disney plus

Disney Plus: What's Streaming Now and What the Future Holds for the Mouse House's Platform in Australia

Disney Plus continues to be a major player in the Australian streaming market, offering a vast library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. But recent news surrounding Pixar's box office performance and changes to content availability are raising questions about the platform's future. Let's dive into what's happening with Disney Plus in Australia.

Pixar's "Elio" Stumbles at the Box Office: What Does It Mean for Disney Plus?

While Disney Plus offers a treasure trove of content, the performance of Pixar films theatrically can have a ripple effect on the streaming service. Recent reports indicate that Pixar's latest film, "Elio," has had a disappointing box office debut.

According to Variety, "'28 Years Later’ Scares Up $30 Million Start, ‘Elio’ Lands Worst Debut in Pixar History With $21 Million." The New York Times echoed this sentiment, reporting "With ‘Elio,’ Pixar Has Its Worst Box Office Opening Ever."

This poor performance raises questions about the future of Pixar films and their impact on Disney Plus. Will Disney shift its strategy, potentially releasing more Pixar films directly onto the streaming platform? Only time will tell. Some critics, like those at CBC, even suggest that "'Elio' is Pixar's best, most beautifully brilliant movie in a decade. Too bad it will probably bomb." This highlights the disconnect between critical reception and box office success, further complicating the outlook for Pixar's future releases and their role on Disney Plus.

What's New on Disney Plus in Australia?

Despite the concerns surrounding theatrical releases, Disney Plus continues to add new content to its library. Here's a look at some of what's new and noteworthy for Australian viewers:

• "Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical": For those who missed it on stage, Disney Plus now offers the filmed version of the popular Broadway adaptation of the animated classic. This version expands upon the original story with new songs and fresh material. If you're keen to know who's playing who, keep an eye out for details of the cast taking on the iconic roles of Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven.
• New Originals: Disney Plus is constantly adding new original movies and series. Recent additions include new episodes of series set in the Star Wars universe, exploring the experiences of iconic villains.
• Other Streaming Options: Disney Plus is often mentioned alongside other streaming giants like Netflix, Max and Paramount Plus. It's worth checking out what these services offer to compare and contrast.

Content Removal and Adjustments: A Sign of the Times?

It's not all additions and sunshine for Disney Plus. Recent reports indicate that content is also being removed from the platform.

• "The Abyss" Removed: As reported, "The Abyss has been removed from Disney Plus in the UK after a version with a banned scene was added to the streamer back in April." While this specific removal occurred in the UK, it highlights the potential for content to be removed from Disney Plus due to various reasons, including controversial scenes or licensing agreements.
• Marvel Show Cancellations?: There's speculation about the fate of Marvel's Disney Plus shows, with reports suggesting that some series may have been cancelled or scaled back. The Assembled series in particular has been mentioned.

These content adjustments could be attributed to a variety of factors, including cost-cutting measures, shifting content strategies, or the expiration of licensing agreements.

Understanding Your Disney Account

To access Disney Plus in Australia, you'll need a Disney account. This account allows you to access Disney Plus and other services within The Walt Disney Family of Companies. You can easily log in to Disney Plus with your existing MyDisney account or create a new one if you don't already have one.

The Broader Context: Disney's Streaming Strategy

Disney Plus is a key component of The Walt Disney Company's overall streaming strategy. It's positioned as the home for family-friendly entertainment, while other platforms like Hulu (not currently available in Australia) cater to a more mature audience. This strategy allows Disney to target a wider range of viewers and maximize its reach in the competitive streaming landscape.

Immediate Effects on Australian Viewers

For Australian Disney Plus subscribers, the immediate effects of these developments are mixed:

• Continued Access to a Vast Library: Subscribers still have access to a wide range of movies and TV shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
• New Content Additions: Regular additions of new content, including original series and movies, ensure there's always something fresh to watch.
• Potential for Content Removal: The possibility of content being removed from the platform remains a concern, although it's difficult to predict which titles might be affected.
• Impact on Pixar Fans: The performance of "Elio" and future Pixar releases could influence the availability of Pixar films on Disney Plus.

Future Outlook: What's Next for Disney Plus in Australia?

Predicting the future of Disney Plus is challenging, but here are some potential outcomes and strategic implications based on current trends:

• Continued Investment in Original Content: Disney is likely to continue investing heavily in original content to attract and retain subscribers. This could include new Marvel and Star Wars series, as well as original movies and shows from Disney and Pixar.
• Strategic Partnerships: Disney may explore strategic partnerships with other companies to expand its reach and offer bundled services.
• Focus on Profitability: With increased pressure to generate profits from its streaming business, Disney may need to make difficult decisions about content spending and pricing. This could lead to further content removals or price increases for subscribers.
• Theatrical vs. Streaming Debate: The debate over theatrical releases versus streaming releases is likely to continue, particularly for Pixar films. Disney will need to carefully weigh the potential box office revenue against the benefits of driving subscriptions to Disney Plus.
• Increased Competition: The streaming landscape is becoming increasingly crowded, with new players entering the market and existing services expanding their offerings. Disney Plus will need to continue to innovate and differentiate itself to remain competitive.

In conclusion, Disney Plus remains a significant force in the Australian streaming market, offering a vast library of content and a steady stream of new releases. However, challenges remain, including the performance of theatrical releases, content removals, and increasing competition. How Disney navigates these challenges will determine the long-term success of Disney Plus in Australia.