Still, Marvel Studios has plenty of options to get around this deal, some of which fans have already seen. Disney does not permit the use of the comic book character at any of its theme parks in the United States or Canada. Here Universal's the only ones who win. Those of you who are Disney fans will be perplexed as to why there are no Marvel-themed rides at Walt Disney World, particularly since Disneylands Avengers Campus is a huge hit. This follows how Hulk has been utilized in the MCU. And Marvel/Disney have recently entered an agreement to partner with Sony on a new Spider-Man reboot that will be distributed by Sony Pictures. Based in London, he oversees a global news & features team based in NY, LA and beyond. However, the two studios have had a strained relationship since then. Post-Homecoming, anything's possible. That being said, the three characters they dont own are still part of the MCU. Disney may sell its 67% stake in Hulu for more Marvel rights: Citi Counting in marketing costs and everything else that goes along with it, a solo Hulk movie would have to break $750 million worldwide to be economically viable. Universal May Not Be Holding Up Marvel's Future Plans For Hulk After Let us know in the comments. Analyst says Comcast looking to sell Hulk/Namor movie rights back to Marvel can't make a Hulk standalone, but they probably wouldn't want to even if they could. 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. However, even under the Mouse House, Universal still has that "first refusal" clause. Owns a dog who loves watching Milo and Otis on repeat. Citi Thinks Disney Could Trade Hulu for Hulk - thewrap.com Throughout the day, various Spider-Man and Marvel merchandise will be available for purchase. Disney has regained ownership of the Marvel Comics character after Universal Pictures gave up rights to him. To say Marvel Studios is unlikely to work with Universal to distribute a solo MCU film might be stating the obvious. Despite being one of the founding Avengers, the Hulk has had an arguably small role to play in the MCU as the only member of the team not to lead a solo project since Phase 1. If, or when, Universal chooses to forgo distribution, Disney will immediately pick up those distribution rights for a solo Hulk movie. It has over 6,000 characters and is one of the worlds most valuable comic book franchises. Also, given that Namor can be used as part of an ensemble, the character could make appearances in upcoming films like Avengers: The Kang Dynasty or Avengers: Secret Wars alongside the likely inclusion of Hulk in both. The Hulk. I find it hard to believe Universal would let the contract lapse and then just hold on to the Hulk rights. Similarly, with Namor, Marvel could make a TV series focused on Talokan, where the character appears but is not the protagonist. Despite a brief jaunt in Mathematics at Durham University, film writing was always his calling. 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. Marvel Super Hero Island, a massive Marvel-themed attraction at Universal Orlando, is one of the many attractions in the park. Moreover, Marvel has made a deal with Sony that allows them Spider-Man to exist in the MCU. However, it's not like there's no Hulk in the MCU. Home | This is why Marvel Studios are unlikely to release a solo film for either character anytime soon, as they would not have full control over the distribution of their own film. RUMOR: Hulk Movie Rights Could Be Returning to Disney in June 2023 August 14, 2022 Haley Dalton While Disney and Marvel hold rights to develop movies starring The Hulk, Universal and Marvel reached an agreement in June 2008 to distribute "The Incredible Hulk." Image source: The Direct With the current state of Hulk's distribution rights sitting up in the air, new evidence has been uncovered to suggest when Disney will reacquire the rights. Before the days of the MCU, the characters from the many Marvel Comics were almost shared out among other Hollywood studios. Since Hulk came out in June of 2008 this means that the agreement could end in June of 2023. 