Binge-watchers, prepare yourselves. The Walt Disney Company has been looking to enter the streaming business for a while Despite owning the majority stake in Hulu, Disney has been preparing its own instant video service to compete with the likes of Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and other major streaming programs. With a vast catalogue of entertainment properties, this new service may become quite the contender.
Here are the basics: it will drop in Fall 2019, contain plenty of exclusive Disney films and television, be ad-free, and be priced far less than its competitors. It'll likely feature hundreds of Disney classics for your viewing pleasure, but the company owns far more than animated movies. Between all of its TV channels, movie studios, and intellectual properties, there will likely be plenty of content to binge next year.
For this list, we've scoured the internet for as much info as possible on that super-secret Disney streaming library. While only a handful of titles have been officially confirmed, there are lots of reports on additions to the service catalogue and even original content made specifically for streaming. If you thought you already had too much to watch, then you might want to sit down for this one.
Here are 13 Things You'll Only Be Able To Watch On Disney's Streaming Service (And 7 Rumored).
CONFIRMED — A High School Musical TV Series
Wildcats, rejoice! Disney's planned streaming service will reportedly feature a brand new High School Musical series.
Information on the project is practically nonexistent, other than the fact that it exists. The production has been specifically designated as a series, and it is unclear if it is in any way related to the equally elusive sequel, tentatively titled High School Musical 4. Perhaps the movie may set up the spinoff show, or vice-versa.
Neither production has been cast either, so the show might even be a total reboot.
Will it feature members of the old cast? Will we see the next class of Wildcats? All speculation aside, this franchise is among the bigger names set for the streaming service's launch, so expect more details on the High School Musical show to surface in the near future.
RUMORED — A Parent Trap Reboot
Another remake of The Parent Trap? This is one of the potential reboots mentioned by THR, which would make this the second time the 1961 original has been remade. The movie consists of a pair of twins who conspire to reunite their divorced parents and get them to fall in love again.
Curiously, the report actually cites the 1998 remake instead, which thrust Lindsay Lohan into child stardom... and everything that came after. Perhaps a reboot will add another modern day twist.
Maybe the twins are boys? Maybe they're no longer identical? Maybe the parents will be a gay couple?
Of course this is all speculation, but it just seems odd to reboot something so recent without a way to really change it up. Regardless, we'll likely have to tune in to Disney's streaming service to find out.
CONFIRMED — The Star Wars Movies
Surely you expected to see Star Wars on this list. The franchise's success under Disney (despite some fan backlash) makes it an obvious choice for an exclusive streaming option. While Rogue One: A Star Wars Story currently sits on Netflix, the company plans to put the Star Wars film franchise on its upcoming streaming service.
This was confirmed by Disney CEO Bob Iger, as the Star Wars brand will play a pivotal role in attracting customers upon its launch.
The galaxy far far away has never been collected onto a single streaming service — so unless you own a physical collection of the films, there is no other way to enjoy them.
Having all the Star Wars films in one place, accessible from any device? Now that is going to bring in some business!
RUMORED — A New Muppets TV Series
Jim Henson's Muppets haven't exactly been basking in success recently. While their 2011 feature film was a hit, its sequel Muppets: Most Wanted came and went without much fanfare, and their 2016 mockumentary TV show was canceled after a single season.
Likely hoping to restore them to their former glory, reports indicate that Disney is creating a new Muppets TV series specifically for their streaming service.
There are very few details out there about the new series. It might be another genre-inspired take like the The Office parody 2016 series, or it could go back to their sketch comedy, variety show roots. Whatever the case, expect to see the gang back in full force come 2019.
CONFIRMED — The Marvel Movies
The Marvel Cinematic Universe will make for a fantastic marathon. Exclusive to the service, Bob Iger also confirmed that the Marvel films will be added to the Disney streaming library.
Some of the MCU films can currently be found on Netflix, like Captain America: Civil War and Doctor Strange, but those will reportedly be pulled from the service in the near future in favor of Disney's new program.
It is unclear when the films will make the transition, but it's safe to assume that they won't be removed until the Disney service is ready to go.
Iger has made it clear to investors that the service will have a gigantic slate of titles upon its official launch, so expect to see the Marvel Cinematic Universe ready for in-home streaming at some point in the future, if not upon launch day.
RUMORED— A Honey, I Shrunk The Kids Reboot
Among the myriad of reboots for Disney's streaming service is Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. A report by THR mentions the 1989 family film as one of many from the era that Disney are looking to cash in on. It probably isn't anyone's first choice, but this could work, right?
The original film was a huge hit for the company, and helped cement Rick Moranis as a star in the minds of '90s kids everywhere. Those practical special effects hold up pretty well too — just don't mention those awful sequels.
