Paramount to Distribute More Marvel Films

29 Sep, 2008 By: Chris Tribbey

Iron Man

Following the success of Iron Man, Marvel Studios has reached a deal with Paramount Pictures to distribute five more films, including a previously unannounced third “Iron Man” film.

The deal also includes home entertainment distribution for the second “Iron Man” film, Thor, The First Avenger: Captain America and The Avengers.

“It includes home entertainment, worldwide, and [for electronic delivery] it’s kind of a split: Marvel retains some distribution rights, and if they didn’t want to pursue that in some areas, we could do it for them,” said Patti Rockenwagner, EVP of corporate communications for Paramount Pictures.

The original Iron Man grossed $574 million worldwide. This is the first time a third film has been confirmed by Marvel.

“It’s obviously not made … there’s an option to make a third movie,” Rockenwagner said.

Before Iron Man, Marvel’s live-action properties had been floating around at other studios, including Universal (Hulk), 20th Century Fox (X-Men, Fantastic Four, Daredevil), Sony Pictures (Spider-Man, Ghost Rider) and New Line (Blade).

“Coming off of Iron Man’s incredible success this summer, we could not be more excited about extending our relationship with Marvel,” said Rob Moore, vice chairman of Paramount Pictures. “Marvel's iconic brand, its popular characters and its proven ability to create compelling and visually spellbinding films complement Paramount’s great history of filmmaking. We look forward to a long and successful run together.”

Iron Man 2 would be first in line for a theatrical release (May 7, 2010) followed by Thor (July 16, 2010), The First Avenger: Captain America (May 6, 2011) and The Avengers (July 15, 2011).

“Paramount is an excellent partner and an outstanding global distributor,” said Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel. “Through our experience on Iron Man, Paramount has demonstrated a passion and ability to release Marvel properties theatrically, allowing us to focus on making great movies for the largest audience possible.”