Disney's $3B Webtoon Bet: 'The Remarried Empress'
The K-drama adaptation of the wildly popular webtoon is set to premiere on November 4 on Disney+ internationally and Hulu in the U.S., with a star-studded cast including Shin Min-a and Ju Ji-hoon
Disney's Jon Wax says the K-drama 'The Remarried Empress' has substance to match its spectacle, with the series set to premiere on November 4 on Disney+ internationally and Hulu in the U.S. The series is a big-budget bet for Disney+, adapting a wildly popular webtoon with around 3 billion views worldwide into a lavish romantasy series.
The webtoon has clocked more than 630 million views in Japan and over 2.97 billion worldwide, making it a highly anticipated adaptation. The series is being billed as Disney+'s most expensive Korean production to date, with a live-action adaptation written by Yeoh Geena and Hyun Choongyeol, and directed by Cho Suwon.
The drama is scheduled to premiere with four episodes releasing on the first day, followed by two new episodes. The series stars Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young, and has already generated buzz with tickets for a three-episode preview at the Busan International Film Festival selling out 'immediately'.
The series will also get an anime adaptation in 2027, adding another format to the franchise. The announcement of the anime was made at The Crunchyroll Showcase at New York Comic Con 2026, and reflects the growing appeal of the webtoon.
## Why it matters The Remarried Empress is a significant investment for Disney+, as it looks to expand its reach in the Asia-Pacific region. The series has all the ingredients of a Disney classic - romance, drama, and stunning costumes - but it also remains a deeply Korean drama. With its unique blend of Korean cast, Western Baroque costumes, and European filming locations, the series is expected to appeal to a global audience.
The series' focus on character story and emotional journey is also expected to resonate with viewers. As Jon Wax, executive vp of international original television at Disney Entertainment, explained, 'There really is a character story and there’s an emotional journey... That’s what really sealed the deal for us. That’s what made us want to do it — that the journey itself, it tells a story.', The Remarried Empress is set to premiere on November 4, and with its star-studded cast, lavish production, and engaging story, it is expected to be a major hit for Disney+.
