Skydance, Movistar Plus Announce Co-Branded HBO Max, M+ Originals, Expanding Strategic Alliance

In what looks like a coup for both parties, Skydance and Movistar Plus, the biggest Spanish pay TV/SVOD operator, are expanding their strategic alliance, strengthening Skydance’s deal in distribution on Movistar Plus and taking it to th enext level by including co-production.

The two-year deal continuation of the distribution of HBO Max and Warner Bros. Theatrical features on Movistar plus, the distribution of former Discovery TV channels now part of Skydance TV.

In a new and exciting element, however, the two partners will co-develop and co-produce series under the joint Movistar Plus and HBO Original label. These will be distributed worldwide by HBO Max and Skydance.

First up is “Veredicto,” a Movistar Plus and HBO Original series produced in collaboration with Ikiru Films and Luminol Media.

Created by Eduard Sola, Pol Cortecans and Daniel González from an original idea by Carles Porta, it stars Nagore Aranburu, Ernesto Alterio, Alba Flores, Omar Ayuso, Secun de la Rosa, Alfredo Castro, Marc Soler, Júlia Mascort, Cris Blanco and Mamen Duch.

Also in the deal is a new Movistar Plus and HBO Original series from Carles Porta and Los Moriarti (“Maspalomas,” “Marco,” “The Endless Trench,” starring Anna Castillo, Pol López and Eduard Fernández.

“This agreement strengthens our long-standing strategic partnership with Skydance and allows us to continue offering our customers one of the most comprehensive entertainment propositions in the market, combining the best user experience with some of the most recognized content and brands in the audiovisual industry,” said Alfonso Gómez Palacio, CEO of Movistar Plus.

“Great stories have the power to bring audiences together around the world, and this expanded alliance with Movistar Plus will allow us to continue bringing Spanish viewers some of the most influential franchises, films, and series in our industry. From iconic cinematic universes to original productions with the potential to become global phenomena, we share with Movistar Plus the ambition to deliver outstanding entertainment experiences and support a new generation of creators and storytellers,” said Alessandro Araimo, managing director & executive VP, Southern Europe at Skydance.