Aug 31 2009Disney To Acquire Marvel For $4 Billion
Mickey Mouse, in a power move to impress his ratty love interest Minnie, has decided to buy up Marvel Comics for a staggering $4 billion. With the sale come all the right's to Marvel's cache of over 5,000 characters. FIVE THOUSAND!
We believe that adding Marvel to Disney's unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation," Disney president and chief executive Robert Iger said.
"We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney.""Disney is the perfect home for Marvel's fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses," said Marvel chief executive Ike Perlmutter.
I mean, way to go and all, Disney, but this was a pretty foolish business decision if you ask me. What in the hell are you gonna do with 5,000 Marvel characters? You should have just bought the 30 cool ones.
Disney to buy Marvel in $4bn deal [bbcnews]
Thanks to Reverend Faux, Lomig, Jason, Aaron, Lauren, Cade, A Girl Named Michael, draw and jawn, who have all puked on different Disney rides, including It's A Small World (it was Jason!).
Reader Comments
1. Sharkey - August 31, 2009 2:30 PM
Disney, the new EA.
2. meeotch - August 31, 2009 2:31 PM
Booooooo! A pox upon Disney.
3. CharlO - August 31, 2009 2:31 PM
F1rst!
4. Freddy K - August 31, 2009 2:33 PM
NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
#@$##& DISNEY!!!
5. Nomi B - August 31, 2009 2:36 PM
I'm half expecting "Mutant School Musical" now...
6. Mr. cow - August 31, 2009 2:38 PM
Moo
7. Timbo - August 31, 2009 2:41 PM
Hhhhh..... Now I don't like Marvel anymore...They sold out...
8. Moose Knuckle - August 31, 2009 2:42 PM
Damn, does that mean Disney is gonna have Marvel alter their characters to make them more kid-friendly, essentially "pussifying" top properties like Wolverine?
Oops, too late.
9. Jaycob - August 31, 2009 2:44 PM
gay
!
10. BathCaptain - August 31, 2009 2:44 PM
NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
11. Guesticles - August 31, 2009 2:48 PM
What a load of bull shit, Universal are so screwed as thye have a ton of rides all dedicated to Marvel
12. naas - August 31, 2009 2:53 PM
Terrible and sad. The disnification of what Marvel comics once was will never be what someone thought it could've been.
I will for one, cry out loud once I see wolverine with fuĉking mickey mouse ears sticking out of his head posing in front of the magic castle
13. ch4p3l - August 31, 2009 2:53 PM
Saaaaaaaad
Faaaaaaace
14. bendizle - August 31, 2009 2:54 PM
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooz
15. Grimlock - August 31, 2009 3:05 PM
Disney summer of 2012 summer titles:
Beauty and The Hulk
Snow White and the seven X-Men
101 Mutants
Toy Story 4: Marvel Legends
16. Madgame - August 31, 2009 3:08 PM
Maybe now Hannah Montana will finally become a superhero in the Marvel universe.
17. Steve - August 31, 2009 3:09 PM
There goes my hope of ever seeing a proper Wolverine movie (R-rated action).
... but maybe we can set up X-Men vs The Power Rangers
18. Hannes - August 31, 2009 3:14 PM
no. just no. stop it.
19. Tennist0 - August 31, 2009 3:22 PM
At first I apposed to this...but imagine what disney world might gain!!!! And maybe movies will get higher budgets, and then hopefully disney doesn't mess with the story lines.
20. Moose Knuckle - August 31, 2009 3:29 PM
@17 Sorry Steve but there was no hope of that before Disney's aquisition. Between the absurdly nonsensical back story currently being plied in the comic, and the Hugh Jackman-sexiest-man-alive-pretty-boy Wolverirne who whines way more than he kills, I'm afraid at this point, Wolverine just blows...
http://www.unknownhighway.com/images/uploads/blow-up-wolverine_thumb.jpg
21. GoSS Jerk - August 31, 2009 3:30 PM
@ 19 Wishfull thinking....
@ 3 hide, dont ask why just hide... Firstard
22. Vaganza - August 31, 2009 3:32 PM
This just in Miley Cyrus to play, She-Hulk.
23. Lain - August 31, 2009 3:33 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
GREEDY MOTHERFU--
24. Lain - August 31, 2009 3:34 PM
Good point, 11. Is the Hulk Roller coaster still gonna exist? NOES
25. Ralphie - August 31, 2009 3:38 PM
Everyone in this picture looks so sad? Guess they're not happy about the Disney acquisition either.
