Warner Bros. Discovery is gearing up to debut its enhanced streaming service, Max, in the Asia-Pacific region starting next week, in partnership with Japan’s U-Next.
Max will provide Japanese viewers with a broader content selection than its predecessor, HBO, along with a technological upgrade. However, the Max app will not launch with full functionality in Japan at this time.
Beginning Wednesday, Max will be accessible as a branded environment on the U-Next platform, featuring its own user interface. The service will include over 16,000 episodes from more than 2,500 titles across WBD’s entertainment brands, such as HBO, Harry Potter, the DC universe, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet.
This partnership also involves WBD acquiring Japanese content in collaboration with U-Next for global distribution on Max. The arrangement builds on an earlier distribution agreement signed in March 2021 and renewed in 2023.
“Japan is a leading streaming market, and U-Next is a fast-growing local player with a deep understanding of consumer needs,” said James Gibbons, WBD president for APAC. “Max on U-Next represents an evolution of our partnership, allowing us to connect with Japanese audiences more effectively while showcasing homegrown stories to global viewers.”
Tsutsumi Tenshin, CEO of U-Next, expressed enthusiasm for the exclusive partnership, viewing it as a significant opportunity to introduce top Japanese intellectual property to millions of global subscribers via the Max platform.
Programming on Max on U-Next will include HBO and Max Originals that premiere simultaneously with their U.S. debuts, featuring new episodes of “The Penguin,” “Dune: Prophecy,” and returning seasons of “The Last of Us,” “House of the Dragon,” and “The White Lotus.” All Harry Potter franchise films will also be available for unlimited streaming in 4K/HDR quality, with more 4K/HDR content to follow.
Exclusive Hollywood and Max Original films, including “Salem’s Lot” and “Juror No. 2,” will premiere on the platform. Additionally, popular series from Warner Bros. Television, such as “The Big Bang Theory” and “Friends,” will be included, along with an expanded selection of premium factual entertainment and children’s programming, including “Deadliest Catch,” “Gold Rush,” and “Tom and Jerry.”
