Warner Bros. Discovery is sticking with safe bet franchises that will likely lure viewers, including a "Harry Potter" series and a "Game of Thrones" prequel for its rebranded Max streaming service.
Executives touted Max and made original Warner Bros. Discovery programming announcements on Wednesday during a presentation for journalists and investors. The $16-per-month service will be released May 23 in the U.S. and automatically replace the company's existing HBO Max.
The "Harry Potter" series is described as a "faithful retelling" of the books about the boy wizard by J. K Rowling, featuring a new cast.
Each season is intended to focus on one of the seven books, though Max anticipates stretching the series to a decade-long run.
Max also announced it is has also ordered a "Game of Thrones" prequel called "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight," set in Westeros 100 years prior to the events of "Game of Thrones." It's based on fantasy novellas by George R. R. Martin, which follow the adventures of a knight named Ser Duncan the Tall (known as Dunk) and Aegon V Targaryen (called Egg). Martin will serve as an executive producer and writer on the series alongside Ira Parker.
"House of the Dragon" also a "Game of Thrones" prequel, has begun production on its second season for HBO.
Other announcements included a series based on the Penguin character in "The Batman", which is now in production with Colin Farrell resuming his role and another comedy set in the "Big Bang Theory" universe from Chuck Lorrie, both for Max.
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
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