Because it was the studios risky two-picture strategy, landing Iron Man was regarded as a personal sacrifice. Marvel licensed the rights to X-Men and Fantastic Four characters to 20th Century Fox in the 1990s. However, if Disney decided against buying out Comcast's 33% stake, then that company might choose to acquire the entire service. In light of this, they believed Universal was phoned in on the films marketing because the studio did not invest in the film. 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! It's well known that characters' movie rights have a big influence on the Marvel films made. Fans shouldn't take the newly-uncovered details of the agreement between Disney and Universal as a certainty the House of Mouse is about to reacquire the distribution rights to Hulk and Namor. 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. According to a 2002 report, Walt Disney was in talks to purchase archrival Universal. The Reddit User then looked at the original Paramount deal which states that the deal is only good for 15 years after each picture. In addition to Disney and Marvel, Universal has the first right to distribute the Hulk movies. The original agreement on file with the SEC states that Universal Studios has agreed to distribute Marvels film The Incredible Hulk and subsequent sequels on the same terms as those on which Paramount has agreed to distribute the other films. The Fabelmans. The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ending established that Namor was almost using Wakanda to gain his long-awaited war on the surface world, meaning he could potentially appear in an antagonistic role again in a future Black Panther film. Learn More. Ruffalo is now playing Bruce Banner/Hulk in the She-Hulk TV series, which is allowed under Marvel's deal with Universal since it's not a standalone Hulk project. As the Fox-Disney deal goes to completion and Marvel Studios versions of the Fantastic Four and X-Men movies are released, Disney will now get all the revenue from merchandise and doesnt have to share with Fox. No standalone Hulk film has been in the works since 2008's The Incredible Hulk, which they produced. Im Joel Watson and Im a content manager at veryaware.com, an entertainment website. Ang Lee's Hulk made $245M at the worldwide box office, a fair enough sum for the time that saw it pretty much break even, but considerably lower than X-Men 2's $407M that same summer and well below Spider-Man's $821M a year earlier. Although his comics have never really sold well - the original run was canceled after only six issues, with the character only surviving thanks to his Avengers association - Hulk is one Marvel's biggest icons, thanks in no small part to the Bill Bixby/Lou Ferrigno The Incredible Hulk TV series. Hulk Movie Rights Explained, Solo Movie Still Years Away, 10 Movies That Were Rated R for Basically No Reason, 10 Greatest Classic Movies of All Time, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes, 15 Critically Panned Movies that Somehow Got Sequels. 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. Marvel has been trying to get the rights to these characters back for years, but has had little success. 2003-2023 Best Little Sites, LLC. These movies are full of action, adventure, comedy, and drama, and they always leave audiences wanting more. Hulk is Jekyll and Hyde where Hyde is typically mindless. RUMOR: Hulk Movie Rights Could Be Returning to Disney in June 2023 August 14, 2022 Haley Dalton While Disney and Marvel hold rights to develop movies starring The Hulk, Universal and Marvel reached an agreement in June 2008 to distribute "The Incredible Hulk." Image source: The Direct Marvel's rights are a complicated affair as the character's distribution rights belong to Universal. Despite the success of the Phase 4 and 5 releases, there are still plenty of opportunities for Marvel Studios to release movies in Phase 6 and beyond. Community Guidelines | The final reason given for no solo Hulk movie anytime in the near future is that it will cost a lot of money. There may be a more antagonistic side to this as well. Geeks WorldWidepreviously reported in October 2021 thataWorld War Hulkmovie is in development with a 2022 production date, butupdates have since been scarce. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2016), Thor: Ragnarok (2017, Black Panther 2018), Avengers: Infinity War (Fall 2018), Ant-Man and the Wasp (Fall 2018), Captain Marvel (2019), and Avengers: Marvel rides are some of the most popular rides at theme parks around the world. Some people prefer action movies, while others might prefer comedies or dramas. He's covered a wide range of movies and TV shows - from digging out obscure MCU Easter eggs to diving deep into deeper meanings of arthouse fare - and has covered a litany of set visits, junkets and film festivals. 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. The rights of Hulk belonged to Universal similar to Spider-Man's rights in Sony However, as is known from the Hulk in the MCU since The Incredible Hulk, this is not to say Marvel Studios cannot use Hulk or Namor at all. And as part of that negotiation process, Comcast -- relegating to a non-controlling shareholder with a 33% ownership stake -- gained the right, starting in 2024, to demand that Disney buy it out at a minimum Hulu valuation of $27.5 billion. Star-Lord from The Guardians of the Galaxy and Gamora from Doctor Strange are two of the Marvel characters that we know and love, and both will appear in Disneys Hollywood Studios in the near future. Marvel acquired the rights to the superhero theme park rights from Universal Studios in 1994. The attractions at Universal Studios Florida, such as Harry Potter and Jurassic World, are already doing this. Copyright 2023 Cosmic Book News | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | About Us | Contact Us | Movies | Comics | TV | Gaming | News | Reviews | Web Stories | Search, MODOK Trends with Zack Snyder's 'Rebel Moon', The Marvel's Release Date Pushed Back