Disney is taking a major step in reshaping its global streaming strategy. Starting October 8, 2025, the company will officially replace the Star hub inside Disney+ with Hulu in international markets. This move marks the next phase of Disney’s plan to unify its streaming brands and bring Hulu’s identity to audiences around the world.
Disney’s Plan to Expand Hulu Globally
Disney is moving toward a single, stronger streaming platform by merging Hulu’s general entertainment catalog with Disney+’s existing content. The decision to replace Star with Hulu aligns with Disney’s vision to simplify its streaming lineup and make Hulu a truly global brand.
Until now, Hulu was only available in the United States, while international Disney+ users accessed similar content through the Star hub. By rolling out Hulu globally inside Disney+, Disney is creating a consistent viewing experience across all regions.
What Will Change on October 8, 2025
When the update goes live, Disney+ users outside the U.S. will notice that the Star tile disappears, and a new Hulu hub appears in its place. All shows, movies, and originals previously available under Star will now live under Hulu within Disney+.
For U.S. subscribers, this won’t affect the existing setup immediately. The standalone Hulu app will continue to operate separately, but Disney has already confirmed plans to fully merge Hulu into Disney+ by early 2026.
This integration will eventually give users one combined app where Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Hulu content can all be found in one place.
Why Disney Is Making This Move
The change is about more than just branding — it’s about streamlining the user experience. Disney executives have stated that having multiple apps and hubs creates confusion. By consolidating everything under one roof, the company aims to make streaming simpler and more intuitive.
It also helps Disney compete more effectively with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Max by offering a larger variety of genres in a single platform. Hulu’s more mature catalog, combined with Disney’s family-friendly titles, gives the company a broader audience reach.
The Future of the Hulu App
Although Hulu will remain a standalone app in the United States for a while longer, it is expected to be phased out after the full Disney+ integration in 2026. Users will still be able to subscribe to Hulu or Disney+ individually, but Disney’s goal is to eventually deliver a seamless experience within one app.
This doesn’t mean Hulu content is disappearing — it’s just moving. All the popular series, films, and originals under Hulu will continue to exist, but in a unified ecosystem that makes navigation and discovery easier for subscribers.
New Features Coming to Disney+
As part of this global update, Disney is rolling out several new design and functionality improvements to enhance the streaming experience:
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A cleaner home screen with a more intuitive layout.
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Improved content recommendations based on user behavior.
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New visual tags like “New Episode,” “Season Finale,” or “Trending Now.”
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Personalized watchlists and easier profile management.
These updates are aimed at making the app feel fresher, faster, and more personalized.
How This Affects U.S. Viewers
While U.S. users won’t see the Star-to-Hulu change directly (since Star isn’t used in the U.S. version of Disney+), they will benefit from the deeper Hulu-Disney+ integration over the next year.
By 2026, American subscribers can expect one combined Disney+ platform that includes all Hulu titles — from acclaimed series like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building to blockbuster films and exclusive originals.
The standalone Hulu app will likely remain optional for those who prefer it, but the future clearly points toward a single Disney+ experience.
The Bottom Line
Disney’s decision to replace Star with Hulu marks a major milestone in the company’s global streaming strategy. It simplifies its brand presence, strengthens Hulu’s identity, and prepares the ground for a fully unified platform by 2026.
For users, the update means a smoother interface, improved recommendations, and easier access to all of Disney’s and Hulu’s best content under one roof.
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