- Disney is developing several projects for its upcoming streaming service, Disney Plus.
- They include two live-action "Star Wars" TV shows, a Loki TV series spinning out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and a "Monsters Inc." series.
Disney is entering the streaming war this year with its Netflix rival, Disney Plus.
On top of its already extensive library of content, Disney is developing several original shows and movies for the platform, including two live-action "Star Wars" shows and Marvel TV series spinning out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Disney has confirmed that one starring Tom Hiddleston as Loki is in the works, and Variety reported last year that more are in development starring Scarlet Witch, Winter Soldier, and the Falcon. They will be big-budget, limited series of six to eight episodes.
Its original content also includes a "Monsters Inc." series, a "High School Musical" series, and movies starring Anna Kendrick and Willem Dafoe.
Disney will go head-to-head with Netflix, ending a licensing deal with the streaming giant this year. All new Disney theatrical releases, starting with "Captain Marvel," will eventually land on Disney Plus.
Wall Street analysts have high expectations for Disney's streaming efforts. Barclays analysts said in a report on Wednesday that Disney could reach 170 million subscribers by 2025 among its three services: Disney Plus, Hulu (of which it now owns 60%), and ESPN Plus. UBS analysts estimated in January that Disney Plus alone could reach 50 million subscribers in five years.
But the service could face hurdles. Some of Disney's library, such as old "Star Wars" movies, could be missing because of licensing agreements, making its original content all the more important.
Below are confirmed and reported projects in development for Disney Plus:
CONFIRMED
"The Mandalorian"
The writer and producer Jon Favreau, who directed Disney hits like "Iron Man" and the upcoming "Lion King" remake, is developing "The Mandalorian."
It takes place between the original and the new "Star Wars" trilogies, following a "lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy."
Episodes will be directed by Bryce Dallas Howard, the "Thor: Ragnarok" director Taika Waititi, and more. The "Narcos" star Pedro Pascal plays the title character.
A Cassian Andor "Star Wars" series
Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed in November during an earnings call that a "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" spin-off starring Diego Luna as Cassian Andor is in the works.
Andor died at the end of "Rogue One," so this will be set before the events of the movie.
The official "Star Wars" website described it as a "spy thriller" that "follows the adventures of rebel spy Cassian Andor during the formative years of the Rebellion."
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