User Vidoardes on Reddit posted some interesting findings regarding the deal that indicate it may end in June of 2023. Despite the fact that Marvel is housed at Universal Studios, it is not a part of the park. Its just not a smart move. Transformers: The Ride-3D: Must be 40 inches (102 cm) tall. At Universals Islands of Adventure, you can find a wide range of Spider-Man toys. In 2012, Marvel and Universal reached a deal that allowed Marvel to produce a new Hulk film, but the rights to the character still remain with Universal. Disney once again confirms they distribute all the Marvel-produced films except for The Incredible Hulk, which is distributed by Universal Pictures. Universal landed the film rights to Hulk and Namor in the early 2000s. The answer, it seems, dates back about 13 years to the start of the Disney and Marvel Studios relationship. The second reason is that Hulk has proven to be quite popular in Marvel's The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
How long until Marvel gets the full rights for Hulk? The problem isn't really story, but practical: Marvel can't make a Hulk solo film.It's been a staggering nine years since The Incredible Hulk and despite talk of a direct follow-up or tangential solo outing for Bruce Banner and his enraged alter ego, none have come to pass; it's been proven that supposed leaks suggesting development were false and Marvel Studios has repeatedly said it's off the cards, with Thor: Ragnarok even delivering on long-desired standalone outing Planet Hulk. These findings just state that the deal is ending, it doesnt mean that Disney would get the rights back if the deal ends. It's clear that Disney/Marvel do not have a problem distributing their superhero adventures through another studio, though that is not their top choice. In 2009, Disney spent $4 billion on Marvel comics. Well, its likely that Universal and Marvel could renew the contract like Marvel did with Sony in 2019. This also ensured that Marvel Studios could use Hulk in "future multicharacter films," beginning with The Avengers in 2012 and continuing on to Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). However, also working against that are creative reasons as well as contractual. With the current state of Hulk's distribution rights sitting up in the air, new evidence has been uncovered to suggest when Disney will reacquire the rights. based on the reaction to the character since The Avengers, it's working. Why Marvel Can't Make a Standalone MCU Hulk Movie, it's been proven that supposed leaks suggesting development were false, Why Marvel Put Planet Hulk in Thor: Ragnarok, Marvel wasn't able to wrangle Galactus and the Silver Surfer back from Fox, Bill Bixby/Lou Ferrigno The Incredible Hulk TV series, first refusal on distributing any Hulk films. The Marvel Cinematic Universe's relationship with the Incredible Hulk has been relatively awkward since the film was released in 2008. Dragon Ball Z Characters Who Could Defeat Superman. 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. This complicated legal issue has since led the MCU to limit Hulk to supporting roles and omit solo projects altogether. From the high-speed thrills of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man to the extreme ups and downs of The Incredible Hulk Coaster, theres a Marvel ride for everyone. And this is true of both in the 1960s and the 2000s. The Controversial Comic Book Reveal, 5 Superhero Games You Should Download Today. But why? The relationship between Marvel and Universal is complicated, to say the least. Universal Pictures has the rights to produce and distribute a Hulk movie under a deal it struck with Marvel. The company obtained film rights, intellectual property, and a production company in addition to Marvel movie rights. If, or when, Universal chooses to forgo distribution, Disney will immediately pick up those distribution rights for a solo Hulk movie. event : evt, With the acquisition of Marvel in 2004, Disney increased its popularity even further among people who do not read comic books. However, unlike most other reacquisitions where the creator gets the character back outright, with Hulk Universal still has a clause - seemingly in perpetuity - of first refusal on distributing any Hulk films. Regarding the Marvel Studios Spider-Man films, Disney pays Sony a licensing fee to use the character (Civil War, Homecoming, Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Far From Home) based on how each film performs at the box office. Learn More. Its known that Marvel Chairman Ike Perlmutter had the Fox-Marvel characters killed off in the comics (Fantastic Four, Wolverine, etc.) The most important verbiage is that Universal owns the rights to Marvel "in perpetuity"; meaning for as long as the contract is in good standing. This isn't the main reason we haven't heard an announcement on Planet Hulk or any other Hulk movie, though. This is why Marvel Studios are unlikely to release a solo film for either character anytime soon, as they would not have full control over the distribution of their own film.