To November, Justice League and DC Sold To Netflix? Back then, Marvel Entertainment were an independent company and so the Studios operated as just production, working with outside distributors. However, it is clear that Universal still holds the rights to several important Marvel characters. That means more production time and higher costs with the extensive effects necessary. Universal Pictures are co-owners of the unfriendly green giant, which is why there hasn't been a solo Hulk movie since 2008's The Incredible Hulk and there's unlikely to be one in the MCU's future. All rights reserved. Well, its likely that Universal and Marvel could renew the contract like Marvel did with Sony in 2019. Why Bob Iger Returning to Disney May Be Bad for Marvel Fans. In short, Marvel signed a contract with MCA Inc., which owned the Universal Studios theme parks at the time, before Disney acquired it. The Incredible Hulk - Owned By Universal. Its just not a smart move. Copyright 2020 The Direct Media Group LLC. Disney would distribute a Hulk movie to Marvel Studios, allowing the studio to begin production. If Marvel feels there is enough interest to justify a solo movie, they will definitely jump at the chance. Yes, you read that right! Marvel Studios and Sony have mutually terminated their Spider-Man franchise. 3 (2016). So Universal has no claim at all to the. "We believe Disney may sell its 67% stake in Hulu," Citi analyst Jason Bazinet wrote in a new note . The company could be waiting for Universal to terminate before making a decision on their future. Here Universal's the only ones who win. HULK Star Josh Lucas Has Nothing But Good Things To Say About Ang Lee's Divisive Marvel Movie While Marvel Studios is able to include The Hulk and Namor in movies, they've been restricted from. The deal between Universal and Disney is iron clad; however, it may have a time limit. All rights not expressly granted to Paramount, including without limitation, the following rights: merchandising, soundtrack, videogame, publishing (other than free excerpts for marketing purposes), music publishing, production of derivative works and other audio-visual works based on the Marvel Characters and/or Marvel Titles, including without As such, if Disney makes a Hulk or Namor film, Comcast can distribute the film on Peacock. The Controversial Comic Book Reveal, 5 Superhero Games You Should Download Today. Those of you who are Disney fans will be perplexed as to why there are no Marvel-themed rides at Walt Disney World, particularly since Disneylands Avengers Campus is a huge hit. It is impossible for Universal to make a standalone for the Hulk as opposed to a Marvel film because the studio owns the rights to the character. Beyond opening the doors to Hulk taking on a bigger role, Marvel Studios may finally be able to give Namor his own solo movie. 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. Fans of Marvel Comics' history know that the effort to get its characters on TV and into the movies was decades in the making and pioneered by Stan Lee. Like with Spider-Man, there is scope for some agreement, although the current terms don't leave much room for negotiation. forms: { Following Disneys acquisition of Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Studios and Marvel Television were formed. This contract has the potential to be extended every four years by Universal. The Company distributes all Marvel-produced films with the exception of The Incredible Hulk, which is distributed by Universal Pictures. That means that when Marvel Studios wants to make a Hulk movie, they are contractually obligated to ask Universal if they want the distribution rights. Never, Universal Studios permanently owns the distribution rights to any film in which Hulk portrays himself as the main character, as well as his related friends in his universe. This was evident in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with Namor being used as the villain of that film. Planet Hulk could be as close as 2021.The real question is, are you willing to wait that long? ", The aforementioned SEC deal with Paramount notes its distribution agreement "for an initial period of 15 years commencing on the initial Theatrical Exhibition of such Picture:", "6. Despite the fact that Marvel is housed at Universal Studios, it is not a part of the park. The Hulk. 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? Yet due to Universal Pictures releasing the prior Hulk film, they held the distribution rights to The Incredible Hulk. VeryAware document.write( new Date().getFullYear() );
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. and not used in merchandise, licensing or video games because Fox owned the characters. 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. Part of this comes from a tricky balance within the character's concept; while you have a big green monster for thrills, he only exists in a gulf of our actual protagonist. RELATED:The Marvel's Release Date Pushed Back To November. Covering the hottest movie and TV topics that fans want. And both films failed to break even against their budget. Running from 1977 to 1982 (with three TV movies that joined David Banner with Thor and Daredevil), it reshaped how wider culture viewed the Green Goliath, popularising many essential elements (not least "don't make me angry, you won't like me when I'm angry"). Privacy | Growing up in the English countryside on a mixture of Star Wars, The Simpsons and Aardman, Alex is a lifelong movie obsessive. Both Namor and the Incredible Hulk are characters Disney owns the rights to use in stories, films or television. Which Studios Own the Rights to Marvel's Characters? As we said at the start, Hulk isn't the most popular of the main Avengers. Disney purchased Marvel Universal to ensure the continuation of their partnership. Disney has the option to produce and distribute any future Marvel movies that it acquires as a result of its Marvel movie rights. New evidence posted to Reddit seems to indicate that Universals