History of Marvel Studios in Timeline
Marvel Studios, founded in 1993 and led by Kevin Feige since 2007, is an American film and television production company behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Initially licensing film rights to Marvel characters, the studio began producing its own films in 2004 and regained many of those rights over time. The Walt Disney Company acquired Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Studios' parent company, in 2009. In 2015, Marvel Studios became part of Walt Disney Studios, now within Disney Entertainment. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures has distributed the majority of Marvel Studios' films since 'The Avengers' (2012).
1939: Timely Comics Operations
Timely Comics, Marvel Comics's predecessor, operated from 1939 until 1950.
1944: Captain America Film Serial
In 1944, Timely Comics licensed out Captain America to Republic Pictures for a film serial.
1950: Timely Comics Operations End
Timely Comics, Marvel Comics's predecessor, operated from 1939 until 1950.
November 1986: MEG purchased by New World Entertainment
In November 1986, Marvel Entertainment Group (MEG) was purchased by New World Entertainment and moved to produce films based on Marvel characters.
1989: Release of The Punisher
In 1989, New World Entertainment released "The Punisher".
1990: Release of Captain America (UK)
In 1990, the film Captain America was released in the United Kingdom and direct to video in the United States.
1993: Marvel Studios Founded
In 1993, Marvel Studios, originally named Marvel Films, was founded by Avi Arad as part of Marvel Entertainment Group.
1993: Avi Arad Appointed to Marvel Films and New World Family Filmworks
In 1993, after MEG acquired ToyBiz, Avi Arad of ToyBiz was named president and CEO of both the Marvel Films division and New World Family Filmworks, a New World Entertainment subsidiary.
1994: Production of The Fantastic Four
In 1994, The Fantastic Four film was produced, but it was not intended for release.
August 7, 1996: Marvel Studios Created
On August 7, 1996, Marvel Studios was officially created by Marvel to finance the new corporation. Jerry Calabrese and Avi Arad were assigned tandem control of Marvel Studios.
August 1996: New World Animation and Marvel Films Animation Sold
In August 1996, New World Animation and Marvel Films Animation were sold along with the rest of New World by the Andrews Group to News Corporation and the Fox Entertainment Group.
December 1996: Marvel Entertainment Group Bankruptcy
In December 1996, Marvel Entertainment Group, including Marvel Studios, underwent a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan.
1996: Marvel's major characters were optioned
From 1986 to 1996, most of Marvel's major characters were optioned, including the Fantastic Four, X-Men, Daredevil, the Hulk, Silver Surfer, and Iron Man.
1997: Marvel Studios Pursues Film Productions
By 1997, Marvel Studios was actively pursuing various film productions based on Marvel characters, including the eventual films X-Men (2000), Daredevil (2003), Elektra (2005), and Fantastic Four (2005).
1997: Marvel Series for Television
In 1996-1997 season, New World Animation (The Incredible Hulk), Saban (X-Men: The Animated Series) and Marvel Films Animation (Spider-Man) each produced a Marvel series for television.
August 21, 1998: Release of Blade
On August 21, 1998, Blade, the first film packaged and licensed by Marvel Studios, was released. It grossed $70,087,718 in the United States and Canada and $131,183,530 worldwide.
1998: Captain America Animated Series Cancelled
Marvel's Captain America animated series with Saban Entertainment for Fox Kids Network was set to premiere in late 1998, but was canceled due to bankruptcy.
July 14, 2000: Release of X-Men
On July 14, 2000, X-Men was released, grossing $157,299,717 in the United States and Canada and $296,250,053 worldwide.
2000: Release of X-Men (eventual)
By 1997, Marvel Studios was actively pursuing various film productions based on Marvel characters, including the eventual films X-Men (2000), Daredevil (2003), Elektra (2005), and Fantastic Four (2005).
2001: Ultimate Marvel Comics Influence
By 2001, the success of Marvel Entertainment's Ultimate Marvel imprint comics created leverage in Hollywood for Marvel Studios, pushing more properties into development.
May 3, 2002: Release of Spider-Man
On May 3, 2002, Spider-Man was released by Columbia Pictures, grossing $403,706,375 in the United States and Canada and $821,708,551 worldwide.
October 2002: Deals for Sub-Mariner and Prime
In October 2002, Marvel Studios announced deals for the Sub-Mariner and Prime with Universal Pictures.
