We previously reported that Disney in 2019 will be ending its distribution agreement with Netflix. Disney is set to launch its own streaming platform with ESPN. This of course is a big loss for Netflix, but it looks like they’re talking to Disney to keep the rights to Marvel and Star Wars movies.
According to Reuters, Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos told them that the company is “still in active discussions” with Disney to keep the rights to stream certain franchises on their platform.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has previously stated that there’s currently no plan in place for Lucasfilms or Marvel Studios, per Reuters. What’s more interesting is that Netflix was expecting this type of split eventually. Sarandos told Reuters, “That’s why we got into the originals business five years ago.”
Netflix struck this goldmine of a deal in 2012, but the deal only took effect last year. Netflix and its subscribers enjoyed content from Disney, but short lived. If Netflix is able to keep the rights to have Marvel and Star Wars movies on their platform, that’s a great opportunity for the streaming giant. The current deal that’s in place will end in 2019.
