While Disney already has a full slate of film and television projects to follow WandaVision, it continues to expand its options with the acquisition of Marvel properties from other networks. Most recently, the company was able to successfully reobtain the rights to The Defenders from Netflix, which means that future Marvel Studios projects involving Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Punisher are now possible.
Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, spoke about the acquisition at a virtual Television Critics Association press tour earlier today. When asked whether Disney will eventually introduce The Defenders into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he said he thinks the studio "probably could do it," but he also admitted that he wasn't too versed on the exact contracts regarding the rights to the characters as they currently stand.
Considering Feige is now in a role where he oversees both Marvel Television and Marvel Family Entertainment, he would be the go-to source for the most credible updates on The Defenders franchise. Previously, he did not have creative control over such shows. Back when The Defenders was launched on Netflix with Daredevil to start, the projects were managed by Jeph Loeb, the writer and producer of Smallville and Lost.
With that in mind, The Defenders franchise went in a totally different creative direction compared to where Marvel Studios is currently going. In order for the team at Marvel Studios to tell the stories "the way [they] have since Iron Man," as Feige puts it, it may take more than just a random cameo appearance by a Defender in the MCU. More research and discussion will be needed in order to make the transition from Loeb's darker and grittier versions to Feige's more family-friendly interpretations.
The complicated nature of Marvel's rights deals with other networks also makes it hard for Feige to confirm with absolute certainty whether or not the studio can do whatever they please with properties like The Defenders. He cautioned that there are always rumors and media speculation circulating online that may miss out on key details on the rights deals, such as creative restrictions or exceptions. Still, he left the issue open-ended, uttering 'never say never' to the possibility of crossovers or repurposed stories.
With an already jam-packed 2021 schedule, it's hard to say whether Marvel Studios is still looking for titles to squeeze into its Phase 4. For now, fans can look forward to a slew of confirmed film and television releases set for this year, including the next Disney Plus series, Falcon and The Winter Soldier (March 19), and the upcoming Black Widow solo film (May 7).
The Defenders is now available on Netflix.
Source: Deadline