Marvel movies were produced by WBD, Universal, Sony, Lionsgate, Fox Studios before Disney made an acquisition of Marvel Studios. Disney’s MCU empire was built on the shoulders of other studios’ production and distribution. Howard the Duck and Hulk were produced by Universal Studios. Blade was produced by WBD. The Ghostrider and Spider-Man franchises were produced by Columbia(Sony). The Punisher was produced by LionsGate. The X-Men, Fantastic 4, Daredevil franchises were produced by Fox Studios before being acquired by Disney. In fact, the initial MCU parts (Iron Man, Thor & Captain America) were distributed by Paramount. Even after acquiring Marvel, Netflix distributed initial Marvel Series like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, The Defenders etc. But then, Disney tactically ended its distribution agreement with Netflix for its own streaming service, Disney+ gain. Then, it started producing and distributing Marvel series on its Disney+ platform. However, Disney itself has admitted that such Disney+ series are huge investments and big bets and its consequences aren’t fruitful yet.
Disney bought FOX studios for $75 B, but they didn’t realize that most old content wouldn’t make much difference to today’s streaming generation. Even the culture is shifting fast. Feminism isn’t a strong component in the old movie theme. Another problem began when Disney became greedy and took total control over their characters. If they had continued with the old model and kept focusing on only major MCU characters. Then, their other not so popular characters were still marketed through movies and series made by other studios. They could have taken straight profits by licensing them to use via a limited-year contract. They might also have made good fortune on these characters’ merchandise rights, as movies are worked as 2-hour commercials and that, too, produced by other studios!!! But, Disney became greedy and were literally playing Monopoly with Hollywood. But, now the situation is changing.
It is too risky and dangerous for Disney to produce and distribute 3 or more MCU movies in a single year. It is even too risky to produce a high-cost MCU series for its Disney+ platform. People aren’t much anticipated for superhero movie or series genres with similar concepts. Adding new audiences is even becoming more difficult because they don’t like to watch 40+ previously connected MCU movies or series or shows.
In short, MCU empire, built on the shoulders of other studios’ production and distribution, is dying because of Disney’s greed.
