Guardians of the Galaxy Disney Attraction?

[Hatetofly]

ANIMATED CHARACTERS... What about the DCU Characters??

 

[graspthesun]

Considering Six Flags' attempts to save money over the past few years by cancelling licensing agreements with other IP holders, I think Universal could come in with an offer much lower than $3.8b just to get the theme park rights.

Six Flags will definitely have a rough time re-theming some attractions at some parks, particularly their DC kids mini-lands and Gotham City sections.

 

[misterID]

I'm not ready to commit to this 100% either way yet myself but for the sake of RUMOR talk I'll throw this out there.

What if Disney and Universal actually did have a meeting and came to an agreement...

And within that agreement Disney is allowed full access to GoTG. Disney can then put Marvel in its East Coast Resort and a much needed IP into Epcot that upper management desperately wants.

Universal is then granted full access to the MCU characters of Marvel and has exclusive rights to MCU Avengers main characters in Florida. Disney also picks up the check for the actors to appear in a Universal Avengers ride as a part of the complete rebuild of Marvel Superhero Island. Finally Universal also has the ability to acquire rights to utilize DC Comic Characters for a third gate if they so choose. (PS Don't get lost on the DC Comics remark, remember were talking rumor agreements and what would benefit each other) Its all just RUMOR talk and nothing more.

:faint:

Whoa...

Does this mean people can stop bashing Martin now? Even if we're just talking kernals of "maybe, possibly"?

 

[quinnmac000]

ANIMATED CHARACTERS... What about the DCU Characters??

Reading the SEC paperwork specifically the license says animated characters nothing about DCU. Its actually really confusing as it says they have certain characters, then animated characters so its very ambigious compared to the Universal/Marvel contract.

The intro paragraph

We hold exclusive long-term licenses for theme park usage throughout the United States (except the Las Vegas metropolitan area), Canada, Mexico and other countries of certain Warner Bros. and DC Comics characters. These characters include Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety Bird, Yosemite Sam, Batman, Superman and others. In addition, we have certain rights to use the Hanna-Barbera and Cartoon Network characters, including Yogi Bear, Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones and others. We use these characters to market our parks and to provide an enhanced family entertainment experience. Our licenses include the right to sell merchandise featuring the characters at the parks, and to use the characters in our advertising, as walk-around characters and in theming for rides, attractions and retail outlets. We believe using these characters promotes increased attendance, supports higher ticket prices, increases lengths-of-stay and enhances in-park sales.

but when it takes about licensing...

We have the exclusive right on a long-term basis to theme park usage of the Warner Bros. and DC Comics animated characters throughout the United States (except for the Las Vegas metropolitan area), Canada, Mexico and certain other countries. In particular, our license agreements entitle us to use, subject to customary approval rights of Warner Bros. and, in limited circumstances, approval rights of certain third parties, all animated, cartoon and comic book characters that Warner Bros. and DC Comics have the right to license, including Batman, Superman, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety Bird and Yosemite Sam, and include the right to sell merchandise using the characters. In addition, certain Hanna-Barbera characters including Yogi Bear, Scooby-Doo and The Flintstones are available for our use at certain of our theme parks. In addition to annual license fees, we are required to pay a royalty fee on merchandise manufactured by or for us and sold that uses the licensed characters. Warner Bros. and Hanna-Barbera have the right to terminate their license agreements under certain circumstances, including if any persons involved in the movie or television industries obtain control of us or, in the case of Warner Bros., upon a default under the Subordinated Indemnity Agreement

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000104746913001833/a2213098z10-k.htm

 

[Stitch_101]

I'm not ready to commit to this 100% either way yet myself but for the sake of RUMOR talk I'll throw this out there.

What if Disney and Universal actually did have a meeting and came to an agreement...

And within that agreement Disney is allowed full access to GoTG. Disney can then put Marvel in its East Coast Resort and a much needed IP into Epcot that upper management desperately wants.

Universal is then granted full access to the MCU characters of Marvel and has exclusive rights to MCU Avengers main characters in Florida. Disney also picks up the check for the actors to appear in a Universal Avengers ride as a part of the complete rebuild of Marvel Superhero Island. Finally Universal also has the ability to acquire rights to utilize DC Comic Characters for a third gate if they so choose. (PS Don't get lost on the DC Comics remark, remember were talking rumor agreements and what would benefit each other) Its all just RUMOR talk and nothing more.

