The news that Disney has agreed to acquire Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion will have huge repercussions for both companies. The initial reaction from many comic-book fanboys is that they fear Disney's status as the world's leading family entertainment brand will see Marvel's edgier characters being watered down or even phased out. But those of you who saw the disastrous Spider-Man 3 will know that if everyone's favourite web-slinger was watered down any more he'd become Hydro-Man.
No, we think geek fears are unfounded. It's worth remembering that Disney's art-house/independent film division was involved in the production and/or distribution of such risk-taking fare as Pulp Fiction, Trainspotting, Welcome To Sarajevo and Dogma, to name but a few. So as well as providing some much-needed funding for Marvel in its attempts to match the cinematic success of arch rival DC, the acquisition could actually result in their spandex-clad superheroes teaming up with Disney's best-loved characters in films that will smash all existing box-office records. Here are the five movies Popcorn Double Feature is aching to see...
5) Bambi vs Wolverine. The waterhole scene isn't for the faint-hearted.
4) WALL-E 2: WALL-E and Eva's domestic bliss is shattered when hunky Iron Man moves in next door.
3) The Jonas Brothers: Death Of The Dream. Captain America hangs up his shield when he realises what his once-great country has become.
2) A Bug's Life 2: Enter The Hulk. Disney's shortest feature to date.
1) Pinocchio And The Human Torch. The boy puppet meets his match. Literally.
Colin Houlson
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