Disney+ to Rebrand Star Hub as Hulu Internationally in October 2025
Disney is set to rebrand the Star hub on Disney+ internationally to Hulu on October 8th, 2025. This change precedes the planned unification of Hulu and Disney+ in the United States slated for 2026, according to recent statements made by Disney CEO Bob Iger.
The International Rollout of Hulu
The decision to bring Hulu to international markets follows Disney's acquisition of Comcast's stake in the streaming service. Previously, due to ownership complexities, expanding Hulu's reach beyond the US was challenging. Since the launch of Star on Disney+ in early 2021, speculation has been rife about a potential rebrand to Hulu once Disney had full control.
While the rebranding window was previously known to be between September and November, the specific launch date remained unclear until recently. The announcement was made during a live-stream marathon of "Futurama" episodes, revealing that Hulu would launch internationally on Disney+ on October 8th, 2025.
Precursors and Potential Marketing Strategies
Disney has already begun integrating Hulu branding into Disney+ in Canada, adding the "Hulu Originals" logo to trailers and posters. It remains to be seen whether a full-scale marketing campaign will accompany the international Hulu launch, similar to the one used for the initial Star launch. Alternatively, Disney might opt for a more subtle approach, relying on social media and word-of-mouth.
Impact on Disney+ Subscribers
International Disney+ subscribers can anticipate the Star hub to be rebranded with Hulu logos and imagery, resembling the US version of Disney+. A more comprehensive overhaul is expected in 2026 when the US merger of Hulu and Disney+ is completed, aiming for a globally consistent streaming experience.
Roger's Take: A Change for the Better
According to our resident expert, Roger, the shift from Star to Hulu is a welcome change. He notes that the Star brand felt generic and lacked meaning. While acknowledging Disney's previous investments and legal battles surrounding the Star brand, he suggests that using Hulu directly might have ultimately been more cost-effective.
This is a long time coming, and I’ve never been a big fan of the Star brand within Disney+. I always felt it was too generic and didn’t mean anything, so shifting it to Hulu won’t be a big loss.
Bringing the Hulu brand to Disney+ globally streamlines branding efforts and simplifies the promotion of Hulu shows and films, paving the way for the upcoming US merger.
Marvel Zombies: New Trailer Released Ahead of Disney+ Premiere
A new trailer for Marvel Zombies, the animated television miniseries, has been released, building anticipation for its premiere on Disney+ on September 24, 2025. The series, created by Bryan Andrews and Zeb Wells, is set in an alternate timeline inspired by the "What If…Zombies?!" episode.
What to Expect in Marvel Zombies
The Marvel Zombies trailer depicts powerful Marvel characters, including Thanos and Captain America, transformed into undead creatures. A small group of survivors, including Spider-Man, must fight to save the world. A key scene shows Spider-Man throwing Thor’s Stormbreaker at a zombified Thanos, with little effect.
The Star-Studded Voice Cast
The voice cast of Marvel Zombies includes a number of familiar voices from the MCU. These include Awkwafina as Katy, David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian, Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, Randall Park as Jimmy Woo, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, among others.
Plot Summary
The official plot description reads: “After the Avengers are overtaken by a zombie plague, a desperate group of survivors discover the key to bringing an end to the super-powered undead, racing across a dystopian landscape and risking life and limb to save their world.”
Production Details
Marvel Zombies is executive produced by Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Dana Vasquez-Eberhardt, Andrews, and Wells. Danielle Costa and Carrie Wassenaar serve as producers. All four episodes will be available on Disney+ on September 24, 2025.
