Latest news with #HBOmax
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
HBO vs. HBO Max: A simple guide to what's what
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. When Last Week Tonight host John Oliver mercilessly mocked his show's parent company Warner Bros. Discovery back in May over the umpteenth name change for HBO's streaming network, it was not only a hilarious bit from the cheeky host about a boneheaded marketing decision — it was also an indicator that the difference between HBO and what's now HBO Max might still be a bit… puzzling, to say the least, to some viewers. With so many names, rebrands, and mergers in the mix over the past few years, it's understandable if you're still not totally clear on what's what. So here's a quick explainer to help straighten it all out. Today's Top Deals XGIMI Prime Day deals feature the new MoGo 4 and up to 42% off smart projectors Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals Whenever anyone refers to HBO, they're talking about the legacy cable TV channel that's been around for more than 50 years. It's known for prestige dramas (The Sopranos, Succession), original documentaries, and standup comedy. If you're watching Curb Your Enthusiasm or True Detective, for example, you're watching HBO. And while all HBO shows are also available to stream, the key thing here is that these titles were created for the cable channel first and foremost. If you're watching HBO, in other words, think 'watching TV.' Here's where things can get a little confounding. HBO Max is the streaming platform that launched in 2020 and has gone through multiple branding tweaks, most recently returning to the HBO Max name after a befuddling stint as 'Max.' This streamer includes everything from the HBO TV channel, but also a lot more (hence, the 'Max' in the title). In other words, the name implies HBO supercharged with extra content. HBO Max also includes Warner Bros. movies, some live sports, and originals made exclusively for the streaming platform. Which brings us to one more thing worth clarifying: Here's a distinction that trips people up: It's also important to define releases that are branded as Max Originals, which are shows and movies created specifically for HBO Max. In other words, these have never 'aired' on the HBO cable network. That includes streaming-only titles like The Flight Attendant, Love & Death, and Tokyo Vice. The recent movie Mountainhead from Succession creator Jesse Armstrong is also a Max Original. These are part of the HBO Max library, but technically, they're not HBO releases. I know, I know — it feels like splitting hairs. To wrap up, here's what to know about the key differences between all these terms: If you're watching something branded simply as 'HBO,' it's a TV show or movie that originally aired on the HBO cable network. If it says 'Max Original,' it's exclusive to the streaming service. And HBO Max is the umbrella platform where it all lives, along with a whole lot of other Warner Bros. Discovery content. I'll admit, it's definitely understandable that it can be confusing, still. But at least now, the next time John Oliver throws shade at his own streaming home, you'll be in on the joke. Don't Miss: Today's deals: Nintendo Switch games, $5 smart plugs, $150 Vizio soundbar, $100 Beats Pill speaker, more More Top Deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 See the
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
First look at Scots Harry Potter star in HBO series as filming is underway
Dominic McLaughlin's casting as the heroic wizard in the new HBO TV adaptation of JK Rowlings books was confirmed earlier this year, Production is now underway for the new HBO Original Harry Potter television series, with fans getting a sneak peak at some of the cast in their costume for the first time. Scottish star Dominic McLaughlin will be in the leading role of Harry Potter himself, when the series, which is currently being filmed by Warner Bros, makes its debut in 2027. It will first be released on HBO and HBO max, before being rolled out to the wider UK. There's also plans for it to be stretched out to Germany and Italy. Dominic, 11, was confirmed back in May to have secured the role of the wizard scar on his head. The boy wizard was first brought to life by Daniel Radcliff more than two decades ago. And now fans are finally getting a glimpse at the young star in costume, sporting the chilling lightning bolt scar and staple black glasses. It comes as HBO confirmed several new roles being cast, including Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as wandmaker Garrick Ollivander. The new series, based on JK Rowling's bestselling franchise, will see Dominic step into the role of Harry Potter alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Back in September last year, a casting call reportedly resulted in around a staggering 32,000 children auditioning for the leading roles as the team were left reviewing 1,000 tapes per day according to HBO. Aside from his starring role in the upcoming wizarding production, Dominic also appeared in William Shakespeare's Macbeth at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh. He brushed shoulders with three-time Oscar-nominated actor Ralph Fiennes and Luther actress Indira Varma. So although Harry Potter could be big shoes to fill, this young star is no stranger to the world of showbiz. Elsewhere, he studied in Glasgow at the Performance Academy Scotland. He has also been billed to appear in upcoming BBC action adventure series Gifted, that saw over 3,000 Scottish children apply to be on the show. Francesca Gardiner, the showrunner, and director Mark Mylod expressed their excitement about the casting: "After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron." They further stated: "The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there." The forthcoming HBO series is set to be a faithful adaptation of. Rowling's iconic novels, with the author credited as an executive producer. It's been previously suggested that the studio is optimistic about the series being as successful and well-received as the films, with hopes of it running for a minimum of 10 years. The series is penned and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Killing Eve and His Dark Materials. Multiple episodes will be directed by Mark Mylod, renowned for directing several episodes of the HBO hit series Succession.