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. For now, Marvel and Disney think the character works better as part of an ensemble. Sure, anything could happen if the deal ends, but whats most likely is they just renew the deal. Disney has the option to produce and distribute any future Marvel movies that it acquires as a result of its Marvel movie rights. If you have never seen a Marvel movie, I highly recommend you check one out. Universal and Marvel reached an agreement in 2008 for the former to distributeThe Incredible Hulkwhich starred Edward Norton as Bruce Banner before he was recast with Mark Ruffalo forThe Avengers. Universal Studios Hollywood Height Requirements - 40 Inches or Taller. While Hollywood filmmaking will always be his most knowledgeable area, Lewis still enjoys anything in the world of filmmaking. and not used in merchandise, licensing or video games because Fox owned the characters. And 2003's Hulk only made $245 million. Universal Owns Namor's Rights, Too? How His Situation Compares To Hulk Community Guidelines | Universal Studios | Movies, Theme Parks, News and Services These movies are full of action, adventure, comedy, and drama, and they always leave audiences wanting more. Marvel acquired the rights to the superhero theme park rights from Universal Studios in 1994. A new Hulk movie would have to be given over to the Green Goliath, with the story revolving around an entirely CGI Hulk. The film production company is a joint venture between Disney and Marvel. Just because he's a supporting character, though, doesn't mean Hulk is being underserved. Iger, for example, is thought to own 500,000 Disney shares. As The Incredible Hulk was released in 2008, this would mean that Marvel could use Hulk again from 2023 onwards. A recent rumor has suggested that the solo film rights to the Hulk may be returning to Marvel Studios in 2023! 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"). (The Culver Institue Laboratory) 2 of 2 found this interesting. Since then, there have been 22 movies released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with more planned for the future. Disney has exclusive rights to Marvel theme parks through a deal between the two companies. Worth a mention is that the Fantastic Four and X-Men will be returning to Marvel-Disney once the Disney-Fox deal goes through which could be within the next month or two. As has been known since Disney's acquisition of Marvel Studios in 2009, the distribution rights for certain Marvel characters have rested with Universal Pictures. Universal Studios Hollywood. The situation is that they didnt have much of an incentive to do somatically. on: function(evt, cb) { Superheroes & Villains Marvel Studios Still Doesn't Own The Movie Rights To RELATED:MODOK Trends with Zack Snyder's 'Rebel Moon'. All Rights Reserved. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and of course - Netflix and chill! Price: US $499.99. Why Bob Iger Returning to Disney May Be Bad for Marvel Fans. Will a solo movie happen anytime soon? Marvel Studios Was Unhappy With How Universal Marketed Incredible Hulk If for some reason Universal chose to forgo distribution, then Disney would immediately pick up the distribution rights for the Hulk movie. Played by Tenoch Huerta, this interpretation is a massive hit with fans, both diehards and those unfamiliar with Namor. Could this change? 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. However, a stipulation with Hulk's rights allows Marvel to use the Hulk in its movies, albeit only in team-ups. Back in April, Mark Ruffalo made the somewhat startling revelation that a standalone Hulk movie may not happen anytime in the near future because Universal still owns the rights for a standalone sequel to their 2003 Hulk movie and the 2008 follow-up The Incredible Hulk. New Movie News, Movie Trailers & upcoming Movie Reviews, Why Marvel's Complex Namor & Hulk Rights Mean They'll Never Get Solo Movies. Marvel confirmed rights involving Hulk and Namor are still with Universal, meaning the Disney-owned characters will probably never get solo movies. In addition to Universal Orlandos ownership of Marvel characters in theme parks for a few decades now in an agreement that appears to be indefinite, the company reportedly has a deal in place with The Simpsons that will expire in 2028. listeners: [], 7 Fantastic Animes You Need to be Watching Right Now. The situation is more of a standoff between Disney and Universal where neither wants to give, and so Marvel are just dealing with it. When Disney bought Marvel, Universals contract to use Marvel characters expired, and they were forced to close the attraction. The Incredible Hulk - Owned By Universal. At Universals Islands of Adventure, you can find a wide range of Spider-Man toys. An SEC filing from 2006 notes Universal Studios' agreement to distributeThe Incredible Hulkunder the same terms as a similar deal with Paramount: "Universal Studios has agreed to distribute Marvels film The Incredible Hulk and sequels on essentially the same terms as those on which Paramount has agreed to distribute the other films financed and produced under the film facility. The Complicated Relationship Between Marvel And Universal 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.