The Maxton Edit Issue 2. Vol. 1.

© benfelipe on instagram

Ad Created by Davisha (Creative Director & Content Strategist)

Before the series.

Before the fan pages.

Before Ruby and James took over our screens.

THERE WAS: © Amazon

Now, for the first time ever, the international bestseller by Mona Kasten is available in English.

Fall in love with the words that inspired the series that stole our hearts.

10 Maxton Hall Season 2: Prime Event

12 EXCLUSIVE: Ben Felipe - A Harmony of Talent Interview with Ben Felipe

21 Maxton Hall Fanmade Poster

4 Unendlichkeit Music Review 6 Frederic Balonier Maxton Hall’s Resident Nerd 7 Harriet Herbig-Matten Steps Into Power In Schwarzes Gold 18 Exclusive: Softies: A Series that Redefines Strength 20 Summer Getaway GANT Collage

© primevideode on Instagram

22 Harriet x Dior Collage 23 Highlighting A Fan Account featuring @rvbyjames 26 PREVIEW of “Nighties” Ben Felipe as Rafael 12 Ben Felipe A Harmony of Talent Exclusive Interview & his new song “Unendlichkeit”

27 Maxed Out | Ad 28 About Us & Thank You Note

3

The perfect words to describe Ben Felipe’s new song “Unendlichkeit” - produced by Smaxs - are heartbreakingly raw. The lyrics feel like his soul laid bare, woven into a rhythmically beautiful ballad. He’s caught in the struggle of fighting his own inner battles while still trying to be present for the person he loves.

It's a reflection of the societal pressure placed on men to suppress emotion and remain “strong.” Felipe challenges that narrative, pulling listeners - like myself - into his emotional world.

© Lukas Hauptmeier / Unendlichkeit by Ben Felipe

He’s not just singing; he’s pleading. Pleading for us to listen. Pleading for his love to understand that he's trying to give her infinity, even though his own mind is a battlefield. While the entire track holds a steady, compelling beat, the opening - just Felipe and a guitar is where it hits the hardest. That stripped-down moment brought me to tears, especially paired with the haunting line translated “She says she wants love to infinity / I don’t know if my breath is enough for me.”

4

The music video complements the song perfectly.

Directed by Mauricio Cervilla Fischer and starring Vivien König alongside Felipe, it tells a tender yet emotionally charged love story. König’s character wants nothing more than to love and support Felipe, but he’s stuck in his own head - trying to reconcile his need to be okay with his desire to be there for her. The scenes of him driving and singing to himself capture a raw, relatable loneliness that many will identify with.

A special shoutout goes to Lukas Hauptmeir for the color grading. The visuals shift between warm, vibrant tones in scenes of shared happiness, and cool, muted tones during Felipe’s solitary moments - visually mirroring his internal conflict. This thoughtful contrast sets the video apart from Felipe’s previous releases.

In the end, “Unendlichkeit” is a song that leaves you in awe, in tears, and with that familiar ache of “Yeah…I’ve been there.” Ben Felipe’s honest take on emotional vulnerability in relationships makes this not just a song, but an experience. One that solidifies him as an artist to watch.

© Lukas Hauptmeier / Unendlichkeit by Ben Felipe

@fredericbalonier on Instagram

Frederic Balonier isn’t afraid to let his nerdy side shine. On social media, he’s proudly shown off his cosplay skills, transforming into characters like Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender and Dabi from My Hero Academia. That same love for fandom and character work carries over to his role as Kieran in Maxton Hall. As Kieran - the endearing, awkward classmate quietly looking out for Ruby (Harriet Herbig-Matten) - Balonier brings a heartfelt sincerity to the screen. He walks the line between shy and sweet with ease, portraying Kieran with a warmth and authenticity that mirrors the care he puts into his role.

Whether he’s donning a costume or stepping into a script, Balonier has a clear talent for understanding the heart of a character.

His enthusiasm for all things geeky hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Maxton Hall cast. During a Prime Video Christmas promo shoot, Balonier received an Uncle Iroh Funko Pop - and his genuine excitement lit up the room. It’s clear his castmates embrace his personality just as much as fans do, which isn’t always a given, even in tight-knit circles.

Whether he’s on set or flying at 30,000 feet with a Hello Kitty pillow in tow, Frederic Balonier is unapologetically himself. And as a fellow nerd, it’s refreshing to see someone not just comfortable in their own skin, but be celebrated for it.

6

HARRIET HERBIGMATTEN STEPS INTO POWER IN SCHWARZES GOLD Harriet Herbig-Matten is making major moves. Fresh off the success of Maxton Hall, she now leads the upcoming historical drama Schwarzes Gold, a powerful story set around 1900 in a fictional village on the Lüneburg Heath.

