The Maxton Edit Issue 1. Vol. 1.

© Talent in Borders, photo provided by Eli Riccardi

THE MAXTON EDIT

CONTENTS

04 Highlighting a Fan Account: Interview

07 More Than An Actor: Greenpeace - Damian Hardung

11 Review: Eli Riccardi’s Fever

© elxriccardi on Instagram

4 Highlighting a Fan Account Maxton Hall Spain 6 Maxton Hall Season 2 Collages 7 More Than An Actor: Greenpeace Damian Hardung 11 REVIEW: Eli Riccardi’s Fever 12 PREVIEW: Softies: A new take on masculinuty honest, vunerable, and sharply funny 13 CROSSWORD: Maxton Hall 14 EXCLUSIVE: A Fever Dream - Inside the mind of Eli Riccardi Interview and Essentials 18 REVIEW: The Summer I Turned Pretty 20 Deutscher Filmpreis and Cannes Film Festival Collages

14 Exclusive: A Fever Dream Inside The Mind of Eli Riccardi

19 About Us I Thank You Note

exclusive Interview, Essentials and her new song “Fever” 02

© coldassisaac on Instagram

FEVER

Highlighting a Fan Account @maxtonhall_spain_

We are just two best friends, Andrea and Laura, that wanted to enjoy the Maxton Hall journey to the fullest. We are from Spain and we enjoy a lot fangirling about everything that we love. This is what happened to us with Maxton Hall, we fell in love with every single thing about this show and their leads, Harriet Herbig-Matten and Damian Hardung.

Q: When did you first start your Maxton Hall account, and what inspired you to create it?

A: We started our account @maxtonhall_spain_ in August last year. The idea of creating this account came from a necessity of knowing all the updates from shooting of the second season. We are eager to know everything and all the details! There wasn't a Spanish fan page so we thought it was a cool idea to create one so we could be updated with all the info, but also do updates to all the people that followed us.

Also, we are two besties running this account, so everything is easier, we are a DREAM TEAM! Q: What’s been the most exciting or unexpected moment since running the account?

A: There have been several moments that were very exciting. One that we loved so much was the video we got after finishing the shooting of season two. It was so

exciting getting to see a little bit of what they shoot all summmer and it already looked so good, it was amazing! Also another unexpected moment that no one was expecting was the release date. When we read “end of the year” we all collectively were like “nooooo, we need the second season now.” We had high hopes for the release date to be spring 2025, so it was a let down, but we know that they are going to give us an amazing season and that we are going to enjoy it so much.

Q: What kind of feedback do you get from your followers? Any memorable DMs or comments?

A: The feedback from our followers has been incredible from the beginning. When we first created the account, we didn’t think the response would be as positive as it has been. We love interacting with our followers, commenting, and enjoying all the content because we’re just fans, and we love it.

They’re amazing, we receive all the love for the account and some messages are really 04

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start their own fan account?

A: Just do it! if you want to have a fan page about Maxton Hall, we encourage you to do it. The fan base is amazing so we are going to welcome you with open arms. There are times when it is very stressful, because there is a lot of content going on at the same time, and also we need to translate from German to Spanish, and let me tell you, that is very hard and frustrating sometimes, but it’s worth it.

Our followers always show their support to our page and that is amazing, we are so grateful for them and that we can share this journey with all. At the end we are just fans.

Q: What’s been your most viral or popular post so far- and did you expect it to blow up?

A: Well, our most popular post is one of Damian arriving at the Berlinale opening ceremony, where he greets the fans. The video is really beautiful because he looks amazing in his tan suit, it’s snowing and “Moth To A Flame” by The Weeknd is playing in the background, an iconic song in the Maxton Hall fandom.

We didn’t expect it to blow up because a lot of fan pages posted it too and it was a video from a fan from TikTok, so it was surprising how many likes and views it has, but we love that they loved it so much. Also we have other original edits and collages that did amazing, so that proves how much people love this cast and show.

© Carpet Tales on TikTok via maxtonhall_spain on instagram

exciting and encourage us to keep going.

We don’t have any memorable DM in particular, we just keep the messages from fans who have told us they love our account and all the friends we’ve made.

Q: What’s been your proudest or most exciting moment running your fan page?

A: We love it when Damian and Harriet, or the cast and the crew of the series read our comments or they share our content. It‘s like we are all a family and being part it is a big honor. Also the response from our followers to our posts and edits has been incredible, it fills us up with happiness. But we think the best is yet to come, waiting together for the trailer for the second season and sharing the excitement with the fans.

