A new limited trial experience offered Disney+ subscribers exclusive access to six Marvel movie merchandise and collectibles.
Saturday, November 12 marks the third anniversary of Disney+’s debut in 2019. Since its inception, the streamer has not only been Marvel Studios’ home streaming platform, but also a vehicle for expanding storytelling across the MCU Disney+ series and to expand Marvel Studios Assembled documentaries.
But Disney doesn’t want to stop there.
Back in September, The Wall Street Journal reported on Disney’s intentions to launch a membership program for Disney+ subscribers, including exclusive access and merchandise.
Now, just days before its third birthday, Disney has done just that by offering Disney+ subscribers exclusive access to MCU merch on shopDisney.
6 MCU items for Disney+ subscribers
According to an official Disney press release, Disney has launched a limited trial experience giving Disney+ subscribers exclusive access to merchandise on shopDisney in the United States.
The selection of merchandise is geared toward Disney-owned franchises like Star Wars, Frozen and Black Panther, and Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Here are the six MCU items exclusive to Disney+ subscribers:
1.) Scarlet Witch Ear Headband – $30
shopDisney
This must-have Disney Park accessory is inspired by the Scarlet Witch’s costume and crown from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
2.) Doctor Strange Cape – $100
shopDisney
Another Doctor Strange 2 inspired item, this item is an adult version of Doctor Strange’s Cloak of Levitation.
3.) Captain Carter Vibranium Shield – $400
shopDisney
While Captain Carter appeared in live action in Doctor Strange 2, shopDisney describes her replica shield – complete with sound effects – as coming from her what-if…? Debut on Disney+.
4.) Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Artist Series Jacket – $80
shopDisney
This bomber jacket is one of the pieces from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever collection by artist Natacha Bustos.
5.) Puzzles from the World of Wakanda Artist Series – $25
shopDisney
Also designed by Marvel artist Natacha Bustos, is a 1,000 piece puzzle featuring the same design as Black Panther’s bomber jacket. It is also part of the World of Wakanda collection.
6.) Black Panther Collectible Mask – $150
shopDisney
Another addition to the World of Wakanda collection is this replica mask that appears to have been made from stitched leather. While it comes with a basket style stand and base, it also comes with a hanger for wall display.
The subscriber window to take advantage of early access to these items is Tuesday, November 1st through Monday, November 7th.
Is This Exclusive Marvel Merch Worth It?
According to Variety, Disney+ subscribers will have access to these items before they’re sold to the general public.
And while it’s true that they’re currently only available to subscribers, it’s important to note that several articles were available to the general public in the months and weeks prior.
For example, the Scarlet Witch Headband has been available at Disney Parks and online for months, and both the Captain Carter Shield and the Black Panther Collectible Mask were available to D23 attendees.
In fact, the Black Panther mask was available online at ShopDisney and in the parks in early September. No Disney+ subscription was required.
In fairness, Disney+ President Alisa Bowen only referred to this pick as a in Disney’s press release “curated merchandise collection.” She did not say the collection was new or previously unavailable.
However, it’s a bit odd that Disney puts these pre-release items behind a paywall, especially since those interested in the merch are likely already Disney+ subscribers.
It’s also important to note that Disney CEO Bob Chapek said so “Integration between Disney+ and shopDisney” is “disconnected from the company-wide membership program” this is in development.
As such, this consumer-focused offering is unlikely to be the last.
It remains to be seen what Disney has in mind for the future of consumers. But what Marvel fans and general audiences can expect is more effort to tie Disney’s tentpole franchises to merch.
Whether those efforts will actually be viewed as worthwhile or even beneficial, particularly by Disney+ subscribers, is another unknown, especially if Disney increases the price of its ad-free version of the streamer starting December 8.