Big changes have been taking place behind the scenes at Disney ever since Bob Iger returned as CEO, with one popular theory being that the company will sell its 67% stake in Hulu.
Overseas, Hulu titles are added to the Disney+ library, but the two streaming platforms remain completely separate in the U.S. Having two of these services to contend with has become something of a financial burden, and selling its 67% share could be highly beneficial to the company.
Things get complicated here as The Wrap's report begins getting into the financial complications such a deal would involve. However, if Disney decided against buying out Comcast's 33% stake, then that company might choose to acquire the entire service. As part of any such package, the House of Mouse stands a chance to finally regain two key Marvel franchises.
Citi analyst Jason Bazinet explains, "While Disney owns all Marvel IP, Universal has distribution rights to Hulk and Namor. As such, if Disney makes a Hulk or Namor film, Comcast can distribute the film on Peacock. If Hulu is sold, Disney may use this as an opportunity to secure these distribution rights."
While Marvel Studios is able to include The Hulk and Namor in movies, they've been restricted from releasing solo outings due to Universal holding those rights.
This would ultimately be a very small part of any deal, but outside of combining Disney+ and Hulu, a potential sale - the streamer is valued between $19.8 billion and $27.5 billion - has the potential to add as much $13 to stock prices.
That may not seem like a big deal, but for investors, it sure would be. Iger, for example, is thought to own 500,000 Disney shares. A sale that adds $13 to each of those puts roughly an extra $6.5 million in his pocket!
Do you think we'll eventually see solo Hulk and Namor movies?