Bob Iger has shed some light on Disney’s plans to launch its own SVOD service rather than licensing its content to third parties such as Netflix.
The US streaming service, or rather a suite of services, is expected to launch in the latter part of 2019. Although the new service is generally seems as a ‘Netflix killer’, Iger said that it is mean to co-exist with Netflix and Amazon.
Sports will be offered through ESPN; family content through a new service, tentatively dubbed Disney Play; and Hulu likely remain as the platform for other entertainment content.
The platform will offer library content, as well as ‘originals’ made specifically for the service. Original films will include a remake of Lady and the Tramp and Noelle.
Some of its original television series will build off pre-existing Disney properties such as Monsters Inc and High School Musical. A 10-episode Star Wars series is also being developed.
Once Disney has acquired Fox it will have not only access to a very large backlog library, in eluding Fox, Disney, Marvel, Pixar and the former Touchstone, but also holds a majority in the streaming service Hulu, with NBCU/Comcast owning 30%.
However, some of Disney’s most popular content — like the Star Wars films released before next year — will not be available on the service because they have been licensed to other distributors.
With regards to pricing, Iger has said the new Disney streaming service will launch at a price lower than that of established rival Netflix.
Disney’s family service will not include any R-rated material, that will be offered via Hulu. The service will initially only be available in the US, with an international rollout envisaged later on.
