It seems the X-Men and Marvel’s First Family are on the verge of relocating.
CNBC is reporting today that negotiations between Disney and 21st Century Fox have now “progressed,” and sources familiar with the situation believe the deal could be finalized as early as next week. Fox is looking to shed its entertainment assets – namely Nat Geo, along with its regional sports networks, movie studios and stakes in Sky and Hulu – all the while doubling down on its news divisions and sports, thereby placing some of Hollywood’s leading studios (see: Sony, Comcast) on red alert.
That being said, word is 21st Century Fox wants to broker a deal with Disney because it makes the most sense from a business standpoint. Couple this with CNBC’s latest report and it seems the acquisition will go through before the year’s end – providing it isn’t blocked by the Federal Trade Commission, that is.
Via CNBC:
The talks with Disney have gone far deeper and further and very well may result in a deal in which Disney will purchase the Fox studio [and] the Fox networks (for example, FX, A&E and the Fox regional sports networks).
Meanwhile, the estimated “enterprise value” of this potential acquisition is said to be around $60 billion, and if Disney’s track record is anything to go by (see: Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm), moviegoers needn’t worry about the Mouse House interfering with Fox’s suite of R-rated comic book films too much.
Also of note, future instalments of Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Daredevil and Iron Fist – not to mention spinoff series in the vein of The Punisher – will remain on Netflix, while Disney shifts the focus to entirely new TV shows based on other Marvel properties. Think of how Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Inhumans launched via ABC and you’ll begin to get an idea of what the Mouse House has in store.
All in all, though, it looks like Disney has beat out other potential suitors in its pursuit of 21st Century Fox. Should a deal place, the implications of this acquisition will be huge, and will likely be felt around Hollywood’s superhero scene for months – nay, years – to come.