Disney Torpedoed Marvel Studios Entirely Just To Keep Kevin Feige
Kevin Feige was nearly fired from Marvel in 2009 with Ike Perlmutte set to run the studio after Disney purchased the group
Kevin Feige is arguably the most successful producer of the last decade, with the films he has produced having a combined global box office total of over $28.2 billion. These days, most people know him as the mastermind behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but according to Deadline, Feige was nearly fired from Marvel Studios. Had Disney CEO Bob Iger not intervened by absorbing the company into Walt Disney Studios, the MCU would likely look quite a bit different than it does today.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Iger recalled how in 2015, Ike Perlmutte, the chairman and former CEO of Marvel, pushed to have Kevin Feige terminated. He said they purchased Marvel in 2009, and Ike was reassured that he would continue to run Marvel for the time being. He went on to explain that Feige, who was running Marvel Studios at the time, grew increasingly frustrated with the limitations Perlmutter was imposing on the MCU.
According to Iger, things got so bad between Ike Perlmutter and Kevin Feige that the latter attempted to fire the former. “I thought that was a mistake and stepped in to prevent that from happening,” said Iger. He added that Kevin is “incredibly talented” and Marvel’s remarkable track record is a testament to how amazing the executive is at his job.
Rather than ousting Kevin Feige, Iger had Marvel Studios absorbed into Walt Disney Studios in a move that meant Feige would no longer report to Perlmutter. Instead, he would report directly to that division’s chairman, Alan Horn. Perlmutter was apparently extremely upset about the decision, and Iger believes he’s still fuming about the move to this day.
By 2019, Kevin Feige was appointed the chief creative officer of Marvel Entertainment, Marvel Animation, Marvel Comics, and the now-defunct Marvel Television. In addition, he still serves as the president of Marvel Studios. Although Perlmutter is still heavily involved in the realm of Marvel, Feige looks to be the person who’s ultimately calling the shots.
Bob Iger clearly made the right choice in saving Kevin Feige, as the MCU is bigger than ever. Marvel Studios has produced and released several dozens films and it has a dozen more movie in various stages of development. In addition, the franchise also consists of several original shows that are available to stream on Disney+.
Next up from Marvel Studios is Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on February 17. The film is the latest MCU entry to be produced by Kevin Feige, and it follows Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne, along with Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, as they explore the Quantum Realm. They interact with strange creatures and embark on an adventure that goes beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.
Directed by Peyton Reed, Quantumania stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors, Kathryn Newton, Michelle Pfeiffer, William Jackson Harper, Bill Murray, Michael Douglas, and Corey Stoll. The film will kick off Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In addition, it will reportedly establish Kang the Conqueror (Majors) as the franchise’s next big baddie.
