Comcast unit sues Warner Bros for breach on TV show deals

COMCAST’S European Sky pay-television unit sued Warner Bros, alleging the film and TV company breached an agreement to share co-production opportunities on projects like a Harry Potter TV series.

The suit filed in US District Court in New York says the companies entered into an agreement in September 2019 under which Warner Bros would annually offer Sky original content from HBO Max for possible co-funding and co-production.

Warner has never upheld its end of the obligation, according to the complaint. The company should have offered Sky at least four qualifying series every year from 2021 to 2023. The agreement runs through 2025.

“Warner on Sep 8, 2024, launched a casting call for the three lead acting roles in the Harry Potter series, with contemporaneous press reports noting a possible target production start date in April 2025,” according to the complaint. “Warner has not invited Sky to participate in these activities in any way.”

In a separate statement, Sky said it looks “forward to achieving a swift and conclusive resolution of the matter.”

Warner Bros did not immediately respond to a request for comment. BLOOMBERG