In a press release sent out today, Activision announced that it now has the rights to publish even more games based on Marvel franchises. Now the Fantastic Four and Iron Man, both in the works for feature films due in 2003/2004, will be hitting the PC and next-gen consoles.

While GameCube isn't specifically mentioned, there is a very good possibility that one or both of these games is bound for Nintendo's system, and probably GBA too. Activision's Spider-Man games are already headed for the twin systems. Here's the full, official press release:

Superhuman Characters Enhance Activision's Slate of Comic Heroes

That Includes Spider-Man, X-Men and Blade

Santa Monica, CA - August 30, 2001 - Strengthening its leadership as the top publisher of comic super hero brands, Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced it will bring Marvel's "First Family," The Fantastic Four, and "The Invincible" Iron Man to the interactive arena. Under the terms of the deal, Activision has acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish interactive games for the next-generation console systems and the PC based on these renowned properties. These brands complement the company's current slate of Marvel Super Heroes that include Spider-ManÒ, X-MenÒ and BladeÒ.

Twentieth Century Fox is currently in development with a theatrical film based on The Fantastic Four and New Line Cinema is developing a motion picture based on Iron Man. Both projects are slated to be released in 2003/2004.

"Activision is thrilled to extend our relationship with Marvel by adding these phenomenally rich characters to our slate of established brands," said Greg Goldstein, vice president of brand development and licensing for Activision, Inc. "Both of these properties have entertained fans around the world in the form of comic books and other media for more than 35 years. We intend to take full advantage of current videogame hardware technology to bring these iconic super heroes to life as never before."

Russ Brown, senior vice president, consumer products, promotions & media sales for Marvel added, "After seeing the excitement and success surrounding Activision's Marvel videogames, it is obvious to me that the people at Activision understand Super Heroes and know what our fans expect. Fantastic Four and Iron Man are two other properties that possess extremely loyal fan bases who have been waiting a long time to be able to share their adventures in the form of videogames."

For the past 40 years, The Fantastic Four have entertained millions of people around the world as the greatest team of superhuman adventurers ever assembled. Approximately 150 million comic books have been sold in more than 26 countries since their introduction in 1961. Possessing unique powers, the foursome challenge the unknown to benefit humanity. Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) becomes malleable, Sue Storm (The Invisible Woman) turns invisible, Johnny Storm (The Human Torch) generates fiery plasma and Ben Richards (The Thing) is orange-colored, thick-skinned, heavily muscled and superhumanly strong.

First launched in 1963, the Iron Man character has been featured in approximately 120 million comic books in more than 26 countries around the world. After billionaire genius Tony Stark was gravely injured by an act of industrial sabotage, he saved his own life by designing a life-sustaining shell - the hi-tech armor that is the invincible Iron Man. This modern-day knight fights injustice wherever it rears its ugly head.