Guide to Universal Studios Hollywood Height Requirements Why Marvel Can't Make a Standalone MCU Hulk Movie Disney and Marvel still hold the rights to develop movies starring the Hulk, but Universal has the first refusal opportunityto distribute the project and takes a significant chunk of the profits. Indie-made films and has learned to love film from all walks of life. Yes, you read that right! Copyright 2020 The Direct Media Group LLC. The best course of action for Universal is to renew the contract for another 15 years and keep everything running smoothly. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Hulk will return in She-Hulk: Attorney at Lawwhen it premieres on August 18, exclusively on Disney+. However, there is one type of movie that seems to be universally enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life, and that is the Marvel movie. 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. So what does this mean for The Hulk and his future in the MCU? Advertise, Funny Superhero (DC & Marvel) Shirts & Stickers. Prior to the Companys acquisition of Marvel in fiscal year 2010, Marvel had licensed the rights to third-party studios to produce and distribute feature films based on certain Marvel properties including Spider-Man (licensed to Sony Pictures Entertainment), The Fantastic Four (licensed to 21CF) and X-Men (licensed to 21CF). To say Marvel Studios is unlikely to work with Universal to distribute a solo MCU film might be stating the obvious. "We believe Disney may sell its 67% stake in Hulu," Citi analyst Jason Bazinet wrote in a new note . Namor's introduction in the film has been widely regarded as one of the best aspects of Wakanda Forever, with many placing Namor among the best MCU villains, given the character's understandable motivations. In addition to Disney and Marvel, Universal has the first right to distribute the Hulk movies. 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. The company could be waiting for Universal to terminate before making a decision on their future. As The Incredible Hulk was released in 2008, this would mean that Marvel could use Hulk again from 2023 onwards. Both Planet Hulk and the long rumored World War Hulk would be incredibly expensive to pull off on the big screen the right way. The Hulk franchise even introduced the "shared universe" concept, with Thor and Daredevil showing up in those shows. The rights to any film starring Hulk or Namor in a leading role are currently owned by Universal. In 2009, Disney paid $4 billion for Marvel, and the agreement is a long-term one, as long as Universal keeps paying Disney. Fury of the Gods Special: Shazamily Matters, 10 Marvel Movies That Were Set Up To Fail, 10 Sci-Fi Films That Bombed At The Box Office But Became Cult Classics, Quantumania's MODOK Actor Defends His Ant-Man Role After Fan Backlash. But they did not obtain the distribution rights, which Universal still has today. ", 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 a brief jaunt in Mathematics at Durham University, film writing was always his calling. However, even under the Mouse House, Universal still has that "first refusal" clause. } Disney has the ability to use this property in a variety of ways, including making new movies, TV shows, and games. This is important because it made Hulk a multimedia star at a time when Marvel was cautious of the big screen. All the latest gaming news, game reviews and trailers. Rumors have previously spread to suggest Disney may have regained the rights but have yet to be supported by anything definitive. See original listing. This makes it so that Namor can only be used in the MCU similar to how Hulk has been since 2008, something that may come as a disappointment to many. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and of course - Netflix and chill! However, Feige expanded in July 2014 saying that Marvel Studios, not Universal Pictures or Legendary Pictures, could make a Namor film, "but it's slightly more complicated than that. Marvel Entertainments acquisition by Universal is a significant acquisition for the company because it enters a highly competitive market for comic books and movies. I find it hard to believe Universal would let the contract lapse and then just hold on to the Hulk rights. The situation is more of a standoff between Disney and Universal where neither wants to give, and so Marvel are just dealing with it. The rights to both characters are currently tangled up with Universal. Although Marvel has the rights to Hulk back, it is unable to release a standalone Hulk movie thanks to . Children 40-48 inches (102-122 cm) must be accompanied by a supervising companion (14 years or older). This is why The Incredible Hulk, the character's only solo outing in the MCU, was distributed by Universal. In 1994, Universal Studios obtained the rights to license the Marvel comic books theme parks. Avengers Campus is named after the city of Tokyo (the location of Avengers Theme Park). Reddit useru/vidoardesshared evidence that indicates Disney may regain the distribution rights to the Hulk in June 2023, allowing them to produce a new solo movie based on the green Avenger. And Marvel/Disney have recently entered an agreement to partner with Sony on a new Spider-Man reboot that will be distributed by Sony Pictures. New evidence posted to Reddit seems to indicate that Universals Hulk distribution agreement could end in June of 2023.
