Kevin Mayer, who is the chairman of Disney’s direct-to-consumer and international offers, gave fans of Marvel’s Netflix shows including Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist a ray of hope after Netflix cancelled them.
While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Mayer revealed they could be scooped up and brought into Disney+, Disney’s upcoming streaming service which will feature multiple live-action Star Wars series including The Mandalorian as well as a Marvel Cinematic Universe tie-in series starring Tom Hiddleston as Loki. There are also rumors about a Scarlet Witch series as well as Winter Soldier and Falcon series.
When asked whether or not he considered reviving the Marvel shows that had been cancelled on Netflix, Mayer gave a glimpse of hope in his response saying, “They are very high-quality shows. We haven’t yet discussed that, but I would say that’s a possibility.”
I don’t know about you all, but with everything that has happened since we learned of Daredevil’s demise, Kevin’s statement makes me feel like Jim Carrey’s character in Dumb and Dumber right now.
But maybe even more interesting is Mayer’s response to a question about WarnerMedia’s deal with Netflix to keep Friends on the streaming platform. Mayer was asked if he would have made a similar deal. Here’s his response:
“I’m sure [WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey] had his reasons, but when we were faced with a similar decision, to take [our programming] off in preparation to put it on our own service, that was right for us. We will continue to do that. Ultimately our direct-to-consumer service is going to be the only place you can find that content.”
That last line is one to key in on, “Ultimately our direct-to-consumer service is going to be the only place you can find that content.”
That definitely seems to indicate that Disney is looking to consolidate its brands onto its own streaming platform rather than selling the rights to say Netflix. That more than likely means Punisher and Jessica Jones might not last that long on Netflix. It also means Netflix probably won’t be getting any other Marvel superheroes anytime soon. For fans hoping for a Blade, Moon Knight, or Ghost Rider series to accompany the Punisher and the Defenders on Netflix, the chances of that look extremely small.
While Disney is gearing up to launch its new streaming service, Mayer did discuss there will be hurdles to get people on the platform especially the fact that a number of people are already paying for multiple streaming options like Netflix, Hulu, and the newly launched DC Universe.
Mayer noted they have to first ensure the technology works,”We have to make the app and the technology pretty seamless.” He would go on to echo the idea of bringing the Disney brands onto Disney+, “You can find our content under our key brands, which is a real differentiator for us.”
Both points are true. As a ROKU user, I’ve seen services (mostly free) that are for lack of a better word, awful. The channel is clumsy and even if the content is good, I want to watch content, not fumble around trying to find something to entertain me.
Mayer then elaborates on how the Disney brands will be differentiators:
“Many of our core brands are going to be in that service. Some of this content will have an initial window, like a theatrically released film, some will be on television first, some will be original for the service. It will skew naturally from an hours perspective, because of how much we’ve invested over the years, toward product that’s non-original, but we’re making a lot of original content.”
With Disney in the final stages of their Fox Studios acquisition, which includes not only Fox TV and Movies, but channels such as FX and National Geographic, Disney + shouldn’t be short on any sort of content and arguably should contain a massive library for viewers to enjoy.
What do you think? Are you in the market for another streaming service? And if so, does Disney + sound like a worthwhile investment? Also, do you believe that it’s possible that Charlie Cox and the gang will make their way to Disney + even with the issues related to their contracts with Netflix?
Let me know!