Though reports suggested that talks stalled last month, negotiations between Disney and Fox are back on and may come to a head by the end of the year, with the potential fate of Fox’s biggest entertainment assets in the balance.
Image: Marvel
This information comes from the Wall Street Journal, which reported today that “people familiar with the situation” say that Walt Disney Co. has returned to talks with 21st Century Fox, with Comcast also in their own separate talks to purchase the company’s assets.
Importantly to many comic and movie fans, these assets would include the film rights to a number of Marvel properties, including the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. They would also include a 30% stake in the streaming platform Hulu. As both Disney and Comcast already own 30 per cent stakes, this deal would give either company a controlling share in the platform.
Sony and Verizon, among other companies, have also expressed interest, according to the WSJ, though it’s unknown how involved those conversations have been.
A decision on whether or not to pursue a deal with Disney or Comcast might be made by the end of the year with Rupert Murdoch and his family, who own 39 per cent of 21st Century Fox’s voting shares, expected to make up their mind by that time.
If either merger goes through, it could radically change the shape of big-budget entertainment. And, if Disney gets the deal, it would, as we’ve discussed before, change the Marvel Cinematic Universe forever.