HBO Max Launches in Germany with Star-Studded ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Premiere
Berlin was the epicenter of entertainment on tuesday night as HBO Max celebrated its launch in Germany and the world premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the highly anticipated prequel to Game of Thrones. The event, a blend of high culture and urban edge, captivated attendees with its immersive experiences and star-studded guest list.
A Cultural Immersion at Martin-Gropius-Bau
HBO transformed the Martin-Gropius-Bau museum, located near Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz, into a dynamic showcase of its content. The party was designed as a cultural exhibit, featuring display crates housing Instagram-worthy backdrops inspired by popular HBO Max series and films from Warner Bros.Revelation. This innovative approach created a visually stunning and engaging atmosphere for guests.
Interactive Experiences and Celebrity Glamour
The event wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was packed with interactive experiences. Guests enjoyed a Superman-themed vodka luge, a The Pitt-style emergency room complete with the recently awarded Emmy for Best Drama Series (shipped directly from New York!), and a glamorous makeup station hosted by Euphoria’s renowned makeup artist, Doniella Davy. Iconic German fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth captured portraits of the attending talent, adding another layer of sophistication to the evening.
Logistical Marvel and Creative Vision
The event’s organization,led by Jen Weinberg,Senior VP of Talent Relations,Events and Awards at HBO and Max,in collaboration with Berlin-based agency Chest of wonders,was a logistical feat. The museum’s one-day availability necessitated pre-building all sections and shipping them in crates overnight, with a swift turnaround required to reopen the museum on Wednesday morning. this demonstrated a remarkable level of planning and execution.
A Feast for the Senses
Beyond the visual and interactive elements, the event catered to the palate with unusual cuisine provided by Berlin’s Michelin-starred restaurants: beba, Bonvivant Cocktail Bistro, Horváth, and Pralinen. Themed cans of high-end ravioli,representing series like Industry,Game of Thrones,Sex and the City,and The Last of us,added a playful touch. spray-painted HBO Max slogans in German, including the memorable “HBO Max: We Kill More Stars than Live on Other Platforms,” contributed to the event’s gritty, Berlin vibe.
Premiere and Star Power
The party followed the world premiere of A Knight of the seven Kingdoms at Berlin’s Zoo Palast theater. The cast, including Peter claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, Sam Spruell, Daniel Ings, Finn Bennett, Shaun Thomas, Bertie Carvel, and Tanzyn Crawford, were in attendance, alongside HBO leadership, including Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, and JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games. Notably, Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin received a especially keen welcome from the Berlin crowd,sporting a stylish bowler hat.
Young Star Shines
Child actor Dexter Sol Ansell, who plays Egg in the series, stole the show with a vibrant, rainbow-colored suit designed by the same tailor who created his father, Jonathan Ansell (of the british singing group G4),’s outfit for The X Factor in 2004. Ansell, displaying a professional demeanor beyond his 11 years, expressed his excitement about his role in the Game of Thrones universe. He humorously recounted the physical challenge of acting opposite the much taller Peter Claffey, requiring physical therapy to alleviate neck pain from constantly looking up.
A Playful Tone and Critical Acclaim
The premiere exuded a lighthearted and playful atmosphere, reflecting the series’ deliberate departure from the darker tone of its predecessors. Showrunner Ira Parker emphasized that A knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers a “single POV,a smaller,simpler story,” with a grittier and more grounded feel. The series has already garnered praise from critics for its humor, which Parker playfully described as involving “maybe five” scatological jokes.
Expanding HBO Max’s Reach
Following the premiere, HBO Max staged a public event celebrating its upcoming Harry Potter series, transforming Berlin’s Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church into a magical castle with flying Dementors. This event underscored the importance of the German market, where Harry Potter enjoys immense popularity, and HBO Max’s strategy to attract fans with highly anticipated content. German celebrities Karoline Herfurth, Katharina Stark, Mania Gragus, Nhung Hong, Palina Rojinski, Jimi Blue Ochsenknecht, and florence Kasumba also graced the HBO Max party.
European Expansion and Future Outlook
The Berlin launch marks a significant step in HBO Max’s European expansion, following launches in Germany and Italy. The streamer plans to complete its rollout with launches in the U.K. and Ireland in March, bringing its global footprint to over 100 countries. The successful premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and the enthusiastic reception in Berlin signal a promising future for HBO Max in the European market.