CNET
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
The HBO Max Name Change Is Here. Here's What to Know
Summer is usually a time for blockbusters, but Warner Bros. Discovery is giving us more than Superman this year. Max brought back its former name, HBO Max, on Wednesday, according to a press release. The company first announced the change to the streaming service during its Upfront presentation in May, and judging by this meme it shared, the media giant has a sense of humor about it. Warner Bros. Discovery The streaming service was originally rebranded as Max in May of 2023 when it merged content from HBO Max and Discovery brands. During the past two years, we've seen the logo change from purple to blue and then black, along with the name flip. What's the reasoning behind the revamp this time around? "The powerful growth we have seen in our global streaming service is built around the quality of our programming," said Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, according to a May press release. "Today, we are bringing back HBO, the brand that represents the highest quality in media, to further accelerate that growth in the years ahead." Your home screen will change to reflect the streamer's updated name and logo, but it's unclear whether HBO Max's library will change. The platform is home to content for HBO, Max Originals, Warner Bros., the DC universe, HGTV, B/R Sports, Adult Swim and more. During the event, J.B. Perrette, CEO of streaming, explained how the move aligns with the platform's programming. "We will continue to focus on what makes us unique -- not everything for everyone in a household, but something distinct and great for adults and families," he said. "It's really not subjective, not even controversial -- our programming just hits different."
Forbes
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Expect More ‘Final Destination' Movies After ‘Bloodlines' Success
(Left to right) Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky on the set of 'Final Destination Bloodlines' "I think there's definitely interest in making more Final Destination movies, and I'm sure they will continue to make more," confirms Final Destination Bloodlines co-director Zach Lipovsky. Since the film's release in May 2025, the sixth installment in the franchise has grossed $283.4 million worldwide. Final Destination Bloodlines' opening weekend also set a franchise record with $51.7 million at the domestic box office. The filmmaker continues, "It has something so relatable for audiences that they want to keep coming back to it. The key is to ensure that each one is innovative. This one was particularly innovative, as it centered on a family, and we filled it with all sorts of crazy ideas for everything we could think of to include in a film. I'm sure there are rooms of people trying to figure out exactly how to do that all over again, and the audiences, I'm sure, will be there too." The supernatural horror film centers on a college student plagued by a recurring violent nightmare. She heads home to find out what it all means and finds out that she's the only one who can break a deadly cycle and save her family from the horrific fate that inevitably awaits them. Final Destination Bloodlines continues to put butts in seats in theaters as it arrives to stream on digital. "This film actually started its life for HBO Max when the concept of doing one came up," Lipovsky recalls. "As the streaming bubble collapsed, and Zaslav took over Warner and all those types of things, a theatrical first model is where a lot of the legacy studios have started to realize that there's a lot of money on the table if you make an amazing movie." 'Final Destination Bloodlines's Theatrical Home Run Was A Dream Come True Final Destination Bloodlines is already one of the year's biggest box office hits, and the filmmakers are incredibly grateful to have been given a significant theatrical release. "We made a movie that we thought would hook the audience and get them on the edges of their seats, and to see that happen is just so gratifying," enthuses co-director Adam B. Stein. "It's about making it feel like an event and making it feel like something you need to see in theaters. That was something we focused on from the beginning, as we partnered with IMAX. We did a lot of things to try to give it that urgent feeling of unpredictability, the big spectacle, and all that stuff." Lipovsky adds, "As a filmmaker, it's a dream that's even hard to believe is happening. You never think it will come true. Even just the fact that we had our premiere at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, it's where Star Wars and Titanic had their premieres, and they are these monumental box office hits we grew up loving, so it's incredible." "I think our favorite part of this whole experience was opening weekend. Warner Brothers worked with their theater teams to let us sneak into auditoriums all over Los Angeles and creepily watch audiences reacting to all sorts of crazy shit happening on screen and watch them screaming, laughing, clapping and walking to the bathroom, then stopping and watching the screen and not going to the bathroom." Final Destination Bloodlines is now available to rent and own digitally and will be available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. While both directors relish the theatrical opportunity, they're happy to evangelize about what the film offers audiences at home. "I'm excited for people to have it at home. I think people are going to have a fun time filming their friends and family watching the movie," Lipovsky enthuses. "You could also surprise people, because the movie starts as romantic. You could plug it in for your mom and say, 'You're going to watch this romantic period piece,' and see what happens." For a whole generation of moviegoers, at home, whether on DVD or streaming, is where they first became fans of the franchise that began in 2000. "We made it for the fans, but also new viewers, and it