Disney+ Hotstar subscribers in many South East Asia countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia & Thailand, have had the app recently updated to a new version known as “Hotstar X”, which brings the app design closer to a Disney+ experience internationally.  A new beta version of the app is being offered to users, before the new update is released completely.

As part of the new app update, the general entertainment brand, Star, has been introduced as the sixth brand, alongside, National Geographic, Pixar, Disney, Marvel and Star Wars.  The Star brand offers a wide selection of content from Disney’s studios, including 20th Century Studios, FX, Searchlight Pictures and ABC.  Star was originally introduced to Disney+ in many countries around the world, including the UK, Canada and Australia, in early 2021.

Original programming is now being categorised as Star Originals, which are often released as Hulu Originals in the United States, and the Star Original logo is now being shown at the start of each original, bringing it in line with the international version of Disney+.

The Hotstar X app was introduced last year when Disney+ launched in many countries across the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia, rather than using the same Disney+ app used in the majority of countries around the world.

Streamlining Disney+ to a similar design and using the same branding for its Star brand throughout the region, does make sense, especially as it keeps the more general entertainment side of Disney, “separate” from the more family-friendly content.   It also seems likely that Disney could be getting ready to drop the Hotstar branding in these countries.

Thanks to Shah Jebat for the information

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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