The launch ofDisney+is just around the corner and it’s about to shake up the streaming world in a big way. This could represent the first real competition that Netflix has had in the space as Disney+ will feature the studio’s vast library of titles across its long history. But securing all of those titles hasn’t been easy, even though they are Disney’s titles. Case in point, the company had to cut an interesting deal with Starz to get streaming rights to certain key titles such asStar Wars: The Force Awakens.
“It’s clear that, from a library perspective, while there’s certainly a lot of volume, the recent studio slate will not fully be available at any one time because of the existing deals and it would take time for those rights, ultimately, to revert back to us.”
Disney isn’t the only one in a position like this as the streaming wars heat up.WarnerMedia’s HBO Maxhas been fighting to secure attractive content for its service and Comcast’s NBC-branded Peacock is similarly doing what it can to make exclusive deals for appealing titles. Netflix, meanwhile, is suffering as studios like Disney are pulling titles from the service to protect their own interests. One could argue its the consumer who loses, as content will be spread across various subscription-based services, which sort of defeats the purpose of cord-cutting in the first place.
Disney+, in addition to Disney’s massive library ofStar Wars, Marvel, Pixar and National Geographic titles, will host titles from the Fox back catalog, as well as original content. Shows likeThe Mandalorian, the first everStar Warslive-actin series, and the newHigh School Musicalshow, will be available at launch, as will the newLady and the Tramplive-action remake. Disney+ launches in the U.S. on November 12 and costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually. This news comes to us viaThe Verge.
