Warner Bros. Discovery has made a significant move in the world of streaming by rebranding two highly anticipated series, ‘The Penguin’ and ‘Dune: Prophecy,’ as HBO Originals. Originally announced as Max Originals, the shift represents a strategic effort to elevate these shows within the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio.
The decision to rebrand the shows as HBO Originals comes after similar moves for other big-budget series, including the ‘Harry Potter’ series, the ‘IT’ prequel ‘Welcome to Derry’, and the ‘Green Lantern’ series ‘Lanterns’. This shift positions these shows as premium content, aligning them with the prestige associated with HBO.
‘The Penguin’, a spinoff from Matt Reeves’ critically acclaimed ‘The Batman’, stars Colin Farrell as the titular character, Oswald Cobblepott. The series delves into the rise of this iconic villain as he attempts to seize control of Gotham City’s underworld following the death of Carmine Falcone. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Michael Kelly, and more, ‘The Penguin’ is set to premiere on September 19, 2024, on HBO and Max.
Meanwhile, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ takes viewers deep into the world of Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi saga. This prequel series explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful all-female order, with Emily Watson starring as Valya Harkonnen and Olivia Williams as her sister, Tula Harkonnen. ‘Dune: Prophecy’, created by Diane Ademu-John, is slated for a fall 2024 premiere on HBO and Max.
This strategic shift by Warner Bros. Discovery underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening the HBO brand and its streaming platform, Max. By positioning these high-profile series as HBO Originals, the company aims to attract a wider audience and solidify its position in the competitive streaming landscape.
