Disney-Fox Merger Reportedly Back On The Table

When the news of Disney's potential acquisition of 21st Century Fox emerged, it was largely presented in the past tense, as a potential deal now dead in the water that was mostly reported on for its "what if" factor. 

Now, credible rumors are circulating that not only is that deal back on the table, it's accelerating toward completion at a rapid pace. Details about the deal's specifics are starting to emerge as well, and they have dizzying creative implications, considering the properties involved.

According to Deadline's Mike Fleming, Jr., "a juicy rumor" is currently spreading around regarding Disney's resurgent interest in getting a hold of Fox's film and TV properties.

"The version I heard," Fleming said, "has the Murdoch clan keeping possession of sports and news properties, and the rest of TV and the film studio going to Disney. Radio silence right now from both studios, and given how Disney made the Marvel and Lucasfilm deals under the cone of silence, if this happens we'll probably only know it when it's announced. It is certainly being talked about today."

Fleming went on to say that many observers in the business are not excited about the increasingly-likely prospect of the deal going through, and it's not hard to see why. Monopolization in the entertainment industry, especially under a family-friendly stalwart like Disney, runs the risk of choking out content with more edge to it, even if it does bring the X-Men into orbit with Iron Man and the rest. 

For out-of-the-box creative types in the industry, the risk that a major studio could become a simple content generator for the House of Mouse is a distressing one.

And it's something fans should be worried about, too, especially considering the number of beloved R-rated properties Fox owns that would meet an uncertain stewardship under Disney management. The studio has just started to carve out a niche for itself, for example, in adult-oriented X-Men-related films like Logan, Deadpool, and apparently the upcoming Multiple Man movie with James Franco. 

As nice as it would be to see the Fantastic Four be subjected to Marvel Studios' magic touch, it's harder to get excited for what might happen to a Disney-owned, say, Alien franchise.

We'll let you know if anything happens on this front. In the meantime, start brainstorming your dream crossovers, because some corporate walls may be coming down.