The acquisition of 20th Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company in 2019 sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry. The massive deal, which was valued at $71.3 billion, saw Disney gain control of a vast library of films and television shows, including the popular Predator franchise. But what does this mean for the future of the Predator franchise, and did Disney really buy the rights to the iconic sci-fi series?
A Brief History of the Predator Franchise
Before we dive into the details of Disney’s acquisition, let’s take a brief look at the history of the Predator franchise. The first Predator film, directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, was released in 1987 to critical and commercial success. The film’s unique blend of action, horror, and science fiction elements helped to establish it as a cult classic, and it has since become a beloved franchise with a dedicated fan base.
Over the years, the Predator franchise has expanded to include numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, including Predator 2 (1990), Alien vs. Predator (2004), Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), The Predator (2018), and Prey (2022). The franchise has also spawned various other media, including comic books, video games, and novels.
The Acquisition of 20th Century Fox
In December 2017, The Walt Disney Company announced its intention to acquire 20th Century Fox, a major film and television production company, for $52.4 billion. The deal was later increased to $71.3 billion after a bidding war with Comcast. The acquisition was completed in March 2019, with Disney gaining control of 20th Century Fox’s film and television assets, including the Predator franchise.
But what exactly did Disney acquire in the deal? The answer is complex, and it’s not entirely clear what the future holds for the Predator franchise. However, we can break down the acquisition into several key components:
- 20th Century Fox’s film library: Disney gained control of 20th Century Fox’s vast film library, which includes the Predator franchise. This means that Disney now owns the rights to the original Predator film, as well as its sequels and spin-offs.
- 20th Century Fox’s television assets: Disney also acquired 20th Century Fox’s television assets, including its production studios and networks. This includes the FX network, which has produced several television shows based on the Predator franchise.
- 20th Century Fox’s intellectual property: Disney gained control of 20th Century Fox’s intellectual property, including the Predator franchise’s characters, logos, and trademarks.
What Does it Mean for the Predator Franchise?
So, what does Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox mean for the Predator franchise? The answer is complex, and it’s not entirely clear what the future holds. However, here are a few possible scenarios:
- Continuation of the franchise: Disney may choose to continue the Predator franchise, producing new films and television shows based on the characters and universe. This could include a new film series, as well as spin-offs and merchandise.
- Reboot or rebranding: Disney may choose to reboot or rebrand the Predator franchise, introducing new characters and storylines to appeal to a new audience. This could include a new film series, as well as television shows and other media.
- Merchandising and licensing: Disney may choose to focus on merchandising and licensing the Predator franchise, producing toys, clothing, and other products based on the characters and universe.
The Future of the Predator Franchise
While it’s not entirely clear what the future holds for the Predator franchise, there are a few indications of what we can expect. In 2020, Disney announced plans to produce a new Predator film, with Dan Trachtenberg set to direct. The film, which is currently in production, is expected to be a reboot of the franchise, introducing new characters and storylines.
In addition to the new film, Disney has also announced plans to produce a Predator television series, with John Davis set to produce. The series, which is currently in development, is expected to be a live-action show that explores the Predator universe in more depth.
| Predator Film | Release Date | Director |
|---|---|---|
| Predator | 1987 | John McTiernan |
| Predator 2 | 1990 | Stephen Hopkins |
| Alien vs. Predator | 2004 | Paul W.S. Anderson |
| Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem | 2007 | Colin and Greg Strause |
| The Predator | 2018 | Shane Black |
| Prey | 2022 | Dan Trachtenberg |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox has significant implications for the Predator franchise. While it’s not entirely clear what the future holds, there are indications that Disney plans to continue the franchise, producing new films and television shows based on the characters and universe. With a new film and television series in production, fans of the Predator franchise have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Disney chooses to handle the Predator franchise. Will they continue to produce films and television shows that appeal to the franchise’s dedicated fan base, or will they choose to reboot or rebrand the franchise to appeal to a new audience? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Predator franchise is in good hands with Disney.
What is the Disney and 20th Century Fox acquisition deal?
The acquisition deal between Disney and 20th Century Fox was a massive $71.3 billion deal that was completed in 2019. As a result of this deal, Disney acquired 20th Century Fox’s film and television assets, including the Predator franchise. This deal marked a significant shift in the entertainment industry, with Disney expanding its portfolio of popular franchises.
The acquisition deal has given Disney control over the Predator franchise, allowing the company to make decisions about the future of the franchise. This includes the development of new films, television shows, and other media. With Disney’s vast resources and expertise, the Predator franchise is likely to see significant investment and growth in the coming years.
What does the acquisition mean for the Predator franchise?
The acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney has significant implications for the Predator franchise. With Disney now in control, the franchise is likely to see a new direction and approach. This could include the development of new films, television shows, and other media that expand on the Predator universe.
The acquisition also raises questions about the future of the franchise’s R-rating. Disney is known for its family-friendly content, and it’s unclear whether the company will continue to produce R-rated Predator films. However, with the success of Marvel’s R-rated Deadpool films, it’s possible that Disney will continue to produce R-rated content for the Predator franchise.
Will Disney reboot the Predator franchise?
There has been speculation that Disney may reboot the Predator franchise, but no official announcement has been made. A reboot could potentially revitalize the franchise and attract new fans. However, it’s also possible that Disney may choose to continue the existing storyline and characters.
If a reboot does happen, it’s likely that Disney will take a fresh approach to the franchise. This could include new characters, new storylines, and new settings. The company may also choose to incorporate the Predator franchise into its larger universe, potentially crossing over with other Disney-owned franchises.
What about the upcoming Predator films and TV shows?
There are currently several Predator films and TV shows in development, including a new film directed by Dan Trachtenberg. It’s unclear how the acquisition will affect these projects, but it’s likely that Disney will continue to move forward with them.
The acquisition may also lead to new opportunities for the Predator franchise on Disney’s streaming platform, Disney+. The company may choose to produce exclusive Predator content for the platform, including films, TV shows, and documentaries.
Will the Predator franchise be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
There has been speculation that the Predator franchise could be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but no official announcement has been made. While it’s possible that Disney may choose to cross over the Predator franchise with the MCU, it’s also possible that the company will keep the franchises separate.
If the Predator franchise is integrated into the MCU, it could potentially lead to new and interesting storylines. However, it’s also possible that the franchise may not fit with the tone and style of the MCU.
What does the acquisition mean for the Alien franchise?
The acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney also has implications for the Alien franchise, which is closely tied to the Predator franchise. The two franchises have crossed over in the past, and it’s possible that Disney may choose to continue this trend.
The acquisition may also lead to new opportunities for the Alien franchise, including new films, TV shows, and other media. Disney may choose to produce exclusive Alien content for its streaming platform, Disney+, or may develop new films and TV shows for theatrical release.
What’s next for the Predator franchise?
The future of the Predator franchise is uncertain, but it’s likely that Disney will continue to develop new content for the franchise. This could include films, TV shows, and other media, and may involve a fresh approach to the franchise.
Fans of the Predator franchise will have to wait and see what Disney has in store for the franchise. With the company’s vast resources and expertise, it’s possible that the Predator franchise will see significant growth and investment in the coming years.