Earlier this week Disney held its annual shareholders meeting. Hot topics included the upcoming Star Wars: Episode IX and, of course, the pending Disney/Fox merger. There’s been a lot of speculation about what would happen with Fox as a result of the deal. Disney Chairman-CEO Bob Iger announced that there is still a future for several Fox brands after the Disney/Fox merger is complete.
According to Variety, Iger specifically said, “There will be businesses within the company that still have the Fox name on them, particularly on the movie side. We will continue to make the movies under the Fox brand and Fox Searchlight brand. FX will keep its name too.”
As he addressed Disney shareholders, Iger divulged that the merger should close “soon”. He also revealed that Disney would waste very little time before it begins to play with its new assets.
Our new corporate structure is designed to integrate these assets and maximize long-term value. We spent most of (last) year on integration planning so we’ll hit the ground running as soon as the deal closes.”
Disney Retains Fox Label
This is a good sign for those curious and patiently waiting on details on how Disney plans on using their new acquisitions. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are especially curious how Fox’s stable of superhero characters will be integrated. Will the X-Men and Fantastic Four remain within their own cinematic universes? Will they show up side by side with the Avengers?
However, it’s now less likely that Deadpool will one day become an Avenger. The R-rated franchise will probably remain under the Fox banner and separate from the more family-friendly MCU.
This is also good news for those hoping for major announcements at this year’s D23 Expo. The Disney convention regularly holds a live-action film panel that presents the company’s plans for its Disney, MARVEL, and Star Wars films. Looks like Fox will be a new addition to the group.