With a big enough effects budget, this sounds like a great addition to Disney's streaming library if they decide to go through with it. These Disney reboots are inevitable, but this doesn't seem like such a bad choice.
CONFIRMED — Live-action Marvel TV series
While Marvel has achieved significant success on Netflix, Disney hopes to continue that streak on its own streaming service with yet another Marvel television series. The show is currently untitled, but its appearance on the streaming service slate instead of ABC suggests a bigger budget and a relation to the street-level hero shows like The Defenders and The Punisher.
This could very well be a sequel season to existing Marvel shows like Daredevil or Jessica Jones, or an entirely new property. Moon Knight, anybody?
Hopefully it contains another B-list character to add to the Netflix roster, but seeing as Disney wants to keep the service's content family-friendly, expect it to be a bit lighter in tone than most other Marvel adaptations.
But seriously: Moon Knight! Make it happen, Marvel!
RUMORED — Marvel's New Warriors
An adaptation of the New Warriors has been waiting in the wings for sometime now, just looking for a network to call home. The Marvel comedy series was originally going to air on Freeform this month, but when the network realized there were no more agreeable timeslots available, Marvel decided it to take the show elsewhere. Freeform had no issue with this, especially since Marvel's Cloak and Dagger is still scheduled there for this June.
Marvel's New Warriors is still searching for a network, and the show might be considered for Disney's streaming service. Don't get your hopes up — even The Hollywood Reporter thinks the idea is unlikely — but without network to air on, it would make a perfect addition to an already Marvel-centric streaming lineup.
CONFIRMED — A Mighty Ducks TV Series
This comes as a surprise. According to THR, The Mighty Ducks will be receiving the rebooted-for-TV treatment, likely to land on Disney's streaming service.
Jordan Kerner and Steven Brill, original trilogy producer and screenwriter respectively, approached Disney with the idea for a television series. It doesn't seem like the company would prioritize this youth hockey franchise for its bombastic launch slate, but the fact that Kerner and Brill were so forthcoming with their idea suggests a passionate return to the Mighty Ducks.
Other details are scarce, but most reports indicate that this will be a total reboot of the series, and not a sequel.
Seeing as the stars are all grown up now, this makes perfect sense, but that doesn't mean we wouldn't rule out a cameo or two. Do you think Coach Bombay would come back for another season?
RUMORED — A Father Of The Bride Reboot
We aren't done with the reboots just yet. Despite the rumors of a sequel circulating in recent years, Deadline reported Disney's interest in a reboot of 1991's Father of the Bride, exclusive to their streaming service. Of course, the franchise is already a reboot of the 1950 film of the same name, where a father refuses to accept that his daughter is getting married and must learn to let her go.
The movie series was last on the scene with Father of the Bride II back in 1995, so it would make sense for this family film to receive the same modern updates as a potential remake of The Parent Trap. Who knows, though — it could just be sequel that nobody really asked for.
What better way to promote your brand new product than with the exclusive premiere of Father of the Bride III?
10. CONFIRMED — A Monsters Inc. TV Series
Time to check the closet again. Disney has confirmed plans for an original series based on the hit Pixar films Monsters Inc. and Monsters University.
As usual, details are slim-to-none and no names are attached to the project, but a spinoff story in the Monsters universe is probably a safe bet. If they had plans to continue the story of the 2003 film, they probably would have done it already on the big screen.
Seeing as this was announced alongside Star Wars, Marvel, and the High School Musical series, this will likely cater to families and younger audiences looking for something kid-friendly to watch upon the service's launch.
Pixar films will be available to stream as well, but this new show ought to satisfy Pixar fans looking for some new content.
RUMORED — A Three Men And A Baby Reboot
Another rumored reboot listed in Deadline's report is 1987's Three Men And A Baby. Younger viewers probably won't be running to Disney with their subscription payments to see this one, but older audience members might have some slight spark of nostalgia for this family comedy.
It's also unclear if this is actually going to be a clean remake or not — this could very well be the third sequel that has supposedly been in development for the last few years, though that's unlikely.
For whatever reason, these late '80s and early '90s family films are priority productions for Disney's, so expect them all in some form or fashion.
None of them are going to draw crowds, but Disney might find them reliable enough (and cheap enough) to warrant remaking.
CONFIRMED — A Live-Action Sword In The Stone Reboot
A live-action Sword in the Stone reboot has been in the works for quite some time. News of the project hit way back in 2015, and Deadline recently reported that the project is destined for Disney's streaming service come next year. Disney's live-action remakes have been rigidly scheduled for releases over the next few years, so perhaps this particular one is being used to draw customers to the new service.
Currently in talks to direct the film is Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, most famous for directing the sci-fi horror sequel 28 Weeks Later. That's certainly an unexpected choice.
Hopefully the unique choice in director makes this Disney remake stand out among the constant slew of King Arthur movie adaptations.
