In a strategic move by HBO and Max content CEO Casey Bloys, Warner Bros. tentpole series such as the ‘Harry Potter’ TV show, the ‘It’ prequel series ‘Welcome to Derry,’ and the recently announced Green Lantern adaptation ‘Lanterns’ will now be branded as HBO originals instead of Max productions. This decision marks a significant shift in the delineation between what constitutes an ‘HBO show’ and a ‘Max show’.

Previously, all series based on Warner Bros. intellectual property were categorized under the Max umbrella. However, as production methods and talent involved in these projects mirrored those of traditional HBO shows, the distinction began to feel unnecessary. The upcoming ‘Lanterns’ series, for instance, boasts talent like Chris Mundy from HBO’s ‘True Detective’ and Damon Lindelof, known for his work on ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘Watchmen.’

According to Bloys, the decision to rebrand these high-profile projects as HBO originals aims to streamline the network’s offerings and eliminate confusion among viewers. This change will officially come into effect with shows premiering in 2025, while existing series like ‘The Penguin’ and ‘Dune: Prophecy’ will retain their Max branding for the time being.

With this new direction, HBO is positioning itself to showcase a diverse range of content, including major DC franchises and other big-budget titles, under the prestigious HBO brand. Fans can anticipate a seamless transition as these highly anticipated series make their debut under the HBO originals banner.