Marvel Names Cartoon Network Exclusive U.S. Broadcast Home For All-New Fantastic Four Animated Series

From Marvel.com:

Animated Series Based On Marvel’s Legendary Super Hero Team

New TV Series Part of Marvel's Aggressive Strategy
To Maximize Exposure For Its Characters Worldwide

Los Angeles, CA, March, 2006 – Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with the Cartoon Network through which the broadcaster has obtained the exclusive domestic television rights to Marvel's highly-anticipated, all-new animated series based on the ever-popular Fantastic Four Super Hero franchise. Cartoon Network will debut the series in Fall 2006. The announcement was made by Michael Helfant, President/COO of Marvel Studios, and Terry Kalagian, Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, of Cartoon Network.

Co-produced by Marvel Studios and Moonscoop -- the award-winning, cutting-edge animation company behind such series as the Cartoon Network hit Code Lyoko – the Fantastic Four series combines a dynamic mix of 2D and 3D animation. Based upon the original Marvel characters and classic storylines, this new series follows the high-energy adventures of one of the comic book world's most prominent crime-fighting teams -- Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch and The Thing – as they battle villains and their ultimate rival, Dr. Doom. Avi Arad is executive producer of the series, and Eric Rollman, EVP, Home Entertainment & Television Production, and Craig Kyle, VP Creative Development, Animation, are the production executives for Marvel.

Last summer, the live action Fantastic Four feature film scorched the box office and became a blockbuster movie event – grossing more than $330 million worldwide and sparking the development of a sequel planned for summer 2007.

The initial season broadcast commitment for the animated series on Cartoon Network is 26 half-hour episodes. The domestic deal now makes Cartoon Network the global home for the Fantastic Four animated series. Late last year, the broadcaster struck a deal with Moonscoop to carry the series in all territories outside the U.S.

"Cartoon Network is the perfect home for the Fantastic Four. The network has established itself as one of the top providers of high-quality animation entertainment. Their commitment to this series will further Marvel's mission to drive consistent, high-profile exposure and excitement for The Fantastic Four franchise worldwide," said Mr. Helfant. "The television series furthers our aggressive strategy to fully support our characters through feature films, DVDs, video games, merchandising and television animation."

"Cartoon Network is the home for super heroes and will be a great home for the fantastic four," said Terry Kalagian, vice president of acquisitions and co-productions for Cartoon Network, "We're sure it'll be a fantastic addition to our programming line-up"

Marvel will further support the series with a targeted licensing program. Merchandise is expected to include: toys, interactive entertainment, and apparel.