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“We knew this unique service with content that only Disney can create would resonate with consumers and stand out in the marketplace,” Disney CEO Bob Chapek said Thursday. “And it goes without saying that Disney + has exceeded our wildest expectations.”
Disney also announced that the monthly fee for the service in the US will increase by $ 1 in March to $ 7.99. Strong demand for Disney + led the company to increase its long-term subscriber estimates.
The company now projects that the service will have 230 million to 260 million subscribers by the end of fiscal 2024. That number is a big jump from its initial projections last year of 60 million to 90 million.
The company said its direct-to-consumer offerings, which include Disney +, Hulu, ESPN + and Hotstar, have more than 137 million subscriptions worldwide. Disney also added that the Disney + service will launch in more markets next year, including South Korea, Eastern Europe and Hong Kong.
Disney’s broadcast numbers weren’t the only announcement the company had to offer on a virtual investor day Thursday.
The company showcased a ton of new content for shareholders and fans.
Disney said that in the coming years, Disney + will have approximately 10 new series from Marvel and Star Wars, as well as 15 live-action series from Disney, Disney Animation and Pixar. Disney also said that 15 new films from Pixar, Disney live action and Disney Animation will be heading to the service.
This includes Disney Animation’s “Raya and the Last Dragon,” which will be available to rent for an additional fee on Disney +, as well as in theaters in March.
“It is important to note that all of these distribution plans reflect our current view of the media and entertainment landscape,” said Kareem Daniel, president of Disney entertainment and media distribution. “The Walt Disney Company is uniquely positioned to execute this consumer-centric strategy.”
A magical kingdom of content
Disney spent nearly three hours advertising what seemed like an endless parade of content from its biggest brands.
Disney + betting on Star Wars is a safe strategy considering that “The Mandalorian” has been the service’s greatest success, possibly leading Disney + since its inception.
However, consolidating Star Wars as a flagship brand on Disney + is a sign that Disney’s emphasis is shifting from the box office to streaming.
But Star Wars was far from the only brand that was in the spotlight Thursday.
Disney announced that a reboot of “The Mighty Ducks” starring Emilio Estévez is coming to Disney +, as well as a live action of Pinocchio, starring Tom Hanks.
And then there was Marvel Studios.
Disney’s largest brand will have a large presence on the streaming service. Original series like “WandaVision” and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” will be released in January and February of next year.
They will eventually be combined with series starring some of the biggest names in the Marvel universe like Ms. Marvel, She Hulk, and Hawkeye.
The large scale of content announced Thursday was a strong reminder to the rest of the streaming world that Disney + had an incredible year, acting as a lifeboat for a company devastated by the coronavirus, and that Disney is fully committed to the future. of streaming.
But for former CEO Iger, who is currently the CEO of the company leading creative endeavors, Disney + is still on its way.
“The fact is, we’re just getting started,” Iger said with a smile, closing the Disney event.
