As video-on-demand streaming apps increase in growth and subscription numbers, Disney has revealed that Marvel and Star Wars films will solely be available via its own streaming platform, launching 2019.
The announcement follows the company’s decision to remove all Disney and Pixar movies from Netflix earlier in the year. Naturally, these films are expected to be available on its streaming app too.
The Disney branded streaming platform will move it to compete with rivals such as Amazon, Hulu and Neflix, plus a suite of others.
Chief Executive, Bob Iger, confirmed the decision:
“We’ve now decided we will put the Marvel and ‘Star Wars’ movies on this app as well”.
Mr Iger also revealed Disney’s intentions to produce 4 – 5 original films, matched by the same quantity of original series and TV movies.
Disney is also said to be launching its own ESPN video streaming platform at the beginning of 2018. This platform will reportedly play about 10,000 sporting events per year, inclusive of material from the MLB, NHL, MLS, collegiate sports and Grand Slam tennis.
Consumers should be able to purchase either the Disney or ESPN streaming services from app stores or authorised pay-TV partners.
Disney has confirmed that it will end its agreement with Netflix for streaming new releases, from the beginning of the 2019 calendar year theatrical slate.
While the decision will affect all of its movies, Netflix should get the next two Star Wars films, though won’t receive the latest trilogy’s last installment.
Upon Disney’s announcement, Netflix stock was seen to drop more than 5%.
Disney has said it would pay $1.58 billion to acquire an additional 42% share in video-streaming firm BAMTech to power the new app. The news follows last year’s announcement wherein Disney advised it would take a 33% stake in BAMTech for $1 billion.
