By Beth Deitchman
There’s breaking news from across the worlds of Disney, beginning with Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment. Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger just revealed during a live audio webcast of Disney’s fiscal full year and fourth quarter 2018 financial results that the name of Disney’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service is Disney+.
Disney+ is scheduled to launch in the U.S. in late 2019, and we’re beyond excited about two new series that were announced today.
Lucasfilm is developing a second Star Wars live-action series for Disney+, in addition to the already-announced series, The Mandalorian, to be executive produced by Jon Favreau. The series will follow the adventures of Rebel spy Cassian Andor, a role originated in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story by Diego Luna, who will star in the new series as well. “Going back to the Star Wars universe is very special for me,” said Luna. “I have so many memories of the great work we did together and the relationships I made throughout the journey. We have a fantastic adventure ahead of us, and this new exciting format will give us the chance to explore this character more deeply.” The new series, which will be set during the formative years of the Rebellion and prior to the events of the 2016 film, goes into production next year and is described as a “rousing spy thriller [that] will explore tales filled with espionage and daring missions to restore hope to a galaxy in the grip of a ruthless Empire.” We’re already hooked! Stay tuned to StarWars.com and D23 for more details as they’re announced.
Today Bob Iger also confirmed that Marvel is indeed in development on a series for Disney+ that will star Tom Hiddleston. We’re thrilled that the rumor of a live-action series centered around Loki isn’t just more mischief from the fan-favorite trickster from Asgard.
These two series are the latest additions to our Disney+ must-watch list, which includes a glorious return to East High in High School Musical: The Musical, an animated series set in the world of Monsters Inc.,and The Mandalorian, a scripted live-action Star Wars series that takes place after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. Jon Favreau is writing and executive producing, and The Mandalorian features a stellar slate of directors such as Dave Filoni (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels), Bryce Dallas Howard (Solemates), and Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok).
Of course, we know there’s so much more to come and we can’t wait to share it with you. Stay tuned to D23.com as we eagerly await the launch of Disney+!
Visit DisneyPlus.com to register your email and be kept up to date on the service.
