Netflix Moves to Salvage Star Wars and Marvel for Itself

You may have heard the news that Disney will be ending is deal to distribute exclusively through Netflix by 2019. Disney announced that they will launch two of their own streaming services. The first will feature ESPN programming (2018), while the second is centered around Disney and Pixar films (2019).

The deal (originally struck in 2012 but not fully kicking in until mid-2016) had an opt-out clause for Disney, which they apparently decided to exercise after determining that having their own streaming service could be more lucrative than the $300 million Netflix deal.

Originally, there was a bit of panic from subscribers that they'd have to shell out more fees to watch programming they've enjoyed on Netflix. The Disney/Pixar channel would show films that formerly would air on Netflix after the theater run was over. Many wondered how this would specifically affect Star Wars and Marvel films, as well as The Defenders and spinoff TV series.

The initial announcement from Disney clarified that the Netflix-produced Marvel series would remain with Netflix, as the new streaming service would be for films coming out of theaters. But what about new Star Wars and Marvel movies?

In an interview with Reuters, Netflix revealed that they are actively in discussions with Disney to maintain the rights to sharing those particular properties. This bodes well for fans across the spectrum.

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