Don't forget that Universal also has the added benifit of having the Hulk distribution rights to negotiate with. I know the film and theme park sides of the company are separate entities for the most part, but the Hulk rights do them no good aside from negotiation weight, and currently the theme parks are the only real area that negotiations between the companies is ever likely to really happen. It just seems like Universal has far more that Disney wants than Disney has that Universal wants.

:faint:

Whoa...

Does this mean people can stop bashing Martin now? Even if we're just talking kernals of "maybe, possibly"?

Don't jump the gun. His post was nothing more than pointing out what the two companies could offer each other of they ever decided to negotiate, not speculation on a negotiation possibly actually happening soon. Two completely different things.

 

[misterID]

Don't forget that Universal also has the added benifit of having the Hulk distribution rights to negotiate with. I know the film and theme park sides of the company are separate entities for the most part, but the Hulk rights do them no good aside from negotiation weight, and currently the theme parks are the only real area that negotiations between the companies is ever likely to really happen. It just seems like Universal has far more that Disney wants than Disney has that Universal wants.



Don't jump the gun. His post was nothing more than pointing out what the two companies could offer each other of they ever decided to negotiate, not speculation on a negotiation possibly actually happening soon. Two completely different things.

I'm not jumping the gun, I'm saying from it going to zero chance to it could be possible, it bears letting up on Martin... He's been nothing but class here.

 

[quinnmac000]

Don't forget that Universal also has the added benifit of having the Hulk distribution rights to negotiate with. I know the film and theme park sides of the company are separate entities for the most part, but the Hulk rights do them no good aside from negotiation weight, and currently the theme parks are the only real area that negotiations between the companies is ever likely to really happen. It just seems like Universal has far more that Disney wants than Disney has that Universal wants.

Don't jump the gun. His post was nothing more than pointing out what the two companies could offer each other of they ever decided to negotiate, not speculation on a negotiation possibly actually happening soon. Two completely different things.

Universal already gave up Namor Rights as of June back to Marvel though (Dumb move Donna and Ron) so they already have less to work with. And Disney already find a way around the solo hulk film issue.

 

[Stitch_101]

I'm not jumping the gun, I'm saying from it going to zero chance to it could be possible, it bears letting up on Martin... He's been nothing but class here.

It's been said many times though that a negotiation between Universal and Disney could happen. It's not impossible, just that Universal isn't interested in negotiating right now (according to many different Universal insiders). A lot of his points have been made before by other posters for as long as the Marvel debate has been raging, so taking them now as some sign that GoTG is any more possible just seems short sighted to me. And I've not seen anyone try to make a case that Martin hasn't been class. Just because many of us don't believe in this particular rumor doesn't mean we are bashing him. We have good reason to be wary of it.

Universal already gave up Namor Rights as of June back to Marvel though (Dumb move Donna and Ron) so they already have less to work with. And Disney already find a way around the solo hulk film issue.

Oh I know about the Namor rights, that's why I didn't mention it. But let's be honest, Namor isn't the Hulk, especially when comparing overall GP brand awareness. And while Disney may have found a way around not having the Hulk distribution rights for now doesn't mean Disney doesn't want them back. Universal would not have held on to them for this long if they didn't think they would be valuable at some point.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

The big takeaway I get from all this is that Disney badly wants to get GotG into the parks.

Getting DC into Universal seems like more of a stretch. This has been written off for so long it is hard to think of it as possible. Six Flags has been adding more DC rides to many of its parks, especially Battle for Metropolis. Can't see them giving any ground if they can help it.

 

[Viator]

Personally if a deal would occur, I would see this..

Disney gets the Theme Park Rights to Big Hero 6 and Guardians of the Galaxy (Not talking M&G for BH6); plus Disney getting back the Hulk Rights for film..BUT, it'd be similar to how the Sony/Disney partnership is working with the Spiderman films, to where Marvel Studios and Universal would have to work together on the use of characters for the solo movies.

