} These findings just state that the deal is ending, it doesnt mean that Disney would get the rights back if the deal ends. Geeks WorldWidepreviously reported in October 2021 thataWorld War Hulkmovie is in development with a 2022 production date, butupdates have since been scarce. This complicated legal issue has since led the MCU to limit Hulk to supporting roles and omit solo projects altogether. There hasnt been a Hulk solo movie since 2008, which is because the film rights are tied up with Universal Pictures. 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. / 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. In short, Marvel signed a contract with MCA Inc., which owned the Universal Studios theme parks at the time, before Disney acquired it. Because it was the studios risky two-picture strategy, landing Iron Man was regarded as a personal sacrifice. 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. Since Comcast's Universal owns the film distribution rights for Hulk and newcomer Namor, the Wall Street analyst argues, "If Hulu is sold, Disney may use this as an opportunity to secure. All the latest gaming news, game reviews and trailers. RELATED: Only Two MCU Villains Have Made Hulk Bleed - and One of Them Is Dead. If Hulu is sold, Disney may use this as an opportunity to secure these distribution rights.". 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. All logos and images used on this website are registered trademarks of their respective companies. Like with Spider-Man, there is scope for some agreement, although the current terms don't leave much room for negotiation. So what does this mean for The Hulk and his future in the MCU? Power was fully restored, the . Enter the username or e-mail you used in your profile. The most likely answer is that Universal is the exclusive licensee of the Marvel brand. 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. 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. Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort, and Universal Studios Japan all have amazing Marvel rides that are sure to thrill and excite any fan of the superhero franchise. They have made great strides to do so and have been very successful in that regard. With the acquisition of Marvel in 2004, Disney increased its popularity even further among people who do not read comic books. What this means is Universal cannot make a Hulk. They are the lowest earners in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 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. 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. Despite Disneys purchase of Marvel Entertainment, the studio continued to produce Marvel films. Both Planet Hulk and the long rumored World War Hulk would be incredibly expensive to pull off on the big screen the right way. Disney and Marvel made Iron Man 2 with Paramount distributing the movie. The report notes that Sony and Fox have to pay to create and distribute the movies, while Disney still retains the merchandise rights. It requires going against an ingrained idea and barreling into something more psychological than the MCU structure allows. Universal Studios Hollywood. Sony will continue to produce all Spider-Man and Spidey films until at least nine months have passed. That means more production time and higher costs with the extensive effects necessary. Home Movie News Hulk Movie Rights Still At Universal. You may have also seen/heard him on the Total Geekall podcast, unaffiliated YouTube channels, BBC Radio and CBC News. There has been speculation about a Marvel-themed park at Disney in the past, but nothing has come to fruition. Right now, we're still years away from that happening. 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. Marvel characters were licensed to Universal Studios in 1994. Yet, over time, the rights to characters came back to Marvel from studios like New Line and Paramount. Things getcomplicated here as The Wrap's report begins getting into the financial complications such a deal would involve. "As such, if Disney makes a Hulk or Namor film, Comcast can distribute the film on Peacock. At least that would give Namor the freedom Hulk never had. But if Disney can partner with Sony for Spider-Man and buy 20th Century Fox outright for the Fantastic Four and the mutants, why can't it and Universal get their acts together? 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. However, if Disney decided against buying out Comcast's 33% stake, then that company might choose to acquire the entire service. Its been more than a decade since fans first saw The Incredible Hulk sequel starring Mark Ruffalo. Disney will be able to make Marvel-based films with the deal. Now, Disney may finally be able to offer fans what they have been waiting for, perhaps explaining the silence surrounding the widely-reportedWorld War Hulkmovie. For now, Marvel and Disney think the character works better as part of an ensemble. 