Disney officially made the final move establish their takeover of Fox. As Deadline puts it “the mouse has officially killed the fox”. The Walt Disney Company is dropping “Fox” from 2oth Century Fox. Disney acquired Fox in March last year and to not let anyone be confused into thinking Fox was still around, Disney is taking the word “fox” out and therefore the studio will simply be known as 20th Century Studios. Also, Fox Searchlight Pictures will be Searchlight Pictures.
This is just for the movies and there have not been any final decisions when it comes to 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 Televisions Studios. Deadline states there are discussions being made, but there’s no conclusive outcome yet.
According to the article, Disney has taken Fox out of company email addresses – simply referring to staff as Searchlight staffers. The fox.com is replaced with searchlightpictures.com in the email addresses. The movie Downhill will be the first film under the Searchlight Pictures name. Call of the Wild will be the first 20th Century banner film. As far as the logos go, the only change is that the word “Fox” is taken out.
While I’m sure some people will feign outrage over this, I have to ask, what did you think would happen when Disney took over Fox? When the Marriot took over Starwood, they didn’t keep Starwood’s name. Chevron did not keep Texaco’s name. When a bigger company buys out another, it then becomes the dominant company. Disney buying Fox out is nothing new. The deal was in a process for years and then became official in March. The fact that Fox is just now being taken out is surprising in that it took so long.
This decision was probably meant to also cease confusion. Because Fox broadcasting network/Fox News still exists under Fox Corp., under the CEO Lachlan Murdoch. This change lets you know what is owned by Disney and what isn’t owned by Disney.
Considering, also; Disney’s family-friendly brand and the negative connotations associated, at times; with Fox News, one insider told Deadline:
“I think the Fox name means Murdoch, and that is toxic.”
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
