Will Disney's Acquisition of Marvel Impact Future Character Development?

Whenever Disney acquires an entertainment studio or IP, there is often a fear that everything will become Disneyfied. This concern arises as fans and industry observers wonder if beloved characters and franchises will be altered in ways that might not align with the original vision. Specifically, there is a concern about Marvel characters such as Dr. Strange, Blade, and Ghost Rider, especially if Marvel does not have a stable of Netflix shows.

The Business Behind Disney's Acquisitions

Disney's acquisition of an IP is often driven by the immense fan base and financial success of the studio. Marvel, for example, has been an incredibly lucrative investment for Disney, especially with the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its vast appeal to diverse audiences. These acquisitions are made with the expectation that they will continue to generate earnings and attract new fans.

Most importantly, Disney generally leaves these divisions to operate independently, allowing them to retain their unique identities and creative freedoms. This approach has been proven effective, as evidenced by the success of franchises like Star Wars (acquired in 2012) and Pixar (acquired in 2006).

The Challenges of Disnefication

The fear of disnefication stems from the idea that any significant creative or financial decisions might be uniformly applied to all of Disney's properties. This could result in a homogenization of content, potentially leading to the loss of unique storytelling and the distinct appeal of each franchise.

However, there are instances where Disney does intervene. For example, their decision to fire James Gunn from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise was a notable exception. This shows that while they generally allow creative freedom, there are times when they might make high-stakes decisions that could affect specific franchises.

The Blend of Disney and Non-Disney Content

In recent years, Disney has been merging its content more closely with that of other studios it has acquired, such as 20th Century Fox, which added numerous shows and movies to its portfolio. This expansion has led to a situation where 'Disney' products represent a smaller percentage of the company's overall revenue.

The inclusion of Fox content has created a complex dynamic known as the Rorschach effect. These fan communities are not just attached to Disney, but to other studios as well. This means that even if a franchise is owned by Disney, it might have an independent fanbase that remains loyal to the original creative vision.

The Future of Marvel Characters

Given this landscape, it's likely that Marvel will take a cautious approach when it comes to developing new characters like Midnight Sons. They may keep these projects on the back burner for a while to preserve the unique fanbase around them.

However, if the right conditions are met, such as a potential for significant financial returns, it's unlikely that Marvel will pass up an opportunity to develop these characters. The success of similar endeavors, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has proven the potential for generating substantial revenue through the strategic development of new characters and storylines.

In conclusion, while there are concerns about Disney's acquisition of Marvel potentially leading to a uniform creative approach, the company's track record shows that it generally respects and allows the autonomy of acquired studios. As long as these characters have the potential to generate significant revenue and remain popular, development will likely continue, albeit cautiously.