Disney+ Tops 50 Million Subscribers in Just 5 Months as People Social Distance at Home
Disney+ is going strong amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
The streaming service has now amassed over 50 million subscribers after launching just five months ago, Disney executive Kevin Mayer said in a press release Wednesday.
“We’re truly humbled that Disney+ is resonating with millions around the globe, and believe this bodes well for our continued expansion throughout Western Europe and into Japan and all of Latin America later this year,” Mayer said. “Great storytelling inspires and uplifts, and we are in the fortunate position of being able to deliver a vast array of great entertainment rooted in joy and optimism on Disney+.”
In comparison, Hulu, which Disney has partial ownership of, has about 30 million subscribers after 13 years, while Netflix, introduced in 2007, has about 167 subscribers worldwide, according to The New York Times.
Disney+ costs $6.99 a month and includes a slate of programming from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and National Geographic. The Mandalorian, a live-action Star Wars series and Disney+ original, has been the streaming service’s biggest hit so far.
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The surge in subscribers comes as people across the world are isolating at home and social distancing to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. Many businesses, Disney included, have taken a hard hit due to the economic shutdown.
Last month, the company confirmed Disneyland and Walt Disney World would now be closed indefinitely after both parks had planned to reopen at the end of March. All of Disney’s attractions, hotels and stores are now closed in North America.
Disney has also had to postpone the release of many highly-anticipated films such as Black Widow, The Eternals, Thor: Love and Thunder, and Mulan.
Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg via Getty Images
RELATED: Disney Has Stopped Charging Annual Passholders While Parks are Closed After Backlash Online
Bob Iger, the former CEO and now executive chairman of Disney, has decided to forgo his entire salary, while new CEO Bob Chapek has taken a 50% pay cut, The Hollywood Reporter and Variety reported late last month.
The cuts call for a 20% reduction in salary for all VP level executives starting April 5, Variety reported, while Senior VPs will see a 25% pay cut and executive VPs and above will see a 30% cut.
The changes were reportedly outlined in a memo sent to Disney staffers. “This temporary action will remain in effect until we foresee a substantive recovery in our business,” reads the letter, according to both outlets.
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