How The MCU Got So BIG
6. Disney's Acquisition
Love ’em or hate ’em, Disney knows how to sell a
franchise. After the success of Iron Man, Disney purchased Marvel Entertainment
for $4 billion. It sure has worked in Disney’s favour, as their investment has
now quadrupled in size.
Disney’s acquisition opened many new doors for Marvel, particularly in retaining control of their intellectual properties.
In 2010, Disney secured the distribution rights for The Avengers and Iron Man 3 from Paramount Pictures, and obtained Iron Man 1, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger distribution rights in 2013.
Most recently, they’ve acquired the Fantastic Four, X-Men and Deadpool rights from 21st Century Fox, which may shape much of the MCU’s future going into Phase Four.
With Disney’s backing, the MCU could take more risks with future films, and also spread its story outside the cinema. The Marvel Netflix series and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. probably have Disney to thank for their TV spots.
Having these programmes for different audiences, like the more mature Daredevil and Jessica Jones, further established the series as a franchising giant.
Disney has even come swooping in to save the MCU from implosion. Prior to Captain America: Civil War’s release, Kevin Feige had a falling out with Marvel CEO Ike Perlmutter over budget.
With Perlmutter threatening to write Robert Downey Jr. Feige almost quit, but Disney took the situation into their hands by having Feige report directly to Alan Horn at Walt Disney Studios, instead of Perlmutter.