© kinescopefilm & harriet.herbigmatten & @ben.c.sorg on Instagram

The series follows Johanna Lambert (played by Harriet), a young woman caught in the middle of an oil discovery that threatens her family’s land and way of life. As greed and industry close in, it’s Johanna and the women around her who rise up to protect their community, proving that resilience can change the course of history.

Harriet is front and center in this bold feminist narrative, bringing strength, depth, and quiet fire to a role that’s worlds away from Ruby Bell but just as compelling.

Schwarzes Gold gives her space to shine in a genre we haven’t seen her tackle before, and fans are already watching closely.

Filming recently wrapped in Germany and Budapest, marking the end of what’s expected to be an ambitious and visually striking production. With post-production underway, anticipation is building for its release later this year on ARD Mediathek.

Schwarzes Gold is a story of power, resistance, and women rewriting their own futures, and Harriet HerbigMatten is leading the charge.

While the show hasn’t premiered yet, it’s clear this project marks an exciting new chapter.

Schwarzes Gold is a chance to watch her step into something bigger, more grounded, and rooted in history, and fans will get to see another side of her range when it premieres later this year.

The anticipation is real, and if her past work is any indication, it’s going to be worth the wait.

A new role. A new era. Same undeniable talent.

7

© harriet.herbigmatten & Hamburger Abendblatt & @boehmezeitung on instagram

© harriet.herbigmatten on instagram & @filmpferde

© Prime Video

MAXTON HALL SEASON 2 AT THE PRIME EVENT: MORE DRAMA, MORE RUBY & JAMES Maxton Hall Season 2: More Love, More Drama – and an Evening to Remember Cologne, June 2025 – It’s official: Maxton Hall – The World Between Us is returning. At the Prime Video Upfront Event in Cologne, the long-awaited second season was announced - with a worldwide premiere set for November 7, 2025.

10

The reveal was one of the evening’s highlights, drawing enthusiastic reactions from fans and media alike. Cast members Runa Greiner, Andrea Guo, Justus Riesner, Sonja Weißer, and Frederic Balonier were on site to celebrate the big news. Their appearance brought extra star power to the event - and offered fans an exciting first glimpse at what Season 2 has in store.

The first sneak peek reveals a visually stunning, emotionally intense season: James faces a family crisis, while Ruby must again choose between heart and mind in a world that challenges her.

Season 2 takes a darker, more grounded turn but the love story between Ruby and James remains at its center, more powerful and complex than ever before.

With over 120 countries placing Maxton Hall at the top of the charts, Prime Video confirmed what fans already knew: this is more than just a streaming hit - it’s a global phenomenon. And yes, Season 3 is already in the works.

Get ready: More heart, more conflict, and more Maxton magic awaits this November.

Maxton Hall Season 3

tagram e on Ins d o e id v © prime

© benfelipe on instagram

Ben Felipe: A Harmony of Talent Ben Felipe already made his mark as a key figure in the hit series Maxton Hall – but there’s more to him than just what we see on screen. Through music, he opens a window into a different side of his creativity: honest, emotional, and deeply personal.

In this interview, we step beyond the frame and talk to Ben about the two worlds he moves between – acting and music. We explore how he stays grounded in the spotlight, what values matter most to him, and what exciting projects lie ahead.

Gab es einen Schlüsselmoment , der dich zum Schauspiel gebracht hat? / Is there a key moment that brought you to acting?

Schon früh war mir klar, dass ich Schauspieler werden will. Ich habe einfach immer viel gespielt und es geliebt, in verschiedene Rollen zu schlüpfen. Meine Mutter erzählt heute noch, wie ich als Kind ständig Rollenspiele gemacht habe - mal war ich der Polizist, mal der Verbrecher, und manchmal habe ich sogar beide Figuren gleichzeitig gespielt und miteinander reden lassen.

Der Wunsch, Schauspieler zu werden, war also schon sehr früh da. Der wirkliche Schlüsselmoment kam aber in der Schule, als wir ein Theaterstück aufgeführt haben. Auf der Bühne habe ich gemerkt, dass mir das unglaublich liegt – dass ich die Menschen damit erreiche und sogar Lob bekomme. Und das war in der Schule eher die

12

Ausnahme für mich. Genau dieser Moment hat mir gezeigt, in welche Richtung ich gehen möchte.

