Disney+ is changing its international entertainment brand to Hulu. Previously, it used Star – acquired through the 2019 purchase of assets from News Corp – outside the United States. Hulu Originals were previously labelled Star Originals in international markets.
Disney has had full control of Hulu since acquiring the remaining shares from Comcast in June. This allows for the complete integration of Hulu into Disney+ starting this June. “Work is already underway to continue enhancing our technology, and over the coming months, we will be implementing numerous improvements within the Disney+ app, including exciting new features and a more personalized homepage. All of this work will culminate with the unified Disney+ and Hulu streaming app experience that will be available to consumers next year,” the company stated.
Disney reported 183 million Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions at the end of Q3, a 2.6 million increase from Q2. Disney+ alone gained 1.8 million subscribers in Q2, driven by international growth. The company forecasts a modest Q4 Disney+ subscriber increase but anticipates 10 million new Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions thanks to an expanded deal with US cable provider Charter. A new ESPN direct-to-consumer offering launches August 21.