HBO Max celebrated its official launch in Germany on January 16, 2024, with a lavish event in Berlin that marked the world premiere of the highly anticipated *Game of Thrones* prequel series, *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*. The festivities took place at the Martin-Gropius-Bau, a prominent modern art museum located near Potsdamer Platz, where the atmosphere blended cultural sophistication with urban flair.
The event was designed as an immersive experience, featuring various themed installations inspired by HBO Max’s extensive library. Attendees encountered a striking Superman-themed ice sculpture, an emergency room setup from *The Pitt*, and a makeup station hosted by *Euphoria* makeup artist Doniella Davy. Additionally, renowned German fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth offered glamorous portraits to guests, adding a touch of star power to the night.
Jen Weinberg, Senior Vice President of Talent Relations, Events, and Awards at HBO and Max, coordinated the event with the Berlin-based creative agency Chest of Wonders. She explained that the unique crate-based layout was necessitated by the museum’s limited availability. Each section was pre-assembled and transported to the venue, ensuring a seamless setup for the one-night-only celebration.
The catering was equally impressive, with contributions from four Michelin-starred restaurants in Berlin: Beba, Bonvivant Cocktail Bistro, Horváth, and Pralinen. Guests enjoyed high-end ravioli served in themed cans, further enhancing the immersive experience. Slogans for HBO Max, spray-painted in German, adorned the venue, creating a gritty yet stylish ambiance.
Star-Studded Red Carpet and Anticipation for New Series
The evening began with a red carpet event at the Zoo Palast theater, where the cast and crew of *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms*, including actors Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, and Tanzyn Crawford, showcased their excitement. HBO’s leadership, notably Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, and JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games, were also present to oversee the launch.
Following the red carpet, the crowd enthusiastically welcomed *Game of Thrones* creator George R.R. Martin, who was notably stylish in a bowler hat. Young actor Dexter Sol Ansell, who plays Egg in the series, stood out in a vibrant rainbow-colored suit designed by the same tailor who outfitted his father for the first season of *The X Factor* in the UK.
Ansell reflected on his journey to landing a significant role at such a young age, noting, “I was 8 when I first started auditioning, and now I’m 11. I’ve come a long way, and I’m just really excited to let the world see it.” The young star also humorously mentioned the challenges of acting alongside taller co-stars, emphasizing the physicality of his role.
Series showrunner Ira Parker described *A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* as a distinct departure from its predecessors, focusing on a smaller, simpler narrative. “We’re a little grittier, a little more of the earth,” Parker stated, adding that humor, including some light-hearted scatological jokes, is woven throughout the storyline.
Public Engagement and Future Prospects
After the premiere, HBO Max hosted a public event across the street to promote its upcoming *Harry Potter* series, set to debut in 2025. The historic Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was transformed into a fantastical setting, complete with drones designed to resemble Dementors, captivating attendees and emphasizing the platform’s commitment to immersive content.
Germany’s enthusiasm for *Harry Potter* was evident; the line for personalized wand-making was among the longest at the event. HBO Max aims to capture this market as it expands its services across Europe, which will include a launch in the UK and Ireland in March 2024.
As the evening concluded, the excitement surrounding HBO Max’s entry into Germany was palpable. The combination of star power, innovative event design, and culinary excellence set a high standard for future launches, solidifying HBO Max’s position in the competitive streaming landscape.
