Head of HBO Max Originals Praises "Delightful" 'Harry Potter' Series and Renews Spanish Hit 'Furia' Focused on Women's Rage

During an appearance in London on Wednesday, Sarah Aubrey, head of HBO Max Originals, reflected on the need for additional development funding when she joined the streaming service about a year ago. She also highlighted the upcoming Harry Potter series and announced the renewal of the Spanish original series Furia as part of HBO Maxs strategy to expand its slate of original content.

Furia is a show I personally connect with because it explores womens rage, Aubrey remarked. Its visually vibrant, humorous, and engaging, and were thrilled to bring it back for a second season. Created and directed by Flix Sabroso, the series is set to return in 2026 with new actresses joining the cast along with several returning stars from season one.

Aubrey also spoke about the enduring popularity of procedural dramas, pointing to the international success of shows like The Pitt. Traditional formats in medical, legal, or police settings continue to captivate audiences, she explained.

The announcement coincided with HBO Maxs plans to expand in Europe, launching in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein on January 13, 2026. The service will also debut in the U.K. and Ireland in early 2026, completing its European rollout. HBO Max content is currently available in Germany, Italy, and the U.K. via a partnership with Comcasts Sky.

Popular shows on the platform include The White Lotus, The Last of Us, Hacks, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, with the highly anticipated Harry Potter adaptation scheduled for 2026. Since launching in the U.S. in 2020, HBO Max has expanded across Latin America, Europe, Central Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region. As of Q3 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery reported 128 million total streaming subscribers.

Reflecting on her career at the company, Aubrey noted the impact of mergers and strategic shifts, emphasizing that rushing development often leads to disappointment. She also highlighted new international projects, including a Gina Lollobrigida docuseries in Italy and a series from the creators of Germanys Dark.

When discussing global opportunities, Aubrey shared a teaser of the German original 4 Blocks Zero, a prequel to the acclaimed gangster drama 4 Blocks, impressing HBO drama chief Francesca Orsi. Regarding potential Australian originals or microdramas, Aubrey indicated that plans are still in early stages due to her focus on multiple high-profile projects.

Concluding her remarks, Aubrey expressed excitement for the Harry Potter series, praising its British writer and director: Its such a delightful adaptation of the books, crafted by some of the best talent this country has to offer. I cant wait for audiences to see it.

Author: Grace Ellison