Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery are teaming up and providing a streaming bundle that combines Disney+, Hulu, and Max. Both Disney+ and Hulu are owned by the former, and Max is owned by WBD. In the past, Disney has been hesitant about partnering with other competitive streaming services, and streamers have struggled with rising costs and fluctuating subscriber numbers. Currently, Disney has its own bundle which includes Disney+ and Hulu, or Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Late last year, Verizon created a Netflix-Max bundle for its customers.
On Wednesday, Disney and WBD announced that they are partnering up to create a bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max. It will be available on any of the three streamers this summer. Specific pricing has not yet been revealed, but there will be options for ad-free and ad-supported entertainment. The president of direct to consumer for Disney Entertainment, Joe Earley, said in a statement:
This new partnership between Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery might shake up the streaming service industry. Partnering up and creating bundles with competitors was previously uncommon, and now three big streamers will have their own bundle, which hopes to and has the potential to stop customers from unsubscribing so easily. It’s especially notable that two separate studios are willing to unite in such a way. The partnership is a sign that rivals are more willing to team up in a tough media landscape.
JB Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming and games for Warner Bros. Discovery, said that the new bundle “will help drive incremental subscribers and much stronger retention,” and that it “presents a powerful new roadmap for the future of the industry.” This may be true, as the new bundle offers a value that hasn’t been seen before, making it harder for customers to cancel their subscriptions. It will provide a wealth of entertainment in one place at what will hopefully be a discounted price, at least compared to how much all services cost separately.
If the bundle proves to be successful, it may prompt other streamers to follow suit. The concept of a bundle that combines the collection and services of rivaling companies is bold, and it could shape the future of the streaming industry for the better. Disney+, Max, and Hulu on their own are three of the biggest streamers available. With their combined efforts, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with, particularly when it comes to the brands they have to offer, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and DC.
Source: Disney Entertainment & Warner Bros. Discovery