It seems as though there are loads of fan theories these days about how Marvel Studios is going to incorporate the X-Men and Fantastic Four into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There was even a rumor at one time that Marvel has secretly hired an actor to play Wolverine and that he’d be wedged into Untitled Avengers 4 (or at the very least fall into a post-credit scene). Alas, the Pope of the MCU has finally spoken up on the matter and has put a lot of those theories to rest. Here’s what Kevin Feige had to say:
The truth of the matter as I understand it is the deal has to be figured out. We’re not thinking about it. We’re focusing on everything we’ve already announced. If and when the deal actually happens, we’ll start to think more about it. Until then, we have a lot to do.
The deal that Feige is talking about is Disney acquiring most of 21st Century Fox (all of the entertainment assets; none of the news or sports) back in mid-December of this past year. For the deal to be official, it will have to pass regulatory reviews from the U.S. Justice Department. This is no slam dunk as the Justice Department is currently trying to block another massive deal with AT&T trying to buy Time Warner Inc. The time frame for the Disney-Fox deal could take anywhere from six to eighteen months.
Having said all of that, it would appear as though it will be “business as usual” for both Disney and Fox until (and IF) this buyout gets approved. So, don’t look for any official announcements or surprises that would indicate a shift in direction for the MCU or Fox’s Marvel Universe until (and, and again, IF) the deal gets past the U.S. Justice Department.
Source: Vulture
