Will Disney Reboot the Marvel Cinematic Universe After Acquiring Fox Studios?
Will Disney Reboot the Marvel Cinematic Universe After Acquiring Fox Studios?
Ever since Disney acquired Fox Studios, fans have been wondering if Marvel's Cinematic Universe (MCU) might be rebooted to include all characters from the acquired properties. However, it seems that Disney is taking a more measured approach, slowly integrating Fox characters and concepts into the MCU. This strategic move is driven by the desire to avoid overhauling the entire universe while still expanding its horizons.
Integrating Fox Characters
Disney has already begun incorporating Fox characters into the MCU in a subtle manner. For instance, Kamala Khan and Namor have been explicitly presented as mutants in recent films. The multiverse concept in films like Avengers: Multiverse of Madness has introduced mutants and their organizations, such as the Baxter Foundation. Additionally, a variant of Beast from Thor: Love and Thunder appeared in the Avengers: The Kang Dynasty promotional content.
The Upcoming Deadpool and Wolverine Films
Given the acquisition, the first Fox property to receive a significant reboot might be the Deadpool trilogy and the X-Men films. The 2023 release Deadpool III, which is also referred to as Wolverine X by Hugh Jackman, is set to introduce new elements. The film is expected to include Owen Wilson as the TVA Agent Morbius, and a new villain with an unknown role, likely a character with a healing factor, reminiscent of the X-Men villains.
Potential Controversies and Legal Considerations
The integration of Fox characters into the MCU raises several concerns. For instance, the reversion clauses in the contracts between Disney and the Sony Pictures subsidiary producing Spider-Man films mean that Sony's ownership of Spider-Man could revert to Marvel if they ever sell their movie division. This legal aspect ensures that Disney owns the intellectual property, making a full reboot less risky.
Disney's approach to rebranding Fox properties like Anastasia and incorporating X-Men characters into the MCU showcases a smart strategy. By adding content gradually, Disney avoids overwhelming fans and the marketplace with sudden change. The gradual integration also piques expectations for more, which could lead to increased interest in both old and new content.
However, changing the entire MCU would be a significant undertaking, involving recasting key roles and potentially disrupting the established storyline. Instead, Disney is opting for a more controlled and calculated approach, one that allows the universe to grow organically while still honoring fan favorites and introducing new elements.
Conclusion
Will Disney reboot the MCU? The short answer is no – for now. They are building on the existing foundation, adding new characters and elements in a strategic and measured way. As the contracts for actors from the X-Men films expire, Disney could eventually incorporate more depth and breadth into the MCU, but for now, the focus remains on steady, sure-footed expansion.