The surprise cash-and-stock deal sent Spidey senses tingling in the comic book world. It could lead to new rides, movies, action figures and other outlets for Marvels 5,000 characters, although Marvel already was aggressively licensing its properties for such uses.
The deal wont have benefits right away, and Disney stock sank on the news. Disney expects a short-term profit hit, and Marvel characters from X-Men to Daredevil are locked up in deals with other movie studios and theme parks. But Disneys CEO, Robert Iger, promised an action-packed future.
“Sparks will fly is the expression that comes to mind,” Iger told analysts.
Stan Lee, - - - - >

The deal, to be announced Thursday, will give it exclusive rights to distribute up to 20 movies made by privately held Samuel Goldwyn Films, some nine months after their theatrical release in 2010 and 2011.
One film slated to be part of the package is “The Yellow Handkerchief,” a love story starring William Hurt and “Twilight” star Kristen Stewart.
The lineup of independent fare will bolster the films from its three movie studio owners, whose movies together account for about a quarter of the box office revenues reaped by major Hollywood studios. The studio owners have distributed such blockbusters as “Iron Man” - - - - >

According to estimates from distributor 20th Century Fox, “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” took in $53.5 million from Friday to Sunday. That put it well ahead of the first movie, which had a $30.4 million three-day opening in December 2006.
Distributor Warner Bros. said “Terminator Salvation” pulled in $43 million over the same period, plus $13.4 million on opening day Thursday. Its total since debuting was $56.4 million.
The fourth movie in “The Terminator” series came in a bit behind 2003s “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,” the last of the franchises installments to star - - - - >

Beyonce Knowles and Idris Elbas “Obsessed” debuted as the top weekend movie with $28.5 million in ticket sales. The Sony Screen Gems thriller stars Knowles and Elba as a couple whose ideal marriage lands on the rocks after a psychotic temp played by Ali Larter begins stalking the husband.
The strong opening for “Obsessed” helped maintain Hollywoods hot streak, with overall revenues at about $112 million, up 23.5 percent from the same weekend last year, according to box-office tracker Media By Numbers.
The busy summer season starts Friday with 20th Century Foxs spinoff “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” starring Hugh Jackman in the title - - - - >

Last weeks leader, “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” dropped to fourth place with sales of $12.7 million, researcher Media By Numbers LLC said yesterday in an e-mailed statement.
Films tailored to teen audiences ruled the marketplace for a second weekend. “17 Again” features Zac Efron, star of Walt Disney Co.s “High School Musical” movies. The film and television versions of “Hannah Montana,” also from Disney, star Miley Cyrus.
The total for “17 Again” is “not - - - - >

They include the big-screen adaptation of Alan Moores acclaimed graphic novel “The Watchmen,” a tale about ex-superheros in an alternate America; “Avatar,” James Camerons first feature film since the Oscar-winning “Titanic”; and “Lost” creator J.J. Abrams much anticipated reboot of the legendary Star Trek franchise focusing on the exploits of Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock.
“Its an unbelievable year for us,” Gelfond said in an interview with The Associated Press Friday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
Gelfond didnt see the crisis eating into profits, which he said were still benefiting from Imaxs shift five years ago from - - - - >

The third rendition of High School Musical is nearing the top. Debuting at No. 2 with $10.7 million was the Weinstein Co. comedy “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” starring Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks as pals who do a skin flick to dig themselves out of debt.
Lionsgates horror sequel “Saw V,” the latest tale about psychokiller Jigsaw, slipped from second place to third with $10.1 million, lifting its 10-day total to $45.8 million.
Expanding nationwide after a weekend in limited release was Clint Eastwoods “Changeling,” which took in $9.4 million to finish at No. 4. The Universal Pictures drama stars - - - - >