2002: Introduction of Marvel's "Flipbook" Production Logo
In 2002, with the release of Spider-Man, Marvel Studios introduced its "flipbook" production logo, created by Imaginary Forces, which was accompanied by music from the film's score, sound effects or a song.
January 2003: Pilot Films Agreement
In January 2003, Marvel, the Sci-Fi Channel, and Reveille Productions agreed to develop two pilot films based on Brother Voodoo and Strikeforce: Morituri.
December 2003: Lionsgate Purchases Artisan Entertainment
In December 2003, Lionsgate purchased Artisan Entertainment and decided to let all of the character rights Artisan held, except Punisher, revert to Marvel.
2003: Release of Daredevil (eventual)
By 1997, Marvel Studios was actively pursuing various film productions based on Marvel characters, including the eventual films X-Men (2000), Daredevil (2003), Elektra (2005), and Fantastic Four (2005).
2004: Begins Producing Own Films
In 2004, Marvel Studios began producing its own films after originally licensing film rights to several Marvel characters.
2004: Partnership with Lionsgate
In 2004, Marvel Studios partnered with Lionsgate to produce eight animated films, called Marvel Animated Features, for the direct-to-DVD market with Lionsgate Home Entertainment handling distribution.
September 2005: Merrill Lynch Financing Deal Announced
In September 2005, Marvel announced that the Merrill Lynch financing deal with Paramount was on, with Paramount as marketer and distributor. Marvel Studios' parent company, Marvel Enterprises, Inc., then changed its name to Marvel Entertainment, Inc., to reflect the change to self-production.
November 2005: Michael Helfant Joins Marvel Studios; Iron Man Rights Acquired
In November 2005, Michael Helfant joined Marvel Studios as president and chief operating officer. Also in November 2005, Marvel gained the film rights to Iron Man from New Line Cinema.
2005: Releases of Elektra and Fantastic Four (eventual)
By 1997, Marvel Studios was actively pursuing various film productions based on Marvel characters, including the eventual films X-Men (2000), Daredevil (2003), Elektra (2005), and Fantastic Four (2005).
February 2006: Marvel Regains Hulk Film Rights
In February 2006, Marvel revealed that it had regained the film rights to the Hulk from Universal, in exchange for letting Universal own the distribution rights to The Incredible Hulk (2008) and the right of first refusal to pick up the distribution rights to any future Marvel Studios-produced Hulk films.
April 2006: Thor Announced; Black Widow Rights Return to Marvel
In April 2006, Thor was announced to be a Marvel Studios production, while Lions Gate Entertainment subsequently dropped the Black Widow film it had in development since 2004 and returned the rights to Marvel.
May 2006: Arad Quits as Studio Chair and CEO
In May 2006, Avi Arad quit as studio chair and CEO due to conflicts with Maisel over film release rates and character choices. Perlmutter supported Maisel in the dispute.
2006: Marvel Animated Features Released
From 2006 until 2011, Marvel Studios was involved with the production of eight direct-to-video short films with Marvel Animation called Marvel Animated Features.
March 2007: Helfant Ousted; Maisel and Feige Take Over
In March 2007, Michael Helfant was "forced out" of Marvel Studios while David Maisel was named chairman and Kevin Feige was named president of production as Iron Man (2008) began filming.
2007: Kevin Feige Becomes President
In 2007, Kevin Feige became the president of Marvel Studios.
January 2008: Marvel Animation Incorporated
In January 2008, Marvel Animation was incorporated to direct Marvel's efforts in animation and home entertainment markets including then animation efforts with Lionsgate and Nickelodeon.
May 2008: Maisel's Contract Extended; Feige Promoted
Following the successful opening weekend of Iron Man in May 2008, David Maisel had his contract extended through 2010, and Kevin Feige was promoted to president of Marvel Studios.
September 2008: Paramount Adds Additional Marvel Films for Foreign Distribution
By September 2008, Paramount added five additional Marvel films' foreign distribution to its domestic film distribution contract.
2008: Release of Iron Man
In 2008, Marvel Studios released "Iron Man", marking the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
2008: Release of Punisher: War Zone
In 2008, Punisher: War Zone was the first film produced under the Marvel Knights banner, serving as a reboot of the Punisher franchise.
August 31, 2009: Disney to Acquire Marvel Entertainment
On August 31, 2009, the Walt Disney Company announced that it had reached a deal to acquire Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion.
2009: Acquisition by The Walt Disney Company
In 2009, The Walt Disney Company acquired Marvel Entertainment, the parent company of Marvel Studios.
