In what may seem surprising to some, subscribers to Walt Disney Co's
What Happened: The film industry-focused X account DiscussingFilm posted on Tuesday that the first seven films in the "Saw" franchise are now streaming on Disney+ (with Hulu.)
Several users reacted with incredulity that the typically family-friendly brand would put the notoriously gory horror franchise alongside movies targeted at children, including "The Lion King" and "Toy Story." One X user described it as "a strange dichotomy."
Settings in Disney+ allow parents to toggle in and out of mature content mode; the films will not be available on kids' profiles if parental controls are enabled.
Why it Matters: The diversification of Disney+'s catalogue comes amid broader struggles to grow its subscriber base. The company unveiled a joint-subscription program with fellow Disney property Hulu in 2023.
Disney launched Disney+ in 2019 and has since gradually eased its content restrictions to allow mature content on its platform. Released in 2021, the Disney+ original, "The Beatles: Get Back," added a content warning to excuse the Fab Four's crude, Scouse humor.
In 2022, Disney added Marvel properties to its catalogue that held R ratings. This included "Deadpool," "Deadpool 2" and "Logan." Disney also added Marvel TV shows with TV-MA ratings, including "Jessica Jones" and "Luke Cage."
