may have a time limit. Now Lewis spends his time watching endless amounts of film and TV, gaming, and reading, all to further his work as a Screen Rant Features Writer as he tries to widen his knowledge to write about all aspects of film and TV. Because it was the studios risky two-picture strategy, landing Iron Man was regarded as a personal sacrifice. The rights of Hulk belonged to Universal similar to Spider-Man's rights in Sony Namor Film Rights: Universal Studios Blocks Disney From Making Namor Power was fully restored, the . These parks feature rides of the highest quality, in addition to Marvel movies long history with them. } This Marvel attraction is only at Universal Orlando, so you dont have to be a fan of the movies to enjoy it. The opportunity to expand on Disneys involvement in the Marvel universe is one of the most promising things to come. If, or when, Universal chooses to forgo distribution, Disney will immediately pick up those distribution rights for a solo Hulk movie. The World-Famous Studio Tour. Related: Marvel Was Right To Scrap Black Panthers Original Namor Credits Scene. Growing older though, Lewis had a newfound love for smaller. Hulk Movie Rights Explained, Solo Movie Still Years Away New Movie News, Movie Trailers & upcoming Movie Reviews, Marvel Finally Explains Exactly How Its Hulk Deal with Universal Works, Only Two MCU Villains Have Made Hulk Bleed - and One of Them Is Dead, She-Hulk Fan Proves Tatiana Maslany Looks Just Like the MCU Superhero, REVIEW: Frank Miller Presents Ancient Enemies: The Djinni #1 Crafts a Compelling Origin Story, REVIEW: DC's Shazam! We also see why Disney never created any merchandise for the Fox Studios Marvel movies as they didnt want Fox getting a share of the revenue. Marvel Super Hero Island, a massive Marvel-themed attraction at Universal Orlando, is one of the many attractions in the park. Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger have all been acquired by Marvel Studios from Paramount. Iger, for example, is thought to own 500,000 Disney shares. Universal and Marvel reached an agreement in 2008 for the former to distributeThe Incredible Hulkwhich starred Edward Norton as Bruce Banner before he was recast with Mark Ruffalo forThe Avengers. Spider-Man remains a huge part of the MCU and Namor will appear in the upcoming film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Distribution Term: Paramount shall have the right to exercise its Paramount Distribution Rights with respect to each Picture for an initial period of 15 years commencing on the initial Theatrical Exhibition of such Picture (the Initial Distribution Term). Disney purchased Marvel Universal to ensure the continuation of their partnership. Disney+s She Hulk: Attorney at Law starts streaming August 18. The final reason given for no solo Hulk movie anytime in the near future is that it will cost a lot of money. Hulk in particular is a character that has suffered a bit because Universal owns the movie rights. The studio wants to keep him as a 'special event' character, which raises the profile of an ensemble movie like these two mentioned, or Captain America: Civil War, where Bruce Banner is rumored to appear next. If Hulu is sold, Disney may use this as an opportunity to secure these distribution rights.". Citi analyst Jason Bazinet explains, "While Disney owns all Marvel IP, Universal has distribution rights to Hulk and Namor. Its the reason there is only one stand-alone Hulk film. Disneys contract with Universal likely expires in a few years, so the company will most likely build their own Marvel-themed park. Disney and Marvel made Iron Man 2 with Paramount distributing the movie. He works better when surrounded by a team, with the character not having to shoulder a whole movie on his own. The Fabelmans. Terms Of Service | In their 2018 financial report, Disney also confirms that Spider-Man is still licensed to Sony Pictures, and that the Fantastic Four and X-Men are currently with Fox Studios. It is also noted that if Marvel and Disney really wanted to make a new Hulk movie, they would buy the distribution rights from Universal, or cut some sort of new deal with Universal, or just release it through Universal as they have done with other studios in the past. Disney will be able to make Marvel-based films with the deal. 2003-2023 Best Little Sites, LLC. Before the days of the MCU, the characters from the many Marvel Comics were almost shared out among other Hollywood studios. The agreement has the potential to stay in effect (aka good faith) or for an indefinite period of time, unless Universal decides to close the Marvel Universe area, stops making payments for use of the property, or Marvel opts out of the contract if it believes Universal is mismanaging its rights. Marvel Super Hero Island is part of Universals Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. Worth a mention is that the Fantastic Four and X-Men will be returning