Marvel Studios Was Unhappy With How Universal Marketed Incredible Hulk Marvel characters were licensed to Universal Studios in 1994. 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. Since The Incredible Hulk, the character has appeared in all four Avengers movies, as well as cameos in Iron Man 3, Captain Marvel, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and supporting roles in Thor: Ragnarok and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Yet, over time, the rights to characters came back to Marvel from studios like New Line and Paramount. It is not possible to create Marvel-based versions of Universal characters. Disney has regained ownership of the Marvel Comics character after Universal Pictures gave up rights to him. 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. Citi analyst Jason Bazinet explains, "While Disney owns all Marvel IP, Universal has distribution rights to Hulk and Namor. So Universal has no claim at all to the. Hulk has been a member of the MCU for over a decade. Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger have all been acquired by Marvel Studios from Paramount. And that's the minimum. / All Rights Reserved, Write for Us Movies, Entertainment, Comics, The Complicated Relationship Between Marvel And Universal, https://veryimgs.veryaware.com/1661323847200.jpg, https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a5aed50578738cfe85dcdca1b09bd179?s=96&d=mm&r=g. The Marvel Universe is home to some of the most iconic characters in pop culture. Based out of North East England, Lewis has a deep passion for all kinds of media that began at a young age.
How much did Disney get for Marvel? Lewis Glazebrook is a Senior Features writer for Screen Rant. Despite the MCU making strides to retrieve these rights - such as their deal with Sony to use Tom Holland's Spider-Man and the Disney acquisition of Fox for the X-Men - some of them remain complicated. Avengers simulator rides are permitted in certain legal zones in other countries. This may come as a shock to new age readers but no, Marvel Studios does not actually have the movie rights to The Hulk. Universal was the first studio to release a Marvel movie, with the 2003 film Hulk. From Spider-Man and the X-Men to Iron Man and Captain America, the Marvel Universe is full of super-powered heroes and villains. However, it's not like there's no Hulk in the MCU. For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today onTwitter,Facebook, andInstagram. And 2003's Hulk only made $245 million. Those who own physical media copies of those early Marvel films will know both Paramount and Universal distributed those films. ); Marvel Studios has also been reported to bedeveloping aWorld War Hulkmovie following on from the events of Disney+'sShe-Hulkwith plans to shoot this year for a late 2023 or early 2024 release. Paramount also distributed the first Iron Man, Captain America: The First Avenger and Thor. Disney has the opportunity to incorporate more movie-based themes into its theme parks. on: function(evt, cb) { I would love to see another stand-alone Hulk film, but it just doesnt seem likely. Both Namor and the Incredible Hulk are characters Disney owns the rights to use in stories, films or television. All of that makes a Hulk movie a tricky prospect. Namor can be used in the same manner as the Hulk in the MCU, namely as part of an ensemble, antagonistic role, or cameo. Contributing writer for Movieweb since 2001. Namor will make his MCU debut inBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverwhich hits theaters on November 11. 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. Universal currently holds the rights to several Marvel characters, including the Hulk, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and the Incredible Hulk. Over the past few years, Marvel Studios has set out to acquire most of the rights to Marvel Comics characters. What's also unclear is if the distribution deal also extends to TV. This is why the one truly successful outing for Hulk is the TV series, which by its nature focused on Banner's conflict and internal drama - things that are great for episodic TV but not really a big blockbuster movie. There is another rumor of Marvel Studios developing a World War Hulk movie following events from She Hulk. These are not included under Universals Hulk rights. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Details Of Marvel's 'Hulk' Film Rights - Fans Can Relax About Sequel 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. I'm Joel Watson and I'm a content manager at veryaware.com, an entertainment website. It is also noted that if Marvel and Disney really wanted to make a new Hulk movie, they would buy the distribution rights from Universal, or cut some sort of new deal with Universal, or just release it through Universal as they have done with other studios in the past. What do you think will happen regarding rights with The Hulk? I've been working in the online publishing industry for over 10 years and have a passion for creating engaging, entertaining content. "While Disney owns all Marvel IP, Universal has distribution rights to Hulk and Namor," the analyst wrote. The Incredible Hulk was marketed differently by the studio, Marvel Studios. Despite never getting a sequel, the character has remained a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios are now open, and Marvels Super Hero Island is available there. in a statement, a spokesperson for Universal Studios Hollywood said the park experienced a "brief power dip which resulted in exiting guests from some attractions", due to a "power interruption" from the utility Southern California Edison. They have made great strides to do so and have been very successful in that regard. In addition to Disney and Marvel, Universal has the first right to distribute the Hulk movies.