CONFIRMED — A Don Quixote Adaptation
Disney has been trying to adapt Don Quixote for decades. The earliest attempts date back to the 1940s, and since then the idea has been dropped several times in favor of other projects. Rumors picked up again in 2012, when Johnny Depp (who had just left Terry Gilliam's The Man Who Killed Don Quixote) was set to produce. After being shelved for a time, the project was seemingly back in 2016, where Disney announced its return with a script by Billy Ray.
Now, as Disney prepares their streaming lineup, Deadline has reported that it might end up on the service along with a slew of other films the studio has had stuck in development hell. It might be a bit unceremonious for this project to finally release on a streaming service, but hopefully that doesn't speak to its quality.
CONFIRMED — A Live-Action Lady and The Tramp
Calling all dog lovers! Your prayers have been answered.
Talk of remaking this Disney classic has been rumored for years, but THR recently reported that the project is finally a-go with director Charlie Bean (The Lego Ninjago Movie) at the helm. Like Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book in 2016 and his upcoming remake of The Lion King, the new Lady and the Tramp will use a blend of live-action and CGI to realize the the star-crossed puppy lovers.
The film will premiere on Disney's new streaming service, which is a huge statement on how hard the company wants to push the program.
It might seem like lesser productions are destined for the small screen, but if a beloved classic like this is moving straight to it, then Disney must be taking it seriously.
CONFIRMED — Lots Of Disney and Pixar Films
Obviously a Disney-owned service is going to be brimming with animation. Disney has been forthcoming about relying on their brands to promote the service, as well as using their vast library of animated movies to bolster it. Unfortunately, they have been pretty tight-lipped when it comes to specifics.
What we do know is that the company will remove its animated films from Netflix over time.
Don't expect Disney's entire filmography to be streamable (though that would be impressive). Removing titles like Finding Dory and Moana from Netflix suggests that the service might contain many recent Disney and Pixar hits, perhaps with a handful of old-school ones sprinkled throughout.
That's just speculation, but even if Disney sticks to the last five years, that would be quite the enticing selection for future customers.
CONFIRMED — Two Novel Adaptations
Unique to Disney's streaming service will be film adaptations of two novels that haven't been put to film before.
The first is Stargirl, a popular young adult novel by Jerry Spinelli. Stargirl is a coming-of-age story about a homeschooled girl who goes to public school for the first time, and experiences all that entails. Julia Hart is directing the project, which was one of the earliest productions designated for Disney's digital service, according to Deadline.
The other, lesser-known novel is The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg: a fantasy-adventure novel about an apprentice at a magic school who must use her powers to save her mentor's life. THR reports that Disney has the rights to the entire Paper Magician trilogy, and that producer Allison Shearmur (Cinderella, The Hunger Games) was backing the film before her unfortunate passing in January 2018. The project is still in pre-production.
CONFIRMED — Original Films
Among these remakes and reboots are a handful of original movies. Noelle, starring Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader, and Shirley MacLaine, is a Christmas film about Santa's daughter having to take over her father's business. It was originally set to hit theaters next November until it was removed from Disney's release slate in favor of the streaming service.
Then there's Magic Camp, about a counselor working at a magical summer camp, which is due out in 2019 and co-starred Adam Devine and Jeffrey Tambor. Also: Togo, a sled-dog drama about the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska (the same setting as the film Balto).
Little is known about these latter two films; only that are currently in pre-production, and are destined for the streaming service. At least they aren't reboots?
CONFIRMED — A Star Wars Live-Action TV Series
Star Wars will finally be getting the small screen treatment! Iron Man's Jon Favreau will be at the helm of a live-action TV series as both writer and director, made specifically for the Mouse House streaming service. Not only is this fresh content for fans everywhere, but apparently only one of the "few" Star Wars television projects in production over at Disney.
There are no plot details out just yet (and there likely won't be for some time) but it should help satiate the appetite for the galaxy far far away in between movie releases.
Between this, a new animated series, and the spinoff movie trilogies by Rian Johnson, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, there will be no shortage of Star Wars in the near future. The Old Republic, anyone?
Rumored -- 20th Century Fox Properties
Perhaps the biggest rumor of all — what will Disney do when their deal with Fox is finalized?
Disney will have access to even more beloved intellectual properties. Why wouldn't the company take some of them and put them on its streaming service? Disney has made it clear that any R-rated content will stay off the service and/or be collected on Hulu, but that doesn't mean Disney can't cherry pick some family-friendly favorites.
A new X-Men series? Something in the Avatar universe? Maybe they'll just add the Ice Age films to their library.
Fox properties aren't Disney's priority, but if its service takes off and the acquisition is complete, the possibilities will almost endless.
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What do you think will be on Disney's streaming service? Leave a comment below and tell us your thoughts!