HBO Max marked its official launch in Germany with a lavish event in Berlin that combined high art with urban flair. The occasion celebrated not only the streaming service’s expansion but also the world premiere of the new prequel series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which is set to debut on January 18, 2024. The venue for this grand affair was the Martin-Gropius-Bau, a modern art museum located near the bustling Potsdamer Platz.
Guests were treated to a unique experience that resembled a cultural exhibit, featuring various installations inspired by HBO Max’s diverse library. Notable attractions included a Superman-themed ice sculpture serving as a vodka luge, an emergency room setup themed around the acclaimed show The Pitt, showcasing the series’ Emmy Award for Best Drama, and a makeup station staffed by Euphoria makeup artist Doniella Davy.
The event was meticulously organized by Jen Weinberg, senior vice president of talent relations, events, and awards at HBO and Max, in collaboration with the Berlin-based creative agency, Chest of Wonders. Given that the museum was only available for a single day, all components of the party were pre-constructed and transported to the venue just before midnight on Monday, requiring a quick setup and teardown to accommodate regular museum operations.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed culinary delights from some of Berlin’s finest establishments, including Beba, Bonvivant Cocktail Bistro, Horváth, and Pralinen, which collectively boast four Michelin stars. In addition to the food, themed refreshments were served, including gourmet ravioli that drew inspiration from popular series such as Game of Thrones, Sex and the City, and The Last of Us.
The atmosphere was further enhanced by spray-painted HBO Max campaign slogans, adding a gritty edge to the vibrant setting. One of the more memorable phrases, “HBO Max: We Kill More Stars than Live on Other Platforms,” captured the spirit of the evening.
As part of the festivities, a red carpet event took place at Berlin’s Zoo Palast theater for the premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The cast was well represented, featuring talents such as Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, Sam Spruell, and Daniel Ings. HBO executives, including Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, and JB Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming and games, were also in attendance to oversee the launch.
With the addition of Germany and other European territories, HBO Max has now expanded its global presence to over 100 countries. The streamer is set to complete its European rollout with a launch in the U.K. and Ireland scheduled for March.
The festive atmosphere was palpable as attendees braved the chilly weather to support the talent, with the loudest cheers reserved for George R.R. Martin, the creator of the Game of Thrones franchise, who made a stylish entrance in a bowler hat. Young actor Dexter Sol Ansell, who portrays Egg in the new series, caught the spotlight in a vibrant, rainbow-colored suit. The outfit was designed by the same tailor who crafted attire for his father, British singer Jonathan Ansell, during the inaugural season of The X Factor in 2004.
Ansell shared his excitement about being part of the franchise at such a young age. “I was 8 when I first started auditioning, and now I’m 11,” he expressed. “I’ve come a long way, and I’m just really excited to let the world see it.” He humorously noted the challenges of acting alongside co-star Peter Claffey, who stands at nearly 6’6”: “I had to look up so much, I got neck pains. I had to go to physio to get it all fixed.”
The premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms set a whimsical tone, reflecting the series’ lighter approach compared to its predecessors. Showrunner Ira Parker emphasized the distinctiveness of the new narrative, stating, “We’re a little grittier, a little more of the earth,” and highlighted the humor woven throughout the storyline. “I joke with my friends that I get paid to write fart and poop jokes,” Parker quipped, adding, “But there really aren’t that many. Maybe five.”
Following the red carpet celebration, HBO Max hosted a public event across the street from the museum to promote its upcoming Harry Potter series, set to launch next year. The historic Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was transformed into a magic-themed spectacle, complete with cleverly designed drones representing Dementors. The anticipation for the Harry Potter franchise is particularly high in Germany, where fans eagerly lined up for personalized wand experiences.
The event concluded with an impressive turnout of German celebrities, including Karoline Herfurth, Katharina Stark, and Florence Kasumba, adding to the star-studded ambiance. As HBO Max embarks on its journey in Germany, the enthusiasm from both the industry and fans suggests a promising future for the platform in the competitive streaming landscape.
