Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Max streamer is set to make its highly-anticipated debut in 22 European countries during the spring of 2024. The announcement came today at Mipcom Cannes, as Gerhard Zeiler, the international boss, and Leah Hooper Rosa, the EMEA Head of Streaming, took the stage to share the thrilling details. This new streaming platform will be rebranding from HBO Max, offering audiences an even more extensive selection of content. Additionally, France and Belgium will have their own launches next year, with a “second wave” of releases expanding the service. It’s worth noting that these two countries currently do not have HBO Max, although WBD does have an output deal with Amazon in France. As part of its content lineup, the streamer plans to broadcast the Paris Olympics next summer and showcase the extensive collection of HBO shows, Warner movies, and Marvel films. After launching earlier this year in the United States and other territories, the WBD Max streamer is expanding its reach to captivate European audiences.
The initial rollout of the WBD Max streamer in Europe will include the Nordics, the Netherlands, Iberia, and CEE, all of which already have access to HBO Max. These regions will be rebranded and transition to the new streaming platform during the spring. However, there will be a second wave of launches next year, further expanding the reach of the service. Among the countries included in this expansion are France and Belgium, which currently lack access to HBO Max but will soon enjoy the offerings of the rebranded streamer. In France, WBD has an output deal with Amazon, showcasing the intricate web of collaborations and partnerships within the entertainment industry. With the launch of the Warner Bros. Discovery Max streamer, European audiences will have the opportunity to indulge in an array of captivating content, from HBO shows to Warner and Marvel movies.
Leah Hooper Rosa expressed her enthusiasm for the vast content library offered by the Warner Bros. Discovery Max streamer. “The content breadth is so huge, and we are enabling customers to find this content,” she shared. The streaming platform not only provides viewers with access to a wide range of genres but also encourages them to spend more time exploring and engaging with the content. In this age of streaming, the platform acts as an avenue that complements the distribution efforts of Warner Bros. Discovery. Audiences can immerse themselves in the vast selection of shows and movies, deepening their connection with the platform and ultimately enhancing their overall viewing experience.
Gerhard Zeiler took the opportunity to highlight the remarkable success of Warner Bros. Discovery in terms of synergy. After the merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery, the newly appointed CEO, David Zaslav, aimed for $3 billion in synergies. This led to the consolidation of teams and numerous job layoffs. However, the figures surpassed expectations, with Zeiler revealing that the synergy amount is now approaching $5 billion. This achievement showcases the company’s determination to execute its mission and vision efficiently. Zeiler emphasized that Warner Bros. Discovery is one unified entity, eliminating any sense of fragmentation or dilution. The company’s achievement of these milestones demonstrates its commitment to achieving maximum efficiency and success within the entertainment industry.
While Warner Bros. Discovery has experienced recent departures in its international team, this matter was not addressed during the Mipcom event. Zeiler, however, formed a new team earlier in the month, following the departure of key individuals, including Priya Dogra, Pierre Branco, Hannes Heyelmann, and Robert Blair, who had been a part of Warner Bros. sales for 25 years. Despite these changes, the company remains focused on its defining mission and vision. Mipcom witnessed Gerhard Zeiler delivering an inspiring keynote on the first day, setting the stage for further industry leaders like Tencent’s Sun Zhonghuai and Eva Longoria to share their insights and vision later in the event. As Warner Bros. Discovery prepares to launch its Max streamer in Europe, the company continues to pave the way for a vibrant future in the ever-evolving world of entertainment.