Early on, it was clear to me that I wanted to become an actor. I simply always played a lot and loved slipping into different roles. My mother still tells today how, as a child, I constantly did role plays – sometimes I was the policeman, sometimes the criminal, and sometimes I even played both characters at the same time and let them talk to each other. The desire to become an actor was therefore there very early. But the real key moment came at school when we performed a play. On stage, I realized that I was incredibly good at it – that I was able to reach people with it and even received praise. And that was rather the exception for me at school. Exactly this moment showed me which direction I wanted to go.

Welche Rolle hat dich bisher am meisten gefordert – und dich als Schauspieler wachsen lassen? / Which role has challenged you the most so far – and has made you grow as an actor?

Ich glaube, dass jede Rolle Aspekte mit sich bringt, durch die man auch sich selbst noch einmal hinterfragen und besser kennenlernen kann.

Genau das ist für mich das Schöne an diesem Beruf: Man wächst mit jeder Rolle ein Stück weiter – nicht nur als Schauspieler, sondern auch als Mensch. Deshalb könnte ich auch gar nicht genau sagen, welche Rolle mich am meisten geprägt hat. Es sind vielmehr die vielen kleinen Entwicklungen, die jede neue Figur mit sich bringt.

Wie beeinflusst der wachsende Erfolg von Maxton Hall deine Arbeit als Schauspieler – motiviert er dich oder bringt er auch Herausforderungen mit sich? / How does the growing success of Maxton Hall influence your work as an actor – does it motivate you or does it also bring challenges with it?

Maxton Hall ist für mich definitiv eine große Motivation, vor allem in Hinblick darauf, auch in einem größeren, vielleicht sogar internationalen Rahmen wahrgenommen zu werden. Es bedeutet mir viel, durch solche Projekte auch innerhalb der Branche mehr Akzeptanz und Sichtbarkeit zu bekommen. Das gibt natürlich enormen Antrieb, weil man plötzlich sieht, welche Möglichkeiten sich einem eröffnen.

Maxton Hall is definitely a big motivation for me, especially with regard to being noticed on a larger, maybe even international level. It means a lot to me to gain more acceptance and visibility within the industry through such projects. That naturally gives enormous drive because you suddenly see what possibilities open up for you.

At the same time, it was also the case that after the first season we went straight into filming the second season, and therefore we felt a certain pressure. You naturally want to do justice to what you have built up. But I think we did do it justice ;)

© primevideode on instagram

I believe that every role brings aspects with it through which you can question yourself again and get to know yourself better.

Exactly that is what I find beautiful about this profession: you grow a bit further with every role – not only as an actor, but also as a person. That is why I could not even say exactly which role has shaped me the most. It is rather the many small developments that every new character brings with it.

Gleichzeitig war es aber auch so, dass wir schon nach der ersten Staffel direkt in den Dreh der zweiten Staffel übergegangen sind und somit einen gewissen Druck gespürt haben. Man will dem, was man aufgebaut hat, natürlich auch gerecht werden. Aber ich finde, dem sind wir gerecht geworden ;)

Wie bewahrst du deine Authentizität, wenn der öffentliche Druck wächst? / How do you preserve your authenticity when public pressure grows?

Ich glaube, wenn es um Authentizität geht, helfen mir am meisten die Menschen, die mir nahestehen – also Freunde und Familie. Sie kennen mich nicht erst seit gestern, sondern auch aus der Zeit davor, bevor alles ein bisschen öffentlicher wurde. Für mich sind sie deshalb ein ganz wichtiger Anker.

Genauso ist es mir total wichtig, immer wieder zu mir selbst zurückzufinden. Da hilft mir vor allem

13

der Sport – einfach mal den Kopf frei bekommen – genauso wie Ausflüge in die Natur oder Zeit ganz allein mit mir. Das sind für mich Momente, in denen ich wieder zu mir finde und neue Kraft schöpfe.

I believe that when it comes to authenticity, the people who are close to me help me the most – that is, friends and family. They haven’t just known me since yesterday, but also from the time before everything became a bit more public. That is why they are a very important anchor for me.

In the same way, it is very important for me to keep finding my way back to myself. Sport helps me the most with that – simply clearing my head – as well as trips into nature or time completely alone with myself. These are moments for me in which I find my way back to myself again and draw new strength.

Welche Werte sind dir im Leben – und in deiner Karriere – am wichtigsten? / Which values are most important to you in life – and in your career?

Ich finde, gerade in der heutigen Zeit – mit so viel Krieg, Leid und Unsicherheit auf der Welt – kommt der Kunst eine besondere Bedeutung zu. Auf der einen Seite können Serien, Filme und generell Kunst den Menschen eine kleine Auszeit schenken, sie ablenken und ihnen für einen Moment etwas Schönes, Hoffnungsvolles geben.

