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Disney Buys Marvel! How Could This Affect Pixar?

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Two super powers in the industry have come to a pretty surprising deal… what does this have to do with Pixar?

The Walt Disney Company announced today that the company would acquire superhero giant Marvel in a stock transaction of $4 billion. Kind of reminds you of another recent purchase that Disney made in 2006… Yes of course, I’m talking about the Disney-Pixar deal.

It’s even more similar considering what Disney CEO Bob Iger said during the conference call that followed the huge announcement: “If it ain’t broke…” Don’t mess with it, just like Disney didn’t mess with Pixar after the $7.4 billion transaction. As part of the call, Iger mentioned that John Lasseter met with the Marvel execs and they both "got excited about it… sparks will fly!"

This has many fans speculating about a Pixar/Marvel collaboration. With a property like The Incredibles, Marvel could directly influence a possible (far-off) sequel. This may include character cameos, comic book tie ins or a full on crossover. Speaking of comics, could it be possible that Marvel could take over BOOM!‘s current Pixar comics series after the deal is over…?

Some people are even speculating that Pixar will in fact make an adaptation for one (or more) of Marvel’s characters. I say: not likely. John Lasseter is as much of a huge influence over Disney as he is for Pixar which could mean these characters don’t necessarily have to have anything to do with the Lamp. It is known that once contracts end with third-party studios, Disney plans to retain all the rights to movies and such.

The details are still developing and it won’t be an overnight change, you can read more in the official press release. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how Marvel affects the Wonderful World of Disney and their prized jewel, Pixar!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

Last modified: August 31, 2009