We believe this moment will be iconic and unforgettable, the wait will be worth it!

A special thank you to Andrea and Laura (@maxtonhall_spain_) Thank you both so much for being part of our Fan Page Spotlight! Your love and dedication to the Maxton Hall fandom shines through in everything you do, and it was such a joy to feature your voices. We’re so grateful for the passion you bring to this community!

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More Than An Actor: Greenpeace Damian Hardung

BEYOND THE SCRIPT: A DIFFERENT KIND OF ROLE Audiences may know Damian Hardung from the screen, but his dedication to environmental advocacy reveals an even deeper story—one rooted in action, not spotlight. Over the last few years, he’s quietly aligned himself with Greenpeace, taking part in expeditions that push far beyond the bounds of his career in entertainment. From the icy terrain of Antarctica to the dense, threatened canopy of the Amazon rainforest, Damian has chosen to show up—not just as a witness, but as an engaged ally in the fight for our planet’s future.

ANTARCTICA: A WAKE-UP CALL FROM THE EDGE OF THE WORLD In January, 2022 Damian joined a Greenpeace expedition to Antarctica - a region both breathtakingly beautiful and deeply endangered.

He boarded the Arctic Sunrise, Greenpeace’s iconic ship, as part of a campaign to raise global awareness about the climate crisis and to push for a strong Global Ocean Treaty—an agreement that would protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.

Throughout the expedition, Damian shared snapshots that were subtle and powerful: wide shots of pristine ice, candid moments with the crew, and reflections that focused on the mission rather than himself. He also helped amplify Greenpeace’s petition calling on world leaders to finalize and adopt the Global Ocean Treaty, urging his audience to become part of the solution.

© Tomás Munita / Greenpeace

During the journey, Damian witnessed the harsh realities of a warming planet: melting glaciers, disrupted ecosystems, and declining wildlife populations. But he didn’t just observe—he actively participated. One of the most meaningful aspects of his time on board was his involvement in penguin population surveys, where he worked with scientists and researchers to count chinstrap and gentoo penguins along the icy coastlines.

These surveys were more than just data collection - they were vital pieces of evidence.

Penguin populations in certain areas are declining due to rising temperatures, reduced sea ice, and the depletion of krill, their main food source. Damian’s work supported Greenpeace’s mission to use hard data and visual storytelling to advocate for stronger protections.

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THE AMAZON: STANDING IN SOLIDARITY

© Samara Souza / Greenpeace

In March 2025, Damian took part in a second Greenpeace expedition—this time to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth and one of the most threatened. The mission aimed to spotlight the destruction caused by illegal deforestation and to amplify the voices of Indigenous communities fighting to defend their ancestral lands.

Damian and the Greenpeace team traveled by small plane into remote regions of the rainforest, flying over vast stretches of green canopy and deep scars left by industrial activity. On the ground, he met with Indigenous leaders and environmental defenders—people whose lives and cultures are intrinsically tied to the health of the forest.

What he witnessed was urgent and sobering: illegal mining sites contaminating rivers, trees felled without accountability, and communities living in the shadow of violence and political neglect. But what stood out just as strongly was the resilience and dignity of those resisting it.

Damian again used his platform not to center himself, but to elevate a petition demanding that the Brazilian government honor its constitutional obligation to protect Indigenous territories. His stiorytelling centered on the people, not the celebrity— and that authenticity deepened the impact of his message.

Through carefully chosen images and words, he invited his audience to consider their connection to this crisis and to act—not out of guilt, but out of shared responsibility.

In a statement shared exclusively with The Maxton Edit, Damian Hardung reflects on his ongoing support for Greenpeace and their mission to create a more just and sustainable future: “It’s a true honor to support Greenpeace in their mission to raise public awareness and lay the foundation for political change - change that ensures all of us, including future generations, can live with dignity. Their work is vital to protecting an environment that sustains human life and fosters equal opportunity for everyone to pursue a fair chance at life. A life that each individual should be free to shape, guided by their own will and choices. That fundamental right is what Greenpeace is fighting to protect and I’m proud to stand alongside them in that effort.”

— Damian Hardung

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© Tomás Munita / Greenpeace

© Samara Souza / Greenpeace

By Davisha (Creative Director & Content Strategist)

Eli Riccardi’s “Fever” - A Music Review Eli Riccardi’s “FEVER” is a lyrical masterpiece.

