Long Thai
CNBC initially reported today that Disney had discussions to buy 21st Century Fox Inc.’s movie studio and other assets, a deal with wide ramifications including the potential merger of the X-Men Universe with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, Bloomberg has since reported that the two sides aren’t talking anymore.
Disney would have acquired cable networks such as FX and National Geographic, as well as assets outside the U.S. Disney wouldn’t acquire Fox’s broadcast network, Fox News, local broadcast stations or sports programming.
Buying some of Fox’s assets would give Disney two popular cable networks in the U.S. to complement its existing line-up of ESPN, Freeform, ABC and Disney Channel. Fox also owns a studio with a large trove of movies and TV shows that could be used for the online video service Disney plans to sell in 2019. Fox owns “The Simpsons,” “Modern Family” and “Avatar,” and also produces movies with characters from Disney’s Marvel Entertainment, such as the X-Men.
