As you can probably guess by the phenomenal blockbuster success of “Iron Man,” both Paramount and Marvel Studios were pretty friggin’ happy with their relationship (Marvel produced, Paramount distributed). The picture became a nice win-win for both studios, so it’s no big shock to hear that their symbiotic movie relationship has been extended for a five picture deal that will include all the next major Marvel movies that were announced back in the Spring earlier this year.
The only major difference in the deal is Paramount will this time take an 8% distribution fee than the 10% they were receiving last time (Marvel who owns the properties has the upper hand and could ostensibly take their films anywhere, but why rock the boat).
Paramount will get the distribution rights to:
-“Iron Man 2,” due out May 7, 2010,
– “Thor” in 2010
– “Captain America” in 2011,
– “The Avengers” also in 2011
– “Iron Man 3,” which does not yet have a release date.
Note that a “Hulk” sequel is still not in the cards nor is any word of the long-gestating “Ant Man” film project. According to the L.A. Times, of the $574-odd million dollars collected by “Iron Man” in worldwide ticket sales, Paramount collected a distribution fee of about $60 million.
Chairman of Marvel Studios David Maisel would not comment on the price tag of any of the individual films, but he told Wall Street that each one will cost in the neighborhood of $135 million to $165 million.
Meanwhile, computer company Dell hopes to overtake Itunes in the digital movie retail field and is planning a $20 option to have “Iron Man” pre-loaded on newly purchased machines.
