Paramount Pictures has signed a deal to distribute the next five Marvel Studios films: the two Iron Man sequels, Thor, The First Avenger: Captain America and The Avengers.
Paramount distributed Iron Man, Marvel’s first independent production, which earned $574 million worldwide.
News of the agreement was broken early this afternoon by Hollywood gossip columnist Nikke Finke, who has since updated with official confirmation from Paramount Vice Chairman Rob Moore and Marvel Studios Chairman David Maisel.
“Paramount is an excellent partner and an outstanding global distributor,” Maisel said in a press release. “Through our experience on Iron Man, Paramount has demonstrated a passion and ability to release Marvel properties theatrically, allowing us to focus on making great movies for the largest audience possible.”
Presumably, the distribution deal will carry the partners through 2012; although the third Iron Man film isn’t yet scheduled, Marvel’s prime release spots for 2011 are filled by Captain America and The Avengers.
Update: Variety notes that the new deal helps to fill holes in Paramount’s distribution schedule left by DreamWorks’ departure from the studio.
September 29th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
AICN is reporting that Kenneth Branaugh is slated to direct Thor… I like Branaugh, and I have to admit I’m not terribly familiar with Thor at all, but this still seems like an odd choice? Has Newsarama heard anything about this?
As for the article itself, Paramount scored big with IM alright… But I think they’re getting way ahead of themselves with all of this. I’m hopeful, but there’s no guarantee that the other films will be successful enough to warrant the big Avengers flick. I’m still a bit skeptical as to how all this is going to come together, and who will be in The Avengers (both the movie and the team itself).
September 29th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
We picked up on Variety’s Branagh report early this morning.
September 29th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Ah… I just read the article now. Thanks, Kevin. Somehow, I just thought it might’ve warranted a link on the main page. That’s fairly big news, right up there with “Will Smith as Cap”!
December 2nd, 2010 at 6:45 am
Article distribution must 1st be carried out based on quality. Top 3 article directory sites will offer you more market expansion than the rest 300 directories, put together.
January 6th, 2011 at 8:28 am
Appreciate the democratic approach but a definitive answer should be outspoken eventually. Still some crucial stepping blocks were set into place.
January 17th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
OH, it tasted so sweet.