26. Dishy Dishyington - August 31, 2009 3:42 PM
I wish some great visionary like George Lucas had bought Marvel instead.
27. Joker Boy - August 31, 2009 3:50 PM
The World is Ending and there is nothing we can do about it... Come see for yourself...http://www.blackbeatpress.com
28. Joker Boy - August 31, 2009 3:51 PM
http://www.blackbeatpress.com
29. Joker Boy - August 31, 2009 3:57 PM
@15 And don't forget:
The Incredibles meet the Fantastic Four
The Jungle Book starring Black Panther
Spiderman & his Amazing Friends (Mickey, Donald & Goofy)
and the Rescuers meet the Defenders vs the Avengers...
Joker Laugh: HA, HA, HAA, HAAAAA!!!...
30. Diana - August 31, 2009 3:58 PM
NOO! WHY?! Does anybody understand that comics need gore....needs ADULT situations in them to strive?!? Not like they were really making that happen on the big screen, but if that was w/o that crazed coked up Mickey Mouse than what can we expect now! Man....this blows! I was a way bigger fan of Marvel than DC.....hmmm........now my only true love is Dark Horse. I hope they NEVER sell out, if that happens....good bye cruel world!
31. 50 - August 31, 2009 4:00 PM
yeah, i really hope disney doesn't mess with the storylines. also, @26 i lost respect for Lucas when he explained the force as micro-organisms.
32. smakfish - August 31, 2009 4:07 PM
why couldn't they buy something that sucks, like DC? *cry*
33. gypsy - August 31, 2009 4:16 PM
because "star wars weekends" weren't shameful enough.
what now? "marvel universe weekends." i have lost so much respect for disney. walmart is the devil and disney the antichrist.
34. GINORMAGANTUAN - August 31, 2009 4:22 PM
EVERYONE GET READY FOR TONS OF SUBLIMINAL STUFF!!!!!!! yaaayyy!!!! i hate disney they will surely turn marvel extra GHEY!!!!! just to sell more crap to little kids.
35. Pat - August 31, 2009 4:23 PM
That's $80,000 per character I believe.
36. Dishy Dishyington - August 31, 2009 4:39 PM
Think of the synergies. Pocahontas in latex. Mickey with a bottle, a sawed-off shotgun, and a whole lotta attitude. Ursula (the young one) in ... latex. Riding a motorcycle, pulling off her helmet, hair cascading, kissing a confused Ariel hard on the lips.
Disney's good with silicone in the lead. They just need latex in a supporting role. For balance. Skin tight, tissue thin.
37. Madzay - August 31, 2009 4:47 PM
NO! Disney are going to turn the marvel superhero into pansies!!!!!!
38. noidkiller - August 31, 2009 5:08 PM
Please tell me it's an april fools joke, Please tell me it's an april fools joke...
NOOOOOO!!! It's August 31... *click* *gun shot* ynhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
39. michael - August 31, 2009 5:12 PM
You and me
We used to be together
Everyday together always
I really feel
That I'm losing my best friend
I can't believe
This could be the end
It looks as though you're letting go
And if it's real
Well I don't want to know
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Our memories
Well, they can be inviting
But some are altogether
Mighty frightening
As we die, both you and I
With my head in my hands
I sit and cry
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts (no, no, no)
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
It's all ending
I gotta stop pretending who we are...
You and me I can see us dying...are we?
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts (no, no, no)
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't tell me cause it hurts!
I know what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't speak,
don't speak,
don't speak,
oh I know what you're thinking
And I don't need your reasons
I know you're good,
I know you're good,
I know you're real good
Oh, la la la la la la La la la la la la
Don't, Don't, uh-huh Hush, hush darlin'
Hush, hush darlin' Hush, hush
don't tell me tell me cause it hurts
Hush, hush darlin' Hush, hush darlin'
Hush, hush don't tell me tell me cause it hurts
40. Spencer - August 31, 2009 5:28 PM
"Vegeta how many characters are in marvel?"
"Over Five THOOOUSAAAND!!!!!"
41. Pepe La PEWPEW - August 31, 2009 5:37 PM
DC rules !!!!!!!MARVEL SUCKS SWEATY MINNIE MOUSE BALLS!!!! yeah thats right I went there.. MINNIE"S got Balls,
42. James - August 31, 2009 5:58 PM
It's so awesome that everyone commenting clearly read the BBC article...
