What’s next for Marvel Studios?
May 2, 2008
With “Iron Man” set to explode this weekend, the next question for Marvel is: What now?
One big variable is who does the distribution. When its financing deal was announced in summer 2005, Marvel said the deal “guarantees distribution for 10 films” through Paramount.
But that guarantee means the Melrose Avenue studio must distribute movies Marvel brings to it. For Marvel, the pact is simply a two-picture deal, with “Iron Man” the first and Marvel obligated only to distribute its next movie through Paramount. (Universal’s “The Incredible Hulk” is exempt.)
An additional provision requires that movies based on “Captain America” and “Nick Fury” go through Paramount should they be made, with either film also counting toward the two-picture deal. Sequels of Par-distributed movies also will remain with the studio.
As a result, Marvel properties including “The Avengers,” “Thor” and “Ant Man” could conceivably end up with other distributors.
Three years ago, the company wanted to stress the Paramount deal to show it had a pipeline; now, with “Iron Man” tracking well, Marvel aims to show Wall Street that the fledgling studio has flexibility.
Via THR
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