For years, many thought Hulu would fade away as Disney merged its streaming services. But here’s the big surprise: Hulu isn’t going away after all — it’s going global. Starting October 8th, Hulu will officially replace Star on Disney Plus in international markets, signaling Disney’s plan to make Hulu a worldwide entertainment brand.

Disney Is Expanding Hulu Worldwide

Disney confirmed that Hulu will become the global general entertainment brand within Disney Plus. This move marks the end of speculation that Hulu would be absorbed completely into Disney Plus by 2026. Instead, Disney is betting big on Hulu’s recognition to strengthen its global streaming dominance.

For non-US subscribers, this means the familiar Star hub will disappear, with Hulu taking its place. Popular shows and movies from Disney-owned studios will now stream under the Hulu banner — a major step in Disney’s international strategy.

A Unified Disney Plus Experience Is Coming

This change is just the beginning. Disney revealed that by next year, viewers can expect a “unified” Disney Plus app experience, blending Hulu more seamlessly into the platform.

According to Disney’s press release, users will see design and navigation upgrades, offering a smoother and more dynamic interface. Expect Hulu’s identity to become more visible within Disney Plus menus, recommendations, and content curation worldwide.

Why This Matters For Viewers

The announcement confirms that Hulu’s future is brighter than many expected. Instead of vanishing, it’s expanding — and going global gives it the chance to rival Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Max on a much larger scale.

Disney CEO Bob Iger had hinted back in August that this shift was coming in the fall, and now it’s official. For international audiences, this means more content variety, easier access, and a familiar brand to explore.

The End Of Star Branding?

One lingering question is whether the Star brand will be retired entirely. Star has been a popular hub in regions like India, so the full transition to Hulu may take time. Disney hasn’t confirmed whether Star will continue to exist in certain markets, but globally, Hulu is clearly the future.

The big message here: Hulu isn’t going away after all — it’s going global. For Disney, this is a strategic rebrand. For viewers, it’s a sign of more content, better features, and a stronger streaming ecosystem.

October 8th marks the start of Hulu’s new era — and the world will be watching.