Disney+ is making a dramatic shift in its content strategy, and long-form animation is no longer part of the equation. Walt Disney Animation Studios has confirmed that all future long-form animated projects for Disney+ have been scrapped, signaling a major change for the streaming platform’s 125 million subscribers worldwide.
A New Era for Disney+
Since launching in November 2019, Disney+ has been home to countless animated classics and projects from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and Lucasfilm. Over the years, the platform has tested multiple revenue models, including Premier Access films like Mulan (2020), ad-supported tiers, and a crackdown on password sharing. The latest move confirms that Disney+ is stepping away from long-form animated content altogether.
According to an exclusive Hollywood Reporter report, Walt Disney Animation Studios will no longer develop long-form animation for Disney+. A Disney spokesperson confirmed this decision will lead to layoffs at the Vancouver animation studio.
Disney+ Originals Pulled From Development
This change means several anticipated Disney+ animated projects are no longer moving forward. Among the most high-profile cancellations is the Tiana series, which was set to feature Anika Noni Rose reprising her role as Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog (2009). An untitled full-length animated feature originally planned as a Disney+ exclusive has also been shelved.
Instead of focusing on streaming-exclusive animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios is shifting its efforts toward theatrical releases, committing to one major animated film per year while still exploring short-form animation projects. The upcoming Zootopia 2, set to premiere on November 26, 2025, remains on track.
Disney’s Moana Experiment Paved the Way for This Change
This decision follows Disney’s surprise shift in 2024 when a planned Moana (2016) long-form series was repackaged as a theatrical sequel. CEO Bob Iger confirmed in February 2024 that the project had been reworked as Moana 2 (2024), which premiered last November and became a box-office success.
While long-form animation is being phased out, short-form content remains a strong performer on Disney+. Disney has won awards for originals like Zootopia+ and Baymax!, while licensed content like Bluey continues to dominate viewership. However, it remains unclear whether Disney will expand its short-form animation lineup to fill the void left by the canceled long-form projects.
Pixar Is Making the Same Move
Walt Disney Animation Studios isn’t alone. Pixar previously announced that it would no longer prioritize long-form episodic content for Disney+, instead focusing on theatrical films. Its first long-form Disney+ original series, Win or Lose, debuted on February 19, 2025.
With Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios both stepping away from exclusive long-form Disney+ content, it’s clear that the company is prioritizing theatrical animation while pulling back on streaming-exclusive animation.
Will you still pay for Disney+? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
NOPE
Given that Disney+ has seriously lagged on adding high level content, I have already decided that when my annual subscription is up for renewal in March 2025 I will certainly NOT be renewing. Frankly, it’s content is 3rd rate.