X-Men Coming Home To The MCU As Disney Acquires Fox

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It’s been rumored for weeks now that Disney had interest in buying most of 21st Century Fox, and now it looks like all of the rumors and reports have come to fruition.

Disney has acquired the majority of 21st Century Fox’s assets for $52.4 billion in one of the largest media mergers in history, and the deal is about to change Hollywood in a major way.

“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,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement Thursday morning. “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.”

“We are extremely proud of all that we have built at 21st Century Fox, and I firmly believe that this combination with Disney will unlock even more value for shareholders as the new Disney continues to set the pace in what is an exciting and dynamic industry,” added Rupert Murdoch.

Disney is set to acquire Fox’s 30 percent stake in Hulu, along with cable stations such as FX and National Geographic, and satellite channels such as Star India and Sky Italia, as well as some U.S. regional sports outlets.

One of the big takeaways from this deal is that Disney will acquire some major properties including the X-Men, Fantastic Four, Avatar, The Simpsons and more.

This means that after years of hoping to see the X-Men in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fans no longer have to hope as now it’s only a matter of time.

You can check out highlights from the deal below.

  • Acquisition complements and enhances The Walt Disney Company’s ability to provide consumers around the world with more appealing content and entertainment options
  • Transaction to include 21st Century Fox’s film and television studios, cable entertainment networks and international TV businesses
  • Popular entertainment properties including X-Men, Avatar, The Simpsons, FX Networks and National Geographic to join Disney’s portfolio
  • Expands Disney’s direct-to-consumer offerings with addition of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment content, capabilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia; Hulu stake becomes a controlling interest
  • Addition of extensive international properties, including Star in India and Fox’s 39% ownership of Sky across Europe, enhances Disney’s position as a truly global entertainment company with world-class offerings in key regions
  • Robert A. Iger to remain Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company through 2021

How and when the X-Men, Deadpool and others will end up joining the MCU remains to be seen, but it’s safe to say that Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige likely has a plan in place, so the next few years should be an exciting ride.