Here is an interesting article.
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090831-marvel-disney-ten-questions.htmlWhat happens to characters such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, Daredevil and the Fantastic Four, which are licensed out to other studios?
These characters offer up one of the biggest problems for Disney, because rival studios maintain creative control as well as distribution rights. Disney chief Robert Iger indicates that all current deals with other studios will be honored, but the goal is to bring all the Marvel characters back in-house at some point. But again, that’s easier said than done.
Sony’s committed to making 3 more Spidey movies. The first 3 earned nearly $3 billion, so it could be a decade before the theatrical destiny of Marvel’s flagship character is back in house. The same goes for the X-Men. Fox is already moving forward with a second Wolverine film, and has plans for numerous X-spinoffs (such as Deadpool). Fox also has the rights to Daredevil and Fantastic Four, two properties currently in limbo which seem ripe for rebooting. Disney may have to pay up to get those back in the family. But considering the importance of those characters to the Marvel Universe, it may be worth it.
8) What happens to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park?
Today’s press release did not mention Disney’s theme parks, so one would guess that Universal, which licenses Marvel characters for its Orlando and Osaka, Japan attractions, has long-term deals in place. But this has the potential to be the most contentious battle to rise from this merger. Nikki Finke’s
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com has a statement from Universal regarding the Disney/Marvel deal and how it could impact Universal’s Orlando theme park that says, "Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the Marvel characters are a beloved and important part of the Universal Orlando experience...We believe our agreement with Marvel stands and that the Disney/Marvel deal will have no impact on our guest experience."
From that statement, it would appear that for the foreseeable future, if people want to check out the Spider-Man 3D adventure or the Dr. Doom ride, they will have to visit Universal’s park. But considering how important Disney’s theme parks are to the company, it’s doubtful the company’s lawyers aren’t looking at any possible ways to figure out a solution. The Marvel rides at Universal could also help Disney address a long-standing problem at their parks: providing ‘cool’ rides for people over the age of 10. Let’s face it. After riding the Hulk rollercoaster, Space Mountain doesn’t really cut it.