2009: Stephen Broussard tasked with forming a writers program
In 2009, producer Stephen Broussard was tasked with forming a writers program for the studio. The writers were hired for a year to be on call to do emergency script polishes for films in production, as well as develop scripts based on some lesser-known properties, such as Black Panther, Cable, Iron Fist, Nighthawk, and Vision.
April 2010: Rumors of Low-Budget Films
In April 2010, rumors circulated that Marvel was looking to create $20–40 million films based on properties such as Doctor Strange, Ka-Zar, Luke Cage, Dazzler, and Power Pack. Feige responded by saying Marvel was considering films for all characters mentioned in the rumor, except Dazzler.
June 2010: Marvel Television Established
In June 2010, Marvel Entertainment set up a television division within Marvel Studios called Marvel Television, headed by Jeph Loeb as Executive Vice President, under which Marvel Animation would be operated.
August 2011: Marketing Department Dismissed
In August 2011, at Disney's behest, Marvel Studios dismissed most of its marketing department, including EVP of Worldwide Marketing Dana Precious, VP of Worldwide Marketing Jeffrey Stewart, and Manager of Worldwide Marketing Jodi Miller. Disney subsequently began marketing Marvel's films.
2011: Marvel Animated Features Concluded
From 2006 until 2011, Marvel Studios was involved with the production of eight direct-to-video short films with Marvel Animation called Marvel Animated Features.
2011: Marvel One-Shots Released
From 2011 to 2014, Marvel Studios released five short films called Marvel One-Shots.
2011: Release of Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
In 2011, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance was released as the second and final title under the Marvel Knights production banner.
April 2012: Co-Production Agreement for Iron Man 3 in China
In April 2012, the Walt Disney Company China, Marvel Studios, and DMG Entertainment announced an agreement to co-produce Iron Man 3 in China. DMG partly financed, produced in China with Marvel, and handled co-production matters. DMG also distributed the film in China in tandem with Disney.
2012: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Distributes The Avengers
In 2012, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures began distributing most of Marvel Studios' films, starting with "The Avengers".
April 2013: Executive Production Offices Move to Disney Studios
In April 2013, Marvel Studios moved its executive production offices from the Manhattan Beach Studios Media Campus to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.
July 2013: Disney Purchases Distribution Rights from Paramount
In July 2013, Disney purchased the distribution rights to Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger from Paramount.
2013: Marvel Television Series Released
From 2013 until 2020, Marvel Television released 12 television series, which also acknowledge the MCU continuity.
2013: Release of Iron Man 3
In 2013, Iron Man 3 was released and is one of Marvel Studios' films among the 50 highest-grossing films of all time.
2013: Update of Marvel's Production Logo
In 2013, the Marvel Studios production logo was updated with the release of Thor: The Dark World. Kevin Feige stated the update was to make the logo more substantial as a standalone logo, now that Marvel was its own entity within The Walt Disney Company.
2014: Marvel One-Shots Ended
From 2011 to 2014, Marvel Studios released five short films called Marvel One-Shots.
2014: Featured Fanfare on Films
In 2014, Brian Tyler's fanfare for Marvel Studios' updated logo was featured on the films Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy, following its debut in Thor: The Dark World in 2013.
June 2015: Spider-Man's MCU Television Restrictions
In June 2015, Kevin Feige clarified that the deal with Sony, made in February 2015, did not allow Spider-Man to appear in any of the MCU television series.
August 2015: Marvel Studios Placed Under Walt Disney Studios
In August 2015, Marvel Studios was placed into Walt Disney Studios, with Feige reporting directly to Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan F. Horn instead of Marvel Entertainment CEO Isaac Perlmutter.
2015: Release of Avengers: Age of Ultron
In 2015, Avengers: Age of Ultron was released and is one of Marvel Studios' films among the 50 highest-grossing films of all time.
2015: Transfer to Walt Disney Studios
In 2015, Marvel Studios was transferred to the Walt Disney Studios.
January 2016: Perception Approached to Update Marvel Logo
In January 2016, Perception was approached by Marvel to update its logo, which was later introduced in July 2016. Kevin Feige specifically requested that the new logo combine the brand and the iconic characters into a single image.
July 2016: Introduction of New Marvel Studios Logo and Opening
In July 2016, a new Marvel Studios logo and opening were introduced, featuring an updated fanfare composed by Michael Giacchino. The new opening, which begins with comic book panels and transitions into footage and art of MCU characters, was first seen in front of Doctor Strange.
