Walt Disney is using some of its top-rating movie franchises, "Star Wars," "High School Musical" and "Monsters Inc." to launch its upcoming digital streaming service that is slated for 2019.
Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed in a fourth quarter earnings call with reporters that the entertainment company is working on a TV adaptation for the animated comedy "Monster's Inc.," a live-action series for space opera "Star Wars," and a fresh take on the iconic Wildcats' "High School Musical."
An original series from Marvel is also in the works.
Along with these TV shows, Disney plans to release four original movies every year for the on-demand channel. The company is also considering licensing third-party programs, noting that ABC Studios might produce for the new channel. "We've talked about that a bit," said Iger.
He added the service will cost less than Netflix's $10.99 monthly fee.
No doubt the "Star Wars" adaptation will be the highlight of the subscription platform. That movie franchise is far from taking a rest. "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will premiere before this year ends, while the last installment of the on-going trilogy, "Star Wars: Episode IX" is set for release in December 2019, the same year Disney's on-demand service will launch.
The 40-year-old franchise does not end there, as director Rian Johnson recently announced that he is working on an all-new "Star Wars" trilogy.
As for "High School Musical," fans have been waiting for a fourth installment after "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" was released in 2008. The musical comedy has been extremely popular after launching the careers of Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron and Ashley Tisdale.
Meanwhile, Disney will launch ESPN Plus, its on-demand sports channel in spring 2018. This subscription service will offer live programming, scores, highlights and access to a load of additional sporting events — the last one comes with an additional cost. This will exclude sports that are currently airing on ESPN.
