Disney+: everything you need to know about the new streaming service

The new service is set to rival Netflix, here's what you need to know ...

This image provided by Disney shows a product image of Disney Plus on a tablet. The video steaming service has been in the works for more than year, but Thursday, April 11, 2019, marked the first time that the longtime entertainment powerhouse has laid out plans for its attack on Netflix and a formidable cast of competitors, including Amazon, HBO Go and Showtime Anytime. (Disney via AP)

How Disney Plus will look on a tablet (Disney via AP)

Aug 20, 2019

Disney is branching into the streaming world with the launch of Disney+, a service set to rival the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Plans for Disney+, which has been in the making for more than a year, were revealed in California on Thursday and include a number of spin-off TV shows from some of Disney’s biggest movies.

Which TV shows will be available on Disney+?

Tom Hiddleston, left, and Chris Hemsworth in Thor: The Dark World. Walt Disney Studios / Marvel / AP Photo

One of those will be a new Marvel TV series starring Tom Hiddleston as Loki, as well as a new Star Wars series featuring the actors for Rouge One.

Disney also announced on Thursday that it had acquired the streaming rights from 20th Century Fox to stream The Simpsons exclusively in America.

Welcome to the family, @TheSimpsons. #DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/OYAN1ziGsy
— Disney (@Disney) April 11, 2019

What about films?

Disney is planning to release films straight to the streaming service, and is in the process of removing its movies from other streaming sites once current deals are up.

As well as new releases, Disney’s back catalogue will be available, including all Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar films.

This image released by Lucasfilm shows Daisy Ridley as Rey in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." The Skywalker saga may be coming to an end this December as the latest Star Wars trilogy finishes, but 8 months out from its release fans still know precious little about what director J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy have in store for â€œEpisode IX," which opens nationwide on Dec. 20. (Lucasfilm via AP) — Daisy Ridley as Rey in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." (Lucasfilm via AP)

How much will Disney+ cost?

Disney says it will charge $6.99 a month when the service launches in the US, although it is yet to release details about launches and costs in other parts of the world.