Then, Universal has the full rights to use the MCU characters; if they get rid of anything relating to the Fox Marvel characters. This includes the removal of Dr. Doom, Removal of branding/attraction of the Stormforce, and Fantastic Four Café. They also get the potential for using certain other properties for outside of IOA. This would include possibly allowing them to be used for a third gate, if Universal gets the ability to use the MCU east of the Mississippi.

 

[quinnmac000]

Personally if a deal would occur, I would see this..

Disney gets the Theme Park Rights to Big Hero 6 and Guardians of the Galaxy (Not talking M&G for BH6); plus Disney getting back the Hulk Rights for film..BUT, it'd be similar to how the Sony/Disney partnership is working with the Spiderman films, to where Marvel Studios and Universal would have to work together on the use of characters for the solo movies.

Then, Universal has the full rights to use the MCU characters; if they get rid of anything relating to the Fox Marvel characters. This includes the removal of Dr. Doom, Removal of branding/attraction of the Stormforce, and Fantastic Four Café. They also get the potential for using certain other properties for outside of IOA. This would include possibly allowing them to be used for a third gate, if Universal gets the ability to use the MCU east of the Mississippi.

Hulk film rights is just distribution and final cut say. Disney didn't want to produce it for Universal to make 10% cut for not having to put any money outside of marketing,

 

[IzzyB]

The big takeaway I get from all this is that Disney badly wants to get GotG into the parks.

Getting DC into Universal seems like more of a stretch. This has been written off for so long it is hard to think of it as possible. Six Flags has been adding more DC rides to many of its parks, especially Battle for Metropolis. Can't see them giving any ground if they can help it.

But why does six flags HAVE to give them up? What if the negotiations between WB and six flags were that they just give up the rights in Florida. Six flags doesn't have to retheme the rides, they don't plan on building in florida, and it won't take attendance away from them. They probably get something out of the deal, maybe some much needed cash. I could see this working. The big hold up was Marvel would never let it happen, I never thought six flags would be the issue.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

But why does six flags HAVE to give them up? What if the negotiations between WB and six flags were that they just give up the rights in Florida. Six flags doesn't have to retheme the rides, they don't plan on building in florida, and it won't take attendance away from them. They probably get something out of the deal, maybe some much needed cash. I could see this working. The big hold up was Marvel would never let it happen, I never thought six flags would be the issue.

It is the one big license that Six Flags has, left over from the days when Warner held a stake in SF. They have a park one state away in Georgia. The only reason to let go of any part of that license is money. They are not in financial trouble so it would likely take a lot.

I guess the other question is how Warner feels about this. Do they want this to happen? If they do then I am sure a way can be found.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

Does anyone know if DC is something that Universal wants? I know early IOA plans were for DC, but have not heard any interest since.

I do wonder about the Terminator gift shop. They have carried plenty of DC and Doctor Who merchandise. Was this just a financial move or maybe a way to track guest interest in those franchises?

 

[Mad Dog]

Yes, everything makes more sense if there's a trade off of sorts that would be beneficial to both companies. I would also speculate whether some of this could involve Universal Japan, since that park now has controlling interest owned by Universal. And, in my opinion and from what I've read, Martin (Marni) is generally one of the most reliable Disney insiders, and generally his info is pretty decent. Of course, Disney's decisions are so fluid, one rarely knows what the final result is going to be. But that's not the fault of the insider, that's more of a Disney thing. I'd like to see Marni posting on OU more often. He sometimes has good Universal info, and he would be a real asset to this site. Plus he has a friendly posting demeanor. ....And, to add. Just about anytime HTF has done these "what ifs" posts in the past, there's been a pretty solid basis for the information down the line.

 

[Nico]

Personally if a deal would occur, I would see this..

Disney gets the Theme Park Rights to Big Hero 6 and Guardians of the Galaxy (Not talking M&G for BH6); plus Disney getting back the Hulk Rights for film..BUT, it'd be similar to how the Sony/Disney partnership is working with the Spiderman films, to where Marvel Studios and Universal would have to work together on the use of characters for the solo movies.

Then, Universal has the full rights to use the MCU characters; if they get rid of anything relating to the Fox Marvel characters. This includes the removal of Dr. Doom, Removal of branding/attraction of the Stormforce, and Fantastic Four Café. They also get the potential for using certain other properties for outside of IOA. This would include possibly allowing them to be used for a third gate, if Universal gets the ability to use the MCU east of the Mississippi.

