After a high-profile and controversial departure from Movistar Plus+ in 2025, veteran content executive Domingo Corral is officially entering his next chapter. The acclaimed producer, whose exit previously triggered a massive outcry from the Spanish creative elite, has signed an exclusive first-look television deal with HBO Max.
Corral, who was the driving force behind some of Spain’s most successful recent cinematic and television exports, announced the partnership while attending the MIA Market in Rome. The move marks a strategic shift for the producer, transitioning from a regional powerhouse to a global stage under the Warner Bros. Discovery streamer, which is currently navigating the post-merger landscape alongside Skydance.
From Movistar Plus+ to a Global Stage
During his tenure at Movistar Plus+, Corral established a reputation for backing high-quality, auteur-driven projects that resonated both critically and commercially. His slate included award-contenders such as Oliver Laxe’s *Sirât*, Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s *The Beloved*, and the Cannes sensation *La Bola Negra*. The latter project was so successful that it sparked a bidding war, ultimately being acquired by Netflix for a significant awards season push.
Corral’s sudden firing earlier this year caused a major ripple in the industry. The backlash was immediate and unprecedented, with 144 prominent figures—including icons like Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Pedro Almodóvar—signing an open letter to protest his exit. The letter warned that his departure could destabilize the Spanish production landscape. Now, with his own independent banner, Corral is aiming to maintain the same creative standards that made him a central figure in European entertainment.
The First Project: A Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Corral has been explicit about his strategy moving forward: “focused” production. He intends to prioritize quality over volume, leveraging his deep relationships with Spain’s top creative talent. The first series under his new deal with HBO Max is *El Nani*, a period drama set in the 1980s. The show chronicles the life of a petty criminal caught in the crosshairs of Spain’s turbulent transition from fascism to democracy. The series will be written and directed by the acclaimed duo Alberto Rodríguez and Rafael Cobos.
For the international market, this partnership represents a test case for how regional storytelling translates to global streaming platforms. Corral acknowledges the unique challenge of balancing local political and cultural narratives with the universal themes required for a global audience. “I have an amazing opportunity to work for a streamer that is global and that a show I’m making for Spain can be seen all over the world,” he noted.
Navigating the Evolving Tech and Media Landscape
The landscape for streaming services is undergoing a massive transformation, characterized by consolidation and shifting leadership. Corral is entering the HBO Max ecosystem at a pivotal moment, as the platform aligns with the broader Skydance and Paramount strategy.
Corral remains optimistic about the structural changes within the tech and media giants, particularly regarding the continuity of creative leadership. He specifically pointed to the recent multiyear deal signed by Casey Bloys, who remains at the helm of HBO and Paramount+ under the new Skydance structure.
“That’s really, really positive,” Corral said of the leadership stability. “It would have been bad news for HBO if that hadn’t happened. Fortunately, it has happened. So I’m optimistic.”
By aligning himself with a global infrastructure while maintaining the creative autonomy of an indie banner, Corral is positioning himself to bridge the gap between niche, high-art Spanish storytelling and the mass-market accessibility required by modern digital streaming giants. As he puts it, he has finally found a “new home” where the vision for prestige television is shared, setting the stage for a new wave of Spanish content to hit the global screens.
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