Disney+ subscribers 'boycott' streamer as string of popular shows disappear

22 May 2023 , 18:25

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Disney+ subscribers ‘boycott’ streamer as string of shows axed

Disney+ subscribers are threatening to "boycott" the streaming service after it was announced they would be axing several fan-favourite television series and films.

At least 40 titles will be pulled from the platform as well as Hulu from May 26 as part of a cost-cutting initiative, with Marvel's hugely popular Project Power and Marvel's Voices Rising: The Music of Wakanda Forever part of the line-up that will be discontinued.

Movies such as the Cheaper By The Dozen reboot and 2020's Stargirl will also be removed, as well as hit television dramas such as Willow, Dollface, The Mighty Ducks and The Mysterious Benedict Society.

Subscribers made their frustrations known on social media, with some even adding that there was no point in paying for the Disney+ service if they couldn't view their favourite shows.

"Disney basically destroying any legal way to watch Willow and Dollface… my villain origin story is realized. I hate my life," one person tweeted.

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Disney+ subscribers are threatening to "boycott" the streaming service (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Another added: "What?!?!?! I haven't even had a chance to watch Willow yet! Is there going to be a physical release or anything? This is wild and confusing for multiple reasons."

A third highlighted how unfair the decision was, explaining: "Anyone debating the quality of these shows (and willow is great, idc) is entirely missing the point. All of these are pieces of art which both creators and fans have serious personal investment in, not corporate products to be tossed aside depending on how much money they make."

Cheaper By The Dozen reboot is one show which will soon be axed by Disney+ (Disney+)

A third wrote: "This is just annoying! I'm going to unsubscribe."

In response to all the shows being removed, Disney+'s official helpline account wrote on their website: "We're always working toward making your streaming experience the best it can be, and as this work is done some titles are impacted by removal from our platform. We apologize for the disappointment this may cause."

This comes after Disney announced it would combine its Disney+ and Hulu platforms in a new app set to launch later this year.

Subscribers said there was no point in paying for Disney+ if they couldn't view their favourite shows (LightRocket via Getty Images)

Disney boss Bob Iger said that the company was going to create a "one-app experience" for its customers in the US, which would create a "unified streaming experience".

However, the company also plans to keep Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ as standalone platforms as well.

The news comes after Disney also lost 300,000 customers in the US and Canada after raising subscription prices in December.

The price for the ad-free Disney+ subscription will also be seeing a hike this year from the current $10.99 a month.

Jabeen Waheed