Season 6 Ep #1 IP State of the Union- Billion Dollar Character Acquisitions- Part 1

How have intellectual property (IP) acquisitions shaped the franchise filmmaking industry, and what lies ahead for beloved and iconic characters? Buckle up, because on this episode of IP Goes Pop!® , hosts Michael Snyder and Joseph Gushue take listeners on a thrilling ride as they provide an update on the Marvel-ous IP properties that have produced somelegendary films over the last few decades.

The conversation begins by exploring how the entertainment landscape has evolved due to entertainment companies investing in major IP properties. But what have these shifts meant for Hollywood—and, more importantly, for audiences? Michael and Joe discuss the transition from standalone films to interconnected universes that span multiple productions and years, highlighting how major companies have made IP the cornerstone of their content strategies.

From Disney's game-changing acquisition of Marvel, catalyzed by the success of Iron Man (2008) to the more recent integration of Fox properties, Michael and Joe break down the high-priced chess moves that have become blueprints for the industry. These strategic acquisitions have not only redefined the way stories are told on screen but also set new standards for profitability and audience engagement.

As the discussion progresses, the hosts tackle the challenge of audience fatigue in an era of expanding franchises and multiple movies. They explore how studios are combating this issue by introducing lesser-known characters to keep content fresh and engaging. Michael and Joe examine the potential for new “A-list” characters to invigorate these franchises, analyzing both the challenges and opportunities Marvel faces as it merges vast IP portfolios.

The episode concludes with a look at upcoming projects that could will try to capture the original enthusiasm for movies based on comic book characters. They explore how these projects aim to captivate audiences while preserving the essence of beloved characters. They also speculate on the future of franchise filmmaking, pondering the potential for new crossovers and trends as studios continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a die-hard comic book fan, this episode offers a peek behind the (legal) curtain of big-studio filmmaking. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to geek out with your two favorite attorneys on IP Goes Pop!©.

Timestamps:

(01:29) Episode Overview: State of the Union for Major IP Acquisitions

• The Rise of IP-Driven Entertainment
• Shift towards franchises and IP-based content
  • Impact on actors and filmmaking
  • Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as a game-changer
• Disney, Sony, Pixar, The Muppets, Warner Bros., Harry Potter

(03:54) Evolution of Actor Involvement in Franchises

• Christopher Reeve and typecasting in Superman (1978)
• Modern actors in multiple superhero roles
  • Crossing universes and roles
• Franchise planning vs. organic sequels
• The success of Iron Man (2008)
• Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

(09:01) Disney's Acquisition of Marvel Studios

• Effects of Iron Man’s success vs. Die Hard’s unplanned successes
• The 10-year plan for the Marvel Cinematic Universe culminating in “Avengers: Endgame”
  • Birth of post-credit scene
• Post-Endgame Marvel Era
  • Working through A-list characters
  • Challenges with B and C-list characters
  • Moon Knight (2022) and content streaming content
  • Disney’s Purchase and Integration of 21st Century Fox Properties into Marvel

(14:21) Who Owns What Character?

• Spider-Man rights of Sony and Disney/Marvel collaboration
• Back in the Disney/Marvel Fold
• X-Men (2000) and Wolverine
  • Fantastic Four
    • Roger Corman
    • Fantastic Four (2005) with Chris Evans
    • Disney’s Fantastic Four (2025)
  • Time-bound nature of IP rights, production, and retention of rights
  • Iconic actors elevating iconic characters
    • Blade (1998) with Wesley Snipes
    • Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. Doom
      • Oppenheimer (2023) villain shift
      • Jon Favreau
    • The super-villains: Kang & Loki

 

(25:61) Audience Fatigue and Streaming Challenges

• WandaVision (2021) and spin-off series
• Barriers to entry for casual viewers
• Return of “Netflix Marvel” Characters
• Daredevil: Born Again (2025) series on Disney+
• Charlie Cox as Daredevil (also in Boardwalk Empire) and Vincent D'Onofrio as King Pin (also King Pin in Hawk Eye) reprising their roles
• Luke Cage & Jessica Jones
• Punisher (2004)
• Daredevil, Superman, & Avengers interactions 

(30:47) Upcoming Marvel Projects

• Captain America: Brave New World (2025) with Anthony Mackie
  • Red Hulk played by Harrison Ford
• Thunderbolts (2025) and reshuffling characters
  • Elena Belova of Black Widow (2021)

(32:37) Looking Ahead to State of the Franchises Part 2

• Star Wars, Harry Potter, Pixar, and DC Universe discussions