HBO Max officially launched in Germany on January 16, 2024, with a lavish celebration in Berlin that coincided with the world premiere of its new series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The event took place at the Martin-Gropius-Bau, a prominent modern art museum near Potsdamer Platz, setting the stage for an evening that blended high culture with urban flair.
The launch party featured an innovative design, reminiscent of a cultural exhibit. Guests interacted with display crates that included Instagram-friendly backdrops inspired by various HBO Max shows and the film library of parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. Among the highlights was a stunning ice-sculpture vodka luge themed around Superman, alongside a recreation of a hospital scene from the Emmy-winning drama The Pitt, which showcased the recently awarded best drama series Emmy trophy, promptly shipped from New York.
Guests were further treated to glam makeovers by Doniella Davy, the celebrated makeup artist from Euphoria. Renowned German fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth captured portraits of the attendees, enhancing the event’s star-studded atmosphere.
Jen Weinberg, senior vice president of talent relations and events at HBO and Max, explained that the unique crate concept was born out of logistical necessity, as the museum was only available for one day. All installations were assembled and transported to the venue just hours before the event, and they had to be dismantled promptly to allow the museum to reopen the following morning.
The evening’s offerings were not limited to visuals. The culinary experience was equally impressive, with gourmet cuisine provided by acclaimed Berlin restaurants, including Beba and Horváth, collectively boasting four Michelin stars. Guests savored high-end ravioli, while spray-painted slogans in German, such as “HBO Max: We Kill More Stars than Live on Other Platforms,” added a humorous touch to the décor.
The red carpet premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms attracted notable talent, including Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell, who plays Egg in the series. The series, which is set to premiere on HBO Max on January 18, marks a new chapter in the Game of Thrones universe, and fans eagerly awaited its debut.
As the weather turned chilly, the crowd remained enthusiastic, cheering especially for George R.R. Martin, the creator of Game of Thrones, who graced the red carpet in a stylish bowler hat. Young actor Dexter Sol Ansell captured attention with his vibrant, rainbow-colored suit, designed by the same tailor who outfitted his father during the first season of The X Factor in the UK.
“I was 8 when I first started auditioning, and now I’m 11,” Ansell remarked, reflecting on his journey. He humorously noted the physical challenge of acting alongside the towering Claffey, stating, “I had to look up so much, I got neck pains.”
The mood at the premiere was playful, aligning with the series’ lighter tone compared to its predecessors. Showrunner Ira Parker described the series as distinct, emphasizing its single point of view and focus on simpler storytelling. While humor, including some scatological jokes, features prominently, Parker assured viewers that the series maintains a balance of wit without overindulgence.
In addition to the premiere festivities, HBO Max hosted a public event across the street at the historic Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, celebrating its upcoming Harry Potter series. The venue was transformed into a magical setting, showcasing clever drone costumes representing Dementors, which captured the attention of local fans.
With the launch in Germany, Italy, and other European territories, HBO Max’s global footprint has expanded to over 100 countries. The platform is set to complete its European rollout in March with a launch in the UK and Ireland. The event underscored HBO Max’s commitment to engaging local audiences, particularly in Germany, where enthusiasm for the Harry Potter franchise remains strong.
As the evening concluded, the buzz surrounding HBO Max’s launch and the new Game of Thrones series left a lasting impression on guests and industry insiders alike, setting a promising tone for the platform’s future in Europe.
