Disney+ tops 100 million subscribers just 16 months after launch
Disney+ has topped 100 million global subscribers. On Tuesday Disney CEO Bob Chapek revealed the streaming service surpassed the benchmark in just 16 months since its launch. The company expects Disney+ will have 230 million to 260 million subscribers by 2024. The streaming service has seen rapid growth in subscribers since its launch in November 2019. On day one, the company had 10 million sign-ups and, by the end of the first quarter, the service had secured 26.5 million subscribers.
cnbc.comMarvel's Wanda has a future, but 'WandaVision' fate unclear
This image provided by Marvel Studios shows Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff in a scene from "WandaVision." (Marvel Studios via AP)LOS ANGELES – When “WandaVision” wraps its initial run next month on the Disney+ streaming service, Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda will make her next appearance in the big-screen “Doctor Strange” sequel. It’s storytelling that determines how and when characters from the Marvel Comics universe hopscotch between TV and movies, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige said Wednesday. Feige wouldn’t say whether “WandaVision,” Marvel Studios' first original series for Disney+, has a future after its March 5 season finale. Asked if Marvel Studios might be able to regain them, Feige said he believes it could happen, but added that “rumors online about things reverting” to Marvel aren't always true.
How to tell who's winning — and who's losing — the streaming wars
Each streaming service is different. Discovery's Discovery+ wants to be a "complement to other streaming services," according to CEO David Zaslav. Disney+ has already predicted it will have as many as 260 million global subscribers by 2024. "Not every streaming service deserves to exist or win," Kevin Mayer, former head of Disney+ and ex-CEO of TikTok, told CNBC. "All of these media companies were running commercials for their streaming services on television."
cnbc.comDepp under pressure in cross-examination at Sun libel case
Johnny Depp arrives at the High Court in London, Thursday, July 9, 2020. Johnny Depp is back in the witness box for a third day at the trial of his libel suit against a tabloid newspaper that called him a wife-beater. Depp acknowledged Wednesday that he may have done things he cant remember while he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Wass asked Depp about a 2014 private plane flight from Boston to Los Angeles. Depp is also suing Heard in the United States for $50 million for allegedly defaming him in a Washington Post article about domestic abuse.
Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany Were 'Blown Away' by 'WandaVision' Pitch
Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen are sharing juicy details on their upcoming Disney + series, WandaVision. When asked to elaborate on how this resurrection will take place, he got cagey, offering how work on the new series began. "When Kevin pitched it to me, we were both blown away by-I would never have thought that this is where they're gonna ask us to go," Bettany said. "I'm excited to be surprised by what we come up with on the day, I'm just excited for character development that isn't so linear," Olsen added. While on the red carpet, Olsen continued toying with a diamond ring on her left ringer finger, prompting her to explain: "It's like a beautiful cocktail ring."