Disney’s not exactly crushing it in the court of public opinion lately. ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! over the host’s comments about the Charlie Kirk assassination—and then reinstate it, starting tonight, after an outcry in Hollywood and among free-speech advocates everywhere—was already a big problem, leading to a viral push to dump Disney+ subscriptions. Perhaps hoping to win back some goodwill, the company then released a trailer for the next Star Wars movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu, an expansion of one of Disney+’s biggest hits.
But the trailer’s arrival didn’t do much to quiet Disney’s critics; the fact that it hinted at a visually underwhelming movie that leans heavily into Star Wars Easter eggs and Baby Yoda doing cute things didn’t help. (Contrast that to the excitement over Star Wars: Starfighter‘s first glimpse of Ryan Gosling in character, which was released hours before the Kimmel suspension.)
And now, Disney+ subscribers, there’s more bad news, as well as what seems to be an incredible stroke of bad timing. As Vulture reports, the streamer will soon be raising its prices; the new rates will go into effect in 30 days.
Here’s what the new tiers will cost you each month:
The Disney+ and Hulu Bundle with ads was $11; will increase to $13. (The “no ads” option will remain at $20.)
Disney+ Premium with no ads was $16; will increase to $19. (Hulu Premium with no ads will stay at $19.)
Disney+ with ads was $10; will increase to $12.
Hulu + Live TV (with ads) was $83; will increase to $90. This plan bundles Disney+ and ESPN Select, both with ads.
Of course, streaming price hikes are nothing new; Disney+ also raised its rates last year, and Apple TV+, to give one other example, recently announced its own price increase.
But widespread boycotts against streaming services are far less common; you have to wonder if anyone who cancelled in protest over Jimmy Kimmel Live! being suspended will want to pay more to rejoin now that the show’s been reinstated.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
