10 Behind-The-Scenes Stories That Will Change How You View Marvel Studios

10. Bankruptcy

In late 1996, Marvel Comics faced bankruptcy thanks to a number of factors, including a reduced interest in the stories they were publishing and a myriad of bad business decisions. Stocks that were worth $35.75 each in 1993 had sunk to $2.375, and Marvel were forced to sell the film rights for popular characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men to say afloat. All the while, wealthy investors battled for control of the company, but it was one Isaac "Ike" Perlmutter who helped to steer Marvel through bankruptcy protection, ultimately rising to the position of CEO in 2005. Shortly after, the decision to produce their own movies was settled on, and Marvel Studios opened above a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Beverly Hills. So concerned with Iron Man's profit potential was the frugal businessman, that he wanted to serve only crisps at the premiere. Little did anyone expect it to make $585 million.