‘HBO Secures ‘The Penguin’ and ‘Dune: Prophecy’ as Originals Through Strategic Negotiations, Transitioning from HBO Max’

HBO and Max content CEO Casey Bloys recently made a significant change in the categorization of shows under the HBO and Max umbrellas. This change saw big-budget Warner Bros. IP projects like the anticipated “Harry Potter” TV show, the “It” prequel series “Welcome to Derry,” and the Green Lantern adaptation “Lanterns” moving under the HBO umbrella. However, projects premiering before 2025 were excluded from this shift.

The adjustment came with some challenges, particularly for shows already sold to international outlets as Max Originals. Two shows, “The Penguin” and “Dune: Prophecy,” were unable to transition due to existing contractual obligations. Bloys expressed disappointment over this limitation, citing the complexities involved in revising such deals.

Despite the initial roadblock, the HBO team managed to navigate negotiations effectively. As a result, both “The Penguin” and “Dune: Prophecy” have now been rebranded as HBO Originals. This strategic move allows the series to air on HBO while also being available for streaming on Max.

Bloys’ decision to shift these high-profile Warner Bros. projects to HBO stemmed from his positive impressions of early footage from “The Penguin.” The quality and narrative depth of the content led him to believe that these shows deserved the distinction of being HBO Originals.

The rebranding reflects a shift in mindset for Bloys, who questioned the necessity of maintaining separate labels for HBO and Max shows. This change aligns with the belief that these productions should be recognized simply as HBO shows, given their caliber and creative talent involved.

“Dune: Prophecy,” a spinoff set in the expansive universe of ‘Dune,’ explores the story of two Harkonnen sisters as they navigate challenges that could impact humanity’s future. The series features a talented ensemble cast including Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, and other notable actors.

On the other hand, “The Penguin” delves into the world of Gotham’s underworld following the events of “The Batman” film. The series stars Colin Farrell in the titular role, alongside a diverse cast that includes Cristin Milioti, Michael Zegen, and Clancy Brown, among others.

The successful rebranding of these shows underscores HBO’s commitment to delivering top-tier content and expanding its offerings to captivate audiences with compelling narratives and exceptional performances.