It has been one month since Disney announced during an earnings report that the company would be removing its content from Netflix and creating their own streaming service. Since that time, many have been questioning whether that would include Star Wars and Marvel properties, or if they would retain their Netflix presence.
The time for speculation is over. Disney CEO Bob Iger just announced that Marvel and Star Wars content will be available exclusively on Disney’s upcoming streaming service.
Iger gave the news at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2017 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, September 7th. Iger told the audience,
“I have described a very rich, treasure trove of content for this app. We’re going to launch big, and we’re going to launch hot.”
Set to launch in 2019, the streaming service will not only host current Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars content, but will also add exclusive media; four to five original Disney series and three to four original Disney movies will be available only through the service.
The rest of the world may be getting a jump on the U.S.; due to streaming rights clearances, international versions may launch earlier than the one for Disney’s country of origin.
Iger outlined his strategy for the next year and a half or so, saying he plans to focus on direct-to-consumer streaming products, which include the ESPN streaming platform, and the process of preparing for the transition to Disney’s next CEO.
Source: CNBC
Image: Richard Drew/AP/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
