By Madeline Ramirez
Disney announced that exclusive Marvel property produced on the streaming service Disney+ will be integral to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and ongoing timeline.
I was surprised when I heard this.
And then I was angry.
When the monopolistic entertainment company first announced its plans for Disney+ back in 2017, the public had mixed responses. Some were ecstatic that Disney was offering a platform that gave access to every piece of content they have produced since their early years. Others were disgusted by the audacity of a massive company to flex their intellectual property amassment by creating their own streaming service. Each side of the argument had its points, but I was ecstatic at the idea of Disney content all on one accessible platform.
And as time passed, I realized that I needed to budget and plan out my finances to prepare for my future. So, I shelved Disney+ in favor of saving up for college tuition, and I wholeheartedly despise Kevin Feige’s, president of Marvel Studios, decision of telling Marvel fans that we need to keep up with Disney+ Marvel shows to have a basic understanding of what would transpire in upcoming movies.
Marvel fans should not be forced into an ongoing subscription with a multi-million dollar company to retain their understanding of the franchise. The mainstream movies have been available to everyone interested in following the timeline or simply watching for entertainment. It’s unfair for Disney+ to pressure Marvel enthusiasts into subscribing by creating timeline content that is locked behind a $5.99 monthly paywall, which is almost guaranteed to increase with time.
With my current financial status, I can afford a Disney+ subscription. I like a lot of Disney content and will enjoy the library of media within the service. But, others aren’t as lucky and may already struggle to keep their passion for Marvel, and not every Marvel fan is interested in other Disney properties.
The rise of Disney+ raises similar issues for the consumer of other various franchises. Content is no longer accessible with a single ongoing purchase of cable. The average person who’s invested in several TV shows is urged to set aside expenses for separate services from CBS, Sony, HBO, and more. Every subscription is a monthly or annual fee that accumulates quickly; the LA Times calculates a monthly bill close to $450 for those with money to burn on every available service.
The bottom line is, Disney doesn’t need to create Disney+ exclusive content as an incentive for more subscriptions. Their net worth is 130 billion US dollars, their fan base is huge and they have major amusement parks and cruises across the world. Despite all the money that flows in, it’s obviously not enough for them because chose to create subscription-exclusive content to have more money and dominance in the entertainment industry.
In hindsight, I guess it’s to be expected from the richest company in the world.
