The name change of Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming platform is once again under scrutiny. The move to transform the familiar HBO Max into the shorter Max in 2023 never really resonated and primarily led to confusion among subscribers. This year, the provider has returned to the original name, marking a clear change in direction within the company.

The reintroduction of HBO Max was explained this week by CEO Casey Bloys during a meeting in New York. According to him, the previous rebranding was an attempt to quickly gain ground on Netflix, but the platform lost its own identity in the process. The return to the old name is intended to emphasize HBO's original profile: a selection focused on quality.

Back To The Original Brand

Bloys mentioned that consumers value recognition. He stated that Netflix has already developed into a permanent part of the viewing landscape, but viewers also have a need for distinctive programming. According to him, subscribers to HBO Max are primarily looking for original HBO series, major studio productions, and a carefully curated library. The previous direction, which aimed to offer too much at once, muddled that identity.

Another pain point was the confusion between HBO titles and programs developed solely for Max. Productions such as The Penguin and The Last of Us were often perceived by viewers as being lumped together with Max Originals like Doom Patrol and Peacemaker. The name change should clarify which titles belong to the HBO offering and which fall under the broader platform.

New Role For Max Originals

Bloys emphasized that Max Originals will now have a defined role within the overall offering. They will be developed as efficient yet still high-quality series that can return annually. These titles are meant to reach audience groups that lie just outside the traditional HBO demographic while also contributing to the ambition of providing new material year-round.



The combined number of subscribers for HBO Max and Discovery Plus is expected to exceed 125 million worldwide by the end of 2025, keeping the provider as one of the largest players in the market.

Fans of the Marvel series Daredevil: Born Again are anxious about the timeline for the second season. Although Disney previously announced a release date, it now appears to be uncertain. Internal Disney and Marvel pages have been updated, fueling rumors of a possible delay.

The second season of Daredevil: Born Again was initially set to premiere on March 4, 2026, exactly one year after the first season's debut. However, that date has disappeared from Disney's official press page. Instead, only "2026" is now listed, without a specific month or day.

Release Date No Longer Confirmed

Both the Marvel and Disney+ websites still state that the series will premiere in March 2026, but without a specific date. There has not been an official statement regarding a delay, leaving uncertainty about whether the launch is indeed being postponed.

Filming for the second season wrapped up on July 9, and the series has since been in post-production. Furthermore, Disney plans to begin filming for a third season early next year, indicating that the franchise is not slowing down anytime soon.

Cast And Future Projects

Most of the main cast is returning for the new season. However, it has been confirmed that Jon Bernthal, who portrays Frank Castle (the Punisher), will not be appearing this time. Instead, he will feature in a separate special and in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, both of which are set to be released next year.

The new Christmas movie Jingle Bell Heist is now available on Netflix, a light crime comedy centered around an unlikely collaboration. The story takes place in London and follows two petty criminals who aim for the same target independently.

Sophia temporarily moves to London to care for her mother and works in a department store in the meantime. Nick struggles as a handyman to make ends meet. When both find themselves in financial trouble, they decide to target the same heist on Christmas Eve, leading to a tense but comedic partnership.

Christmas Eve At Stake

As preparations unfold, complications arise, revealing that both Sophia and Nick carry secrets. As the pressure mounts and their bond grows, not only the planned heist but also their collaboration hangs in the balance. The film combines light crime with romantic elements and an unmistakable festive atmosphere.

Directed by Michael Fimognari, the film stars Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells, with supporting roles from Lucy Punch, Peter Serafinowicz, and Poppy Drayton. The focus is on an engaging Christmas tale that centers around the two main characters.

Availability On Netflix

Jingle Bell Heist will be available on Netflix starting Wednesday, November 26. The film currently ranks number 1 in the movie top 10 on the streaming platform in 46 countries, while it holds the second spot in the Netherlands.