Disney is cutting its deal with Netflix in favor of launching its own direct-to-consumer streaming service in 2019. It’s officially time to watch Moana …
But in all seriousness, you will have until the end of 2018 to watch Disney movies on Netflix. Marvel TV shows, such as Daredevil, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher and The Defenders, will remain Netflix properties. Netflix’s deal with Disney ends with the studios 2019 theatrical releases. At least this means the next two Star Wars movies will be available. That’s good news for Thor and Black Panther fans as well.
In 2019, the streaming service will host upcoming films such as Toy Story 4, Frozen 2 and the live-action Lion King. Disney also said it’s making a significant investment in original content exclusive to the platform. However, a decision has not been made regarding where to put the Star Wars and Marvel franchise movies. It's possible Disney will continue to license them to Netflix or develop brand new streaming services for each.
“There’s been talk of launching a proprietary Marvel service and Star Wars service,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “Disposition of Marvel and Star Wars will be announced at a later date when we know what we want to do.”
If you thought it would end at an exclusive Disney service, think again. One of the company’s most popular holdings is ESPN, and another streaming service launching in early 2018 will feature thousands of sporting events with content from MLB, NHL and more.
Disney even bought a 33 percent stake in BAM Tech to power the services, an MLB-founded video streaming platform. Netflix stock dropped more than five percent upon announcement of the news.
“This acquisition and the launch of our direct-to-consumer services mark an entirely new growth strategy for the company, one that takes advantage of the incredible opportunity that changing technology provides us to leverage the strength of our great brands,” Iger added.
Disney and Netflix struck a distribution deal for Disney, Walt Disney Animation, Marvel and Pixar properties all the way back in 2012, which only went into effect for theatrical releases in 2016. Netflix is clearly getting the short end of the stick here, especially if they lose the rights to Mavel and Star Wars. It could take a lot to make a standalone service for either of those franchise's profitable. Disney would have to figure out a way to have enough content for the pricepoint.
There is no word on how much the Disney streaming service will cost. How much would you be willing to pay? Let us know in the comments below.
This story is developing.
