Marvel links with Paramount; Iron Man 2, more on way

Marvel Studios was once content to have its properties (Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four) creatively slapped around and sold by Hollywood studios, but somewhere between record weekends and the contemporary re-invention of the comic-book movie, the company finally came to its senses. This summer, the surprise smash Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk became the first two films the studio produced on its own, and especially in the case of Iron Man, the only question left afterward was, "Hey, what took you so long?"

It’s a question execs at Marvel no doubt asked themselves, and one they’re putting behind them for good. The studio has extended its previous deal with Paramount Pictures to distribute a host of new films, the next four of which are booked on the same weekends in 2010 and 2011: Iron Man 2 (May 7, 2010), Thor (July 16, 2010), The First Avenger: Captain America (May 6, 2011) and The Avengers (July 15, 2011).

The previous agreement with Paramount had remained tentative until Iron Man had such enormous success (Marvel released The Incredible Hulk through Universal). “Through our experience on ‘Iron Man,’ Paramount has demonstrated a passion and ability to release Marvel properties theatrically,” Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel told Variety.

The publication also noted that the deal Marvel will fill in the hole left by DreamWorks, which recently ended its long-standing collaboration with Paramount.

Related links:
News: In wake of Iron Man's millions, Marvel piles up future films
News: New Spider-Man movie slated for 2010-ish
News: Paramount absorbs indie studio

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