Last month, it was reported that Disney, planning to launch a streaming service of their own in 2019, was negotiating with Netflix about their Marvel and Lucasfilm properties. However, it’s now been decided that those movies will be removed from Netflix.
From Variety: “‘We’ve now decided we will put the Marvel and ‘Star Wars’ movies on this app as well,’ [Disney CEO Bob] Iger said during a question-and-answer session at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Media’s communications and entertainment conference held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.”
“Iger also narrowed the time frame when the Disney streaming service will launch, saying he expects it will go live in late 2019. The announcement of a streaming platform signaled Disney felt ready to compete in the digital streaming space that Netflix has dominated in recent years. Netflix has been ramping up its original offerings in an effort to reduce its dependency on licensing content like Disney hits ‘Zootopia,’ ‘Finding Dory,’ and ‘Rogue One.’”
Additionally, “Iger offered a few more details Thursday about its streaming service, saying Disney plans to produce four or five original movies per year, as well as an equal number of original series and TV movies. A price for the subscription has not yet been announced.”
It’s worth noting though that Iger does say “movies,” so presumably the shows that originated on Netflix will remain there. For now.
