• Disney inks exclusive distribution deals in Italy and Spain
  • Telefónica Spain cements relationship with Movistar to distribute the new service
  • Disney+ UK content slate confirmed with over 875 pieces of content

movistar disney

Distribution: Spain’s Movistar completes deal with Disney+

The Walt Disney Company’s answer to Netflix is going global with its European launch set for later this month amid a series of exclusive multi-year distribution agreements.

Spanish telecom operator Telefónica announced yesterday a multi-year strategic alliance which will see streaming service Disney+ launch in Spain on Movistar Plus, Telefónica’s pay-TV SVoD service.

The deal will launch Disney+ across the region on Spain’s biggest pay-TV service from its launch on 24 March – one of a number of countrywide deals the media giant has struck for its new OTT service.

The addition of Disney’s films and original series to its line-up of original content includes content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic, as well as the highly anticipated original series, The Mandalorian.

Telefónica Spain chief executive Emilio Gayo said: “After years of a strong relationship between Telefónica and Disney, we are excited to announce this alliance.

“Disney+ enriches the experience of Movistar customers, with exceptional storytelling from five incredible Disney brands. This agreement reinforces our strategy of always offering our customers the best original content.”

At its launch, more than 25 exclusive originals, 500 movies and 300 series will be available on the platform.

Movistar customers will be able to view Disney+ originals including High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, a modern and creative version of the successful franchise; The World According to Jeff Goldblum, which explores the amazing world of everyday objects, and The Lady and the Tramp, a new live-action version of the 1955 animated classic, which will be released exclusively at Disney+.

In the coming days, Movistar said it will give details on how customers can access Disney+ and how it will be integrated into its commercial offering.

Italian telco TIM last week confirmed an exclusive wholesale distribution deal for Disney+ in Italy with TIM’s broadband packages.

Starting from March 24, Disney+ will be offered to TIM’s new and existing customers in a bundle with fibre packages.

TIM chief executive Luigi Gubitosi said: “We are proud that Disney has chosen TIM as its strategic partner in Italy. This agreement comes within the strategy adopted by TIM to pursue alliances with major international players in various segments, to offer cutting-edge products and services.

“Adding Disney+ gives a major boost to the strategy of TIMVision as Italy’s leading aggregator of premium content in the Italian Tv industry, in a context where convergence between telecommunications and content will play an increasingly key role in the group’s future, thanks to the development of ultra-broadband and 5G.”

Last week, Comcast backed pay-TV operator Sky announced today a multi-year deal securing Disney+ for its UK and Ireland customers available on Sky Q with Now TV.

The two companies struck the deal enabling Sky customers to pay for access to the premium Disney+ content via an app after it launches.

Last December Disney+ announced an exclusive distribution deal with Vivendi’s Canal Plus Group, France’s biggest pay-TV operator.

Disney has also released its full list of content that will be available on the new streaming service in the UK, including more than 500 films, over 350 TV series and 25 exclusive Disney+ originals.

This includes 600 episodes of The Simpsons which will exclusively feature on the service as well as Pixar classics like Toy Story and 101 Dalmatians.