Disney+ which obviously wants some of the success that Netflix enjoys in SEA, has announced that it will make its presence in at least three countries with new shows, exclusive content, and more. Unfortunately, the Philippines is not included in its list.
TWO weeks after Disney and Fox Channels closed down in Southeast Asia, the Walt Disney Company announced that Disney+ will slowly launch in the region within the year.
Announced during the company’s APAC Content Showcase, the company’s streaming service will roll out in South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan by November 2021.
The three new Asian markets will join Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand where Disney+ is already currently available.
“The response towards Disney+ across Asia Pacific has exceeded our expectations, as consumers seek diverse entertainment content and are drawn to our portfolio of brands and franchises,” said Luke Kang, president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific.
Also part of the expansion are Disney’s plans to commission new shows from South Korea, Japan, Australia, Taiwan and Indonesia with many programs adapting local languages.
The first major slate of original shows include a BLACKPINK documentary, Korean shows Moving, Snowdrop, and Rookies as well as Summer Time Rendering, a Japanese anime adapted from the best-selling manga and Delicacies-Destiny from China.
While the Philippines was not explicitly mentioned during the showcase, Filipino fans have noticed that the Disney+ website (preview.disneyplus.com/en-ph) now has the “Keep Me Updated” button instead of the past warning that says the page is not yet available in the region.
Speculations have been circulating around social media that the Philippines will get Disney+ by December despite having no confirmed sources.
However, given that House Bill No. 6765 which seeks to impose value added tax on digital services such as Netflix, Facebook, Spotify, and Lazada was recently approved at the House of Representatives, it may be a while before Disney+ finds its way into the Philippines.
Tags: #Disney+, #television, #streamingservices, #southeastasianmarket