HBO Max officially launched in Germany on January 16, 2024, with an extravagant celebration in Berlin, coinciding with the world premiere of the highly anticipated prequel series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The event was held at the renowned Martin-Gropius-Bau, where high culture melded with urban elements, creating a unique atmosphere.
The venue transformed into an immersive experience, showcasing popular HBO Max shows alongside the film library of its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. Guests were treated to a variety of installations, including a striking Superman-themed ice sculpture and a replica emergency room from The Pitt, complete with the show’s Emmy award for Best Drama Series, which had been quickly shipped from New York.
Guests could also explore a makeup station where they received glamorous transformations from renowned Euphoria makeup artist Doniella Davy. Contributing to the event’s artistic flair, acclaimed German fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth captured portraits of the attending stars, further elevating the evening’s glamour.
Star-Studded Red Carpet and Celebrations
Before the festivities at the museum, a red carpet premiere took place at Berlin’s Zoo Palast theatre, featuring the cast and crew of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The event included appearances from notable actors such as Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, and Sam Spruell. HBO executives, including Casey Bloys and JB Perrette, were also present to oversee the launch.
The Berlin launch marked HBO Max’s expansion into Germany, Italy, and other European territories, increasing its global presence to over 100 countries. The service is set to complete its European rollout with launches in the United Kingdom and Ireland scheduled for March 2024.
Fans enthusiastically welcomed the cast, especially George R.R. Martin, the creator of Game of Thrones, who received a warm reception on the red carpet. Young actor Dexter Sol Ansell, who plays Egg in the series, captured attention with a vibrant rainbow-colored suit, designed by the same tailor who created his father’s outfit for The X Factor in 2004. Ansell expressed his excitement about joining the Game of Thrones universe, noting his journey from auditioning at age eight to now being a lead in the series.
Unique Themes and Culinary Delights
The event featured themed stations that paid homage to other popular HBO Max shows, including Sex and the City and The Last of Us. Guests enjoyed high-end ravioli and other culinary delights prepared by acclaimed Berlin restaurants, collectively holding four Michelin stars. The atmosphere was further enhanced with spray-painted campaign slogans that reflected a gritty Berlin aesthetic.
Showrunner Ira Parker shared insights about the new series, highlighting its distinct approach compared to previous entries in the franchise. “This is a smaller, simpler story,” Parker noted, emphasizing the series’ humor and unique storytelling style. Critics have praised the show for its comedic elements, which Parker playfully referred to as “fart and poop jokes,” indicating that humor is an integral part of the narrative.
Following the premiere, HBO Max hosted a public event at the historic Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, transforming it into a magical setting for fans of the forthcoming Harry Potter series. The event featured cleverly designed drones portraying Dementors, capturing the attention of attendees and solidifying HBO Max’s commitment to engaging its audience.
With a successful launch and a blend of high-profile talent, creative installations, and culinary excellence, HBO Max’s entry into the German market appears poised for a strong reception as it aims to capture the hearts of local audiences.
