Wowsers! I didn't see that one coming. Disney is purchasing Marvel Comics for roughly $4 billion.
It will be interesting to see how this one will play out. All the Internet sites have been buzzing with today's news.
Clearly this appeals to the Studios. It will be a great way to rake in more money, both domestically and internationally. With over 5,000 Marvel characters, they have quite a bit of content for films and merchandise. And I hear that superheroes are a bit popular lately (money, money, money by the pound), especially with boys, so it will help the Mouse attract the young boys market as well (they already own the young girls market).
Who knows how it will affect the parks. It might take many, many years to see with all the contracts in place, current Marvel rides out there, and the fact that Disney will want to protect the Disney brand and having it appear too similar to Universal. Bob said they will honor the contracts in place (referring IOA), but you would imagine they will show up in some form. I am sure they will keep the multiple Disney-owned brands unique. I don't see Iron Man appearing in the Magic Kingdom anytime soon. But long-term, who knows? Maybe a 5th gate @ WDW or 3rd @ DLR dedicated to Superheroes?
At first glance, this should be a great move long-term. If it is one thing we have learned in the few years that Bob Iger has been in charge, it is that he knows what he is doing. He is pushing all the right buttons (even in these tough times), maximizing their franchises, expanding the parks, and best of all, putting the creative people in charge where they should be (see John Lasseter).
This wasn't always the case with Eisner.
The future looks bright for Disney and Marvel. For the full release from Disney:
