Disney Signs First Look Deal with Stan Lee

[becomingwater]

Disney Signs First Look Deal with Stan Lee
Source: Walt Disney Studios

June 6, 2007


The Walt Disney Studios has entered into an exclusive multi-year first look deal with "Spider-Man" creator and producer Stan Lee and his production company POW! Entertainment, it was announced by Dick Cook, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lee and his production company will develop and produce all forms of entertainment.

"As the father of such renowned comic book heroes as Spider-Man, The Hulk, X-Men among others, Stan is considered one of the most creative and inventive forces in the industry today. His innate talent of tapping into the human qualities of his super hero characters has certainly struck a chord with generations of audiences and readers around the world," stated Cook in making the announcement. "We are honored to be working with someone as formidable as Stan and his production company and welcome them to the Disney family."

"It's like the realization of a dream. Ever since I was a young boy, Disney represented the best and most exciting film fare to me. And now, many decades later, with movies such as their incredible Pirates of the Caribbean spectaculars, Disney is still at the forefront of family entertainment, excelling in live action, animation, TV, theme parks -- whatever it takes to bring fun and fantasy to audiences everywhere. I look forward with indescribable enthusiasm to being a part of that world and contributing whatever I can to keep the legend alive and growing," said Stan Lee, chairman of POW! Entertainment.

Oren Aviv, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, added, "Stan Lee is a living legend in the world of pop culture and his characters and stories have been the inspiration for some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters. We're very excited to be working with him and his talented team in creating some incredible new motion picture experiences. Stan has so many fantastic new ideas for films, and we can't wait to get started."

Bob Chapek, president, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, was instrumental in bringing this deal to Disney and will work closely with Lee on many of his projects.

Chapek said, "Stan is not only loved by fans of the genre, but is one of the most respected and admired figures in the entertainment industry. In fact, it's hard to think of another individual who has created as many memorable and appealing characters. We're thrilled that Stan has decided to make Disney his new home, and feel very fortunate to be collaborating with him on a wide range of new projects for all divisions of our company. His track record is impressive by any measure, and Home Entertainment is sure to benefit from his creations."

Gill Champion, POW! Entertainment, COO says, "There can be no better opportunity to perpetuate the Stan Lee/Pow! brand for all media than to be associated with the Disney Studio. No one better understands the incalculable value and importance of Developing, Producing, Distributing and Marketing new global franchises. We are incredibly impressed with the professionalism and valuable input from the executive and creative talent whom we now so eagerly join."

[Blu-Ray Buckeye]

Which franchises does Stan have left to make movies out of?

[ussrelativity]

I'm not sure, but I'm glad the deal was made with Disney!

Blu-Ray Exclusive!!!

[Blu-Ray Buckeye]

Originally Posted by ussrelativity

I'm not sure, but I'm glad the deal was made with Disney!

Blu-Ray Exclusive!!!

Agree, but if you're already done with Ghost Rider, The Silver Surfer and Doctor Strange... how much more is left in the tank?

[Blu Tiger]

Originally Posted by Blu-Ray Buckeye

Agree, but if you're already done with Ghost Rider, The Silver Surfer and Doctor Strange... how much more is left in the tank?

Sequels!!

[shock_terminal]

Originally Posted by kiddtigger

Sequels!!

I would think the various studios that have already made contracts for certain character/titles would still hold the rights.

[movies3]

Originally Posted by Blu-Ray Buckeye

Agree, but if you're already done with Ghost Rider, The Silver Surfer and Doctor Strange... how much more is left in the tank?

if its gonna make money movie studios will make more movies or sequels until they lose money. Just the way it works

[zombieking]

Yet another nail driven into hd-dvd's coffin. I already said the release of Spiderman 3 on blu-ray will spell victory!!

[Blu-Ray Buckeye]

Originally Posted by movies3

if its gonna make money movie studios will make more movies or sequels until they lose money. Just the way it works

As someone noted above, you would think the original studio would already hold those rights and Lee couldn't simply carry them over to Disney. My guess is he has to work on truly new franchises with Disney.

Agree on Thor, Captain America, maybe Avengers and even breaking out some X-Men characters on their own to develop the characters better... I bet Wolverine could carry his own movie but doubt Jackman would be interested. Anyway, no one mentioned Iron Man. What about doing something with all of the really cool black characters that came out around the civil right era... Black Panther, Luke Cage and Iron Fist.

[rmatt]

Originally Posted by Blu-Ray Buckeye

Which franchises does Stan have left to make movies out of?

Xmen prequels, Captain America, Thor, Avengers and hopefully, an onscreen version of the Civil War series.

[CJS234]

Originally Posted by rmatt

Xmen prequels, Captain America, Thor, Avengers and hopefully, an onscreen version of the Civil War series.

I did hear something about a Cptain America movie...interesting to see if its true!!!

Oh and screw thor. thor is gay