It hasn't fully happened yet. It still has to pass antitrust review and be approved the the stockholders of both companies. Not to mention the announcement could potentially be met with huge complaints (aka lawsuits) from Sony, Universal, and Fox who own the film rights to Spiderman, Hulk, and the X-men respectively. Plus Paramount who owns the distribution rights to Iron Man and the upcoming Avengers films... pluuuuuus all those other companies who own the rights to the various cartoons (Nickelodeon has Wolverine and The X-Men rights in the states which would be a big conflict of interests).
Which might even be a problem for the antitrust review since Disney would essentially be buying it's own competitions products out from under them because those are all major merchandising assets.
Even if it happens though, they said Marvel's board and corporate hierarchy would stay the same so Marvel would end up a subsidiary of Disney. DC is already a subsidiary of Warner Bros. so it's not that strange.
And frankly it could save Marvel. They already filed for bankruptcy once and were on the verge again not too long ago. They need the funding Disney could give them.
I'm not super happy about it either but if it saves Marvel then I'm on board.
43. Jaded Icon - August 31, 2009 6:06 PM
*sigh*, well......whose up for a good lynch mob?!?!
44. Milkman - August 31, 2009 6:37 PM
I am Disnaticus of Borg. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
45. no way - August 31, 2009 6:47 PM
nonsense speculation
like others have said before its not gonna happen
46. crus - August 31, 2009 7:12 PM
aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrg noooooooo
fu*k disney !!!! fu*k ! fu*k ! fu*k !
47. Batman - August 31, 2009 7:16 PM
Well I think this could happen, and do remember Disney already owns the rights to Marvel Cartoons from 90's. X-men and Spiderman cartoons were bought by Disney.
The other companies who own the movies rights, well those will be kept by them until it is sent back to disney, Disney has already said the contracts for the upcoming movies will stay in place.
I think this a great movie, for those who are worried about marvel being turned Disney, well remember Disney is pretty good with taking different companies and allow them to stay who they are, like Pixar is given freedoms, and Disney also owns Miramax and other companies, so don't think a R rated Marvel movie is now out of the picture, actually it gives it a better chance with Disney.
So this seems too me a all around great idea, and the possiblities are endless. This also provides a chance for Disney too buy back the rights from Fox and Sony when the time comes so later on a good x-men movie can be done, or good spider-man movies can be done. Let's be honest disney makes great movies.
48. Spitzenkorper - August 31, 2009 7:20 PM
Looks like the Silver Surfer has a giant boner
49. NIK D - August 31, 2009 7:20 PM
disney pixar can finally make the animated fantastic fo-- i mean.. ahem, incredibles 2..
50. TIIF - August 31, 2009 7:55 PM
Oh dear god...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Marvel has been tied down, stripped, castrated, and branded by the smoldering iron prod that is Disney!
Oh well, there's still Top Cow...wait, is that Hasbro with a giant suitcase of money standing in front of Top Cow? Nooooooooo! Oh wait, that hasn't happened yet. But at this rate of selling out, it may. It just may.
There is no Marvel for me, past the year 2009. I'll be holding a funeral service later. Your all invited, provided you pay me six dollars each. Why yes, it's for the service. I'm not using it for some scam to go out and have a few drinks on the town or anything. *shifts eyes*
51. GFS doesn't care what you say FCUK YOU! - August 31, 2009 8:47 PM
Pay day bitches!
52. ken - August 31, 2009 9:35 PM
amazing supra shoes
53. Ice - August 31, 2009 9:46 PM
Oh great, its the end of the world!! F@#k you Disney!!! Havent you managed to ruin enough good s#!t already? Thats it, im nuking you all!!!
54. Free ipod - August 31, 2009 9:57 PM
wait why does mickey mouse want to buy them?
55. Fre Fal - August 31, 2009 11:17 PM
@1 more like Pepsi co.
they own to much!
56. CHRYZ - August 31, 2009 11:27 PM
Can anybody tell me who is the one in the left top corner with the tattoos? next to the fat guy. Looks really cool.
57. zuaksament - September 1, 2009 12:39 AM
ok first of all NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
on the bright side.... more marvel roller coasters on disney???
then again, that would mean marvel's gonna turn into kiddy stuff which is !"#$"$ and avengers movie acted by jonas brothers which would suck even more!
58. Garin - September 1, 2009 1:27 AM
Do I smell 'The Sweet life with Ironman and Spiderman'?
Or perhaps 'Thats so Punisher'?
I'm just being honost here, but ... I think this is going to be a dark and glum era for all our favorite Marvel superheros. As in, popularity will go down. I pray to go I'll be wrong.
