Disney+ Streaming Service Finally Hits Market
When Disney announced they were pulling all their movies and television shows from Netflix and other streaming platforms in August 2017, many were quick to criticize the corporation for jumping on the streaming bandwagon only a few months after the acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
Then, at the D23 Expo, Disney representatives went into further detail about what the streaming platform would include. On top of their animated films, Disney+ would include Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and even Fox originals like “The Simpsons.”
If that wasn’t enough, Disney also announced that original content was in the works, such as Marvel’s “WandaVision” and “Loki.” Recently, old Disney Channel movies and shows like “Lizzie Mcguire” were also added in hopes of attracting more people to the all-Disney streaming platform.
Another main draw is the Star Wars content, including the original series, “The Mandalorian.” The Disney+ exclusive is created by Jon Favreau, director of the original Iron Man movie, and takes place five years after the events of “Return of the Jedi.”
This could either be really exciting for some interested in more Disney content or frustrating for those not wanting to pay for a streaming service just to keep up with the stories.
“It looks cool, but I don’t think I’ll get it, “ Sara Robinette, an English major, said. “There are other services that give me more variety.”
Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Fiege said that Disney+ would play a large role in a “post-Endgame MCU.” After Netflix canceled all five of their Marvel original series, it looks like Disney Plus might be the only opportunity for diehard fans to get more content in between blockbusters. Marvel alone could be the factor that brings in over 13 million users by the end of 2020, according to Morgan Stanley analyst Benjamin Swinburne.
“I think Disney+ is a great move, but it’s definitely a monopoly. Disney is looking to make money but they’re being smart about it,” said Andrea Richey, a political science major.
Disney+ has only been out for a few days and it’s reached 10 million users already, toppling Swinburne’s prediction. The argument for it is that if you’re even a little fan of Disney, you’ll enjoy it, considering it includes a wide variety of everything Disney has ever released.
“I got it just to watch ‘The Mandalorian,’ but I think it’s really cool to collect all the Disney stuff and put it in one place. It’s not like the Disney Channel or Disney XD. It includes modern stuff, too, which provides easy access,” said Nick Valentin, a creative writing major. He added that keeping everything in one place made it simple for people of all ages to use the service.
More can be read on Disney’s streaming service at www.disneyplus.com.
—sydney.dahle@aggiemail.usu.edu
@dillydahle