Comcast Just Gave Disney a Clear Path to Snatch Up Most of 21st Century Fox

Comcast Corp. has officially given Disney a clear path to 21st Century Foxs major assets. On Thursday, the company bowed out of the bidding war for assets like FX and National Geographic TV channels, 20th Century Fox studio, and Foxs stake in Hulu, according to Variety. That said, Comcast hasnt bowed out of the battle completely. In a statement, the company declared that it was still vying for Sky, a European broadcasting company—and one Disney is still bidding for as well.

“Comcast does not intend to pursue further the acquisition of the Twenty-First Century Fox assets and, instead, will focus on our recommended offer for Sky,” the company said in a statement Thursday, per Variety. Comcast C.E.O. and chairman Brian L. Roberts also added that hed “like to congratulate [Disney head] Bob Iger and the team at Disney and commend the Murdoch family and Fox for creating such a desirable and respected company.”

Comcast has offered $34 billion for Sky, according to CNN—a big step down from the companys larger attempt to gain control of Foxs assets. In late June, Comcast offered up $65 billion, in an attempt to outdo Disneys $52.4 billion bid. However, Disney quickly put together a robust $71.3 billion offer, which also allowed Fox shareholders the option of getting cash or stock.

Now, the mousey mega corp is continuing its march to own just about everything you see on TV and at the movies. The Justice Department already approved Disneys $71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox back in June, paving the way for the company to nab all the assets they want. Next comes the battle for Sky, which would give either Comcast or Disney a leg up with overseas viewers who regularly subscribe to the service.

Get Vanity Fairs HWD NewsletterSign up for essential industry and award news from Hollywood.Full ScreenPhotos:The Crown Season 3: How Do the New Royals Stack Up?

Olivia Colman vs. Claire Foy

Queen Elizabeth II: Foy played the monarch on The Crowns first two seasons to great effect, picking up a Golden Globe and two Emmy nominations along the way. Now, BAFTA-winning star Colman will take over, playing the queen as she approaches the 25th anniversary of her reign—otherwise known as the Silver Jubilee.Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.

Helena Bonham Carter vs. Vanessa Kirby

Princess Margaret: Kirby stole every viewers heart as the rebellious princess caught in the stuffy world of the monarchy. Oscar nominee Bonham Carter is a perfect successor, playing the princess as she barrels toward the end of her tumultuous marriage to Lord Snowdon.Photo: Left, by Samir Hussein/WireImage; right, courtesy of Netflix.

Tobias Menzies vs. Matt Smith

Prince Philip: Smith deftly portrayed the queens husband as he bridled against the constraints of her position, going out with his friends and allegedly having affairs. Outlander star Menzies will tackle Philip from there. Perhaps his plot will revolve around the fact that Philip is often credited with saving engineering in Britain in the 1970s?Photo: Left, by Gabriel Maseda/NurPhoto; right, courtesy of Netflix.

Ben Daniels vs. Matthew Goode

Lord Snowdon: Goode expertly played the provocative photographer who wed Princess Margaret in Season 2. The pair went on to have a fraught relationship, which is where Daniels (House of Cards, The Exorcist series) will come in next season.Photo: Left, by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock; right, courtesy of Netflix.

Erin Doherty vs. Lyla Barrett-Rye

Princess Anne: Young Barrett-Rye played the Queens only daughter for a handful of episodes in Season 2. Now, industry newcomer Erin Doherty will take over the role, playing the royal as she graduates from boarding school and becomes a public figure, making a name for herself as one of the Queens more extroverted children.Photo: Left, by Roberto Ricciuti/Getty Images; right, courtesy of Netflix.PreviousNext

Yohana DestaYohana Desta is a Hollywood writer for VanityFair.com.