Aber auf der anderen Seite sehe ich meinen künstlerischen Anspruch auch darin, emotional etwas in Bewegung zu setzen.

Ich möchte mit meiner Arbeit – sei es auf der Bühne, vor der Kamera oder im Privaten durch Gespräche – Menschen berühren, Denkanstöße geben und auch mich selbst immer wieder hinterfragen. Ich glaube, wir müssen Wege finden, wie wir mit den großen Herausforderungen unserer Zeit umgehen. Und wenn ich durch meine Kunst dazu beitragen kann, andere zu motivieren oder zum Umdenken anzuregen, dann ist das für mich eine unglaublich sinnvolle Aufgabe.

I think that especially in today’s times – with so much war, suffering, and uncertainty in the world – art has a special significance. On the one hand, series, films, and art in general can give people a little break, distract them, and give them something beautiful and hopeful for a moment. But on the other hand, I also see my artistic aspiration in setting something in motion emotionally.

I want, with my work – whether on stage, in front of the camera, or in private through conversations – to touch people, give them food for thought, and also to keep questioning myself. I believe we need to find ways of dealing with the big challenges of our time. And if I can contribute through my art to motivating others or to getting them to rethink, then for me that is an incredibly meaningful task.

Gibt es ein Leitprinzip oder ein Zitat, nach dem du lebst? / Is there a guiding principle or a quote that you live by?

Ja, absolut. Mein Leitprinzip hat sich ziemlich früh entwickelt – durch einen sehr prägenden Verlust: den Tod meines besten Freundes. Das hat mir auf schmerzhafte Weise gezeigt, wie schnell das Leben vorbei sein kann. Seitdem ist mir klar, wie wichtig es ist, im Moment zu leben und das Jetzt bewusst wahrzunehmen.

Für mich bedeutet das, im Hier und Jetzt glücklich zu sein – nicht irgendwann oder unter perfekten Bedingungen, sondern jetzt, mit dem, was gerade da ist. Gleichzeitig finde ich es wichtig, dabei nicht nur an sich selbst zu denken, sondern auch das Glück der Menschen um einen herum im Blick zu behalten. Wenn jeder für sich und im Miteinander versuchen würde, im Moment Erfüllung zu finden, dann – davon bin ich überzeugt – wäre diese Welt ein ganzes Stück besser.

Yes, absolutely. My guiding principle developed quite early – through a very formative loss: the death of my best friend. That showed me in a painful way how quickly life can be over. Since then, it has been clear to me how important it is to live in the moment and to consciously perceive the now.

14

For me, that means being happy in the here and now – not someday or under perfect conditions, but now, with what is there at the moment. At the same time, I find it important not to think only of oneself, but also to keep in mind the happiness of the people around you. If everyone would try, both for themselves and together with others, to find fulfillment in the moment, then – I am convinced of this – this world would be a much better place.

Musik hat in meinem Leben schon immer eine große Rolle gespielt. Früher war sie vor allem der Auslöser für Bewegung – ich habe viele Jahre getanzt: Step-Dance, Krump, Hip-Hop, sogar bei Weltmeisterschaften und Battles.

Musik war für mich der Antrieb, eine Emotion durch Bewegung auszudrücken. Es war fast wie eine Art Meditation – der Moment, in dem Musik und Körper eins wurden.

Heute begleitet mich Musik auf eine andere, aber genauso intensive Weise. Sie hilft mir, in Emotionen hineinzufinden – sei es für eine Rolle oder um eigene Gefühle zu verarbeiten. Wenn ich selbst Musik mache, Texte schreibe oder komponiere, dann ist das oft ein sehr persönlicher Prozess. Ich verarbeite eigene Erlebnisse, eigene Emotionen – manchmal reicht schon eine einzelne Klaviermelodie, um etwas in mir auszulösen und einen Text entstehen zu lassen, der wirklich aus dem Innersten kommt. Musik ist für mich also Ausdruck, Zugang und Verbindung – auf allen Ebenen.

Music has always played a big role in my life. Back then, it was mainly the trigger for movement – I danced for many years: step dance, krump, hiphop, even at world championships and battles.

Music was the drive for me to express an emotion through movement. It was almost like a kind of meditation – the moment in which music and body became one.

© Marius Heller

Was bedeutet Musik für dich persönlich – ist sie für dich eher eine Möglichkeit, dich auszudrücken, ein Rückzugsort oder etwas anderes? / What does music mean to you personally – is it more a way for you to express yourself, a place of retreat, or something else?

