Disney+ has been a major focus for The Walt Disney Company throughout the pandemic as they have successfully launched Disney+ and Star in a number of markets internationally as well as brought viewers several new series including WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Star Wars’ hit show The Mandalorian, and more.
During the earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Chapek stated:
“…we’ve continued to make progress across our businesses as we remain laser focused on our ongoing recovery while also fueling long-term growth. Our strategic focus continues in three key areas, first is Direct-to-Consumer. We successfully launched our offers Disney+ and Star in a number of markets internationally and we’ve been pleased with the growth and engagement in most markets today. Along with our robust collection of library titles allows us to continually attract new subscribers and retain existing ones.”
Chapek went on to discuss how Disney+ has been so successful for the company, including how they have been offering three different approaches for their films. He stated:
“Additionally, Pixar’s stellar award of award-winning films continues with the studio’s and mated masterpiece, which took home best original score. I’m happy to say that now millions are age to enjoy soul on Disney+ and NOMADLAND on Hulu. Flexibility is the key component of our distribution strategy. And we have outlined three approaches for distributing our films. Releases in theatres with the simultaneous offering via Disney+ premier access release straight to Disney+, and traditional exclusive theatrical releases. Here’s how this translates to our tremendous upcoming film slate. Cruella will be released in theatres and via Disney+ premier access May 28. Followed by Pixar’s Luca June 18. The highly anticipated Black Widow will be in theatres and on Disney+ via premier access on July 9. And Disney’s Jungle Cruise, a hilarious adventure-filled expedition will be available in theatres and on Disney+ via premier access on July 30th.”
“Like our films, our Disney+ original series have become must watch events, starting with the success of The Mandalorian followed by WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. These not only became immediate hits, but part of the cultural — and the anticipation for Marvel’s newest series, Loki premiers on June 9, through the roof. The second season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, the all new, Mysterious Benedict Society based on the popular young adult book series, and Monsters at Work, next couple of months, just to name a few.”
And when looking to the future, Chapek stated they are on track to achieve their goal of having 260 million subscribers by the end of fiscal 2024:
“We’re uniquely positioned with the most compelling brands and franchises in entertainment, and we continue to deliver the high quality one of a kind content that consumers want. That’s clearly reflected in the success of Disney+, which amassed nearly 104 million paid subscribers as of the end of the second fiscal quarter. We are on track to achieve our guidance of 230 to 260 million subscribers by the end of fiscal 2024.”
Credit: Disney
