Disney Plus, a prominent streaming service known for housing popular franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel, is set to implement another price increase in Canada, effective from November. According to a company representative, the monthly cost for the standard high-definition subscription will rise by $3, bringing the total to $15.99 per month. Meanwhile, the premium 4K package will see a smaller increase of $1, making it $16.99 per month. However, the ad-supported version of Disney Plus will remain at the current rate of $8.99 monthly.
This move is part of a broader trend as Disney Plus plans to introduce similar price hikes in various regions, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The streaming industry is increasingly encouraging viewers to opt for their ad-supported packages, which, while less expensive for subscribers, offer additional revenue through commercial advertising. The last price increase for Disney Plus subscriptions in Canada occurred roughly two years ago, although other streaming platforms such as Netflix and Apple TV Plus have also seen price adjustments this year.
In addition to the pricing changes, Disney Plus is undergoing a significant rebranding initiative. The streaming service will retire its Star branding and replace it with Hulu in all international markets, which includes Canada. Despite this shift, Disney assures users that the programming selection will remain unchanged. This rebranding aims to align Disney Plus Canada more closely with its U.S. and global counterparts.
Recently, the streaming platform faced a public backlash, resulting in some subscribers canceling their accounts due to the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel. In mid-September 2025, the Disney-owned ABC network suspended Kimmel due to remarks he made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This issue sparked widespread debate about freedom of speech and the responsibilities of media figures.
Overall, the series of changes at Disney Plus, including both price hikes and rebranding efforts, reflects the company's strategy to adapt to the evolving streaming landscape while responding to consumer sentiment. As Disney Plus navigates these shifts, its focus on aligning international services and enticing viewers into ad-supported packages will be key components of its future operations.
