Disney's Acquisition of Fox Studios and the Making of The Avengers

Disney's acquisition of Fox Studios has been a significant milestone in the history of the entertainment industry. However, many wonder if Disney's acquisition of Fox preceded or followed the production of The Avengers. This article aims to clarify the exact timeline of events, providing valuable insights into the intersection of these major cinematic and corporate developments.

The History of Disney's and Fox's Relationship

From the early 21st century, Disney and Fox had been long-time partners in various entertainment ventures. Their relationship grew even closer following Disney's acquisition of Marvel Studios in 2009. However, the path to the full acquisition of Fox Studios was a prolonged journey marked by several significant steps.

The Acquisition Process

The journey towards the complete acquisition of Fox Studios began in 2017 with a paltry initial offer of $52.4 billion. This attempt was met with rejection, prompting Disney to intensify its efforts with a revised and higher bid of $71.3 billion.

Timeline of Key Events

2017: Disney initiates the acquisition process with an initial offer of $52.4 billion, which is swiftly rejected. Spring 2018: Disney makes a revised offer of $71.3 billion. This move pushes Fox to seriously consider the deal. August 2018: The acquisition deal is finalized, with Disney paying $71.3 billion for 51% of the newly created Disney-Fox company. December 2019: The deal is completed, with Disney acquiring 100% control of Fox's assets, including 21st Century Fox.

It is crucial to note that the process of acquiring Fox Studios spanned over two years. The timeline indicates that the acquisition of Fox was completed after the release of The Avengers, which had its first film in 2012 and the ensemble cast's first collaboration in Iron Man 2 in 2010.

Impact on Filmmaking

The acquisition of Fox Studios by Disney had far-reaching consequences for the film industry. Not only did it secure control over a wealth of intellectual property, including the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises, but it also significantly altered the landscape of superhero cinema.

The Avengers and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

The Avengers, the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), was released in 2012. This marked a crucial moment when Disney had already acquired Marvel Studios but had yet to complete the acquisition of Fox's assets. The film featured iconic characters such as Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor, who were part of the Marvel universe but not fully integrated into the Fox portfolio.

The acquisition of Fox Studios in 2019 directly impacted the timetables and distribution of subsequent MCU films. With full control over the Fox assets, Disney was able to consolidate the release dates and cross-promotions for both Marvel and DC franchises under its banner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the acquisition of Fox Studios by Disney occurred after the release of The Avengers. This timeline highlights the intricate and lengthy process of corporate consolidation, impacting not only the film industry but also the broader landscape of superhero and comic book entertainment.