Basic cable network FX has acquired rights to five upcoming Marvel Studios superhero films incuding Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, according to Daily Variety. The deal marks Marvel’s first major television sale since becoming an independent film producer three years ago.
Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. will be released to theaters by Paramount on May 2, followed closely by Universal’s debut of The Incredible Hulk with Edward Norton on June 13. The studios also hold the payTV rights, which went to Showtime for Iron Man and HBO for Hulk.
Based on a license fee of 11% of domestic gross (not exceeding $200 million), FX could end up paying as much as $22 million for each of the five Marvel films. Now that the major broadcast networks have largely abandoned movies, they have become hot commodities for basic cable outlets, which shell out big bucks for titles even before they open in theaters.
FX has been especially big on superhero flicks, snatching up the Spider-Man and X-Men films, as well as Superman Returns, Batman Begins, Ghost Rider and both Fantastic Four chapters. Paramount and Universal will heavily promote Iron Man and Hulk during upcoming superhero movie marathons on the network.
The other three Marvel films included in the deal have not been decided, but projects in development include The Avengers, Ant-Man, Thor and Captain America. Sequels are also in the works, though cable TV rights to future Spider-Man, X-Men, The Fantastic Four, Ghost Rider, Daredevil and The Punisher installments are held by various studios.