Today, music accompanies me in a different but just as intense way. It helps me to find my way into emotions – whether for a role or to process my own feelings. When I make music myself, write lyrics, or compose, it is often a very personal process. I process my own experiences, my own emotions – sometimes a single piano melody is enough to trigger something in me and to let a text emerge that truly comes from deep inside. So for me, music is expression, access, and connection – on all levels.

Welche Songs oder Musikrichtungen hörst du ganz für dich selbst am liebsten? / Which songs or music genres do you personally like to listen to the most just for yourself?

Das ist für mich gar nicht so leicht zu beantworten, weil mein Musikgeschmack sehr vielfältig ist. Durch meine Tanzvergangenheit und die Musik, die ich auch selbst mache – vieles davon ist vom Hip-Hop geprägt – würde ich sagen, dass Hip-Hop auf jeden Fall ein großer Teil meines musikalischen Alltags ist. Diese Energie, die Beats, das Rhythmische – das begleitet mich schon sehr lange.

Gleichzeitig höre ich aber auch unglaublich gern spanische Musik – Flamenco, Reggaeton und solche Sachen, die mich emotional in die Zeit zurückversetzen, in der ich viel mit meinem Vater und meiner Familie in Spanien war. Das gibt mir ein Stück Heimatgefühl, auch wenn ich in Deutschland bin.

Und dann gibt es da noch die klassische Musik.

15

Ich habe früher Bratsche gespielt, auch im Orchester, und diese Verbindung ist geblieben.

Gerade wenn ich lese oder zur Ruhe kommen will, ist klassische Musik perfekt. Sie ist unaufdringlich, beruhigend – manchmal fast wie ein Soundtrack fürs Denken.

That is not so easy for me to answer because my taste in music is very diverse. Due to my dance background and the music I also make myself – much of which is influenced by hip-hop – I would say that hip-hop is definitely a big part of my everyday musical life. This energy, the beats, the rhythm – that has accompanied me for a very long time.

At the same time, I also love listening to Spanish music – flamenco, reggaeton, and things like that, which emotionally take me back to the time when I spent a lot of time with my father and my family in Spain. That gives me a piece of the feeling of home, even when I am in Germany.

And then there is classical music. I used to play the viola, also in an orchestra, and that connection has remained. Especially when I am reading or want to come to rest, classical music is perfect. It is unobtrusive, calming – sometimes almost like a soundtrack for thinking.

Wenn jemand nur Zeit hätte, einen deiner Songs zu hören – welchen würdest du empfehlen und warum gerade diesen? / If someone only had time to listen to one of your songs – which one would you recommend and why exactly this one?

Es gibt es tatsächlich ein paar unveröffentlichte Nummern die ich gerne sofort teilen würde, aber wenn ich einen auswählen müsste der schon draußen ist, würde ich Unendlichkeit empfehlen.

Der Song behandelt ein Gefühl, das, glaube ich, viele kennen: dieses Gefühl glücklich zu sein, alles ist perfekt, aber auch zu wissen, dass das schöne, endlich ist, wenn man in einem Moment der Liebe und des Glücks ist – aber gleichzeitig nicht weiß, wie lange das hält. Ob es wirklich für die Ewigkeit bestimmt ist oder eben nur für diesen einen Augenblick.

Was ich an dem Song besonders mag, ist diese Mischung aus Leichtigkeit und Tiefe. Er klingt nach Sommer, nach Freiheit – aber wenn man genauer hinhört, steckt eben auch eine gewisse Melancholie drin. Genau das macht ihn für mich so besonders. Außerdem haben wir dazu ein wirklich schönes Musikvideo mit Atemfilm gedreht, was diese Stimmung visuell nochmal ganz stark einfängt. Ich finde, den sollte man sich unbedingt mal anschauen.

There are actually a few unreleased tracks that I would love to share immediately, but if I had to choose one that is already out, I would recommend Unendlichkeit. The song deals with a feeling that I believe many people know: this feeling of being happy, everything is perfect, but also knowing that the beautiful moments are finite when you are in a moment of love and happiness – but at the same time not knowing how long it will last. Whether it is really meant for eternity or just for this one moment.

What I particularly like about the song is this mixture of lightness and depth. It sounds like summer, like freedom – but if you listen closely, there is also a certain melancholy in it. That is exactly what makes it so special for me.

We also shot a really beautiful music video for it with Atemfilm, which visually captures this mood very strongly once again. I think it is definitely something you should check out.

Welche Projekte stehen als Nächstes für dich an – in der Musik oder sowie auch im Schauspiel? / Which projects are coming up next for you – in music as well as in acting?