The lyrics feel raw and deeply personal - like reading pages from her diary set to music. Every line is intentional, painting a vivid picture of a love-sick “fever” that leaves her torn between holding on and letting go. As a listener, I could feel the emotional tension and yearning the title implies - not just physical heat, but the burn of not wanting to release someone who still matters.

The chorus hits in waves, much like an actual fever, and the harmonies and layered vocals give each line even more weight. Riccardi isn’t telling a love story - she’s telling the story of an emotional unraveling.

From a production standpoint, “FEVER” is driven by a steady, pulsing rhythm that mimics a racing heartbeat - subtle but brilliant. It’s a smart move

by Riccardi and producer Jan Gandi. What’s especially impressive is how this track stays true to her unique voice while contrasting her more upbeat songs like “Go Ahead” which I still love for those 2AM dance moments.

© coldassisaac on Instagram

The music video for “FEVER” matches the song’s intensity beautifully. Benedikt Kalcher and a familiar face in Justus Riesner delivers an expressive, intimate choreography that pulled me in instantly. Their connection on screen is magnetic - it felt like they’d been dancing together for years. Director and editor Nadine Schulzendorff gave us a masterclass in light and shadow, using a minimal setting that let Kalcher’s choreography shine while Riesner, as always, brought quiet strength to the screen. In the final scene, Riccardi appears on a couch, watching their movement as if nursing her own fever. It’s a striking visual that drives the message home: love can be overwhelming, but it’s also achingly beautiful to witness.

Overall, Eli Riccardi’s “FEVER” is a mesmerizing fusion of sound and visual storytelling, capturing the ache of obsession and emotional vulnerability.

The stripped-back production and haunting vocals are perfectly matched by a cinematic music video, where choreography and atmosphere bring every lyric to life.

© coldassisaac on Instagram 11

© RTL+ and UFA Fiction / Christoph Assmann

Softies - A new take on masculinity honest, vulnerable, and sharply funny

What happens when three young men begin to question the roles they were taught to play?

The new RTL+ series Softies explores just that – with humor, heart, and an honest look at what masculinity really means today.

At the center are Marvin (Damian Hardung), Joshi (Oskar Redfern), and Hassan (Samir Salim): close friends in their early twenties who suddenly find themselves talking about feelings, self-doubt, and what it even means to be a “real man” nowadays.

Old patterns start to crumble, new paths emerge – sometimes painful, often hilarious, but always genuine.

Softies, produced by UFA Fiction, is the winning project of the RTL+ Storytellers competition. With direction by up-and-coming filmmakers Jonathan Westphal and Yves Guillaume, the series delivers relatable and honest storytelling – sharp in tone, subtle in timing, and refreshingly unpretentious.

Premiere Tip: Softies will celebrate its world premiere on June 5, 2025, at the Series Camp Festival in Cologne – a must for anyone who appreciates bold, fresh, and socially relevant storytelling.

Streaming begins on RTL+ on June 6 – perfect for those who want to laugh, reflect, and truly feel something.

Why you should watch Softies: Because it captures the spirit of the times.

The series explores insecurity, friendship, and emotional openness – topics that still aren’t talked about enough among men.

And it does so with warmth, wit, and a clear eye for what truly matters.

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© NDR / Prime Video

The Maxton Hall Crossword 1

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1. What’s the name of the actor who plays James Beaufort in the series?

2. Who is the name of the creator / author of the Maxton Hall Franchise?

3. What is the name of the popular sport in Maxton Hall?

4. What’s the first name of the teacher, Lydia has a secret relationship with?

5. What’s Cordelias’ cause of death?

6. What does Ruby receive for her to be able to attend the school?

7. What does James use to bribe Ruby?

8. In which language was the series filmed originally?

9. What is the genre of the story?

10. Where does Ruby have her part-time job?

Find out the solutions in our instagram soon !

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© photo provided by Eli Riccardi & Management

A Fever Dream: Inside the Mind of Eli Riccardi Whether you love her or she drives you crazy – one thing is certain: Elaine brings the drama.

She’s rich, confident, and pretty obviously obsessed with James Beaufort – the guy who’s clearly into Ruby.

But in real life? Eli Riccardi, the actress behind Elaine, is the complete opposite. Eli is relaxed, warm, and just super likable.

And anyone who thought she could “only” act – just wait until you hear her sing.