This is the most logical trade I've seen so far. It falls in line with Marvel comics attitudes towards characters used by Sony and Fox.

However, I think the Spider-Man deal with Sony burst the door wide open for everyone else. There's rumors that marvel is meeting with fox for use of X-men. Universal and Hulk would be a no brainer.

Trading Guardians for all of the MCU doesn't seem fair enough. I don't see Disney being that desperate.

 

[Mike S]

I'm not ready to commit to this 100% either way yet myself but for the sake of RUMOR talk I'll throw this out there.

What if Disney and Universal actually did have a meeting and came to an agreement...

And within that agreement Disney is allowed full access to GoTG. Disney can then put Marvel in its East Coast Resort and a much needed IP into Epcot that upper management desperately wants.

Universal is then granted full access to the MCU characters of Marvel and has exclusive rights to MCU Avengers main characters in Florida. Disney also picks up the check for the actors to appear in a Universal Avengers ride as a part of the complete rebuild of Marvel Superhero Island. Finally Universal also has the ability to acquire rights to utilize DC Comic Characters for a third gate if they so choose. (PS Don't get lost on the DC Comics remark, remember were talking rumor agreements and what would benefit each other) Its all just RUMOR talk and nothing more.

I'm guessing Disney would still have the ability to use the MCU Gaurdians correct? Could Spider-Man be potentially upgraded again to bring it in line with the MCU? I'm guessing that's already being done with Hulk.

ANIMATED CHARACTERS... What about the DCU Characters??

Please no. If Universal gets DC in their third park I hope they stay far away from the craptastic DCU.

Personally if a deal would occur, I would see this..

Disney gets the Theme Park Rights to Big Hero 6 and Guardians of the Galaxy (Not talking M&G for BH6); plus Disney getting back the Hulk Rights for film..BUT, it'd be similar to how the Sony/Disney partnership is working with the Spiderman films, to where Marvel Studios and Universal would have to work together on the use of characters for the solo movies.

Then, Universal has the full rights to use the MCU characters; if they get rid of anything relating to the Fox Marvel characters. This includes the removal of Dr. Doom, Removal of branding/attraction of the Stormforce, and Fantastic Four Café. They also get the potential for using certain other properties for outside of IOA. This would include possibly allowing them to be used for a third gate, if Universal gets the ability to use the MCU east of the Mississippi.

No Deadpool M&G...

I'm sure the permanence of the Baymax M&G proves that Disney already has the BH6 rights. I remember part of the contract specifically dealing with costumed characters and we all know how Disney loves to count them as actual attractions

 

[Galaxy Defender]

This is the most logical trade I've seen so far. It falls in line with Marvel comics attitudes towards characters used by Sony and Fox.

However, I think the Spider-Man deal with Sony burst the door wide open for everyone else. There's rumors that marvel is meeting with fox for use of X-men. Universal and Hulk would be a no brainer.

Trading Guardians for all of the MCU doesn't seem fair enough. I don't see Disney being that desperate.

Disney/Marvel has been working hard to erase Fantastic Four practically from existence. This would give them the leverage to have Universal take them out of Islands of Adventure.

GotG was a huge movie. Disney might be more desperate for a successful IP in their parks that we realize.

 

[Nico]

True. But that was over the course of past year in the comics division AND before Spider-Man got universal praise in Civil War. The Fox rumor came out two weeks ago. No one needs a Marvel reboot as badly as the Fantastic Four.

This is a complete strategy reversal for many production companies. I really do believe this is more fluid then anyone believes. To be a fly in Marvels boardroom right now.

 

[Mike S]

This is the most logical trade I've seen so far. It falls in line with Marvel comics attitudes towards characters used by Sony and Fox.

However, I think the Spider-Man deal with Sony burst the door wide open for everyone else. There's rumors that marvel is meeting with fox for use of X-men. Universal and Hulk would be a no brainer.

Trading Guardians for all of the MCU doesn't seem fair enough. I don't see Disney being that desperate.

Unless this would affect Disney's Marvel plans for DCA they're really not losing anything by giving Uni the MCU rights in Florida. They can't use them at all there anyway.