Universal Still Owns Movie Rights For The Hulk, Says Mark Ruffalo Which Studios Own the Rights to Marvel's Characters? After the events of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and the hints at Bruce Banner's MCU story, there were some rumors that Marvel Studios could make a solo Hulk movie after 2023. Daredevil (and by extension the entire Netflix Defenders franchise) exists only because Marvel wasn't able to wrangle Galactus and the Silver Surfer back from Fox, and just this summer we got Sony/Marvel co-production Spider-Man: Homecoming where the web-slinger joined the franchise while being made by a different company. While Universal agreed to share the character with the main universe in MCU, it was still not allowed for Disney and Marvel to produce any solo movie on him. Mark Ruffalo has now played Bruce Banner in four movies (counting his cameo in Iron Man 3), yet none have been a full-on Hulk standalone - and that doesn't look like it'll change in future. The Incredible Hulk was the second film in the MCU, released just one month after Iron Man. }
That Darn Marvel Contract - What Rights Does Universal and Disney Own No, Universal does not own any Marvel characters. Copyright | Marvel's rights are a complicated affair as the character's distribution rights belong to Universal. Best Little Sites is not liable for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions found herein. Marvel confirmed rights involving Hulk and Namor are still with Universal, meaning the Disney-owned characters will probably never get solo movies. It's Marvel working around the restriction and. And since Universal appears to have just recently lost that fight, it's not inclined to work with Disney on rights to these characters. Disney CEO Bob Iger assured shareholders in 2009 that Marvels acquisition would not be jeopardized. 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"). Power was fully restored, the . But with Comcast's NBCUniversal controlling the two superheroes' distribution rights, Bazinet suggested a deal could be in the offing. Since the opening of Universals Islands of Adventure in 2001, fans of Marvel have found familiar characters there. The film audience for the title didn't grow between movies, which is seen as a bad sign. Since Hulk came out in June of 2008 this means that the agreement could end in June of 2023. Before the days of the MCU, the characters from the many Marvel Comics were almost shared out among other Hollywood studios. KEEP READING: She-Hulk Fan Proves Tatiana Maslany Looks Just Like the MCU Superhero However, as Marvel Studios have not yet made any effort to do so despite Mark Ruffalo's Hulk being such an integral MCU character, it is unlikely to happen.
Hulk Movie Reportedly Changing Hands from Universal to Disney Soon If for some reason Universal chose to forgo distribution, then Disney would immediately pick up the distribution rights for the Hulk movie. This may come as a disappointment to many, who wish for a Namor solo film after his fantastic debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. If, or when, Universal chooses to forgo distribution, Disney will immediately pick up those distribution rights for a solo Hulk movie. Shocking Facts About Casino Real Story, Homemade Smoothie Recipes You Need to Try This Season, Lupita Nyongo is headed to A Quiet Place, Elevate Your Movie Nights with These Affordable Home Theater Upgrades. All logos and images used on this website are registered trademarks of their respective companies. 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? Disney does not permit the use of the comic book character at any of its theme parks in the United States or Canada. The future of both the Hulk and Namor rest solely on Universal. Let us know in the comments.
