The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (in the Magic Kingdom)

Last summer (2008), I went to see Iron Man. I didn't know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised by the film's story, character development, and huge Michael Bay style action scenes. Admittedly, the film wasn't Atonement. However, it was a superhero film and a fairly good one at that. I imagined the future when I'd sit in a theater and enjoy the further adventures of Iron Man in Iron Man 2 . . . Until today.



Today, Disney purchased Marvel Entertainment for the small sum of $4 billion.1 Being an IP nerd of sorts, the first thing I thought of was, "What happens to the Amazing Adventures of Spider Man ride at Universal Studios?" This question presents the premise for what I intend as a brief foray into probing the questions of what a deal like this means for well known characters.



Of all places, MTV raised an interesting point: Does this mean that Marvel Characters will now cross paths with Disney Characters?2 As an example, MTV points to the moment when Roger Rabbit brought together Daffy and Donald Duck.3. Imagine the combinations possible with the Marvel/Disney family. Will Iron Man patrol the Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland in the near future? Will the Hulk stalk Epcot Center? Will Spider Man replace the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at MGM Studios (I hope not...)?



MTV raises a point that Marvel does not own all of its characters' film rights (e.g., Fantastic Four, Daredevil). However, this still brings us back to the question of Spidey. The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man ride located at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure constitutes a classic ride according to some.4 Some contend that the sale will have no short term effect on rides of this type: Disney will allow the name and character usage in the ride to stay in place, third party deals may stay in place.5 However, Universal Studios would likely no longer be able to use Marvel characters in themed attractions. In a park such as Islands of Adventure, this presents a problematic situation - the park contains a section devoted to Marvel characters (e.g., The Incredible Hulk roller coaster). If the park cannot add additional rides in this theme, will it eventually have to declare the section outdated, and replace the classic rides with more updated ones to which Universal owns the characters?



This also brings me back to my fears for Iron Man 2. What happens when a movie studio known for fairly conservative, family entertainment takes over the rights to a superhero dynasty? I had a similar concern when Disney took over Pixar - that the Pixar films would lose their uniqueness; however, Ratatouile and UP! have certainly proven me wrong on this number in the recent past. What does this collaboration mean for the direction of Marvel characters? What does it mean for the rights of those that created these characters (cough, cough, Stan Lee), if anything?



I end with the assumption that minds much more familiar with this sort of licensing/copyright/trademark situation have attended to the details and figured them out. However, without seeing the agreement, it still seems a relevant inquiry as to what happens when this sort of a deal occurs. Essentially, what happens when Venom visits the House of Mouse?



1. http://money.cnn.com/2009/8/31/news/companies/disney_marvel/index.htm?postversion=2009083109



2. http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1620459/story.jhtml



3. Id.



4. http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/aug/31/311418/disney-buy-comic-book-powerhouse-marvel-4-billion/



5. Id.



6. Id.

All Trademarks and Copyrighted Material Are Owned By Their Respective Owners
All Credit for Sources is Given As Best As Possible

This blog may not be reproduced without permission from the author (which is usually given if asked). (C) 2009 Squishy Mind Property