Currently, subscribing to Netflix in Hong Kong costs between HK$63 and HK$93 (US$8.10 t0 US$11.95) a month, whereas Apple TV+ costs HK$38 a month.

Disney+ launched in the United States in 2019, and subscriptions in the recently ended quarter more than doubled from the same period a year earlier to 116 million in 61 countries in North and South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

In Asia the streaming service has already been rolled out in Japan, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

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The coronavirus pandemic prompted Disney to release some films intended for release in cinemas on its streaming service when contracts and conditions allowed, with a focus on remaining flexible, according to Chapek.

“In light of the prolonged and unpredictable nature of the pandemic we needed to find alternative ways to bring our movies to consumers while theatres were closed,” Chapek said.

“We will continue to utilise all available options going forward, learn from insights gained from each release and innovate accordingly.”

Disney’s tactics regarding theatrical releases of films will have a “big impact” on the industry, according to Third Bridge senior analyst Joe McCormack. Disney debuting all of its films simultaneously on its streaming service and in cinemas could potentially cut the latter’s revenue in half, he said.

The entry of another giant player to regional streaming markets is in line with the positive outlook that the market will keep growing.

Streaming revenue in Hong Kong is expected to increase from US$263.7 million to US$432.2 million in 2025, according to a PriceWaterhouseCoopers report in July.

Five must-watch Disney+ shows

Disney+ boasts a huge catalogue of TV shows and movies, but it will be its latest original productions that drive new subscribers to the streaming platform. These are the shows you won’t want to miss.

1. The Mandalorian

Already into its second season, this Star Wars spin-off series and Disney+ exclusive was the first non-Netflix show to top Nielsen’s streaming rankings last December. Described as a “space Western”, the live-action series takes place between the events of Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. The Mandalorian is created by Jon Favreau and stars Pedro Pascal as a lone bounty hunter.

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2. WandaVision

This miniseries is directly linked to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), an ongoing and expanding franchise of superhero movies produced by Marvel Studios that began with Iron Man in 2008. WandaVision takes place after the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019) and tells the story of Wanda Maximoff/ Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany).

Created by Jacqueline Schaeffer (who also co-wrote the 2021 movie Black Widow), the series was praised by critics for its originality, and Olsen, Bettany and Schaeffer are all nominated for this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards, to be announced in September.

3. Loki

Like WandaVision, Loki is part of the MCU and takes place during and after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Tom Hiddlestone reprises his role as Loki from both the Avengers and Thor movies; but here we get to see another side of the antihero – and his many alternate versions – as he disrupts the timeline and creates different versions of reality.

Written by Michael Waldron and directed by Kate Harron, this series is to have a second season. Fans believe both WandaVision and Loki will pave the way to the upcoming MCU movie Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

4. Big Shot

This comedy-drama series created by David Kelley, Dean Lorey and Brad Garrett follows a super-successful professional basketball coach (John Stamos) who, because of his short temper, loses his job and ends up coaching an all-girl basketball team in a private high school. The show’s writing is a bit sketchy, according to critics, but strong performances from the ensemble cast makes this a must watch.

5. Star Wars: The Bad Batch

This is an animated series that serves both as a sequel and spin-off of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Produced by Lucasfilm Animation, written by Jennifer Corbett and directed by Brad Rau, The Bad Batch revolves around a squad of elite clone troopers with genetic mutations.

The series was well received, especially among Star Wars fans, and a second season is already slated for release in 2022.

Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse