During an exciting event in London on Wednesday night, HBO and HBO Max chief Casey Bloys provided a glimpse into the network’s upcoming lineup, inviting a number of stars to join him on stage.
Among the highlights was the highly anticipated third season of “Euphoria,” set to debut in April, with the exact release date yet to be confirmed. Bloys welcomed executive producer and director Sam Levinson, who shared a few intriguing plot insights. The new season will follow Zendaya’s character, Rue, as she navigates creative ways to pay off debt. As the storyline unfolds, viewers will also see Sharon Stone in the role of a showrunner, while returning cast members, including Sydney Sweeney and Colman Domingo, will face fresh challenges.
Levinson expressed his enthusiasm for the cast’s achievements since the first season and emphasized the new season’s theme: “Being out of the safety net of school.” He noted, “The stakes are higher,” indicating a more intense narrative ahead.
The creators of “The Comeback,” Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow, were also in attendance, along with co-creators of “Industry,” Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, who introduced star Marisa Abela. Kay teased that the upcoming fourth season of “Industry” will be the most entertaining yet.
Another highlight was “A Night of the Seven Kingdoms,” a new series set in the “Game of Thrones” universe. Co-creator and showrunner Ira Parker provided insights into protagonist Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall, describing him as coming from the more challenging regions of Westeros. Parker promised a lighter tone that will appeal to fans and newcomers alike, labeling it a “gritty, and miserable, and muddy” show with a lower budget that aligns more closely with Dunk’s humble origins.
Parker praised star Peter Claffey as a natural leader and deemed Dexter Sol Ansell the greatest child actor he has encountered.
In a nod to innovation, Kudrow and King announced the return of “The Comeback,” focusing on real-world issues surrounding artificial intelligence. “This is not sci-fi; it’s grounded in real life,” King stated, mentioning that it raises important questions about contemporary societal challenges.
Bloys further elaborated on the network’s shift toward “more cost-efficient, yet elevated” programming, highlighting recent hits like “Task” and “The Chair Company.” He noted that “IT: Welcome to Derry” has attracted a significant audience, trailing only behind “House of the Dragon” and “The Last of Us.”
When asked about the impacts of the ongoing bidding competition for Warner Bros. Discovery, Bloys reassured, “It’s business as usual for us.” He emphasized the importance of international local productions by stating they are vital to the network’s success.
Additionally, Bloys shared trailers for upcoming releases such as “Rooster,” “Lanterns,” and “House of the Dragon” season 3. He also mentioned an untitled comedy by Sharon Horgan, which was initially revealed in February.
Earlier in the day, HBO Max announced key steps in its international expansion, launching the streaming service in several new European markets, including Germany and Austria, on January 13. Warner Bros. Discovery also outlined plans for a U.K. and Ireland launch set for early 2026, completing its European rollout.
During a mid-day conference, Sarah Aubrey, head of originals at HBO Max, discussed the upcoming “Harry Potter” series and confirmed the renewal of the Spanish original “Furia,” highlighting the company’s dedication to expanding its development slate.