Hulk distribution agreement could end in June of 2023. These rights are typically granted by Marvel Entertainment, Inc. to theme park operators in exchange for a licensing fee and a percentage of the parks gross revenues. For the Fantastic Four and X-Men, Fox pays Disney a licensing fee and receives a share of Disneys merchandise revenue on these properties. Also, given that Namor can be used as part of an ensemble, the character could make appearances in upcoming films like Avengers: The Kang Dynasty or Avengers: Secret Wars alongside the likely inclusion of Hulk in both. And this is true of both in the 1960s and the 2000s. The Hulk might be coming home as rumors are spreading that claim Marvel now completely owns the rights to the big, green and angry hero, which could potentially lead to a new series of standalone films for the Hulk. What this means is Universal cannot make a Hulk movie, with Disney and Marvel unable to distribute a Hulk movie if they choose to move forward and make one. Because of this, and Tenoch Huerta's fantastic performance, many MCU viewers would like a Namor solo film - something that may not be happening anytime soon. It is true that Universal still holds the distribution rights to any future Hulk movies, but the character rights and licenses firmly belong to Marvel after Universal didn't act on a. Contributing writer for Movieweb since 2001. In addition to Disney and Marvel, Universal has the first right to distribute the Hulk movies. Back in April, Mark Ruffalo made the somewhat startling revelation that a standalone Hulk movie may not happen anytime in the near future because Universal still owns the rights for a standalone sequel to their 2003 Hulk movie and the 2008 follow-up The Incredible Hulk. If, or when, Universal chooses to forgo distribution, Disney will immediately pick up those distribution rights for a solo Hulk movie. In 1994, Universal Studios obtained the rights to license the Marvel comic books theme parks. Warning: This article contains spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. But they did not obtain the distribution rights, which Universal still has today. Disney has exclusive rights to Marvel theme parks through a deal between the two companies. } The most notable example of a theme park operator holding Marvel theme park rights is Universal Parks & Resorts, which operates two theme parks with Marvel-themed attractions: Universal Studios Florida and Universals Islands of Adventure. Disneys $71 billion purchase of 21st Century Fox in March 2019 is the largest acquisition in history. KEEP READING: She-Hulk Fan Proves Tatiana Maslany Looks Just Like the MCU Superhero This took a very meandering route to Ang Lee's Hulk in 2003, a film whose mixed reaction led to a muted sequel development period that ultimately saw the rights revert to Marvel in 2006, just as the studio was setting up the MCU. With a budget of $8.25 million, the film has the lowest budget of any Marvel film. Rumors have previously spread to suggest Disney may have regained the rights but have yet to be supported by anything definitive. Monica Rambeaus Superhero Costume Leaks! What this means is Universal cannot make a Hulk. Although Marvel has the rights to Hulk back, it is unable to release a standalone Hulk movie thanks to . Since the Marvel movies, Disney has earned more money from them than Universal. Universal landed the film rights to Hulk and Namor in the early 2000s. In addition to Sony still having the film rights to Spider-Man-related characters, Universal Pictures continues to hold the distribution rights to solo movies about The Hulk and Namor the. If for some reason Universal chose to forgo distribution, then Disney would immediately pick up the distribution rights for the Hulk movie. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and of course Netflix and chill! Based out of North East England, Lewis has a deep passion for all kinds of media that began at a young age. Moreover, Marvel has made a deal with Sony that allows them Spider-Man to exist in the MCU. Ended: Feb 21, 2023. Marvel Studios and Universal Pictures have had a long and complicated relationship. This was typically Paramount, who released every film except Hulk up until The Avengers, by which point Disney had bought Marvel and set about distributing themselves. Disney has the opportunity to incorporate more movie-based themes into its theme parks. Member of the Marvel Studios brain trust Nate Moore revealed Namor's rights are, just like the Hulk's, tied up with a pre-Disney distribution deal with Universal. Disney once again confirms they distribute all the Marvel-produced films except for The Incredible Hulk, which is distributed by Universal Pictures. 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. Sony will continue to produce all Spider-Man and Spidey films until at least nine months have passed. On September 23, 2003, a 34-year-old woman . Yet, now that Bob Iger is back in charge of Disney, maybe he can complete his Marvel Comics collection and work out a new deal. While Disney and Marvel hold rights to develop movies starring The Hulk, Universal and Marvel reached an agreement in June 2008 to distribute The Incredible Hulk.. Marvel Entertainments acquisition by Universal is a significant acquisition for the company because it enters a highly competitive market for comic books and movies. There appears to . Disney CEO Bob Iger assured shareholders in 2009 that Marvels acquisition would not be jeopardized. The Hulk deal between Marvel and Universal is explained in-depth, with no standalone movie planned for the immediate future. This Marvel attraction is only at Universal Orlando, so you dont have to be a fan of the movies to enjoy it. Screen Rant's Managing Editor, Alex Leadbeater has been covering film online since 2012 and been a permanent fixture of SR since 2016. Hulk Hogan Signed Universal Champion Red Wrestling Belt. callback: cb Sure, anything could happen if the deal ends, but whats most likely is they just renew the deal.