As anticipated, as soon as Netflix’s exclusive rights to several original
Marvel “Defenders” universe shows expired on March 1, Disney announced that they would be coming to Disney+.
“The Defenders,” "Daredevil,” “Jessica
Jones,” “Luke Cage,” “Iron Fist” and “The Punisher,” made for Netflix by Disney’s now-defunct Marvel Television between 2015 and 2019 — along with
and “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” — will arrive on Disney+ in the U.S. starting March 16. Disney said they will be available in all Disney+ markets later this year.
Because some of the shows’ content is considerably more mature than that typically found on Disney+ — containing more explicit sex and violence, and profanity (and so rated TV-MA,
rather than TV-14) — there had been some speculation that Disney might take them first to Hulu. (Of course, the company might also expand the programs to Hulu at some point in the future.)
The last thing Disney wants is to alienate the parents who signed up in droves for Disney+ to give their kids a wholesome viewing option, particularly during pandemic lockdowns.
But with
Disney+ needing to broaden its appeal to adults to continue its so-far remarkable growth, Disney — which has already broadened its content offerings in international markets — opted to
take the leap in the U.S., while simultaneously introducing expanded parental controls.
Starting March 16, all Disney+ subscribers in the U.S. will be presented with options to select content
ratings restrictions for each profile, as well as add a PIN to lock profiles. Those who update will gain access to the TV-MA content; those who don’t will continue to experience the existing,
TV-14 Disney+ content environment.
“Disney+ has served as the home for some of the most beloved brands in the industry, and the addition of these live-action shows brings more from the
Marvel brand together, all in one place,” said Michael Paull, president of Disney Streaming, in a statement. “We have experienced great success with an expanded content offering on Disney+
across our global markets and are excited to continue that here in the U.S. as well by offering our consumers not only great content with the new Marvel additions, but also a set of features that help
ensure a viewing experience most suitable for them and their family.”
More adult-targeted content will be coming to Disney+ in the near future.
Kevin Feige, head of Marvel
Studios, stated in an Empire magazine interview that example, that Marvel’s “Moon Night” series—headed for Disney+ on March 30 — is “loud and brutal.”
The studio won’t be “pulling back” on that approach, because the boundaries at Disney+ are shifting, he said.
Feige has also indicated that some Marvel shows might be
revived.