Since purchasing Lucasfilm wasn’t enough, here’s a rumor that’s both exciting and terrifying: Disney is in talks to buy Hasbro. In addition to being one of the largest toy companies in the world, Hasbro has the rights to Transformers, G.I. Joe, Dungeons and Dragons, Nerf, Magic: The Gathering, and more. Here’s the story from MTV Geek:
We have it on good authority that serious discussions are happening at the highest levels of both Disney and Hasbro to fold the largest toy and game company on the planet into the Mouse.
From what we’re told, these are still just discussions at this point, but serious enough that something could be announced at any time and create ripples throughout the entertainment industry.
While the crossover potential would be amazing, that’s perhaps too much geek power for any one company to have. Imagine a single entity controlling all the beloved characters from Disney movies, Pixar films, Star Wars, Transformers (not the crap movie, but the awesome toys/cartoon), G.I. Joe, Marvel Comics, D&D, and more?!? On one hand, it would be awesome that an entertainment company with a track record of hands-off reverence would be controlling these properties. On the other hand, it’s a bit terrifying that one company would singlehandedly control almost everything most of us loved as a kid.
What do you think of the Disney-buying-Hasbro rumor?
This could go either way. Maybe Disney will greenlight a g1 film?? (please?)
I think it makes sense. To take from something somebody else has already said on this subject (don’t remember who, now) Disney is trying to corner the market on what boys want. They have already taken control of the girls market, young and old, with their movies. What girl do you know that doesn’t want to be a disney princess when they are 5 or 50? Now name a Disney owned property that boys feel the same way about? I don’t really think Disney wants to spend time creating their own IP that may or may not catch on, so why not find something that is a money maker with boys already that can just be purchased and made profitable in the long run? Enter Star Wars and Hasbro. The merchandising value here has got to be unbelievable, and the money Disney is spending on these two companies now will be well worth it in the very near future.
At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Disney bought Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes and DC properties. Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if Disney just buys WB altogether.
-M