In spring 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will launch its streaming service Max (formerly HBO Max), combining HBO and Discovery+ content, in 22 European countries. About it reports The Hollywood Reporter.
WBD Head of Streaming for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Leah Hooper Rosa said that the first stage of broadcasting will be rolled out in the Scandinavian and Iberian regions, as well as the Netherlands, Central and Eastern Europe. The second wave will cover France and Belgium. The markets left out are the UK, Germany and Italy, where HBO has lucrative deals with European TV giant Sky.
In addition to HBO content, Max’s European offering will include live sporting events on Eurosport, including the Grand Slam tennis tournament, the Tour de France cycling race and the 2024 Paris Olympics. In select countries, Max will also offer live coverage of several local WBD entertainment networks.
Streaming Max launched in the US in May. Launch in Latin America is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024.
In April 2023, Bloomberg, citing two sources reportedthat Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO are in talks with writer JK Rowling to create a Harry Potter series. It is planned to film seven seasons based on each of the books. Rowling will be involved in the production of the series to ensure that the series’ plot is consistent with the original story.
