Disney May License More to Netflix, Excluding Marvel, Star Wars

Disney is currently negotiating with Netflix to license additional content. However, during a Q4 2023 earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger made it clear that core brands like Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar will not be included in this deal. These franchises are considered competitive advantages for Disney's streaming services. Iger stated that these brands are key to the streaming business's future and sees no reason to compromise their exclusivity.

Despite earlier comparisons of licensing content to giving away "nuclear weapons technology," Disney has shown some willingness to license non-core content to third parties. The launch of a combined Disney+/Hulu app is also in the works, with a beta set to arrive next month. During the call, Iger also addressed the need for a "period of fixing" after challenges faced in 2023.