2016: Release of Captain America: Civil War
In 2016, Captain America: Civil War was released and is one of Marvel Studios' films among the 50 highest-grossing films of all time.
April 2017: Marvel Studios Housed on Disney Lot
As of April 2017, Marvel Studios was housed on the second floor of the Frank G. Wells Building at the Disney studio lot.
July 2017: Release of Spider-Man: Homecoming
In July 2017, Sony released Spider-Man: Homecoming, produced by Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal, as part of the agreement made in February 2015 for Spider-Man to appear in the MCU.
2017: Modified Logo at D23 Expo
In 2017, a modified version of Perception's Marvel Studios logo was introduced at the D23 Expo to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the MCU, later debuting with Avengers: Infinity War on April 26, 2018.
April 26, 2018: Modified Logo Debuts with Avengers: Infinity War
On April 26, 2018, a modified version of Perception's Marvel Studios logo debuted with Avengers: Infinity War, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the MCU. The logo was first showcased at the 2017 D23 Expo.
September 2018: Development of Limited Series for Disney+
In September 2018, it was reported that Marvel Studios was developing several limited series for the streaming service Disney+, to be centered on "second tier" characters from the MCU films who had not and were unlikely to star in their own films, such as Loki and Scarlet Witch.
November 12, 2018: Stan Lee's Death
Stan Lee died on November 12, 2018. In honor of Stan Lee, who died just a few months before the release of Captain Marvel, the current Perception logo was altered to replace the characters with Stan Lee's MCU cameos and other public appearances related to the MCU.
2018: Releases of Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War
In 2018, Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War were released, and they are among Marvel Studios' films among the 50 highest-grossing films of all time.
2018: Alonso's Agreement with Disney
In 2018, Victoria Alonso and Disney reached an agreement stating she would not work for a competing studio. This agreement was breached when she worked on Argentina, 1985 which led to her termination in March 2023.
July 2019: Avengers: Endgame Becomes Highest-Grossing Film
From July 2019 until March 2021, "Avengers: Endgame" was the highest-grossing film of all time.
September 2019: New Spider-Man Agreement Between Disney and Sony
In September 2019, Disney and Sony reached a new agreement allowing for Spider-Man to appear in a third standalone film produced by Marvel Studios and a future Marvel Studios film. Disney co-financed 25% of the film in exchange for 25% of the film's profits while retaining the merchandising rights to the character.
October 2019: Feige Given Title of Chief Creative Officer
In October 2019, Kevin Feige was given the title of Chief Creative Officer, Marvel, and would oversee the creative direction of Marvel Television and Marvel Family Entertainment, with both being returned to being under the Marvel Studios banner.
December 2019: Marvel Television folded into Marvel Studios
In December 2019, Marvel Television was folded into Marvel Studios and became a production label.
August 28, 2020: Chadwick Boseman's Death
Chadwick Boseman died on August 28, 2020. The logo was altered, replacing the characters with images and footage of T'Challa and Boseman for the Disney+ version of Black Panther (2018) in honor of Chadwick Boseman.
November 29, 2020: Premiere of Boseman Tribute Logo
On November 29, 2020, which would have been Chadwick Boseman's 44th birthday, the retroactively modified Marvel Studios logo premiered on the Disney+ version of Black Panther (2018) as a tribute, replacing the characters with images and footage of T'Challa and Boseman.
2020: Marvel Television Folded into Marvel Studios
From 2013 until 2020, Marvel Television released 12 television series, which also acknowledge the MCU continuity.
March 2021: Avengers: Endgame Loses Title of Highest-Grossing Film
Until March 2021, Avengers: Endgame was the highest-grossing film of all time.
June 2021: Animation Branch and Mini-Studio Creation
In June 2021, ahead of Marvel Studios' first solely produced animated series What If...?, executive vice president of film production Victoria Alonso noted that the studio was creating an "animation branch and mini-studio" to focus on more animated content beyond What If...?.
September 2021: Alonso Promoted to President
In September 2021, Victoria Alonso was promoted to President of Physical, Post Production, VFX and Animation at Marvel Studios.
November 2021: Plans for a Fourth Spider-Man Film and New Trilogy
In November 2021, Amy Pascal announced plans for a fourth Spider-Man film set in the MCU, in addition to long-term plans for a new trilogy of films with Marvel Studios, with said film entering active development the following month.
November 2021: X-Men '97 Announced
In November 2021, Marvel Studios announced the animated series X-Men '97 (2024–present), a revival of X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997) that is set in that series' continuity.
