Walt Disney Co acquired the right to four of the Marvel superhero movies which are held by Viacom Inc. The films were released between 2008 up until 2011.

The agreement for transfer of ownership covers the first two installments of the "Iron Man" movies, "Captain America: The First Avenger" and "Thor".

The deal allows Disney a bigger control over the Marvel film library. Disney plans to expand the characters involvement in television and with its theme park attractions. Walt Disney Co acquired the Comic Book and Movie Company last December of 2009 for US $4.2 billion which was paid in cash and stock options.

Disney is the owner of Marvel Entertainment.

Sony Corp, the owners of the "Spider-Man" movies have a long standing agreement with Marvel. Co-chairwoman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amy Pascal said in an interview last May 22, that the studio has no plans to sell the Spider-Man rights.