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. However, the two studios have had a strained relationship since then. New evidence posted to Reddit seems to indicate that Universals Hulk distribution agreement could end in June of 2023. While Disney and Marvel hold the rights to develop films starring The Hulk, the companies announced an agreement with Universal and Marvel in June 2008 to distribute The Incredible Hulk. According to a 2008 SEC filing, Universal has the authority to hold Hulk for up to 15 years, which expires in June 2023. Marvel Super Hero Island is part of Universals Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. Terms Of Service | The actual Hulk character had limited screen time in the first two standalone movies, with Bruce Banner involved in much of the action. Growing older though, Lewis had a newfound love for smaller. This contract has the potential to be extended every four years by Universal. While The Incredible Hulk did perform well on the home video market, it wasn't enough to cover marketing costs. Universal currently owns distribution rights to any movie starring Hulk or Namor in the leading role, meaning they receive a significant share of the profits. For removal of copyrighted images, trademarks, or other issues, Contact Us. While both are highly expected to be important to the MCU's future, they will only be able to be used in the way Hulk has been thus far. And that's the minimum. Hulk in particular is a character that has suffered a bit because Universal owns the movie rights. Advertise, Funny Superhero (DC & Marvel) Shirts & Stickers. This Marvel attraction is only at Universal Orlando, so you dont have to be a fan of the movies to enjoy it. A film starring Hulk was first floated in 1990, with Universal having bought the movie rights. 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. Disney has regained ownership of the Marvel Comics character after Universal Pictures gave up rights to him. In their 2018 financial report, Disney also confirms that Spider-Man is still licensed to Sony Pictures, and that the Fantastic Four and X-Men are currently with Fox Studios. You can see the excerpt from the SEC filings below: 6. Could this change? AsThe Incredible Hulkhit theaters in June 2008, the 15-year period indicates Disney will regain distribution rights to the character in June 2023, at which point Marvel Studios would be able to begin production on a Hulk movie that Disney themselves would distribute. Marvel Studios finally explains its Hulk movie deal with Universal Pictures and how it affects the character's role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Next: Groot's MCU Future Can Explain Vin Diesel's Exciting Hulk Fight Tease. 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. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Following Disneys acquisition of Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Studios and Marvel Television were formed. Will a solo movie happen anytime soon? Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: Must be 40 inches (102 cm) tall. 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. 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. Rumors have previously spread to suggest Disney may have regained the rights but have yet to be supported by anything definitive. Yet due to Universal Pictures releasing the prior Hulk film, they held the distribution rights to The Incredible Hulk. This may come as a disappointment to many, who wish for a Namor solo film after his fantastic debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. callback: cb Iger, for example, is thought to own 500,000 Disney shares. 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. Universal was the first studio to release a Marvel movie, with the 2003 film Hulk. In 2009, Disney spent $4 billion on Marvel comics. However, this only happened after Universal failed to get a sequel to Ang Lee's 2003 Hulk movie in active development by the contracted date (at which point the rights would revert to Marvel). 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? While Marvel Studios is able to include The Hulk and Namor in movies, they've been restricted from releasing solo outings due to Universal holding those rights. He once asked Tom Cruise about his supposedly fake-butt in Valkyrie (he swore it was all real). The Incredible Hulk Coaster. This means that the release of any Hulk/Namor solo film from the initial greenlighting of the film, to theatrical and home releases, as well as sorting out distribution revenue shares and so on falls solely on Universal's shoulders. HULK: Marvel Studios May Finally Regain The Jade Giant's Theatrical Rights From Universal In 2023 The last time the MCU's Jade Giant starred in his own movie was 2008's The Incredible Hulk,. forms: { The movie rights of Hulk have always been dynamic unlike the character rights of the other superheroes. As such, if Disney makes a Hulk or Namor film, Comcast can distribute the film on Peacock. As his antagonistic nature was established in Wakanda Forever, Namor will likely be used in this capacity again. See original listing. Especially if Marvel and Disney go the Planet Hulk route. Avengers simulator rides are permitted in certain legal zones in other countries. During their stay, attendees can attend superhero training sessions with Iron Man and Black Widow. Hulk movies are not proven at best, unpopular at worst. That is exactly why Mark Ruffalo does not have a solo project of his own despite his character being so darn popular among even the most casual of moviegoers. based on the reaction to the character since The Avengers, it's working. How To Improve Netflix Viewing Experience, How Grand Theft Auto Became one of the Most Popular Brands Ever, Ranking Our Favourite Episodes of Extreme Home Makeover. Marvel Studios has finally explained its Hulk movie deal with Universal Pictures and how it affects the character's role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Community Guidelines | Unlike other Marvel characters in the MCU, such as Iron Man, Captain America, or Thor, Namor and Hulk are not solely owned by Marvel Studios. Spider-Man remains a huge part of the MCU and Namor will appear in the upcoming film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Neither of the films got great attention either; The Incredible Hulk is one of the worst reviewed of the entire MCU and is often forgotten when it comes to full-franchise assessment. 