Das nächste große Projekt ist auf jeden Fall der Dreh der dritten Staffel – darauf freue ich mich selbst schon riesig, und ich glaube, das geht vielen genauso. Außerdem steht natürlich auch der Release der zweiten Staffel von Maxton Hall bevor – da wird einiges passieren, und ich bin gespannt, wie die Zuschauer:innen darauf reagieren.

Parallel laufen aber auch viele musikalische Projekte, über die ich im Moment leider noch nicht so viel verraten darf.

16

Aber ich kann schon sagen: Da kommt einiges, worauf ihr euch freuen könnt! Wenn ihr nichts verpassen wollt, folgt mir am besten auf Spotify – dort wird nach und nach alles erscheinen. Und natürlich gerne auch auf TikTok und Instagram, damit wir in Kontakt bleiben […] – und ich freue mich schon sehr darauf, das bald mit euch teilen zu dürfen.

The next big project is definitely the filming of the third season – I am already really looking forward to it myself, and I think many people feel the same way. In addition, of course, the release of the second season of Maxton Hall is also coming up – a lot will happen there, and I am curious to see how the viewers will react to it.

At the same time, there are also many musical projects running in parallel, about which, unfortunately, I am not allowed to reveal too much at the moment.

But I can already say: there is a lot coming that you can look forward to! If you don’t want to miss anything, it’s best to follow me on Spotify – everything will appear there step by step. And of course, also feel free to follow me on TikTok and Instagram so that we can stay in touch […] – and I am already really looking forward to being able to share it with you soon.

In welchen Eigenschaften oder Einstellungen erkennst du dich in Cyril Vega wieder – und wo merkst du, dass ihr ganz unterschiedlich seid? / In which qualities or attitudes do you see yourself in Cyril Vega – and where do you notice that you are completely different from him?

Wenn ich mir die beiden ansehe, sind wir wohl doch ganz schön unterschiedlich. Aber ich gebe ihm während des Drehs natürlich eine eigene Note, die natürlich auch mit Ben zu tun hat. Ich kannte es ja selbst, früher der Klassenclown zu sein und Witze zu machen, was viele mochten, aber auch anstrengend fanden.

Tatsächlich war ich in der Schule nicht derjenige, der andere gemobbt hat. Ich wurde sogar selbst eine Zeit lang gemobbt und weiß, wie schrecklich das ist. Deshalb wünsche ich es niemandem. Ich glaube aber, dass dahinter immer ein Schrei nach Liebe oder Aufmerksamkeit steckt, wenn man vielleicht zu Hause oder in anderen Lebenssituationen nicht so wahrgenommen wird.

When I look at the two of us, we are actually quite different. But of course, I give him his own note during filming, which naturally also has to do with Ben. I knew myself what it was like to be the class clown back then and to make jokes, which many people liked but also found exhausting.

In fact, I was not the one in school who bullied others. I was even bullied myself for a while and know how terrible that is. That is why I do not wish it on anyone. But I believe that there is always a cry for love or attention behind it when you are perhaps not seen at home or in other life situations.

Beschreibe die neue Staffel in drei Worten – oder, wenn du nichts verraten darfst, gern in drei Emojis. / Describe the new season in three words – or, if you are not allowed to reveal anything, feel free to use three emojis.

❤️‍🔥💔❤️‍🩹

r) Helle arius (M m a y nc stag r o Age on in e p © Lid li e f & b en

17

© RTL+ / UFA Fiction

Masculinity, mental health, stereotypes – and real softness? This series dares to show what strength truly looks like today. And it hits – right in the heart.

We’ve seen plenty of stories about men trying to be strong. What we rarely see are stories about men trying to truly be themselves. This series – bold, hilarious, painfully honest – does exactly that.

Through themes like health, insecurity, and cultural clichés, it draws a clear line: between being tough and being real. And it stays true to that choice – direct, funny, and full of scenes that linger.

18

Men – but softer.

Damian Hardung, who plays Marvin, captures the core of the series better than any critic could: “I definitely think in certain bubbles, vulnerability is already seen as a strength,” says Damian. “But unfortunately, I think it’s still a bubble conversation. And I also think we might reach a wider audience if we said: it’s not just about vulnerability – maybe it’s about sensitivity. And with that, the possibility of being hurt – but without immediately slipping into some trauma-bonding spiral […] There can be sensitivity without trauma.”

That’s what makes this series so unique: it’s not about drama or performance – it’s about the quiet strength it takes to show up as yourself.

Even when you’re far from perfect.

