Back in December, the movie world rumbled when it was announced that Disney was buying Fox, paying $52.4 billion in stock for Fox assets, in a deal worth a total of $66.1 billion. The proposed deal would see Disney take control of Fox’s film and television studios, FX and National Geographic cable networks, and Fox’s regional sports networks. Nerds rejoiced because it meant that X-Men were finally returning under Marvel’s roof. However, as you might guess, a deal this size not only requires a lot of paperwork, but government approval. Or, Fox might soon be entertaining a better offer.
CNBC reports that Justice Department’s decision to sue to block the brewing AT&T-Time Warner deal could have a domino effect, kiboshing Disney’s acquisition of Fox. But even it it doesn’t, Comcast is reportedly preparing to outbid Disney for Fox. If that happens, Disney is apparently already prepared to respond with a counteroffer. Basically, Rupert Murdoch is sitting on a gold mine, and major industry players are ready to make some big wagers to call it their own. Will Murdoch soldier on with the Disney deal? Will Comcast’s bid force Fox shareholders to vote against Murdoch? There are a lot of questions to be answered, and a lot of business-y mumbo jumbo that will surely keep talking heads on 24-hour news channels employed.
However, for the average punter, it’s the reason why Marvel‘s Kevin Feige has said the Fox deal is essentially meaningless to him right now. There’s really no point thinking about crossover movies or any kind of ambitious plans, because all this deal making is far way from being closed.
