More than any other entertainment company, big franchises mean big money for Walt Disney (DIS 1.36%).
The House of Mouse is the world's most prodigious licensor, with images responsible for $37.5 billion in merchandise sales in 2011, according to rankings data compiled by License Global! magazine. Newly acquired Lucasfilm ranks 15th at about $3 billion.
While Disney makes plenty of money selling images in other media and outlets, no opportunity looms so big as bringing branded merchandise into its own stores. Think of Lucasfilm's recent deal to create a version of Rovio's Angry Birds game based on Star Wars. Hasbro (HAS -0.32%) is already selling toys tailored to the concept.
Toys and games based on Marvel Comics characters offer a similar opportunity, especially now, with Iron Man 3 set to open in theaters in May. Will Disney take advantage? Fool contributor Tim Beyers answers this question and more in the following video. Please watch and then weigh in using the comments box below.