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Fact check: Post Title: Is this (Marvel) another Pixar? - Steve Jobs [Excerpt from Robert Iger: The Ride of A Lifetime] Original Reddit link: https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelstudios/comments/1eyezj9/is_this_marvel_another_pixar_steve_jobs_excerpt/

Checked on April 25, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Steve Jobs' question about Marvel being "another Pixar" was indeed significant and came during a crucial moment in Disney's acquisition of Marvel. The comparison proved prescient, as both studios have demonstrated similar strengths in storytelling and cultural impact. Jobs, despite never having read a comic book, played a pivotal role in facilitating the $4 billion Marvel acquisition by personally intervening with Ike Perlmutter [1] [2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements were missing from the original statement:

  • The timing of the acquisition coincided with Marvel's breakthrough success of "Iron Man," which proved B-level characters could attract massive audiences [1]
  • Both Marvel and Pixar have demonstrated similar capabilities in:
    • Transcending genre limitations
    • Preventing audience fatigue through diverse storytelling
    • Creating memorable characters and compelling narratives [3] [4]

  • The relationship between Marvel and Pixar became even more intertwined under Disney, as demonstrated by projects like Big Hero 6, which combined Marvel properties with Pixar-like storytelling approaches [5]
  • 3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

    The original statement lacks crucial context about the business dynamics at play:

    • Financial Stakes: Jobs had significant financial interest in the deal's success as Disney's largest individual shareholder [2]
    • Power Dynamics: The deal required careful negotiation between multiple powerful figures:
      • Bob Iger (Disney CEO)
      • Ike Perlmutter (Marvel)
      • Steve Jobs (Pixar/Disney shareholder) [1] [2]

  • Creative Control: A key selling point was Disney's promise to maintain Marvel's creative independence, similar to their approach with Pixar [1]. This suggests that both Marvel and Pixar benefited from positioning themselves as autonomous creative entities within Disney's corporate structure.
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