was so much fun to see people who were four when the last one came out and are now 18, and they're discovering Final Destination for the first time," Stein says. "A lot of new viewers came to the franchise from this movie, so that has been really fun." "We were fans of Final Destination because we always admired that the filmmaking was the star of the franchise. Unlike other horror movies, there's no villain on screen; there's no murderer with a mask or a monster in the woods. It's the close-up; insert shots of objects colliding with other objects to create danger and suspense. It's the filmmaking that is the villain of the movie. As directors, we always respected and admired it, and it was so much fun to create our version. We also felt like in this version that was about a family, there was an opportunity to amp up the character piece of the movie." Tony Todd (front middle) surrounded by cast members own the set of 'Final Destination Bloodlines.' Tony Todd's Legacy Is Spotlighted As 'Final Destination Bloodlines' Comes Home One character who was a recurring presence in the Final Destination films was coroner and mortician William Bludworth, played by the iconic —and now tragically late —character actor Tony Todd. The Legend of Bludworth, a feature on the home entertainment release, is all about their legacy. "We obviously documented the hell out of him being there and interviewed him about it. Everyone was so excited to have him in the movie," Lipovsky shares. "We crafted the whole narrative around giving him more of a beginning and a backstory, but also giving him a goodbye to the audience and giving him the chance to say goodbye. Everyone immediately knew that his story would be the heart of this entire movie. The home audience being able to see a special dedication to him is something that'll be healing and exciting, as it'll show how joyful he was to get the chance to come back and play this character. You can see in his interviews how much he loved it." With the directors reviving the Final Destination franchise to such great success, has Hollywood been courting the pair to tackle other series that need resuscitation? "There are a lot of conversations we've been having about different things," Stein confirms. "There are definitely a lot of opportunities," a tight-lipped Lipovsky concludes with a smile. "It's so much fun as fans, and that there are these incredible pieces of cinematic history that we grew up loving that are sitting there. You don't want to ruin them, because they're sacred, but you also would love to recapture that feeling of what it was like to watch them. We approached Final Destination the same way. It's an iconic franchise." "Final Destination 5 ended the franchise perfectly. You almost didn't need another movie. Even when we heard they were making another one, we were a bit skeptical. As we began to realize the potential of what was there and ways to bring the franchise into a modern era, as fans, it became exciting to know that we could reinvigorate it. If there are opportunities to do that with other beloved things, that would be awesome."
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
South Park Creators Furious Over Season 27 Delay, Blaming Paramount and Skydance's ‘S–tshow' of a Merger
South Park is on the move, and its creators aren't too happy about it. Shortly after a Comedy Central press release went wide on Wednesday, announcing that South Park's Season 27 premiere was being bumped from July 9 to July 23, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone issued a press release of their own. More from TVLine South Park Tackling Diddy Scandal, Wildfires, Ketamine and More in Season 27 - Watch Trailer Jon Stewart Smashes Coffee Mug, Slices Hand Open During 'Bloody Good' Daily Show Monologue - WATCH Dulcé Sloan Leaving The Daily Show After Seven Years Here's what they posted on the show's official social channels: 'In response to the press release from Comedy Central about the change in premiere date for South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone said: 'This merger is a s–tshow and it's f–king up South Park. We are at the studio working on new episodes and we hope the fans get to see them somehow.'' 'What merger,' you ask? Well, it's complicated. Long story short, Skydance Media is currently in the process of merging with Paramount Global, which owns Comedy Central and co-owns South Park Digital Studios alongside Parker and Stone. Additionally, South Park's $500 million exclusive streaming deal with HBO Max ended last week, and no new deals (either exclusive or non-exclusive with multiple streamers) have been established to replace it. Parker and Stone recently threatened Paramount with legal action, alleging that incoming president Jeff Shell was interfering in their contract negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix. The Skydance-Paramount merger is expected to close on July 6, but it could be extended. So, what we can hope to see when South Park does finally return for Season 27? A trailer for the show's long-awaited premiere shows the titular town ablaze, a nod to the wildfires that recently ravaged Los Angeles; we see a group of beret-wearing Frenchmen stealing back the Statue of Liberty, following an actual French politician's request for the U.S. to return it; and we see Butters working as a stressed-out air traffic controller, failing to keep planes from colliding. Cartman being in a hospital room with a woman in labor has us thinking that South Park has another abortion story up its sleeve, and the sight of Kyle apparently turning into a turkey can only mean that we're getting a bird flu episode. And don't worry, there will be a Diddy episode, too. Watch the trailer below: Best of TVLine 'Missing' Shows, Found! Get the Latest on Ahsoka, Monarch, P-Valley, Sugar, Anansi Boys and 25+ Others Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?) The Emmys' Most Memorable Moments: Laughter, Tears, Historical Wins, 'The Big One' and More
