Capítulo 147: Chapter 147
Capet Entertainment's acquisition of Marvel caused quite a stir in Hollywood, though many high-level executives at other movie companies treated it as a spectacle.
They believed that Charles Capet's decision to acquire Marvel for almost $1 billion, that too with loans, was a losing deal, given that Marvel had lost the rights to many popular characters, making it hard for the company to revive.
Privatizing Marvel cost Charles more than $100 million in cash. Including Marvel's current debts, the total acquisition surpassed 1 billion.
While many watched as spectators, Disney's new CEO, Robert Iger, furrowed his brow and sighed heavily.
"Dick, what do you think?" In his office, Robert Iger set down the newspaper reporting Capet Entertainment's acquisition of Marvel.
Dick Cook, the current chairman of Disney's film division, responsible for Disney Studios, Buena Vista International, Disney Animation, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, and Miramax, pondered.
"Maybe Charles Capet has a unique affection for Marvel Comics," Dick Cook, also doubtful about the acquisition, mused.
Robert Iger shook his head. "The future of film and television will revolve around IP value. The thousands of character rights in Marvel Comics are an inexhaustible wealth for Charles Capet!"
Robert Iger had long harbored thoughts of acquiring Marvel, similar to how Warner Bros. held DC Comics and could develop superhero films anytime.
"Robert, our priority now is negotiating with Pixar," Dick Cook reminded.
Robert Iger nodded, "I have already submitted the proposal to acquire Pixar to the board. Our most important task now is to persuade Steve Jobs to agree to the merger!"
Steve Jobs owned half of Pixar's shares, and Robert Iger had to deal with the strong-willed Jobs to resolve Disney's internal and external predicaments.
"You know how bad Michael's relationship with Steve is!" Dick Cook spread his hands helplessly, referring to the mess left by Michael Eisner, Disney's recently departed CEO.
...
This summer in Hollywood, it wasn't just the end of Michael Eisner's near 20-year reign at Disney; another major event occurred with Viacom's split.
Viacom split into two companies: one named CBS Corporation, which owned CBS Television Network, UPN Television Network, and other assets.
The other company retained the Viacom name, holding assets like MTV Networks, Nickelodeon, BET, and Paramount Pictures.
Both CBS Corporation and the new Viacom would go public, with National Amusements, controlled by the Redstone family, being the majority shareholder.
Tom Freston, who had always controlled MTV Networks, became the chairman and CEO of the new Viacom.
"Viacom's split is expected to complete by the end of the year or early next," Charles listened to David Maisel's report in Marvel's office.
After acquiring Marvel, Charles promoted David Maisel as one of the co-chairmen, managing operations, licensing, and toy and comic businesses.
The other co-chairman was Avi Arad's deputy, Kevin Feige, who managed Marvel Studios, overseeing film and television development.
"End of the year or early next, that's when Paramount's chairman Sherry Lansing will step down, and Brad Grey will officially take over," Charles said, looking at Kevin Feige.
"Have you approached Paramount about distributing Marvel Studios' movies?"
Kevin Feige nodded, "Yes, we plan for Paramount to handle the global distribution of Marvel Studios' films, but we haven't finalized the distribution commission yet."
"No need. Capet Pictures can handle North American distribution; we'll take our time with the overseas market," Charles now had the green light to develop Marvel films.
"So, you plan to develop Iron Man?"
David Maisel and Kevin Feige exchanged glances and nodded.
"Kevin, you've been involved in many Marvel character films. Given your support for the Marvel Universe, let's begin the preparations for Iron Man, developed by Marvel Studios itself." Although funds were tight now, Iron Man was slated for a 2007 release, by which time Capet Pictures wouldn't lack money.
Kevin Feige was the producer, and Marvel's creative committee was directly disbanded the day after Charles's acquisition.
The first independently developed Marvel Studios film was Iron Man!
"As for the Avengers universe, we have Iron Man and Captain America, but Hulk's character rights belong to Universal. We have an agreement with them," Kevin Feige noted, concerned.
"Universal hasn't learned their lesson with Ang Lee's Hulk?" Charles smiled and shook his head.
"Universal released one in 2003, a five-year rights period. If Universal doesn't produce a sequel by 2008, the rights automatically revert to us." Unlike the previous Marvel strategy of partnering with Universal for The Incredible Hulk to bring Hulk into the Avengers, even giving away individual film distribution rights, Charles wouldn't repeat that.
Charles could start with Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America, and possibly Ant-Man. The Avengers could wait until the rights for Hulk reverted automatically. If Universal produced Hulk 2 in 2008, he could then discuss cooperation with them.
"Moreover, when casting for the Marvel Universe, we don't need big names. We can choose suitable newcomers as the leads. Also, the contracts with actors need to be detailed, with the number of signed films divided into individual hero movies, group heroes, and even crossover cameos..."
Charles would never allow a situation where an actor like Robert Downey Jr. demanded such a high salary. The Marvel Universe should bring fame and fortune to actors while ensuring Marvel earns big money.
"Also, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are part of the Avengers, but they are mutants. Find a way to negotiate with 20th Century Fox; we can't alter the system without the rights.
Moreover, 20th Century Fox plans to let Lionsgate take over the rights to Deadpool when Artisan's contract ends. Reject that! From now on, Marvel will not sell any character rights and will strive to reclaim all characters!
In the future, no new heroes should appear in the X-Men or Fantastic Four systems," Charles contemplated halting their publication if not for their decent sales. No wonder Disney ceased the publication of these two around 2014; they ranked behind Spider-Man in the Marvel Comics lineup!
*****
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