Article Overview
Disney is exploring the possibility of licensing some titles to Netflix again, but not including their major brands like Disney Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
Disney CEO Bob Iger regards these prominent brands as essential foundations for their own streaming platform, Disney+. Iger believes that the licensing of Disney titles to Netflix will not undermine the competitive edge and distinctiveness offered by the Disney Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars properties on Disney+.
Disney is currently exploring a renewed partnership with Netflix. In the past, Disney has licensed many of their titles to the online streaming service. However, with the introduction of their own streaming service called Disney+, these licensing agreements became less common. Disney+ offers subscribers access to a wide range of titles from the Disney library, as well as content from other libraries they own, such as 20th Century Studios and National Geographic. In addition, Disney+ also offers original shows and movies, including popular titles like WandaVision from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Hocus Pocus 2.
According to Variety, Disney CEO Bob Iger discussed the company's streaming plans during an earnings call. He mentioned that Disney is considering licensing certain titles to Netflix once again. However, this will exclude flagship shows and movies from brands like "Disney Pixar, Marvel, [and] Star Wars." Iger emphasized the importance of these properties as key components of their streaming platform. You can read his full quote about these brands below.
Those are indeed genuine competitive advantages for us and distinguishing factors. Disney Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, for instance, are all performing exceptionally well on our platform, and I fail to see why we should merely pursue financial gain instead of recognizing their significance as integral components of both our current and future streaming business.
Disney+ Has Been Changing A Lot in 2023
Disney, amidst significant losses in the streaming industry, has unveiled several notable changes to Disney+. This includes a surprising announcement about rekindling their relationship with Netflix. Some of these decisions have sparked controversy, particularly the removal of various streaming exclusive titles like the Willow sequel show. Interestingly, this show was canceled a mere five months after its release. Additionally, the service recently implemented a price increase for its ad-free tier.
Willow starred Warwick Davis, reprising his role as the title character in the fantasy film of the same name released in 1988.
Furthermore, recent updates have significantly expanded their library. In fact, Iger announced during the same earnings call that the official launch of the new app combining Disney+ with Hulu is imminent. This announcement follows the platform's earlier expansion this year to include R-rated movies from 20th Century Studios, including boundary-pushing Marvel films like Logan, Deadpool, and Deadpool 2. However, family controls give parents the ability to decide whether or not these options are available for their children.
The limitations of this new deal mean that Disney is unlikely to license certain shows that were originally created for the rival streaming platform. This includes the Netflix Marvel TV shows like Daredevil and Jessica Jones, which fall under one of the brands that Disney still wants to safeguard. In fact, Disney+ is currently working on a new Daredevil show that will see Charlie Cox reprising the title role. Therefore, it is highly likely that Disney sees licensing the original show as a potential liability.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about Disney's decision to license content to Netflix while excluding its top 3 brands. On the one hand, I understand Disney's desire to protect its most popular franchises and use them to drive subscriptions to its own streaming service, Disney+. On the other hand, I am concerned that this decision will limit the availability of some of my favorite shows and movies on Netflix.
I am particularly disappointed that Disney is excluding its top 3 brands from the licensing agreement with Netflix. These brands are home to some of the most popular and iconic characters in the world, and I am worried that fans will not be able to access them as easily on Netflix. For example, I am a big fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and I am disappointed that I will not be able to watch the latest Marvel movies on Netflix.
Overall, I think Disney's decision to license content to Netflix while excluding its top 3 brands is a mixed bag. I understand the company's desire to protect its most popular franchises, but I am concerned that this decision will limit the availability of some of my favorite shows and movies on Netflix. I hope that Disney will reconsider this decision in the future and make its content more widely available to fans.
