8/31/2009

in

Disney acquires all Marvel characters, but will have to wait to reap the profits.

Tom Helberg

The Walt Disney Company announced Monday that it is purchasing Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion.  
  
The [Miami Herald](http://www.miamiherald.com/569/story/1211486.html) reports that the Mouse monolith will acquire Marvel and its library of over 5,000 comic book characters, including Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, and Iron Man.  
  
Disney will have to be patient before moving forward with some film properties because of Marvel's current deals with rival studios. Columbia Pictures is developing the next three Spider-Man sequels, and 20th Century Fox has long term film rights for X-Men and Fantastic Four.  
  
Disney World will also not be able to churn out Marvel rides that would compete with Universal Orlando.  
  
"Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal's Islands of Adventure and the Marvel characters are a beloved and important part of the Universal Orlando experience. They will remain so," said Tom Schroder, a Universal spokesman.  
  
With the acquisition, Disney is targeting young men to counterbalance its current girl-centric offerings such as "Hannah Montana," and Marvel will likely receive greater licensing opportunities.