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. Disney has acquired the intellectual property rights to the characters, stories, and settings from Marvels comics. You can visit Forbes for an even more in-depth account of what is going on with this Marvel title. Dragon Ball Z Characters Who Could Defeat Superman. Marvel licensed the rights to X-Men and Fantastic Four characters to 20th Century Fox in the 1990s. Neither Disney nor Universals theme parks have a single ride that can be used by both. About | Since 2008, Marvel Studios has also acquired the rights to Ghost Rider, Blade, Daredevil, and a slew of others. Either party may terminate the contract; however, Marvel must have a legitimate, legal reason to why the contract is void (poor upkeep, not upholding the quality of the IP, etc.) Disney+s She Hulk: Attorney at Law starts streaming August 18. Distribution Term: Paramount shall have the right to exercise its Paramount Distribution Rights with respect to each Picture for an initial period of 15 years commencing on the initial Theatrical Exhibition of such Picture (the Initial Distribution Term). The studio wants to keep him as a 'special event' character, which raises the profile of an ensemble movie like these two mentioned, or Captain America: Civil War, where Bruce Banner is rumored to appear next. Marvel confirmed rights involving Hulk and Namor are still with Universal, meaning the Disney-owned characters will probably never get solo movies. 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. KEEP READING:She-Hulk Fan Proves Tatiana Maslany Looks Just Like the MCU Superhero, Source: The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 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"). A cunning warrior, the best star-pilot in the galaxy, and a good friend. Marvel theme park rights are the exclusive rights to use Marvel intellectual property at an amusement park or other theme park setting. Related: Black Panther 2 Repeats An Infinity War Trick To Make Namor More Powerful. These movies are full of action, adventure, comedy, and drama, and they always leave audiences wanting more. However, Universal does still hold the right of first refusal with . When Disney bought Marvel, Universals contract to use Marvel characters expired, and they were forced to close the attraction. There hasn't been a Hulk solo movie since 2008, which is because the film rights are tied up with Universal Pictures. Those who own physical media copies of those early Marvel films will know both Paramount and Universal distributed those films. The situation is more of a standoff between Disney and Universal where neither wants to give, and so Marvel are just dealing with it. These parks feature rides of the highest quality, in addition to Marvel movies long history with them. . 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. 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. Disney purchased Marvel Universal to ensure the continuation of their partnership. Namor can be used in the same manner as the Hulk in the MCU, namely as part of an ensemble, antagonistic role, or cameo. In March 2008, a short teaser trailer for The Incredible Hulk was released. However, also working against that are creative reasons as well as contractual. Disneys contract with Universal likely expires in a few years, so the company will most likely build their own Marvel-themed park. It's well known that characters' movie rights have a big influence on the Marvel films made. 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. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Do you think we'll eventually see solo Hulk and Namor movies? From growing up having favorite films like The Lion King and The Iron Giant to becoming a major Star Wars and MCU fan, Hollywood blockbusters are Lewis main interests. I'm Joel Watson and I'm a content manager at veryaware.com, an entertainment website. However, Marvel could attempt to regain the rights to the characters for Phase 5 and beyond. I would love to see another stand-alone Hulk film, but it just doesnt seem likely. By Matt McGloin / Saturday, January 12, 2019 - 2:04AM. Spider-Man, Captain America, Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, and Rogue are just a few of the Marvel heroes and villains you can meet at the theme park. Own It Now on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD & Digital. Hulk Hogan Signed Universal Champion Red Wrestling Belt. The relationship between Marvel and Universal is complicated, to say the least. 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. And Universal is confirmed to have the right of first refusal on the distribution of any Hulk movie planned for the future. } Warning: This article contains spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. If for some reason Universal chose to forgo distribution, then Disney would immediately pick up the distribution rights for the Hulk movie. Is the Disney+ MCU Cutting Into Marvel Studios' Box Office Performance? There may be a more antagonistic side to this as well. The Marvel Cinematic Universe's relationship with the Incredible Hulk has been relatively awkward since the film was released in 2008. 