Netflix is by far the dominant player in the increasingly crowded (but still lucrative) streaming on demand sector, which has radically changed the way most of us view TV. Currently, the next biggest player is Amazon while Hulu which is currently only available to US & Japanese users probably comes in third.
This trifecta is about to be shaken up with the advent of Disneys own streaming channel, which is due to come online late 2019. Assuming the Fox deal goes ahead, Disney will not only have its own dedicated service, but will also become the majority shareholder in Hulu giving it a significant presence.
Disney is a brand in its self but it also has Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic as mini-franchises and it seems likely that they will feature heavily in the new offering.
Although nothing is fully confirmed the new service is expected to feature the following on top of the already huge classic Disney library:
Star Wars
- The Clone Wars new season (exclusive to this service)
- All the Star Wars films including Episode 9 scheduled for 2019 release
- The Mandalorian a big budget live series, being developed by Jon Favreau
- A Star Wars Rogue One prequel series
Marvel
- Marvel Movies Including Captain Marvel slated for 2019 release
- An Avengers linked TV series focusing on Loki, starring Tom Hiddleston
- A Marvel series for the Scarlet Witch
- A Marvel series teaming up Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson (Falcon)
Pixar
- Toy Story 4
- An animated series based on Monsters Inc.
Possibly the most exciting news though – for those of us who have childhood memories of the original release anyway is the rumour of a live-action Lady and the Tramp remake. Now that may be worth the price of a subscription alone!
No firm pricing has been announced but is expected to be lower than a comparable Netflix subscription and it will undoubtedly end up being another add-on to the household services rather than an either or.
