The Philippines has finally gotten its Max on. This as Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Asia Pacific launched Max, it’s all in one streaming service that encompasses not just HBO, but other programs from the wider WBD umbrella, including Harry Potter Films, DC Universe, Cartoon Network, Max Originals, and real life programming from Discovery Networks.
The launch, held Tuesday night at the Bonifacio High Street Central Plaza, began with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony with Oliver and James Phelps, the twins who portrayed the Weasley twins Fred and George and hosts of the Max original cooking show “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.”
The two said that they enjoyed their presence in Manila and as well as all the Filipino food, such as adobo and sisig, they ate.
They added that while they had no idea what to expect when they visited Manila, they were surprised with the love Filipino fans have for the Harry Potter series.
The Phelps twins also took the chance to tell Filipino fans that they can expect something fresh in their cooking show, where 18 of the best chefs in the world vie for the most amazing desserts based on the Harry Potter franchise.
Aside from Harry Potter, other titles to be expected on Max includes the highly-anticipated original “Dune: Prophecy,” as well as blockbuster movies from Warner Bros. Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Universal Pictures, such as “Trap,” “The Nun,” “Meg 2: The Trench,” “Barbie,” “Godzilla vs Kong: The New Empire,” “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Wonka,” “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “A Quiet Place: Day One” and other Hollywood blockbusters.
Original series “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon,” “The White Lotus,” “Succession,” “Euphoria,” “True Detective,” “And Just Like That…” and “The Penguin,” as well as all-time fan favorites such as Friends are now also available on the platform.
For the younger audience, Cartoon Network hits such as Adventure Time, My Adventures with Superman, We Bare Bears and Barney’s World can now be streamed on the app.
For reality TV junkies, Discovery content are also available, including “Gold Rush,” “Deadliest Catch,” “Naked and Afraid” and “90 Day Fiancé.”
Anime fans will not be left out as Japanese anime content such as “Demon Slayer,” “Hunter X Hunter,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and “Suicide Squad: Isekai,” are also ready for streaming at the platform.
In a prepared statement, JB Perrette, president and chief executive of Global Streaming and Games of WBD, said that Max’s first direct launch in Asia marks another milestone in the worldwide expansion of the streamer.
“We look forward to delighting fans across the region with our iconic brands and franchises and are still early in our growth as we look forward to rolling Max out in many more markets in 2025 and 2026,” Perette said.
“Max subscribers can enjoy world-class content with a new seamless streaming experience and personalization to curate their own viewing. Offering a choice of subscription plans to suit different needs, and availability through many of the region’s leading partner platforms, it’s easy for local fans to start enjoying Max,” added James Gibbons, president of WBD Asia-Pacific.
Several executives who talked to The Manila Times Entertainment also said that they are hopeful to add more features and content in the coming years, including local content and local language dubbing.
Compared to the previous platform HBO Go, Max will allow subscribers to personalize their profiles, receive recommendations based on viewing habits, and choose their preferred language on Max’s interface.
Max is available in three plans, with the lowest tier plan available at P149 per month where users can stream at a single mobile device in HD resolution, to the Ultimate plan for P399 per month with 4K Ultra HD and Dolby on select content.
Cignal TV will also offer Max as part of their prepaid and postpaid pay TV bundles.
Be the first to comment