Shareholders approve Disney’s $71.3 billion buyout of 21st Century Fox’s assets.

Variety reports that 21st Century Fox and Disney shareholders voted today in New York to approve a $71.3 billion buyout of Fox’s assets, which include 20th Century Fox, home of the X-MEN, DEADPOOL and FANTASTIC FOUR film franchises. The meeting was brief, taking less than 10 minutes to make the “near unanimous” approval.

The merger is expected to be complete in the first half of 2019, according to Fox’s general counsel. Disney already received the go-ahead from USA’s Justice Department as long as the company sells Fox’s sports networks. Disney also needs to secure approval from foreign governments.

So what does this mean for us comic book fans? It very likely means the X-Men, Deadpool and Fantastic Four are going home to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite rumors, this shouldn’t affect the releases of DARK PHOENIX and THE NEW MUTANTS as both films are in production/post-production with reshoots already in the pipeline. Despite wishes from those who wish to see both films shelved, the likely scenario will have both come out as planned, potentially putting an end to the iconic film franchise that started in 2000.

Click here to read more details about the buyout.

Source: Variety