Disney is entering the streaming war this year with its Netflix rival, Disney Plus.
On top of its already extensive library of content, Disney is developing several original shows and movies for the platform, including two live-action "Star Wars" shows and Marvel TV series spinning out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Disney has confirmed that one starring Tom Hiddleston as Loki is in the works, and Variety reported last year that more are in development starring Scarlet Witch, Winter Soldier, and the Falcon. They will be big-budget, limited series of six to eight episodes.
Its original content also includes a "Monsters Inc." series, a "High School Musical" series, and movies starring Anna Kendrick and Willem Dafoe.
Disney will go head-to-head with Netflix, ending a licensing deal with the streaming giant this year. All new Disney theatrical releases, starting with "Captain Marvel," will eventually land on Disney Plus.
Wall Street analysts have high expectations for Disney's streaming efforts. Barclays analysts said in a report on Wednesday that Disney could reach 170 million subscribers by 2025 among its three services: Disney Plus, Hulu (of which it now owns 60%), and ESPN Plus. UBS analysts estimated in January that Disney Plus alone could reach 50 million subscribers in five years.
But the service could face hurdles. Some of Disney's library, such as old "Star Wars" movies, could be missing because of licensing agreements, making its original content all the more important.
Obviously, I'm here for The Mandalorian & the Cassian Andor show. And the Clone Wars. Of the Marvel ones, the Loki series interests me much more than that other one they talk about, but I'm sure I'll check them both out, and whatever other Marvel content they come up with. Other than that seems like there's going to be a lot of children's content, as should be expected. Moderately intrigued by the Sword In The Stone remake and High Fidelity-inspired series.