The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burgers. Ice Age, Rio, and Anastasia. Futurama, American Dad, and The Cleveland Show. These are just some of the major animated film and television properties that have been acquired by The Walt Disney Company in the historic $52.4 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox, which includes 20th Century Film and Television studios and Blue Sky Studios, as well.
Outside of animation, some of the most significant additions to Disney’s library as a result of the acquisition include James Cameron’s Avatar franchise, full distribution rights to Star Wars, and all of the Fox-owned Marvel properties: X-Men, Deadpool, and Fantastic Four. The acquisition was just made official today, so obviously there’s still a lot to be worked out in terms of how these properties will exist and move forward under Disney.
Bob Iger will remain Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company through the end of 2021, so rest assured, the company is still in good hands as it undergoes this unprecedented, game-changing acquisition.
“The acquisition of this stellar collection of businesses from 21st Century Fox reflects the increasing consumer demand for a rich diversity of entertainment experiences that are more compelling, accessible and convenient than ever before,” Iger said in the official press release issued this morning. “We’re honored and grateful that Rupert Murdoch has entrusted us with the future of businesses he spent a lifetime building, and we’re excited about this extraordinary opportunity to significantly increase our portfolio of well-loved franchises and branded content to greatly enhance our growing direct-to-consumer offerings. The deal will also substantially expand our international reach, allowing us to offer world-class storytelling and innovative distribution platforms to more consumers in key markets around the world.”
What do you think of this news? What should happen to Blue Sky Studios? Most importantly, should Anastasia become an official Disney Princess? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Edited by: Hannah Wilkes
