Warner Bros. Discovery and PCCW’s Viu have announced a groundbreaking content alliance that will bundle HBO Max and Viu subscriptions across five key Southeast Asian markets. Launching in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand by Q4 2025, the strategic partnership marks the region’s first major cross-platform streaming integration, combining Hollywood blockbusters with premium Asian content under a single payment plan.
The bundled offering creates a formidable competitor in Southeast Asia’s crowded streaming landscape, pairing HBO Max’s prestige Western programming – including upcoming theatrical releases like A Minecraft Movie and Sinners, HBO originals The Last of Us and The White Lotus, plus iconic series Friends – with Viu’s dominant Asian catalog featuring Korean dramas (Taxi Driver 3, My Youth), Chinese series (The Immortal Ascension), and popular variety shows (Running Man).
“This alliance delivers on two critical fronts for Southeast Asian audiences,” explained Warner Bros. Discovery Asia Pacific president James Gibbons. “Not only does it combine world-class Hollywood and Asian content in one subscription, but it builds on the proven success of our bundling strategy in other markets to drive subscriber growth and retention.” The move comes as global streamers face increasing pressure to localize offerings in Asia’s fragmented markets.
For Viu – which operates across Asia, the Middle East and Africa through its freemium model – the partnership strengthens its position against deep-pocketed competitors. “This collaboration allows us to supercharge our content library while maintaining the local relevance that’s been key to our growth,” said Viu CEO Janice Lee, referencing the platform’s 2024 strategic investment from France’s Canal+.
While pricing details remain under wraps, the bundle will be sold through both platforms’ websites, with each service maintaining standalone access. The deal represents a tactical shift in streaming strategies as platforms increasingly prioritize partnerships over direct competition in complex Asian markets. With Southeast Asia’s streaming revenue projected to hit $7 billion by 2026 (Media Partners Asia), this Warner-Viu alliance may inspire similar cross-platform collaborations across the region.
- Markets: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand
- Launch: Q4 2025
- HBO Max Content: The Last of Us, A Minecraft Movie, Friends
- Viu Content: Taxi Driver 3, Running Man, Chinese/Korean dramas
- Model: Single subscription bundle with optional standalone access
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.