The familiar Disney+ Hotstar brand in Southeast Asia is about to change. On October 9, 2025, the service in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines will officially rebrand to Disney+, unifying the platform under a single global identity.
For subscribers, the change raises an important question: Will my shows still be there? According to industry sources, the answer is yes. The existing catalog of family-friendly favorites, award-winning dramas, and local APAC Originals will remain available. That means subscribers can continue enjoying the same mix of regional productions, Hollywood hits, and long-running series that have anchored Disney+ Hotstar.
Hulu Originals Arrive on Disney+
The most noticeable difference will be the arrival of Hulu Originals on Disney+. While the Southeast Asian service will not carry Hulu’s entire U.S. catalog, it will feature a curated lineup of high-profile titles under a new Hulu-branded section, identifiable by its green tile in the app.
This move expands the platform beyond its family-oriented roots. Disney+ will now include a broader range of general entertainment for adult audiences, alongside established content hubs such as Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
Key Titles Coming to Southeast Asia
The rebrand comes with an upgraded programming slate. Some of the highlights confirmed for Southeast Asian viewers include:
All’s Fair – A courtroom drama created by Ryan Murphy, starring Glenn Close, Kim Kardashian, and Niecy Nash.
Would You Marry Me? – A romantic comedy from Korea featuring Choi Woo-shik and Jung So-min.
The Manipulated – An action-driven Korean thriller with Ji Changwook and Doh Kyungsoo.
WANDANCE – A Japanese anime series centered on youth, dance, and identity.
These additions will sit alongside established international series such as Grey’s Anatomy, Modern Family, and Shōgun, as well as recent Korean and Japanese hits including Moving, Nine Puzzles, Tempest, and A Shop for Killers.
Simplified Navigation and User Experience
The Disney+ Hotstar rebrand Southeast Asia is not just about content. The platform will also see updates to its interface. The Hulu section will help viewers quickly identify adult-oriented titles, while the family and franchise categories remain in their dedicated spaces.
This clearer design is expected to improve navigation, making it easier for subscribers to browse between global blockbusters and regional storytelling without confusion.
Disney’s Strategy in the Region
Vineet Puri, Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, explained the approach in a statement:
“Disney+ is known to have the most beloved library of content in Malaysia. With Hulu as our new general entertainment brand on Disney+, we will continue to deliver unparalleled storytelling to families, friends and fans.”
The rebrand reflects Disney’s effort to balance its long-standing reputation for family programming with the growing demand for broader adult-focused entertainment in Asia.
Why the Rebrand Matters for Viewers
The shift from Disney+ Hotstar to Disney+ brings three clear benefits for subscribers in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines:
Expanded choice – A wider mix of U.S., Korean, and Japanese programming.
Unified identity – Consistency with the global Disney+ brand.
Continued local focus – Regional originals remain central to the library.
The changes also place Disney+ in a stronger position against competitors like Netflix and Prime Video, which have already invested heavily in local content while maintaining deep international catalogs.
Looking Ahead
The official rollout on October 9, 2025, is more than a cosmetic change. By integrating Hulu Originals into Disney+, the company is giving Southeast Asian audiences access to a richer mix of storytelling while maintaining the familiar favorites that made the service popular.
For subscribers, the message is straightforward: your favorite shows are safe, and more variety is on the way.
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