59. J-red - September 1, 2009 1:43 AM
I would like to start by saying that Fox ruined X-Men and public pandering ruined Spiderman 3 and 4 I mean 3.
However, I did not realize Disney owns Miramax, so maybe it wouldn't spell certain doom. Then again, maybe it all happens in 2012...
60. TheWizard - September 1, 2009 1:46 AM
and here is where me and the dolphins high tail it of this rock, so long and thanks for all the fish.
61. Daniel - September 1, 2009 2:10 AM
NOOOOOOOOO!!! WHY DISNEY WHY!!!???? WHY MUST YOU RUIN ANOTHER GOOD THING IN MY LIFE, WHY!!!!!!!??????
62. thomass - September 1, 2009 2:53 AM
what will happen to all great marvel movies...youll see the marvel logo, the that crap shoot disney logo, and the punisher wont shoot a gun. what the eff....this is retarded....they just turned 50 right?
63. Hal - September 1, 2009 3:51 AM
As long as this ridiculousness leads to someone sneaking XSTATIX or N.E.X.T. WAVE into theaters, I'll consider it a win. HELL, a She-Hulk/Howard the Duck movie of any standard is worth it all. I mean, what's the worst that will happen? A Robo-Duck/Gargoyles/Deadpool crossover? Come to think of it, that's the kind of nonsense I'd actually pay to see.
64. Geekogee - September 1, 2009 7:05 AM
Must See!!!
http://alturl.com/obg7
________________
65. Jaded Icon - September 1, 2009 8:00 AM
@ 42
The ink is already dry. Thanks for being an *sshole.
66. ecpunk109 - September 1, 2009 9:50 AM
Does everyone forget that WARNER BROS OWNES DC? It pulled their asses out of the fire and didn't hurt them one bit.
I am a long time marvel fanboy. And I am perfectly fine with Disney buying Marvel and helping them expand media wise, WITHOUT modifying the franchise which was stated by Disney's president.
67. Cory - September 1, 2009 10:45 AM
I'm mostly surprised that Disney thought Marvel was worth buying. I guess putting out three alright movies makes everyone forget the 99% of steaming, piled-up crap that Marvel normally produces. Have they even done any worthwhile comics since Chris Claremont ended his first run on X-Men? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I wont' have to see the World War Hulks ride at Disneyland.
68. MechanicalApe - September 1, 2009 11:00 AM
noooooooo!!!!!!!! fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!!!!!!!!!!!! noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! fuuuuck!!!!!!!!!!!!! SUCK OFF DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY LIFE, WHAT WILLL I DO NOWWWWW!?
maybe some independent publishers will proliferate now? that'd be cool.
haha, Spencer and the Vageta quip.
69. wes - September 1, 2009 12:17 PM
Everything is owned by Disney.
70. zuaksament - September 1, 2009 3:19 PM
@68
dude, seriously you compare disney with warner? i mean.... KIDDY DISNEY with Warner? c'mon
71. emptyaddy - September 1, 2009 9:18 PM
This acquisition was actually a surprise to anybody? Seriously? Marvel became the proverbial Helen of Troy when it realized that it owned the rights to EVERY SINGLE IDEA HOLLYWOOD WILL MAKE MOVIES FROM FOR EVERY SINGLE SUMMER FOREVER. The fact Disney only paid 4 billion dollars constitutes the buy as the biggest steal in the history of commerce and purchase. Period.
72. FireFlyNexes - September 2, 2009 12:57 AM
damn. there goes one of the great comic founders down the drain.
73. AmstraD - September 2, 2009 2:55 AM
Kingdom hearts Vs Marvel Vs Capcom Vs Snk....
74. lochnessrockstar - September 2, 2009 9:43 PM
now we'll see hannah montanna and high school musical as a comic book heros and the punisher will not aloud to have guns anymore and spiderman will be butterfly man wait to go disney
75. MinMin - September 7, 2009 12:56 AM
i love disney but I don't want em buying marvel! They'll be like "Spider Man kicking an *ss is too violent! Have him dance with the bad guys!" Ghad!
76. Jack - September 7, 2009 3:50 PM
Everything better still have boobs.
And no keyblades.
77. Shadow - December 27, 2009 12:30 AM
they used the word pwned...the have naruto shipuden...BUT NOW THEY BOUGTH MARVEL!!!!!!!!!!THIS IS SPARTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
78. lizzy - March 12, 2010 1:07 AM
there goes the neighborhood...