Streaming service HBO Max has given production commitments for three new one-hour dramas from J.J. Abrams and Katie McGrath’s Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television Group, marking the first new Bad Robot–produced television projects for HBO Max under the exclusive, wide-ranging content collaboration partnership formed by Bad Robot with HBO Max parent company WarnerMedia in fall 2019.
The first series, “Duster,” is to be co-written by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan. Set in the 1970’s Southwest, the life of a gutsy getaway driver for a growing crime syndicate goes from awful to wildly, stupidly, dangerously awful. Morgan is currently a writer on “The Walking Dead”. Previously, she was a co-executive producer and writer of AMC’s “Into the Badlands” and “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” and was a writer for NBC’s “Parenthood” and Showtime’s “Shameless.”
The second series, “Overlook,” is a horror-thriller series inspired by and featuring iconic characters from Stephen King’s masterpiece “The Shining.” “Overlook” explores the untold, terrifying stories of the most famous haunted hotel in American fiction. The project reunites Bad Robot, King and WBTV, who previously collaborated on the acclaimed psychological-horror series “Castle Rock” for Hulu.
The third will be a major series based on DC characters in the “Justice League Dark” Universe, details to be revealed soon.
“What an amazing start to our association with the wildly imaginative Bad Robot team under J.J. and Katie,” said Kevin Reilly, chief content officer, HBO Max and president, TNT, TBS, and truTV. “What could be better than an original J.J. idea and then Warner Bros. letting them loose on iconic I.P. from Stephen King and the DC Universe and to provide more must-have programming on HBO Max.”
All of the Bad Robot series for HBO Max will be executive produced by Abrams and its head of television, Ben Stephenson. Rachel Rusch Rich, Bad Robot’s EVP of television, will serve as a co-executive producer. Warner Bros. International Television Distribution will be the global distributor for the programs.
Current Bad Robot television series produced through Warner Bros. Television include HBO’s “Westworld” and Hulu’s “Castle Rock,” the upcoming “Demimonde” (to be created by Abrams) and “Lovecraft Country” for HBO, as well as “Lisey’s Story,” “Little Voice” and “My Glory Was I Had Such Friends” for Apple TV+.
SixTwentySix names Hayley Diaz as head of production
SixTwentySix has appointed Hayley Diaz as head of production. With a career spanning notable production companies such as Framestore Pictures, REVERIE Content, PRETTYBIRD, and Rattling Stick, Diaz brings a mix of creative intuition, operational mastery, and deep industry experience.
Over the past decade, Diaz has shaped projects for brands and artists that define culture, from Nike, Apple, and Netflix to Anderson .Paak, Harry Styles, and Solange. Diaz has navigated the complexities of live-action production at every level, managing shoots across the globe.
“At SixTwentySix, delivering at the highest level has always been our priority. As our ambitions continue to grow, we knew we needed a head of production who could not only manage the scale but elevate our entire approach,” said Jake Krask, co-founder and managing partner at SixTwentySix. “The moment we met Hayley Diaz, we knew she was the right fit. Her expertise, leadership, and deep understanding of production make her an invaluable addition to the team. She brings a level of precision and experience that will strengthen our production department and enhance the way we serve our clients. We’re thrilled to have her on board and excited for what’s ahead.”
“At SixTwentySix, we move fast, think big, and refuse to settle for the obvious. Hayley gets that. She’s built her career on making the impossible happen, and we couldn’t ask for a better leader to evolve our production game,” added SixTwentySix co-founder and executive producer Austin Barbera.
For Diaz, stepping into this role is about more than just overseeing production--it’s about amplifying what makes SixTwentySix different. “There’s a hunger here. A drive to create work that actually resonates, not... Read More