Hulu nabs streaming rights for 56 Disney theatrical movies

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Disney’s 2002 movie, “Lilo & Stitch,” will be available to Hulu streaming service subscribers. (Walt Disney Co.)

Streaming service Hulu is bulking up its theatrical film catalog with the addition of 56 movies from the Walt Disney Co.

The licensing arrangement, announced by the two companies Tuesday, represents the first time Disney theatrical films will be made available to Hulu paid subscribers even though Disney has been a part-owner of the streaming service since 2009.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Under the deal, Hulu subscribers can stream such Disney favorites as “Lilo & Stitch,” “The Mighty Ducks,” “The Emperor’s New Groove” and “Muppet Treasure Island.”

Hulu also will have exclusive distribution to a handful of films including “Mulan,” “Pocahontas” and “Sister Act.”

The deal is significant for Hulu, which has been scrambling…