OSN brings Rogue One: A Star Wars Story to MENA as part of Disney TV deal
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Rebecca Hawkes
| 09 February 2017

The latest Star Wars movie Rogue One is set to make its Middle East pay-TV debut on OSN following an extension of the existing agreement between the pay-TV operator and Disney.

As well as the broadcast rights to Star Wars titles and new films, the content deal sees OSN retaining the channels Disney XD, Disney Junior and Disney Channel HD in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), as well as continuing to cover the Academy Awards.

It will also have access to titles including Doctor Strange and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, Disney Pixar films such as The Incredibles 2 and Finding Dory, Disney’s recent musical animation Moana, and shows from ABC Studios including Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder will all be added to OSN schedules this year.

OSN will also launch a dedicated Disney HD movie channel in early 2018, and the Disney Forever On Demand service in a few months’ time, which promises classic series from the Disney Channel. Three new digital services – Disney Channel Pop Pick Play, Disney English and Disney Channel Hindi – have also been unveiled by the two companies.

“We are continuing to build on our strong collaboration with Disney through an even wider range of content that appeals to family and kids. The quality of Disney entertainment is unbeatable and the addition of more On Demand anytime, anywhere shows will offer added choices for our customers,” said Emad Morcos, chief content officer, OSN.

The deal ensures OSN will broadcast the latest Disney films more than a year before any other pay-TV or subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platform in the region.

Chafic Najia, general manager, Disney Middle East & North Africa, said: “We are delighted to build on our long-standing and dynamic relationship with OSN across the MENA region. Through offering new, dedicated channels and services, families across the Middle East and North Africa can access the premium family entertainment that Disney is world-famous for.”

Disney XD will also introduce Arabic dubbing in 2018, joining Disney Junior and Disney Channel HD, which already offer Arabic dubbing or subtitles.