Oskar Redfern, who plays Joshi, puts it simply: “I thought – cool that someone’s making a comedy series about a topic like this.”

Because yes, it’s funny – but the humor never hides the truth. If anything, it dives deeper into it.

And that honesty – effortless but sharp – sticks.

When asked which taboo among men he’d like to break, Samir Salim, who plays Hassan, doesn’t hesitate: “Talking about feelings. It’s not a real taboo, but everyone knows – no one talks about their feelings. But it’s important.”

Where comedy gets uncomfortable.

That honesty is no accident. The creators, Yves Guillaume and Jonathan Westphal, knew exactly what they were doing: “I think one of the biggest challenges was staying honest – going where it hurts, where it gets awkward, maybe even embarrassing. But I also think that’s what comedy is. To stay funny and be honest – that’s the key.

That balance between scenes that make you laugh and scenes that move you. Maybe especially because they’re a bit sad.”

It flips quickly – one moment you’re laughing, the next something deeper hits. Not loud. Not preachy. Just quietly real.

Not just a series. A statement.

While the series focuses on masculinity, it reaches far beyond. These stories aren’t just about being a man – they’re about being human. Honest, flawed, complex.

The pressure to perform. To hide emotions. To keep it together when everything inside is screaming. That’s something many people know – no matter the gender.

That’s what makes this series so powerful: it gives voice to things we often don’t know how to say. The quiet weight so many carry. The parts of ourselves we usually keep hidden. And it doesn’t shout about it – it just shows it.

With humor. With discomfort. With moments that feel all too familiar.

“It’s not just about vulnerability – it’s about sensitivity. And that matters.”

(Damian Hardung)

© UFA Fiction

19

© GANT

COLLAGE BY: DAVISHA (CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CONTENT STRATEGIST)

AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

PREMIERES NOVEMBER 7TH, 2025

© Prime Video

UFA PRODUCTION PRESENTS MAXTON HALL STARRING: DAMIAN HARDUNG HARRIET HERBIG-MATTEN RUNA GREINER SONJA WEISSER ANDREA GUO JUSTUS RIESNER FREDERIC BALONIER BEN FELIPE ESMAEL AGOSTINHO GOVINDA CHOLLETI AND ELI RICCARDI MUSIC BY SONGS IN CINEMA WRITTEN BY CEYLAN YILDIRIM DIRECTED BY MARTIN SCHREIER BASED ON THE BEST SELLING NOVEL “SAVE YOU” BY MONA KASTEN

FEIHC-NI-ROTIDE ESILE YB DETAERC RETSOP

Maxton Hall

COLLAGE BY ELISE TUCKER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

© harriet.herbigmatten on instagram / Daniel Graf

Highlighting A Fan Account If you’ve spent time in the Maxton Hall fandom, chances are you’ve seen the name @rvbyjames. Run

by Estelle from Indonesia, this fan account has become a creative hub across Instagram and X - filled with emotion, relatable tweets, and a deep love for the show.

In this interview, Estelle shares how it all began, what makes Maxton Hall so special, and how the fandom has become a true home for her and so many others.

Can you introduce you and your fan account? What inspired you to start it?

Who’s your favourite Maxton Hall character and why?

I'm Estelle from Indonesia, and I run a fanpage dedicated to Maxton Hall across Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Oh God, I have more than one favorite, it’s honestly so hard to choose! But if I had to pick from Season 1, I’d say Ruby Bell. And not just because she’s played by the Harriet HerbigMatten (who’s absolutely phenomenal), but because Ruby embodies such a remarkable blend of resilience, determination, and authenticity that makes her truly stand out at Maxton Hall. Coming from a modest background, she has this sharp intellect and unwavering ambition to succeed entirely on her own terms.

What I love most is how Ruby never compromises who she is. Authenticity is at the heart of her character, she stays true to her values even when it would be easier to give in or blend in. That honesty earns her genuine respect, and it allows her to form real connections that go beyond all the social walls around her.

I started to join the fandom on X under the username @rubybellfort when the show came out then I started @rvbyjames on IG and Tiktok because I fell completely in love with the show, especially the dynamic between Damian and Harriet. Their chemistry, the tension, the storytelling just pulled me instantly. I also appreciate the people behind this show, the casts, the author, and the production team who are clearly proud and love Maxton Hall.

I needed a space to express that obsession creatively, and that’s how the fanpage was born. It started as a fun fangirling activity, but the love and support from the fellow fans made it grow into something so much more and I found my people there. - We created a lovely space for people around the world to join. For some people, Maxton Hall might be just a German show on Prime, for me, it's a family that I will cherish forever.

