Source: Fortune
Summary
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro is exploring the idea of creating a “super app” that would combine the company’s various mobile apps, including Disney+, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line Navigator, into a single platform. The app would allow users to book park tickets, buy merchandise, play games, and watch movies. The idea has been discussed internally, but no concrete steps have been taken. D’Amaro’s predecessor, Bob Iger, had also considered a similar idea, but it never gained traction. Disney is currently working on merging its Hulu online video platform with Disney+.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Disney’s “super app” ambitions are nothing new, but D’Amaro’s enthusiasm is. The company has long flirted with the idea, but logistical setbacks have held it back. The current effort to merge Hulu with Disney+ has faced obstacles, but D’Amaro is keen to push forward. The CEO’s restructuring of the company to marry games and entertainment suggests a willingness to experiment. The abrupt shutdown of OpenAI’s Sora text-to-video generator, a key part of Disney’s user-generated content plans, has dealt a setback.
Disney’s earnings report on May 6 will be closely watched.
Author: Evan Null
