Why Disney Bought Marvel but Not Warner Bros./DC Comics
Disney's acquisition of Marvel, but not Warner Bros./DC Comics, is a result of several complex and historic factors that have shaped the entertainment industry. This article delves into these reasons, highlighting the unique situations surrounding each company and the strategic decisions that led to the current landscape.
The Availability and Financials of Marvel
One key reason why Disney chose Marvel over Warner Bros./DC Comics was the availability and affordability of Marvel. In the 2000s, Marvel was both available and cheap, making it an attractive acquisition for Disney. In contrast, Warner Bros. has owned DC Comics since the late 1960s, a significant factor that has prevented any major moves in acquiring the DC Comics properties.
The Strategic Decisions Behind the Acquisitions
Disney's acquisition of Marvel was based on its strategic vision for future profits. When Disney bought Marvel in 2009, it already had the beginnings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with the first two movies, Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, directed by Jon Favreau and Louis Leterrier, respectively. Disney empowered Kevin Feige, an experienced producer, to continue developing and expanding the MCU. This decision led to the MCU's meteoric rise and eventual dominance in the box office.
Warner Bros., on the other hand, with DC Comics' characters, has had a mixed success. The company has been producing DC movies for decades, including iconic films such as Superman directed by Richard Donner, Batman directed by Tim Burton, and the more recent The Dark Knight trilogy directed by Christopher Nolan. However, these films have not been as consistently successful as the MCU. Warner Bros. initially attempted to shepherd the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) through Zack Snyder, whose projects have been met with both critical acclaim and disappointment. The DCEU's inconsistent quality can largely be attributed to behind-the-scenes conflicts and disputes, leading to a series of box office performances that did not meet expectations.
Historical and Regulatory Factors
Another significant factor is historical and regulatory considerations. In the 1980s, Time Warner owned DC Comics and was not interested in selling the assets. While Warner Bros. did consider selling DC Comics to Marvel, the Federal government likely would not have approved such a merger due to potential anti-competitive implications. Similarly, when Marvel declared bankruptcy in the 1990s, Warner Bros. was hesitant to acquire Marvel, fearing that Marvel would be another money-losing entity.
Additional Insights and Historical Context
Warner Bros. has had DC Comics since the late 1960s, and its ownership of the franchise has been long-standing. Despite this, there have been numerous talks and attempts to acquire DC Comics, including in the 1990s when Marvel and Stan Lee Media both showed interest but were unable to secure the necessary funding. Michael Jackson, who was interested in investing in Stan Lee Media, failed to raise the required amount.
Warner/Discovery currently owns DC Comics, and the company has made efforts to produce high-quality DC movies. However, the DCEU's mixed reception has led to changes in leadership, with James Gunn and Peter Safran stepping in to oversee the franchise. The hope is that these new leaders will bring consistency and quality to the DCEU, learning from the past mistakes and challenges faced by the previous leadership.
Overall, the decisions of Disney to acquire Marvel and Warner Bros.' continued ownership of DC Comics are deeply rooted in strategic, regulatory, and historical factors. While both companies have their strengths and weaknesses, the current state of affairs is a testament to these underlying complexities.