The dreamy ballroom scene? Yes, that really is Eli’s voice in “Sea of Love.” Pretty versatile, right?

We got the chance to interview her about Maxton Hall, her work as a musician and actress, and her brand-new single, Fever.

Hi Eli! Thank you so much for taking the time to do a little interview with us – we really appreciate it!

As we already said, besides your acting career – which we’ll get to later – you’re also a musician. How exactly did your journey into music begin, and how do you manage to balance it with your acting career?

Music has always been there. My parents are big fans of blues, jazz, and rock, and I learned to play the flute and guitar at an early age.

My reverence for music is very different from my reverence for acting! As an actress, I have a character who “protects” me. I bring someone from a script to life, fulfill a vision, and work within the flow of a production. In music, I stand there only as Eli, set the rhythm myself, and portray my own emotional world — I express things for which I

might not otherwise find plausible words.

Of course, a lot of yourself flows into the characters you play. But for me, that’s a completely different artistic feeling. So how do I reconcile the two?

Enough of both to balance out that feeling :-) To be honest, for me, one really doesn’t work without the other.

What would you say: Who are your biggest musical influences or favorite artists?

Right now, I’m listening to the music I always go back to when I don’t know what to listen to. So things like Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, or D’Angelo - the list is long…

What did your creative process look like while making your latest single, “Fever”?

My producer was just messing around with his studio colleague and they built an instrumental for 14

© photo provided by Eli Riccardi & Management

fun - which eventually became the foundation of “Fever.” He played it for me, and I immediately started humming the melody. A few days later, I met up with my good friend Bayan Layla (“Elaha”, “Der Informant”), who told me about her current love drama.

“Fever” actually isn’t based on my own experiences at all - it’s based on hers! That was in January 2024. So, almost a year and a half ago! It’s always wild how songs that sit around for a while can take on a new meaning, and how you can suddenly resonate with them in a completely different way than before. Over the past year, we recorded the band parts and shot the video with Nadine(Schulzendorff), Bene (Kalcher), and Justus (Riesner, known as Alistar Ellington).

How would you describe the sound to someone who has never listened to any of your music?

Smooth?

Could you maybe walk us through your songwriting process? Do the lyrics or the melody come first for you? And why?

It really depends. Sometimes the melody comes first - like with “Fever” or “123-45678” — and the lyrics just fall into place on their own. Other times, the lyrics come first, and then the arrangement and melody are written around them.

Are there any current or upcoming projects – whether in music or acting – that you’re especially excited about and can already share something about?

At the moment, I’m rehearsing for theater again for the first time in three years, together with the director and part of the female cast from The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree. That film was Oscarnominated, won multiple awards at Cannes, and is incredibly relevant right now. The play, Destination: Origin, will be a performative piece about the team’s exile here in Germany and the impact of the political situation in Iran.

It’s something very special to work with such brave and relevant artists. The premiere is on June 19th in Berlin.

And of course, I’m also working on new music — plus we’re in the middle of preparing for my very first solo showcase on July 10th in Berlin. There might be a little surprise… Grab your tickets! If we fill the place up, it’ll be the first of many concerts!

Among other things, you became famous through your role as Elaine Ellington. How would you describe Elaine from your point of view?

“Famous” is a pretty strong word!

Elaine grew up in a bubble where she always got whatever she wanted. She never had to work for anything, and no one ever taught her to reflect on her privilege.

At her core, she’s really an emotionally stunted little child who was raised to be an asshole — because she never had to face any consequences.

What would you say: Do you see any similarities between yourself and your character Elaine? And is there anything you, as Eli, would maybe like to tell her or advise her?

Maybe we’re similar in our “fake it ’til you make it” mindset. Other than that, I really hope we don’t have much in common!

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What I’d tell her is: take a year to explore the world with no shoes and just a small backpack.

Which songs do you think would be on Elaine’s playlist? And what are you personally enjoying listening to at the moment?

Good question — she’d definitely listen to a lot of EDM, party music, It-girl vibes. David Guetta, with a dash of Ariana Grande. Right now, I’m listening to a wild mix of the artists I just mentioned, but also Anda Morts, Skeggs, Don West, and Sharon Jones.

What do you enjoy most about acting and music? Do the two areas complement each other creatively for you?

What I enjoy most is that both are project-based.

Once it’s out, it’s out. You work together toward something, and then you head into new territory.

What was the casting process for Maxton Hall like? Were there any special or funny moments you remember?

