Disney+ Expands European Portfolio with Exciting Original Content

Published on 3/20/24 by Craig Smith

In a significant move to enrich its content library, Disney+ has announced the launch of several original series from Europe during the Series Mania event in Lille, France. The lineup includes an array of genres, from period dramas to gripping true crime stories, signaling the streaming service’s commitment to diverse and high-quality programming.

Among the notable announcements is the daily Spanish drama “Return to Las Sabinas,” produced by Banijay’s Diagonal TV, which will air episodes from Monday to Friday throughout its season. This series marks a significant addition to Disney+’s offering, providing viewers with a consistent stream of engaging content.

Sofia Fabregas, Disney+’s Vice President of Original Production for Spain, introduced a compelling true crime documentary titled “Lucrecia: A Murder In Madrid.” This project delves into the racially motivated murder of Lucrecia Pérez in a Madrid nightclub in 1992, with Justin Webster and Sumpta Ayuso leading the production team.

Another highlight from the event was the announcement of “Lost Station Girls,” featuring Camille Razat of “Emily in Paris” fame. This drama is inspired by the chilling real-life events surrounding the disappearance and murder of young women near Perpignan’s train station in Southern France between 1995 and 2001. The project has already commenced filming, promising to offer an intriguing narrative to true crime enthusiasts.

Rounding out the array of new titles is “Vienna Game,” a period comedy set during the Congress of Vienna, aiming to depict a tumultuous era of European history through a mix of humor, love, and intrigue. Produced by Satel Film, the series is currently in production in Austria and Hungary, with an anticipated release in the second half of 2025.

Liam Keelan, Disney+’s Senior Vice President of Original Content for Europe and Africa, emphasized the streaming service’s dedication to local production, showcasing a diverse range of storytelling that resonates with audiences across different cultures. Disney+’s approach to curating a unique selection of shows, rather than focusing on sheer volume, was highlighted as a key strategy in differentiating its content in the competitive streaming landscape.

Additionally, the event featured sneak peeks at upcoming projects, including the U.K. original “Renegade Nell” from Sally Wainwright, “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” starring Daniel Brühl, and the German drama “Pauline.” These previews underscore Disney+’s ambition to offer distinctive and compelling content that aligns with its vision of quality over quantity.

As Disney+ continues to expand its European original content, these new projects represent a strategic effort to cater to a global audience while embracing local storytelling and production talent.