Warner Bros. Discovery Invests on Original IP-Based Series for Max, HBO

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) revealed plans to rebrand multiple projects to help viewers distinguish originals from Max and HBO.

The company will start marketing "The Penguin" and "Dune: Prophecy" as HBO Originals instead of Max Originals.

WBD Classifies HBO Originals as Premium IPs

Last month, WBD transitioned some of its highest-profile Max Originals into HBO Originals. This included "Harry Potter," "Lanterns," and "Welcome to Derry." The shows will now premiere on both HBO and Max.

According to reports, several employees working for previous Max Originals have previously worked on traditional HBO shows. For instance, several HBO veterans are included in the "Harry Potter," showing similar strategies in writing and production.

HBO Originals will now be branded alongside other HBO IPs like "House of the Dragon" and "Succession." The new classification would set the difference between the types of content that will be released under the two brands.

'The Penguin,' 'Dune: Prophecy' Moves to HBO Originals

"The Penguin" is an upcoming series developed by Lauren LeFranc based on the DC Comics character Penguin. The show is also a spin-off from "The Batman," allowing fans to easily connect some details while watching.

Colin Farrell is reprising his role as the Penguin from "The Batman." He described the show as "really dark," "heavy," and "incredibly violent."

Meanwhile, "Dune: Prophecy" by Frank Herbert will be set 10,000 years before the event of the current "Dune" films. The show is centered on the Harkonnen sisters as they fight for humankind and will see the birth of the Bene Gesserit.

"The Penguin" will release its eight-part limited series on September 19 on HBO while "Dune: Prophecy" will premiere sometime in the fall this year.