Disney’s direct-to-consumer streaming service has an official name: Disney+. Disney Chairman and CEOBob Igerrevealed the official name, logo and new platform details today on the company earning call. Iger says the service is on track for a late 2019 release (which makes sense since that’s about when their remaining Netflix contracts come to an end.)
Iger also confirmed new details about how the service will function. While we’ve known for a while that the service would incorporate Disney’s core brands, Iger revealed that the content will live on five hubs within the service: Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic. PerVulture, each hub will serve as a micro-platform on the service, with customized designs and features for each of the brands. “We’re going to superserve fans” Iger said.
It’s not a particularly original design (that sounds more or less like a cable bundle, as Vulture’s report notes), but it’s a fine contrast to the algorithmic content categories employed on Netflix, Disney’s big rival streaming service. Netflix users have long bemoaned how often films are buried or lost on the homepage, and the Disney+ model promises the possibility of a superior user experience.
Additionally, Igerconfirmed the rumored Loki series, which will seeTom Hiddlestonstar as the fan-favorite character originated in the MCU. He also announced the platform’s second live-action series afterJon Favreau’sThe Mandalorian— aRogue Oneprequel seriesfocused onDiego Luna’s Cassian Andor.
The launch may be a year away, but Disney’s already got a whole bunch of content in development for the service. In addition to the Star Wars and Marvel series, the TV side is planning a series re-imagining of the filmsHigh Fidelity(starring Zoe Kravitz, daughter the film adaptation’sLisa Bonet) andTheMighty Ducks, as well as an animated series set in the world ofMonsters, Inc. In the realm of film, Disney’s lined up the Christmas comedyNoelle(starringAnna Kendrick), a live-action adaptation ofLady and the Tramp,Don Quixotewritten byBilly Ray(Captain Phillips),The Paper Magician,Stargirl, andTogo, among many others.
Exact details on the price point (Iger previously said it would be less than Netflix), launch date, and more are still to come and Iger promised more information to come at an investor event in April 2019.