Altogether, I had three rounds of casting. In the final round, I had to play a variation of the scene where Elaine kneads James’s hand before Ruby shows up. I had a casting assistant at the time as my scene partner, and the poor guy had no idea what to do with himself :-) I also had to throw a nasty look at the producer — it felt completely wrong and I couldn’t stop myself from laughing.

On top of that, I didn’t know anything about the role or the series at that point — I was totally in the dark and just had fun trying to play the most unlikable version of the character possible.

How would you describe the upcoming season of Maxton Hall using emojis?

🤯🤯🤯

© photo provided by Eli Riccardi & Management / Sustain Shop 16

essentials eli & elaine While doing our interview, Eli Riccardi named us some of her and Elaine’s essentials.

She glady told us a few.

This is an unpaid ad for the showed products. They are just used for showcase. Rights belong to the owner.

photo of Eli provided by Eli Riccardi & Management I Prime Video Essentials: Olive Oil by Omedoil, Apple iPhone 16 in pink, Eyeliner by Simply Bella Cosmetics, Eyebrow Gel by Anastasia Beverly Hills

Eli’s Essentials: Olive Oil & Eyebrow Gel

Elaines Essentials: Eyeliner & Phone

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© Prime Video

THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY

Review

Based on the beloved novels by Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a sun-drenched coming-ofage series that blends first love, heartbreak, and family with a generous dose of nostalgia. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Cousins Beach, the story follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin through a summer that changes everything — her relationships, her sense of self, and the way she sees the world.

At its core, the show is about transition: the shift from childhood to adolescence, from one version of love to another, and from innocence to awareness. Lola Tung brings a grounded warmth to Belly, making her a protagonist viewers can root for even when her choices are messy or complicated. The series doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight of grief, growing pains, or sibling rivalry, and that honesty is part of what makes it resonate.

What truly elevates the show is its atmosphere. From golden-hour lighting to carefully curated indiepop tracks, TSITP feels like a scrapbook of teenage summers — dreamy but real, soft but sharp. The dialogue feels authentic, and the pacing allows for the small, quiet moments to land just as powerfully as the big declarations.

🌟 Highlights: • A love triangle that actually works • Emotionally layered characters with strong performances • Aesthetic goals: from the beach house interiors to the dreamy cinematography • A killer soundtrack that perfectly matches the mood Final Verdict: The Summer I Turned Pretty is a heartfelt, well-acted teen drama that balances romantic tension with emotional maturity. It’s more than just a beachside love story — it’s a reminder of how the summers we never forget are often the ones that change us the most.

Final Season July 16, 2025 on PrimeVideo

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© photo rights belong to Prime Video

Created by Elise Editor-In-Chief

BY DAVISHA (CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CONTENT STRATEGIST)

MAY 9,2025

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© harriet.herbigmatten via Instagram, @schindi_t Instagram, Morgane Lays , Dior Beauty / Paris

MAY 19, 2025

CANNES

Harriet

By Davisha (Creative Director & Content Strategist)

ELISE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DAV I S H A / D C CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CONTENT STRATEGIST

MEET THE STAFF JANA COMMUNITY MANAGER & INTERVIEW CORRESPONDENT

JANINA FEATURES EDITOR & INTERVIEW COORDINATOR

THE MAXTON EDIT

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© primevideode on Instagram

Thank You! Thank you all so much for reading the very first issue of The Maxton Edit!

What started as just as idea has now come to life, and we’re beyond grateful for the warmth and enthusiasm you’ve shown us. This fandom welcomed our magazine with open arms, and your kindness means the world to us!

A special thank you goes out to Eli Ricarrdi and her incredible agency for being part of this debut issue. Her support made our exclusive interview possible, and we’re so honored to feature her!

Also a huge thank you to Greenpeace, Prime Video, and their team, for allowing us to use their footage for the use of this magazine. We appreciate it a lot!

We would also like to give a special thanks to Damian Hardung for his generous statement and for supporting this feature. Your words brought depth and authenticity to our piece, we’re truly grateful.

And last but not least, we’d like to thank Elvira for her stunning custom fan art created especially for this feature. Your talent and generosity added a perfect finishing touch.

We hope you loved diving into this first edition as much as we loved creating it.

This is just the beginning—we can’t wait to show you what’s next!

After all, like James once said…“Some things are worth the risk.”

© drawing exclusively designed by eleeillustrations (Elvira Lee) / picture by elxriccardi on Instagram