Movistar Plus, the prominent Spanish streaming and pay-TV platform, has leveraged the prestigious San Sebastián International Film Festival to announce its most ambitious content roadmap to date, signaling a significant escalation in its commitment to original Spanish-language productions. The platform revealed plans for thirteen new series, a consistent weekly offering of Spanish films, and high-profile directorial debuts in television fiction, underscoring a strategic pivot towards bolstering its domestic content library and competing at a global level.
This comprehensive unveiling, presented as a clear declaration of intent rather than a mere seasonal preview, also served as the official introduction of Movistar Plus’s new leadership. Alfonso Gómez Palacio, the newly appointed CEO, and Juan Andrés García Ropero, known as ‘Bropi’ and now Director of Content, assumed their roles in May. Their presence at the festival, armed with a meticulously prepared slate, highlighted a renewed focus on strategic content acquisition and development. Bropi, in particular, has been instrumental in fostering these new initiatives, having reportedly engaged in over fifty meetings with production companies and creators in recent months to shape this ambitious agenda.
The strategic significance of this announcement is amplified by Movistar Plus’s robust subscriber base. The platform currently boasts 3.9 million clients, representing a healthy 7.3% year-on-year growth. This expanding audience provides a solid foundation for the platform’s aggressive content strategy, which aims to deliver an impressive average of two original Spanish series per month and a Spanish film every week. This sustained output is designed not only to retain existing subscribers but also to attract new audiences seeking high-quality, locally relevant content.
A Phased Rollout: From Late 2026 to 2027 and Beyond
Movistar Plus has outlined a staggered release schedule to manage this substantial influx of new content. The final months of 2026 are set to witness three significant premieres. Kicking off the autumn season on October 8th is "El Castillo," a new series created by Isabel Peña, known for her work on critically acclaimed films. The series stars a notable ensemble cast including Raúl Arévalo, Omar Ayuso, Laia Marull, and Valentina Vidal. Following this, November will see the return of "Celeste" for its second season, with Carmen Machi reprising her role as a formidable tax inspector. December will conclude the year with "Matar a un oso," a project helmed by the Sánchez Cabezudo brothers and featuring acclaimed actors Eduard Fernández and Miki Esparbé.
The bulk of Movistar Plus’s new programming offensive is slated for 2027, promising a sustained period of high-profile releases. Among the anticipated series is "Ardora," directed by Jorge Coira and starring Javier Gutiérrez and Carolina Yuste, suggesting a project with significant dramatic weight. Another noteworthy addition is "Veredicto," a judicial thriller developed by Eduard Solà, Pol Cortecans, and Daniel González, based on an idea by Carles Porta. This series boasts an impressive cast including Nagore Aranburu, Ernesto Alterio, Alba Flores, and Omar Ayuso, indicating a complex narrative with compelling performances.
Further bolstering the 2027 lineup is "Todo lo necesario," a series from directors Marcel Barrena and Alberto Marini. The project is set to explore the harrowing 267-day captivity of three aid workers, with David Verdaguer, Enric Auquer, and Marina Salas in leading roles. Adding to the diverse genre offerings, "Iruña 97" will feature Clara Galle and Álvaro Cervantes, hinting at a potential period piece or historical drama. The platform also confirmed the return of popular series with second seasons of "Se tiene que morir mucha gente," "El Centro," and "El otro mundo," ensuring continuity for established fan bases.
High-Profile Debuts and Surprising Ventures
Beyond the scheduled releases, Movistar Plus has secured two highly anticipated directorial debuts in television fiction that have generated significant buzz. Acclaimed filmmaker Fernando León de Aranoa, celebrated for his work on films like "Barrio" and "The Perfect Dictatorship," is set to make his television series debut with "La náufraga." León de Aranoa is credited as the creator, writer, and director of this new fiction, which stars Belén Cuesta. While Movistar Plus has remained tight-lipped about plot details, the involvement of such a prominent director signifies a major coup for the platform and signals a growing trend of cinematic talent transitioning to episodic storytelling.
A second unexpected announcement centers on a comedy project that evokes the spirit of Barcelona in 1991. Cristóbal Garrido and Adolfo Valor are developing a series focused on the intricate preparations for the opening ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. This project promises a rich tapestry of humor and nostalgia, featuring a dynamic cast that includes David Verdaguer, Paula Malia, Silvia Abril, Andreu Buenafuente, María León, Alex Brendemühl, Pau Durá, and Jorge Usón. The blend of comedic talent and a historically significant event positions this series as a potential cultural touchstone.
The third major surprise unveiled involves the esteemed production house Moriarti, joining forces with Movistar Plus. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the series is set to bear the distinctive mark of Carles Porta, known for his compelling documentaries and investigative journalism. The project will feature a central trio of actors: Anna Castillo, Pol López, and Eduard Fernández. The inherent mystery surrounding this collaboration, given Porta’s track record, is itself a significant draw, promising a narrative that is both intriguing and potentially groundbreaking.
Expanding Horizons: Cinema and Non-Fiction
Movistar Plus’s content expansion is not confined to scripted series. The platform also showcased its commitment to Spanish cinema with the presentation of several upcoming film projects. "250 metros," directed by Daniel Monzón and starring Luis Tosar, is set to be a significant cinematic release. Additionally, "Una visita familiar," directed by Sandra Romero, and a new project from Paco León, the details of which are yet to be revealed, further underscore the platform’s investment in the film industry. In the realm of non-fiction, J.A. Bayona, the acclaimed director of "The Orphanage" and "The Impossible," is attached as an executive producer for two untitled projects, signaling a foray into impactful documentary storytelling.
Entertainment and a Vision for the Future
Beyond its scripted and cinematic offerings, Movistar Plus is also bolstering its entertainment programming. Ángel Martín is set to make a highly anticipated return to television by the end of the year with a stand-up comedy special produced by Globomedia. This marks a significant comeback for the popular comedian and host. Furthermore, the long-running and successful debate program "Ilustres Ignorantes" will embark on its twentieth season, demonstrating its enduring appeal. The platform also confirmed the continuation of "Las Berrocal" in its programming schedule, indicating a commitment to diverse entertainment formats.
Alfonso Gómez Palacio encapsulated the platform’s forward-looking vision with a powerful statement: "We want stories that no one else dares to tell." This sentiment was echoed by Bropi, who emphasized the pursuit of "projects with quality, personality, and a unique point of view." These statements, while aspirational, are now backed by concrete plans, including specific release dates, established talent, and detailed cast lists, transforming them from mere rhetoric into a tangible strategic roadmap.
Movistar Plus’s strategy appears to be a dual-pronged approach, prioritizing both volume and star power. The commitment to thirteen new series, a consistent flow of Spanish films, the high-profile entry of Fernando León de Aranoa into television, and the promise of two original series premieres per month collectively represent a significant surge in production. The success of this ambitious plan will ultimately hinge on the platform’s ability to maintain this demanding pace of production while consistently delivering the quality and originality it has pledged. The competitive landscape of streaming is increasingly crowded, and Movistar Plus’s bold moves at the San Sebastián Festival clearly indicate its intent to be a dominant force in Spanish and international content creation. The industry will be closely watching to see if this meticulously crafted plan translates into sustained audience engagement and critical acclaim.
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