No, Disney does not own the rights to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The film’s rights are currently held by 20th Century Studios, formerly 20th Century Fox, which is owned by Disney. However, ownership of a studio does not automatically equate to ownership of every piece of intellectual property the studio has ever produced or acquired.
The Murky Waters of Media Ownership
Understanding the landscape of media ownership can be complex. While Disney acquired 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios) in a landmark deal in 2019, the rights to various films and television shows are held under different contracts and agreements. This means that even though Disney controls 20th Century Studios, the specific agreements regarding rights, distribution, and licensing for individual properties, like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, remain in place.
The key takeaway is that Disney controls 20th Century Studios, but doesn’t directly “own” all the intellectual property produced or acquired by the studio. This distinction is crucial when understanding the ownership of specific properties.
The Legacy of 20th Century Fox and Rocky Horror
The Rocky Horror Picture Show was originally released by 20th Century Fox in 1975. Its initial reception was lukewarm, but its cult following quickly grew, transforming it into a phenomenon unlike any other. This iconic film has a unique place in cinema history, and its enduring popularity ensures its continued relevance.
Even after the Disney acquisition, 20th Century Studios remains responsible for managing and distributing The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Disney’s involvement is primarily in the overarching strategic decisions for the studio as a whole, not the day-to-day management of individual titles, unless specific changes are implemented.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rocky Horror and Disney
What Exactly Did Disney Buy When They Acquired 20th Century Fox?
Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox was a massive deal that included the studio’s film and television production arms, cable networks, and a significant stake in streaming services like Hulu. This acquisition brought a vast library of films and TV shows under Disney’s umbrella. However, as mentioned, this doesn’t mean Disney automatically owns all the rights to everything produced or acquired by Fox before the acquisition. It means they control the studio responsible for these properties.
Does Disney Have the Right to Remake The Rocky Horror Picture Show?
Potentially. Because Disney now controls 20th Century Studios, they have the ultimate say in whether a remake is pursued. However, any remake would need to consider the existing contracts and agreements related to the original film, including agreements with the creators and potentially, actors. While they could remake it, whether they will is a completely separate question dependent on their overall strategy and the perceived value of a remake.
Could Disney Pull The Rocky Horror Picture Show from Circulation?
Unlikely, but technically possible. While Disney controls 20th Century Studios, pulling a successful and beloved film like The Rocky Horror Picture Show would be a significant business decision with potentially negative repercussions. The film continues to generate revenue through screenings, merchandise, and streaming. Unless there were unforeseen circumstances (e.g., a major rights dispute or ethical concerns), it’s unlikely Disney would choose to remove it.
Who Owns the Copyright to the Music in The Rocky Horror Picture Show?
The copyright to the music in The Rocky Horror Picture Show is complex. It’s likely shared between the composers Richard O’Brien and Richard Hartley, and the production company (now 20th Century Studios). Performance rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP and BMI also play a role in managing and collecting royalties for the use of the music.
Are the Rights to The Rocky Horror Show Stage Production the Same as the Film?
No. The stage production, The Rocky Horror Show, is distinct from the film. While the film is owned and controlled by 20th Century Studios (under Disney), the rights to the stage production are typically controlled by the play’s author, Richard O’Brien, or a company representing his interests. Licensing the stage production involves different agreements and permissions than licensing the film.
Can I Show The Rocky Horror Picture Show at a Private Party?
Showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show at a private party is generally permissible as long as it’s truly private (i.e., not advertised to the public and no admission fee is charged). However, publicly screening the film without obtaining the necessary rights from 20th Century Studios is copyright infringement.
What About Rocky Horror Merchandise? Does Disney Control That?
Yes, Disney controls the licensing of official Rocky Horror Picture Show merchandise through 20th Century Studios. This includes t-shirts, posters, action figures, and other related products. Selling unlicensed merchandise is a violation of copyright and trademark laws.
Where Can I Legally Watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show?
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms, including iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. It may also be available on streaming services like Hulu (which Disney also owns a majority stake in). Check your local listings for theatrical screenings.
How Does the Disney Acquisition Affect Rocky Horror Shadow Casts?
The Disney acquisition doesn’t directly affect the operation of Rocky Horror shadow casts. Shadow casts operate independently, paying for the rights to screen the film from 20th Century Studios (or their licensed distributors). As long as they obtain the necessary screening rights, their performances can continue as usual.
Will Disney Censor The Rocky Horror Picture Show in Any Way?
It’s unlikely Disney would significantly censor The Rocky Horror Picture Show. While Disney has a reputation for family-friendly content, they have also shown a willingness to preserve the integrity of their acquired properties, particularly those with established fan bases. Drastic changes to the film would likely alienate its loyal audience. However, some minor edits might be possible on some streaming platforms to comply with specific content guidelines.
How Do I Get Permission to Use Clips from The Rocky Horror Picture Show in My Project?
To use clips from The Rocky Horror Picture Show in your project, you need to obtain permission from 20th Century Studios (owned by Disney). This typically involves submitting a request outlining the purpose of the clip, the duration of the clip, and the intended audience. You will likely need to pay a licensing fee for the rights to use the footage.
Is There Any Chance Disney Will Make a Rocky Horror Sequel?
While there have been no official announcements about a sequel, it’s always a possibility. Hollywood loves reboots and sequels, and the enduring popularity of The Rocky Horror Picture Show makes it a tempting target. However, any sequel would need to capture the spirit of the original while also appealing to a modern audience. It’s a risky proposition, but not entirely out of the question.