There’s something endlessly fascinating about watching fire, water, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s relentless efforts to expand its cinematic reach into new markets.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, under the leadership of David Zaslav, the company will once again attempt to strengthen its foothold in Southeast Asia. True to form, Warner Bros. Discovery seems poised to let others handle the heavy lifting. HBO Max is set to partner with Viu, a local streaming service operating in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, to deliver its content to the region via a specialized subscription package.
The result is a bold fusion of entertainment: a potent mix of endless Asian dramas and K-dramas alongside HBO’s premium offerings. This collaboration allows HBO Max to tap into Viu’s established infrastructure, offering subscribers a diverse library without the need for Warner Bros. Discovery to expand its own platform.
Notably, this approach carries minimal risk for WBD — no need to stretch its resources or, more importantly, publish financial reports that might reveal the true state of its performance in this new market. It’s a pragmatic move, aligning with the company’s current strategy to avoid the volatility that has seen its stock prices dip with every minor setback.
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By leveraging Viu’s regional expertise, HBO Max can deliver hits like *The Last of Us* and *The White Lotus* alongside Viu’s popular local content, such as *Running Man* and *The Immortal Ascension*. This partnership not only broadens the audience reach but also sidesteps the financial transparency that a standalone expansion might demand. For a company weary of market jitters, this hands-off yet strategic alliance could prove to be a savvy play in the competitive streaming landscape of Southeast Asia.