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. Universal Pictures has the rights to produce and distribute a Hulk movie under a deal it struck with Marvel. In recent years, Marvel has been trying to get the rights to its characters back from Universal, but has had little success. So, naturally, the question becomes, will the man they call Kulk'ulk'an get a solo film? Transformers: The Ride-3D: Must be 40 inches (102 cm) tall. For those who don't know, the film rights to everyone's favorite big, green, rage monster are complicated. 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). This situation is very similar to that of another longstanding MCU character: the Hulk. I find it hard to believe Universal would let the contract lapse and then just hold on to the Hulk rights. VeryAware document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); (The Culver Institue Laboratory) 2 of 2 found this interesting. The Incredible Hulk was the second film in the MCU, released just one month after Iron Man. RELATED: Why Were the Hulk's Pants Always Purple? (function() { According to Broussard, the Incredible Hulk was the clear winner when it came to placing second. 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. 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 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. Marvel regained cinematic rights to the character in 2005 after Universal failed to make a follow-up to Ang Lee's Hulk movie. Here Universal's the only ones who win. Is Superman Gay? In 2009, the CEO of Disney acknowledged the importance of Marvels intellectual property rights when Disney purchased Marvel. 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. There are many different types of movies that people can enjoy. Of course, this hasn't prevented Marvel from giving Hulk a multi-film arc in the MCU, similar to those for characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and Black Widow. While Marvel Studios have the rights to use Hulk and Namor in their films to whatever extent they please, releasing a solo film is more complicated due to Universal owning distribution rights. Disney intends to regain distribution rights to the character within 15 years, according to the 15-year period. Home | Since Hulk came out in June of 2008 this means that the agreement could end in June of 2023. Similarly, with Namor, Marvel could make a TV series focused on Talokan, where the character appears but is not the protagonist. The answer, it seems, dates back about 13 years to the start of the Disney and Marvel Studios relationship. 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! What's also unclear is if the distribution deal also extends to TV. Sony received the rights to Spider-Man, the X-Men went to 20th Century Fox, and characters like Hulk and Namor had their rights obtained by Universal Pictures. The deal between Universal and Disney is iron clad; however, it may have a time limit. All rights reserved. Photos not available for this variation. With a budget of $8.25 million, the film has the lowest budget of any Marvel film. Disney has the option to produce and distribute any future Marvel movies that it acquires as a result of its Marvel movie rights. 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? Hulk has been a member of the MCU for over a decade. The Fabelmans. The Marvel Universe is home to some of the most iconic characters in pop culture. So, while they can't do anything active with the rights, should Marvel decide to make a Hulk movie Universal must be approached first. However, it was not until the release of the first Iron Man movie in 2008 that the Marvel Cinematic Universe was truly born. They do own the distribution rights for Incredible Hulk (2008), currently, but not necessarily to Hulk as a franchise. Beyond opening the doors to Hulk taking on a bigger role, Marvel Studios may finally be able to give Namor his own solo movie. On September 23, 2003, a 34-year-old woman . What makes Marvel movies so special is that they are able to appeal to a wide range of people. The film was Universal Pictures' second attempt at a Hulk film after the critical and commercial disappointment of Ang Lee's 2003 film. 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 Company distributes all Marvel-produced films with the exception of The Incredible Hulk, which is distributed by Universal Pictures. This was fine in the freewheeling 2000s when Marvel stood as its own thing, but now under Disney creates a conflict - they would be loaning out an IP so another company can make money off it. Apex Legends vs Fornite which is better? 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. The rights of Hulk belonged to Universal similar to Spider-Man's rights in Sony And both films failed to break even against their budget. 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. Lewis Glazebrook is a Senior Features writer for Screen Rant. Disney CEO Bob Iger, in describing these contracts to his staff, stated that they were business-friendly. 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. How His Situation Compares To Hulk, Black Panther 2 Repeats An Infinity War Trick To Make Namor More Powerful, Marvel Was Right To Scrap Black Panthers Original Namor Credits Scene, Mark Ruffalo's Hulk being such an integral MCU, Marvel Studios could make a solo Hulk movie, Groot's MCU Future Can Explain Vin Diesel's Exciting Hulk Fight Tease.
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