Disney is going all in on Star Wars.
Earlier today it was revealed that the creators Game of Thrones are developing a new series of Star Wars films, which is in addition to the new Star Wars movies coming from Rian Johnson.
Now it’s learned that Disney is also developing numerous Star Wars TV series for its upcoming streaming service.
Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed the news to investors during an earnings call.
“We are developing not just one, but a few Star Wars series specifically for the Disney direct-to-consumer app,” Iger said, reports THR. “We’ve mentioned that and we are close to being able to reveal at least one of the entities that is developing that for us. Because the deal isn’t completely closed, we can’t be specific about that. I think you’ll find the level of talent … on the television front will be rather significant as well.”
A live-action Star Wars series was first announced for the Disney digital streaming service back in November, which also includes plans for a Monsters, Inc. and High School Musical series. Iger went on to explain why Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are not developing a Star Wars TV series, which would seem like a natural fit, but new movies instead.
“Their interest was in creating a series of films that are Star Wars-based and we’ve actually been talking to them for a long time,” Iger said. “To my knowledge they didn’t express interest in creating a series. They have an idea for a number of films and at some later date I’m sure we’ll disclose to all of you just what those are. They are focused on a point in time in the Star Wars mythology and taking it from there.”
Last August saw Disney announce plans for their new digital service which also included mention they are ending their deal with Netflix.
The streaming service is described as:
The new Disney-branded service will become the exclusive home in the U.S. for subscription-video-on-demand viewing of the newest live action and animated movies from Disney and Pixar, beginning with the 2019 theatrical slate, which includes Toy Story 4, the sequel to Frozen, and The Lion King from Disney live-action, along with other highly anticipated movies. Disney will also make a significant investment in an annual slate of original movies, TV shows, short-form content and other Disney-branded exclusives for the service. Additionally, the service will feature a vast collection of library content, including Disney and Pixar movies and Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD television programming.
