Max, the Warner Bros Discovery streaming platform that used to be known as HBO Max, is coming to Australia in 2025, leaving big question marks hanging over Foxtel’s Binge service.
James Gibbons, the local Warner Bros Discovery boss, confirmed the move at APOS, an entertainment industry event. Mumbrella reported that Max is coming to Australia in the first half of 2025.
“We can also confirm we’ll be launching our direct service in Australia in the first half of next year; that’s definitely happening,” said Gibbons.
It’ll add yet another major service to the local mix as production companies seek out their slice of the streaming pie. Launching as HBO Max overseas in 2020, the platform evolved into Max last year, while slowly increasing its global availability.
Max launching in Australia could have far-reaching implications for the existing market. Foxtel currently holds the local streaming rights to HBO content, for example. Shows like The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, and Succession air on the brand’s Binge service for now. How long these shows remain on Foxtel’s platforms once Max launches is unknown.
Prior to the public confirmation of Max’s Australian launch, News Corp recently opened discussions about selling the Foxtel brand. The Sydney Morning Herald also reported the news of several notable personnel departures from Foxtel, including executives overseeing Binge and Hubbl, the company’s streaming hardware product.
In a statement to the Australian Financial Review, a Foxtel spokesperson reiterated the company’s long-running partnership with Warner Bros Discovery.
“As we have long said, optionality remains at the heart of our partnership.”
While mainstays like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ continue to perform strongly, Australia will soon find out how many people will flock to HBO shows when Max launches in 2025.
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