HBO Max acquires historical drama Carlota from Sony Pictures Television

Belinda Peregrín Schüll

Warner Bros Discovery’s HBO Max has acquired Sony Pictures Television (SPT)’s upcoming drama series Carlota, which has begun filming in Spain.

Carlota was initially presented by SPT during the 2025 LA Screenings. It will now be available exclusively on HBO Max, with SPT handling distribution.

The 10×45’ drama tells the true story of Carlota de Habsburgo, the first empress of Mexico. Set in a country divided by war and with ideology as a backdrop, Carlota reimagines the rise of Carlota and Maximilian, European aristocrats whose progressive ideals clash with a reactionary court hungry for power.

“With humour, boldness and creative freedom, the series explores power, desire, betrayal and politics from a contemporary perspective, challenging traditional historical narratives and exposing the human cost of empire,” according to SPT.

Conceived by creator and showrunner Carlos Quintanilla Sakar and Adriana Pelusi, who also serves as lead screenwriter, the series will be directed by Ana Lorena Pérez Ríos (Like Water for Chocolate) and Alejandro Bazzano (Money Heist).

The series stars Mexican singer and actress Belinda Peregrín Schüll (known professionally as Belinda) as Carlota and Jaime Lorente as Maximilian, alongside Miguel Ángel Silvestre and Mabel Cadena.

Executive production will be handled by Alejandro García, Quintanilla Sakar and Madeleine Contreras, while filming will take place in various locations in Spain and Latin America.