Disney+ designates O2 as exclusive mobile partner
Details
Joseph O'Halloran
| 16 March 2020

With the UK launch of the global sash direct-to-consumer service just over a week away, leading UK telcos O2 has been appointed as the exclusive UK mobile distributor for Disney+.

At launch in the UK, Disney+ will include content such as the includes the first seven Star Wars movies—available for the first time in this format—along with Hocus Pocus; Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Toy Story 1–3; Lady and the Tramp, a live-action re-telling of the 1955 animated classic; Noelle, an original holiday comedy film starring Anna Kendrick; High School Musical: The Musical: The Series; The World According to Jeff Goldblum docu-series from National Geographic; Marvel’s Hero Project; The Imagineering Story; short-form series Pixar IRL and Disney Family Sundays; and animated short film collections SparkShorts and Forky Asks A Question from Pixar Animation Studios.

Even without the Simpsons, the UK Disney+ at launch will still include The Mandalorian, The Mandalorian, the first-ever live-action Star Wars series and which has broken all download records since being part of the direct-to-service service’s initial bundle. After driving the direct-to-consumer service to an incredible first day on 12 November, then becoming the most requested series in US TV a week later, The Mandalorian became the most in-demand series in the world.

Commenting on gaining exclusive mobile rights to the service, Mark Evans, O2 CEO said: “We’re delighted to be working with Disney to bring these incredible shows and movies to our customers, demonstrating that there are more reasons than ever to join the UK’s No.1 network.” Jan Koeppen, president, The Walt Disney Company EMEA added: We’re delighted to work with the award-winning mobile network O2 on the UK launch of Disney+, which represents a new chapter in the way Disney delivers our timeless stories to fans.”

The O2 deal comes hot on the heels of Disney+ inking an exclusive all-platform deal with Telefónica’s Movistar in Spain. Other operators, in practical Vodafone Spin have begun legal action against the deal arguing it is anti-competitive for the local business arena.