American media conglomerate Walt Disney Co. has gained marketing and distribution rights for any future Indiana Jones films under an agreement with Paramount Pictures. Paramount released the first four movies in the blockbuster franchise. According to a report by Reuters, Paramount will retain distribution rights to the original four films. Paramount is a subsidiary unit of New York-based Viacom Inc.
The Indiana Jones movies were produced by Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, which Disney acquired last year. Reuters in December reported that Disney and the Star Wars producer closed a merger agreement worth USD4.6 billion.
Disney has not announced plans for a fifth Indiana Jones movie. Although the new deal could make it easier for the company to move forward on a new installment. Paramount will receive an undisclosed share of the proceeds from any future films, the report said.
The Indiana Jones series began with 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark starring Harrison Ford as a hero archeologist. Steven Spielberg directed each of the four movies, which have grossed USD1.9 billion worldwide, said Reuters.
Join the Conversation