2021: Release of WandaVision and What If...?
In 2021, Marvel Studios released the television series "WandaVision" and the animated series "What If...?", marking the studio's first animated property produced solely by Marvel Studios Animation.
April 2022: Marvel Studios Takes Over Production of Spidey and His Amazing Friends
By April 2022, Marvel Studios had taken over production of the preschool animated series Spidey and His Amazing Friends, starting from its second season; the first season was produced under the Marvel Entertainment banner.
May 2022: Licensing Deal with Stan Lee Universe
In May 2022, Marvel Studios signed a 20-year licensing deal with Stan Lee Universe to license the name and likeness of Lee for use in future films, television series, Disney theme parks and cruises, various "experiences", and merchandising.
September 2022: Argentina, 1985 Premiere
In September 2022, Victoria Alonso continued to promote Argentina, 1985 film following its premiere, despite Disney's request to stop due to her agreement not to work for a competing studio, which ultimately led to her firing in March 2023.
2022: Release of Television Specials
In 2022, Marvel Studios released two television specials: "Werewolf by Night" and "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special".
2022: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Boseman Tribute
In 2022, an additional Chadwick Boseman tribute was incorporated into the Marvel Studios logo for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
2022: Project Delays Due to Alonso's Work on Argentina, 1985
In 2022, some Marvel projects were delayed because Victoria Alonso took time off to produce Argentina, 1985, rather than focusing on her post-production commitments for MCU projects.
March 2023: Citigroup Analyst on Hulu Sale and Distribution Rights
In March 2023, Citigroup financial analyst Jason Bazinet speculated that Disney might include the distribution rights to the Hulk and Namor in any potential sale of the streaming service Hulu to Comcast, the owner of Universal Pictures through NBCUniversal.
March 2023: Alonso Fired from Marvel Studios
In March 2023, Victoria Alonso was fired from her role at Marvel Studios for violating her agreement with Disney by working on the Amazon Studios film Argentina, 1985 (2022). Disney cited a breach of contract, while Alonso's lawyers claimed she was terminated for refusing to censor gay pride elements in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023).
June 2023: Distribution Rights to The Incredible Hulk Revert to Marvel
In June 2023, the distribution rights to The Incredible Hulk reverted from Universal back to Marvel and Disney.
June 2023: The Incredible Hulk Distribution Rights Revert to Marvel
In June 2023, the distribution rights to The Incredible Hulk reverted from Universal back to Marvel and Disney.
August 2023: Marvel VFX Workers Petition to Unionize
In August 2023, 52 on-set VFX workers at Marvel Studios filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for an election to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) labor union, marking the first time visual effects industry workers had petitioned for union recognition.
October 2023: Planning to hire dedicated executives
In October 2023, Marvel Studios was planning to hire dedicated executives to focus on its television efforts, as part of a larger plan to change its approach to its television series.
2023: Part of Disney Entertainment Division
In 2023, Walt Disney Studios, which includes Marvel Studios, became a part of the Disney Entertainment division.
2023: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Opening
In 2023, an all-Guardians of the Galaxy opening sequence was created for the Marvel Studios logo for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. A shortened opening was used for Secret Invasion.
2023: Project Delays Due to Alonso's Work on Argentina, 1985
In 2023, some Marvel projects were delayed because Victoria Alonso took time off to produce Argentina, 1985, rather than focusing on her post-production commitments for MCU projects.
January 2024: Richie Palmer serving as a television executive
In January 2024, Production and development executive Richie Palmer was serving as a television executive.
May 2024: Marvel Animation Name and Banner Used for Division's Projects
By May 2024, the "Marvel Animation" name and banner was used for the division's projects.
May 2024: Live-action series released under Marvel Television banner
In May 2024, Marvel Studios revealed that its live-action Disney+ series would be released under a new "Marvel Television" banner, separate from the previous company of the same name, starting with Agatha All Along later in 2024.
2024: What If...? Concludes
In 2024, the animated television series "What If...?" concluded.
2024: Marvel Television and Marvel Animation banners used for project release
Since 2024, Marvel Studios has used "Marvel Television" and "Marvel Animation" banners to release its television and animated projects, respectively.
2025: Captain America: Brave New World Omits Logo Animation
In 2025, Captain America: Brave New World became the first Marvel Studios film to not feature the studio's logo animation sequence.
2025: Upcoming Releases
In 2025, Marvel Studios is scheduled to release "Captain America: Brave New World" and "Daredevil: Born Again".
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