Can old enemies make for good friends? The future of streaming media might depend on the answer. Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery surprised investors this week with plans to launch a new streaming bundle that will combine Disney+, Hulu and Warner’s Max service.
The bundle will make all ad-supported and ad-free options of the three streamers available for one price that will be announced later this year when the bundles are launched. The two companies are also teaming up with Fox to offer a joint-venture sports streamer. That initiative, which some have nicknamed Spulu, will also be launched later this year and combine some of the various sports rights held by Disney, Warner and Fox into one new app.
Details are still being ironed out, though the companies did note that the new app also will be available as a bundle with the Disney+, Hulu and Max offerings. Bundling has also been a subject of interest at Paramount, which has discussed possibilities with Peacock owner Comcast as well as Apple as the storied Hollywood player navigates its own merger drama, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal. Those might seem odd moves for traditional Hollywood giants that have long competed vigorously over things such as talent, book options and sports rights.
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