What does a Disney-Marvel merger mean for movies?

Sometimes it seems like Disney is taking over the universe, doesn’t it? Disney Media Networks has acquired or merged with several companies in recent years, including ABC, Touchstone Television, ESPN, A&E, Lifetime Television, and The History Channel, and that’s just a drop in the bucket. They recently acquired Kaboose.com, a site I write for periodically, and just announced that they’re acquiring Marvel.

You have to wonder what it means for the movie industry, and what kinds of films will be coming out of the merger. Picture Mickey Mouse buddying up with Doctor Strange.

The announcement by Disney president and CEO Robert Iger didn’t reveal too much in the way of Marvel’s film properties, but rather focused on how Marvel’s superheroes could drive boys to Disney’s new XD channel and create merchandising and theme park revenue.

Because of the logistics of the merger, not all of Marvel will filter through Disney. All Avengers-related characters, including Iron Man, Captain America and Thor, are currently being distributed through Paramount, set to release five more Marvel films starting with “Iron Man 2” next year.

Columbia will likely never let go of “Spider-Man,” and the “X-Men” franchise is currently with Fox. However, Marvel projects which might find a home with Disney include “Ant-Man” and “Runaways.” And since “Daredevil” and “Fantastic Four” haven’t fared well with Fox, maybe they’ll get a reboot with Disney.

Still, the vision of Doctor Strange in a Mickey Mouse hat is just, well, strange.

Image: Sony Pictures Entertainment