As Disney heads for a new era in their Marvel Studios journey, the studio could use the possible sale of Hulu to secure even bigger movie rights for the MCU.
The Wrap recently took a look at what Citi analyst Jason Bazinet felt about Disney’s possible sale and what that could mean for their biggest brand.
Disney has owned the lion’s share of streaming service Hulu since the controversial $71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019. Under the 2019 agreement, The Wrap notes Disney has the option to buy out Comcast’s remaining 33% stake in Hulu early next year, adding that Comcast can require that Disney buy it out.
What makes this even juicier is that Comcast’s NBCUniversal still controls the distribution rights to two of Marvel’s most notable characters, Hulk and Namor. This means if Disney were ever to make a solo movie featuring the MCU versions of the characters, NBCUniversal would have the distribution rights to the film – Marvel Studios would make a movie another company would have all the rights to push as their own.
As reported by The Wrap, Bazinet suggests a deal could be in the works to make both sides happy and give Marvel the right to finally make a Hulk film or expand Namor’s story outside of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
“Following fiscal 1Q23 results, we believe the company is less interested in a mass market DTC offering. This raises the possibility that Disney may sell its Hulu stake,” The Wrap reports from the analyst. They add, “While Disney owns all Marvel IP, Universal has distribution rights to Hulk and Namor. As such, if Disney makes a Hulk or Namor film, Comcast can distribute the film on Peacock. If Hulu is sold, Disney may use this as an opportunity to secure these distribution rights.”
Namor proved to be a quickly beloved Marvel villain, though it was apparent they had anti-hero plans from the offset. Tenoch Huerta has obvious star power, and a solo film or Disney+ series could elevate the character to new heights.
A Hulk film has long been bubbling in the MCU, with Mark Ruffalo’s take on the character being a fan-favorite but also regulated to just a supporting character in a movie. If it was Thor: Ragnarok or Avengers: Endgame, Hulk is always an essential factor, but it’s never his movie. After 2024, Bruce Banner could perhaps finally see a solo outing, maybe involving Tatiana Maslany’s She-Hulk or Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk.
Marvel Studios could use something like that, with the last few releases not hitting with the fanbase as they once did.
It was also suggested that Disney could combine Disney+ and Hulu into a single app if this were to happen, giving them even more streaming power, a move Bob Iger could be proud as his time as CEO.
