The Walt Disney Company (DIS): “Man of Steel” May Be a Hit for DC, but Marvel Just Changed the Game

Is that what Downey Jr. just agreed to? In a way, yes. But he’s also such an unusual case that it wouldn’t surprise me if his contract includes specific provisions for taking other work. Whedon, so far, hasn’t been confirmed for a third Avengers film.

I’d prefer that, but for The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) investors, what matters here is that RDJ will be the face of the franchise for at least the next five years. That’s impressive continuity in a business known for change, and history says it’ll pay off.

Consider the Die Hard and Harry Potter franchises. Both series have produced more than $1 billion in global box-office receipts while keeping their most identifying actors — Bruce Willis as John McClane; Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter — in lead roles.

Time Warner Inc (NYSE:TWX) is hoping to build something similar by re-signing the men behind Man of Steel, screenwriter David S. Goyer and director Zack Snyder, for Man of Steel 2. The first film is already a success, having generated more than $400 million at the worldwide box office. Goyer is also to write a Justice League film that’s reportedly targeted for 2015. The message? Continuity appears to be coming to the DC Universe.

Marvel, thanks to its new deal with Downey Jr., is already there.

Now it’s your turn to weigh in. What do you think of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)’s re-signing of RDJ? Do you believe Time Warner Inc (NYSE:TWX) can build a DC cinematic universe as expansive as the one Marvel is creating? Leave your comments in the box below.

The article “Man of Steel” May Be a Hit for DC, but Marvel Just Changed the Game originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Tim Beyers.

Fool contributor Tim Beyers is a member of the Motley Fool Rule Breakers stock-picking team and the Motley Fool Supernova Odyssey I mission. He owned shares of Walt Disney and Time Warner at the time of publication. Check out Tim’s Web home and portfolio holdings, or connect with him on Google+, Tumblr, or Twitter, where he goes by @milehighfool. You can also get his insights delivered directly to your RSS reader.The Motley Fool recommends AMC Networks and Walt Disney and owns shares of Walt Disney.

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