Disney has announced that its Disney+ streaming service, which only launched in November of 2019, has already reached close to 95 million paid subscribers as of January 2, 2021. Original projections had the burgeoning streamer hitting 90 million subs within four years, so this has obviously exceeded all expectations.
Pixar's Soul, the second season of The Mandalorian, and the recent addition of Marvel's WandaVision are said to have contributed greatly to the viewership numbers.
The Mouse House announced a whole host of new Marvel and Star Wars shows that are currently being developed for Disney+ at the recent Investors Day, so we can expect the streamer to go from strength to strength in the coming months and years.
In related news, Marvel's Black Widow is still scheduled for a theatrical debut - however, Disney CEO Bob Chapek remains flexible on the release strategy, telling Deadline that they'll “be watching to see the reopening of theaters and consumer sentiment in terms of going back to theater.”
The Cate Shortland-directed prequel starring Scarlett Johansson is currently set to hit theaters on May 7, kicking of what Hollywood is hoping will be a (relatively) normal summer blockbuster season. Of course, we're just going to have to wait and see how things pan out in that regard.
About The Author:
Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.