to Marvel-Disney once the Disney-Fox deal goes through which could be within the next month or two. AsThe Incredible Hulkhit theaters in June 2008, the 15-year period indicates Disney will regain distribution rights to the character in June 2023, at which point Marvel Studios would be able to begin production on a Hulk movie that Disney themselves would distribute. Sony received the rights to Spider-Man, the X-Men went to 20th Century Fox, and characters like Hulk and Namor had their rights obtained by Universal Pictures. Contributing writer for Movieweb since 2001. How much did Disney get for Marvel? Disney paid $4 billion in 2009 for Marvel Entertainment, making it the largest acquisition in history. That may not seem like a big deal, but for investors, it sure would be. Disney has acquired the intellectual property rights to the characters, stories, and settings from Marvels comics. Disney CEO Bob Iger, in describing these contracts to his staff, stated that they were business-friendly. Just because he's a supporting character, though, doesn't mean Hulk is being underserved. While Universal agreed to share the character with the main universe in MCU, it was still not allowed for Disney and Marvel to produce any solo movie on him. After all, Ruffalo's contract originally ran for six movies, so assuming that hasn't changed he still has one more to go (Iron Man 3 is unlikely to have counted); rounding things off with a Hulk movie would a fitting finale to the character's time in the MCU. The Security and Exchange Commission filing from 2008 allows Universal to hold Hulk movie rights for 15 years, which would expire June 2023. In 2012, Marvel and Universal reached a deal that allowed Marvel to produce a new Hulk film, but the rights to the character still remain with Universal. The ensembles allow the character to show his strengths, and not focus on the weaknesses that would come out in a movie devoted solely to Hulk. By Matt McGloin / Saturday, January 12, 2019 - 2:04AM. Which Studios Own the Rights to Marvel's Characters? Marvel Studios has finally explained its Hulk movie deal with Universal Pictures and how it affects the character's role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. So, any Hulk or Namor solo film would become the property of Universal. They have made great strides to do so and have been very successful in that regard. Dragon Ball Z Characters Who Could Defeat Superman. Universal has the first refusal opportunityto distribute the project, Disney may have regained the rights but have yet to be supported by anything definitive, but there are still plenty of release opportunities left in Phase 6 and beyond, Spider-Verse 2 Reportedly Includes Major MCU Phase 4 Reference, Andor Season 2 Director Just Deleted This New Set Photo After Sharing Online, Avatar 3: Disney Is Secretly Teasing Sequels New Characters, Robert Pattinsons Batman Universe Just Recast 1 Gotham Character, The Mandalorian Season 3: Episode 2's Longer Runtime Revealed In Advance, Ant-Man 3: Quantumania's Post-Credits Scenes Count Confirmed, Michael B. Jordan Shares Blunt Response to Black Superman Casting Rumors, Daredevil Actors Hit the Gym for Disney+ Reboot (Photos), Ant-Man 3 Writer Refuses to Listen to Fans Criticizing MODOK: 'They're Wrong', Ant-Man 3's Disappointing Reviews: Kang Actor Breaks Silence on Negative Reaction. For now, Marvel and Disney think the character works better as part of an ensemble. / All Rights Reserved, Write for Us Movies, Entertainment, Comics, The Complicated Relationship Between Marvel And Universal, https://veryimgs.veryaware.com/1661323847200.jpg, https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a5aed50578738cfe85dcdca1b09bd179?s=96&d=mm&r=g. What they own is the "right of first refusal" for distribution of Hulk movies. The Controversial Comic Book Reveal, 5 Superhero Games You Should Download Today. Prior to Disney acquiring Marvel, they had a distribution agreement with Paramount for Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America. Hulk Hogan Signed Universal Champion Red Wrestling Belt | eBay Universal/Marvel Hulk Sequel Rights Clarified - IGN RELATED: Why Were the Hulk's Pants Always Purple? The second reason is that Hulk has proven to be quite popular in Marvel's The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Thor: Ragnarok is the MCU's way of getting around making a proper Hulk movie, but why actually can't Marvel make a standalone for Bruce Banner? From growing up having favorite films like The Lion King and The Iron Giant to becoming a major Star Wars and MCU fan, Hollywood blockbusters are Lewis main interests. Spider-Man, Captain America, Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, and Rogue are just a few of the Marvel heroes and villains you can meet at the theme park. Ended: Feb 21, 2023. Hulk appearing as a secondary character in the MCU receives just as much attention as other main characters like Thor and Iron Man, as the solo Hulk film. Marvel Studios' Phase 4 and 5 slates may be filled to the brim for now, but there are still plenty of release opportunities left in Phase 6 and beyond. Namor can be used in the same manner as the Hulk in the MCU, namely as part of an ensemble, antagonistic role, or cameo. Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood Height Requirements How To Improve Netflix Viewing Experience, How Grand Theft Auto Became one of the Most Popular Brands Ever, Ranking Our Favourite Episodes of Extreme Home Makeover. The Marvel trend is extremely profitable for Disney. Although these characters are no longer featured at Universal Orlando Resort, they remain a major part of the Marvel universe, and they will be a big hit with fans of the movies and television shows. As is evident with Marvel Studios' deal with Sony, there are ways the two studios could come together and work out a mutually beneficial deal for Marvel Studios to release solo films for the characters. Hulk And Namor Solo Movies Could Depend On Disney's Plans For Hulu Disney has the opportunity to incorporate more movie-based themes into its theme parks. Besides Hulk, Namor, and Spider-Man, Disney owns the rights to almost every single character in Marvel Comics. Lewis Glazebrook is a Senior Features writer for Screen Rant. Im Joel Watson and Im a content manager at veryaware.com, an entertainment website. Another has more recently been revealed to be Namor. All rights reserved. It's Marvel working around the restriction and. Sure, anything could happen if the deal ends, but whats most likely is they just renew the deal. Disney has the option to produce and distribute any future Marvel movies that it acquires as a result of its Marvel movie rights. All of the characters who appeared in Hulk comics during this time period are included. . A new Hulk movie would have to be given over to the Green Goliath, with the story revolving around an entirely CGI Hulk. Disney once again confirms they distribute all the Marvel-produced films except for The Incredible Hulk, which is distributed by Universal Pictures. Marvel characters were licensed to Universal Studios in 1994. Disney has regained ownership of the Marvel Comics character after Universal Pictures gave up rights to him. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Superheroes & Villains Marvel Studios Still Doesn't Own The Movie Rights To An SEC filing from 2006 notes Universal Studios' agreement to distributeThe Incredible Hulkunder the same terms as a similar deal with Paramount: "Universal Studios has agreed to distribute Marvels film The Incredible Hulk and sequels on essentially the same terms as those on which Paramount has agreed to distribute the other films financed and produced under the film facility. Marvel and Sony Strike a Deal in 1998 to License the Film Rights to Spider-Man and 900 Related Characters Back when superheroes were still in their infancy, Sony and Marvel struck a deal to license the film rights to Spider-Man and 900 related characters. Evidence Shows Hulk's Movie Rights Could Return To Marvel In 2023 3 (2016). The rights to both characters are currently tangled up with Universal. Like with Spider-Man, there is scope for some agreement, although the current terms don't leave much room for negotiation. Is Superman Gay? If Marvel feels there is enough interest to justify a solo movie, they will definitely jump at the chance. But if Disney can partner with Sony for Spider-Man and buy 20th Century Fox outright for the Fantastic Four and the mutants, why can't it and Universal get their acts together? } Universal Studios has the rights to many of these characters, and has used them in a variety of theme park attractions and live shows. It's clear that Disney/Marvel do not have a problem distributing their superhero adventures through another studio, though that is not their top choice. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: Must be 40 inches (102 cm) tall. HULK: Marvel Studios May Finally Regain The Jade Giant's Theatrical Counting in marketing costs and everything else that goes along with it, a solo Hulk movie would have to break $750 million worldwide to be economically viable. Namor will make his MCU debut inBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverwhich hits theaters on November 11. Ive been working in the online publishing industry for over 10 years and have a passion for creating engaging, entertaining content. Hulk has been a member of the MCU for over a decade. These movies are full of action, adventure, comedy, and drama, and they always leave audiences wanting more. Both Namor and the Incredible Hulk are characters Disney owns the rights to use in stories, films or television. 2 MCU Superheroes Are Still Stuck In Disney & Universal Rights Issues Disneys purchase of Marvel in 2009 had a big impact on Universal Studios.
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