Disney+ officially launches in the United States tomorrow. Ever since Disney bought BAMTech (now Disney Streaming Services) we knew a Disney-centric direct-to-consumer service was coming. It would turn out to be Disney+ (Remember when people thought it would be called Disney Play?). Disney+ will launch with content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic (acquired in the 21st Century Fox deal).
Disney+ will boast a library of Disney classics and feature new Disney+ originals. Arguably the biggest show they are launching day one is The Mandalorian, the first-ever Star Wars live-action show coming from director Jon Favreau. The Walt Disney Company has been using corporate synergy to promote Disney+ as Disney is going “all in.”
Disney+ is a transformation for Disney, and it could also have some huge ramifications as we head into the future. The launch of the new service depending on its success level could create a new heir for Bob Iger’s CEO position at the company. That would be Kevin Mayer, Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer and International at Disney. If Disney+ becomes a runaway success then we will see even more buzz around his name as a potential Iger successor.
The streaming service will be a home for both original Star Wars and Marvel content. Two of Disney’s biggest brands. Especially, Star Wars as the series will take a hiatus from the theaters after The Rise of Skywalker. On the Star Wars side, The Mandalorian season 2, Cassian Andor series, and Obi-Wan Kenobi are all in development with more Star Wars series on the way. The MCU is also embracing Disney’s newest storytelling platform as Kevin Feige and Co. have eight Marvel projects on the way for Disney+, obviously, Marvel has more projects that are being planned out.
A new era is now upon us. Disney now has the ability to make even more content. New original films and shows will be heading to Disney+ instead of the traditional way of theaters and network television. It’s finally here. Just like I said it’s a new era and this is just the beginning. Who knows in just a couple of years we could be watching a new live-action Peter Pan, new documentaries, Pixar content, and more series that directly tie into the Marvel and Star Wars universe. All of this content will be on just one service along with the ability of unlimited downloads.
The possibilities are endless for Disney+ and the new era officially kicks off tomorrow.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