Universal/Marvel Hulk Sequel Rights Clarified - IGN Throughout the day, various Spider-Man and Marvel merchandise will be available for purchase. Universal has the first refusal opportunityto distribute the project, Disney may have regained the rights but have yet to be supported by anything definitive, but there are still plenty of release opportunities left in Phase 6 and beyond, Spider-Verse 2 Reportedly Includes Major MCU Phase 4 Reference, Andor Season 2 Director Just Deleted This New Set Photo After Sharing Online, Avatar 3: Disney Is Secretly Teasing Sequels New Characters, Robert Pattinsons Batman Universe Just Recast 1 Gotham Character, The Mandalorian Season 3: Episode 2's Longer Runtime Revealed In Advance, Ant-Man 3: Quantumania's Post-Credits Scenes Count Confirmed, Michael B. Jordan Shares Blunt Response to Black Superman Casting Rumors, Daredevil Actors Hit the Gym for Disney+ Reboot (Photos), Ant-Man 3 Writer Refuses to Listen to Fans Criticizing MODOK: 'They're Wrong', Ant-Man 3's Disappointing Reviews: Kang Actor Breaks Silence on Negative Reaction. It is not possible for Disney or Universal to use the Marvel name in their parks because they have a long-term agreement. Universal had been working with Marvel on a number of projects, including a theme park attraction based on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride at Islands of Adventure.
} These parks feature rides of the highest quality, in addition to Marvel movies long history with them. In recent years, it has been widely speculated as to why Disney and Marvel Entertainment havent worked together on a Marvel-themed theme park. Site Map | While few details are on-the-record, the relationship between Universal and Disney is frosty at best. Index | 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. Besides Hulk, Namor, and Spider-Man, Disney owns the rights to almost every single character in Marvel Comics. It's well known that characters' movie rights have a big influence on the Marvel films made. The past box office for these films does not justify that as a solid business plan. However, it is clear that Universal still holds the rights to several important Marvel characters. While it is unconfirmed if there will be a sequel to The Incredible Hulk or if rights are going to go to Disney, the SEC filing is the base of the rumor from The Direct that rights for The Hulk will be given to Disney. Marvel and Sony Strike a Deal in 1998 to License the Film Rights to Spider-Man and 900 Related Characters Back when superheroes were still in their infancy, Sony and Marvel struck a deal to license the film rights to Spider-Man and 900 related characters. RELATED: Why Were the Hulk's Pants Always Purple? This is because Universal's option only relates to explicit Hulk films and, as Bruce Banner is clearly part of an ensemble in these cases, they have no say in them. The rights of Hulk belonged to Universal similar to Spider-Man's rights in Sony Forbes has a new report explaining the movie rights shared between the two studios, and what it means for a standalone sequel with Hulk at the center. Forbes offers three reasons for Marvel and Disney not committing to a new Hulk movie. "While Disney owns all Marvel IP, Universal has distribution rights to Hulk and Namor," the analyst wrote. Disney will only own Marvels parks if it acquires the rights to them from Universal. Phase three of the film series will begin with Captain America: Civil War, followed by Doctor Strange (2016) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 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. 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. Trademark | That may not seem like a big deal, but for investors, it sure would be. This contract has the potential to be extended every four years by Universal. Namors MCU introduction led to many calling for a solo film for the antihero, yet the character's rights are owned by Universal, similar to the Hulk. As Mark Ruffalo, who took over playing Bruce Banner/Hulk from Edward Norton after The Incredible Hulk, explained in 2017, Marvel Studios President/Chief Creative Officer Kevin Feige "pulled me aside before [Thor: Ragnarok], and said, If you were gonna do a if we were going to do a standalone Hulk movie, what would it be?" After Ruffalo told Feige what he had in mind, his ideas were integrated into not only Ragnarokbut also Infinity War and Endgame.
HULK: Marvel Studios May Finally Regain The Jade Giant's Theatrical The rights to any film starring Hulk or Namor in a leading role are currently owned by Universal. 2003-2023 Best Little Sites, LLC. 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. Planet Hulk could be as close as 2021.The real question is, are you willing to wait that long? The Security and Exchange Commission filing from 2008 allows Universal to hold Hulk movie rights for 15 years, which would expire June 2023. According to Broussard, the Incredible Hulk was the clear winner when it came to placing second. What they own is the "right of first refusal" for distribution of Hulk movies. The film production company is a joint venture between Disney and Marvel. Ruffalo explained the situation in a new interview with Collider: "As far as a Hulk movie, a standalone Hulk movie, Marvel doesn't really have the rights to that yet. Apparently, the original deal for his rights stated they reverted to Marvel 15 years after the release of the latest film.