The Hulk has long been one of the most popular characters in the MCU, but Marvel has not been able to give him a solo film in recent years because the Theatrical rights are owned by Universal Studios. Well, it looks like that is about to end and the Jade Giant is coming home.
The details on the situation come from a Redditor who is ironically named Phil Coulson. Here’s what he had to say:
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An official SEC filing by Marvel in December 2006 stated:
Universal Studios has agreed to distribute Marvel’s film The Incredible Hulk and sequels on essentially the same terms as those on which Paramount has agreed to distribute the other films financed and produced under the film facility.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/933730/000111667907000580/m10k.htm
I then found the amended studio agreement between Marvel and Paramount
6. Distribution Term: Paramount shall have the right to exercise its Paramount Distribution Rights with respect to each Picture for an initial period of 15 years commencing on the initial Theatrical Exhibition of such Picture (the “Initial Distribution Term”);
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/933730/000111667905002681/ex10-1.htm
The Incredible Hulk was released in June 2008, which would mean if the agreement was the same with Universal, rights would revert in June 2023.
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