Disney reveals streaming service name and launch date – and it’s exciting news for Marvel and Star Wars fans

DISNEY has finally revealed the name and launch date of  its long-awaited streaming service - and announced new Marvel and Star Wars shows.

The media giant will pull its first-run movies from Netflix and put them on its own online subscription, as well as a whole host of new content.

Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said on Thursday that the service, called Disney+, will launch in 2019.

He also said Disney is developing a new series based around Marvel comic book villain Loki, starring British actor Tom Hiddleston.

Iger also said they are working on a new live action Star War  prequel series to the 2016 movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and will star Diego Luna.

The prequel will follow the adventures of Luna's rebel spy character Cassian Andor in what Disney described as "tales filled with espionage and daring missions to restore hope to a galaxy in the grip of a ruthless Empire."

Luna said: "Going back to the Star Wars universe is very special for me.

"I have so many memories of the great work we did together and the relationships I made throughout the journey.

"We have a fantastic adventure ahead of us, and this new exciting format will give us the chance to explore this character more deeply."

A release date for the unnamed Rogue One prequel series was not announced.

Iger said the company will give a first look at the Disney+ app and its programming at an investor conference in April.

Disney announced last year that it's planning to end its partnership with Netflix.