Even before Disney acquired Fox’s entertainment assets as part of its historic Hollywood merger, keeping track of those all-important film rights within the industry’s leading franchises was a difficult, and often confusing, gig. But now that the Disney-Fox merger is ostensibly signed, sealed and delivered, the Mouse House’s roster of characters and properties is about to expand quite drastically – and we couldn’t be more excited about it.
For Marvel Studios, in particular, this merger spells a long-rumored homecoming for the X-Men, and we understand head honcho Kevin Feige is keen to cross-pollinate those iconic mutants with the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its roster of established characters – just don’t get your hopes up for Hugh Jackman to swing by for a cameo in Avengers 4. If anything, this merger leaves the door open for another actor to take Jackman’s place and reboot the Wolverine we know and love.
But putting all that aside for a moment, there are a number of other massive properties that Disney got their hands on earlier this morning. After all, though gaining control of the X-Men was no doubt a huge reason why the studio acquired Fox in the first place, that certainly wasn’t the only incentive for them to make this deal. Far from it, in fact.
Seen below is the full list of franchises that are now under Disney’s control, and let’s just say that without a doubt, they’ve quickly become the most powerful studio in Hollywood – if they weren’t already.
- Avatar
- Star Wars
- Die Hard
- X-Men
- Fantastic Four
- Kingsman
- Planet of the Apes
- Alien
- Predator
- Independence Day
- Fight Club
- Home Alone
- Night at the Museum
- The Maze Runner
- Ice Age
- Red Sparrow
- The Martian
- Artemis
- Alvin and the Chipmunks
- Doctor Dolittle
- Percy Jackson
- The Chronicles of Narnia
Impressive, right? Combine the above with what’s already under their ownership and the House of Mouse now has their hands on some of the most lucrative, beloved and bankable properties out there. In other words, you can expect this new deal to drastically change the Hollywood landscape.
And though some have voiced their concerns about a media conglomerate controlling so many film properties, Disney’s handling of Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm (Star Wars) leaves us quietly confident that its high-ranking executives will treat the studio’s new franchises with the respect and care they deserve.