By Ryan Parsons | Image property of Paramount Pictures, Variety
Iron Man
Marvel Studios is learning quickly. After going independent back in 2005, the studio has just brokered its first TV deal with none other than FX. So, what properties were placed on the table?
FX Nabs Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk (Among Others)
To start, FX will have cable rights to Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, which we can all agree are both biggies. As an added bonus, FX has acquired (three) Marvel properties that haven't even been developed yet.
"This is a watershed deal for the company," said David Maisel, chairman of Marvel Studios. "It's a real vote of confidence" in the ratings potential of Marvel superheroes, he added, particularly since not one of the five movies has landed in theaters yet.
Iron Man opens to theaters May 2nd with The Incredible Hulk following on June 13th. While FX has cable rights to the two properties as a free network, Showtime retains rights to Iron Man while HBO will premiere The Incredible Hulk.
Like most basic-cable pre-buys, FX has agreed to pony up somewhere near 11% of each film's domestic gross, with the cut-off close to $200 million.
As part of the deal, FX has agreed to run a marathon of superhero movies near the theatrical releases of both films. TV spots for Iron Man and Hulk will be run during the commercial breaks.
Add to Heffee!
