Business
Disney Completes Hulu Buyout Amid Franchise Resurgence
BURBANK, Calif. (AP) — Disney has officially completed its buyout of Hulu from Comcast, marking the end of a lengthy transaction process that began years ago.
The $438.7 million payment, added to the previous $8.6 billion commitment made in 2023, enables Disney to take full operational control of Hulu. This acquisition aims to streamline the integration of Hulu’s general entertainment content with Disney’s flagship streaming service, Disney+, and its ESPN platform.
Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed satisfaction with the finalization, stating, “We are pleased this is finally resolved. Completing the Hulu acquisition paves the way for a deeper integration…” The deal has been seen as pivotal in enhancing Disney’s streaming ambitions in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
In recent years, Disney pursued a strategy of integrating Hulu more closely with its other services. This includes vertical bundles with HBO Max and further aligning content across its platforms. Comcast’s NBCUniversal also acknowledged a fruitful partnership, noting Hulu generated nearly $10 billion for them.
The buyout comes at a time when both companies have adapted their strategies in response to the competitive streaming landscape. Disney’s acquisition of Hulu was driven by its desire to create a more unified streaming experience for customers.
As for Disney’s content portfolio, the impact of its acquisition of 21st Century Fox is becoming increasingly notable. Franchises such as Alien and Predator have seen revitalization under Disney’s ownership. Films like Alien: Romulus and Prey have received strong reviews and box office performances, suggesting a successful trajectory for these series moving forward.
Disney is gearing up for upcoming releases, including a sequel to Prey and the animated film Predator: Killer of Killers, which is set to enhance its foothold in the horror genre. This expansion reveals that Disney is not only filling gaps in its franchise portfolio but also investing in the future of their storytelling.
