Last year, Disney announced that they were removing their movies from Netflix and launching their own streaming service. Until now, we’ve known very little about the service, except that it’s coming.
Since the announcement, Disney-owned ESPN launched their OTT service, ESPN+ which includes live sports content including MLS, UFC, PGA Tour, web-exclusive shows, and access to a library of sports documentaries.
But all eyes are on Disney’s Netflix competitor, many are terming DisneyFlix.
Yesterday, Disney’s CEO Bob Iger revealed that he expects Disney’s Netflix competitor to launch by the end of 2019.
Disney now owns Pixar, LucasFilm, Marvel and it’s recent acquisition of Fox brings them NatGeo, as well as Fox’s vast library of films (Home Alone, X-Men, Ice Age) and shows (The Simpsons, Family Guy).
What Movies will be on Disney’s Streaming Service?
Starting in March, the company will let their licensing deal with Netflix expire. This means all Disney films starting with Captain Marvel will go on the Disney streaming service. This includes the live-action remake of Dumbo and the next Avengers film.
They will also be making films exclusively available for the service like live action remakes of Lady and the Tramp and The Sword in the Stone, the Anna Kendrick Christmas comedy Noelle, and Timmy Failure, based on the best-selling books.
What Television Shows will be on Disney’s Streaming Service?
Disney will make television series based on their films Monsters Inc. and High School Musical. There are discussions to bring a return of the Muppets, as well as new originals in the Marvel-universe.
Disney confirmed that Marvel’s current original shows on Netflix will stay with the streaming service.
It is expected that Fox’s shows like The Simpsons will remain on Hulu (of which Disney is now the majority owner), in an attempt to make the service mostly family friendly.
Their most ambitious project though is a $100 million, 10 episodes live-action Star Wars TV series from Iron Man director John Favreau.
Can they compete with Netflix?
With Netflix expected to spend $8B on content next year, Disney will have to spend aggressively in order to keep up with the streaming giant.
While we don’t know all the details like launch date and pricing, we do know is that with their existing film library, upcoming shows in production, and the technology from BAMTech — that they are in the best position of any to compete with Netflix.