Disney Plus is making significant strides in the Asia Pacific region, with a strong commitment to producing regional content and exploring innovative formats such as vertical video and gaming adaptations. In a recent interview with Variety at the Disney+ APAC originals preview at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios, and Carol Choi, executive VP of APAC integrated marketing, studio, and original content strategy, shared insights into the platform’s ambitious slate that combines local storytelling with global creative expertise.
Schrier emphasized the importance of collaborating with local teams to create content that resonates with specific audiences. The upcoming slate includes a diverse range of Japanese and Korean titles, showcasing a mix of anime series, romantic comedies, crime dramas, and reality shows. Notable collaborations include working with legendary game creator Kojima Hideo on the anime series “Death Stranding Isolations” and exploring gaming IP adaptations like “Disney Twisted-Wonderland.”
Choi highlighted the platform’s strategy of leveraging established creative ecosystems in Korea to rapidly develop content, with plans to expand production capabilities in Japan. Data analytics play a role in identifying audience preferences, but creative instinct remains a crucial factor in decision-making. The platform’s content offerings have evolved to include more romance and fantasy elements with strong female protagonists to attract a wider demographic.
Cross-cultural insights from successful Korean dramas in Latin America and Turkish productions inform Disney’s content strategy across all territories. The exchange of creative practices between APAC teams and Burbank partners enhances storytelling techniques and pacing. Disney is also exploring the microdrama phenomenon in Asia, with plans to incorporate vertical video and short-form content on the platform in the future.
As Disney Plus continues to grow in the APAC region, Schrier and Choi expressed their deep commitment to the community and dedication to building diverse programming that appeals to existing Disney fans and new subscribers. The platform has launched over 155 APAC originals in the past five years, with anime content proving successful globally. Collaboration with terrestrial broadcasters, publishers, and agencies allows Disney to access a wide range of partnerships and expand its presence in the region.
Overall, Disney Plus’s focus on regional content production and innovative formats demonstrates its commitment to storytelling diversity and audience engagement in the Asia Pacific market.