23

She’s also deeply empathetic and compassionate. She really sees people and understands their struggles, and she’s always willing to help when she can. And despite all the challenges and emotional pressure she faces, her determination never falters. Ruby’s resilience is honestly so inspiring, she reminds me that staying grounded and true to yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do.

Which scene of Maxton Hall lives rent free in your head?

Definitely the angry love confession - I got goosebumps every single time I watched it.

That whole scene was emotionally unhinged in the best way. I’m such a sucker for that trope.

When two people are screaming, crying, and breaking down because they love each other so much but can’t figure out how to make it work. James is terrified because he knows he can’t really protect Ruby from his father, and that fear is tearing him apart. But then Ruby, the strong and steady Ruby stands her ground and says she’s all in, no matter what, as long as he knows what he wants.

The misunderstanding, the raw pain, the desperate need between them, it just wrecked me. The tears in their eyes were killing me, and then the kiss? OH MY GOD. Absolutely unforgettable. Their chemistry in that scene made it physically impossible to look away.

And honestly? I blame Mortimer for all of it.

What’s your favorite kind of content?

The support in this fandom is also something special, the fans hypes each other up including the actors, the production team and even @primevideode (which is rare in other shows), so it truly feels like a family.

Is there a quote or line from the show that really stuck with you?

When other men say "I love you", James Beaufort says, “You drive me crazy. Do you know what you're doing to me right now? Do you think it's easy for me to see you, to hear your voice?”

And honestly? That line lives rent-free in my head. It’s so intense, so emotionally charged, it’s James being completely undone by his feelings, even though he’s trying so hard to stay in control. We really need more men like James Beaufort, who love so deeply it physically hurts. That scene was pure heartbreak and passion wrapped into one, and I think that line perfectly captures the emotional chaos of Maxton Hall.

I love sharing content that feels relatable, the kind that makes people say, “Exactly!” or laugh because they’ve felt the same way. I really enjoy creating edits and posting tweets that capture the emotional chaos of the show, and I also love reposting my friends’ tweets.

Whether it’s a dramatic caption, a funny meme, or a heartfelt message, anything that brings the fandom together and keeps the conversation going is my favorite kind of content to share.

The passion! Everyone is so invested, and it’s amazing to see how creative people are, from fan edits to stunning fan arts.

© Prime Video

What’s your most favorite thing about the Maxton Hall Fandom?

24

What would be your dream interaction with anyone involved in the Fandom or the Cast?

Honestly, getting noticed or reposted by the cast, MH Team, and Prime would be incredible, especially by Damian or Harriet.

But my ultimate dream would be to interview them in person or attend a premiere where I could ask them about their favorite scenes and behind-the-scenes moments. Even just a quick comment or like from them would make my whole year!

and heartfelt.

As for my most popular post, surprisingly, it was a repost of a tweet by my friend Cris, and it got over 38k likes! That absolutely blew my mind. But I’m also not surprised because she’s so real for that.

What advice would you give other fan accounts or people that want to start one?

Just do it and start with passion, not pressure.

Post what you love, whether it's edits, memes, theories, reactions, or even simple pictures/videos of them.

Engage with other fans, stay consistent, and don’t worry too much about numbers in the beginning. The best growth happens when you're genuinely enjoying what you’re creating.

What is your favorite post by yourself or the most successful one?

I honestly have so many favorites, especially my edits, because I put so much heart and emotion into each one.

And my tweets always feel special too, because they’re super relatable to the fandom, which is probably why they tend to blow up!

But if I had to pick one, I’d say my Damian and Harriet edit using "Birds of a Feather" by Billie Eilish. That one means so much to me, not just because I love the song and the scenes, but also because some of my friends joined the project to show their love and appreciation for the characters too, it felt really collaborative

25

Is there anything else you maybe want to say?

A huge thank you for The Maxton Edit girls for this amazing opportunity to be featured on this project. It’s an honor girls, truly. I love and support what you are doing for us.

And to everyone in the fandom who creates, shares, and supports fan content, it’s because of this amazing community that the show stays alive and thriving even between seasons.

Last but not least, endless love and gratitude to the incredible cast and the entire production team for bringing Maxton Hall to life so beautifully. Their hard work, talent, and attention to detail are what made us fall in love with this world in the first place. If you’re obsessed with Maxton Hall like I am, my DM is always open for screaming, crying, or theory crafting. Let’s keep the hype alive!

NIGHTIES: NIGHT SHIFTS & MELTDOWNS BEN FELIPE AS RAFAEL – BARTENDER BY NIGHT, DREAMER BY NATURE.

© Frank Dicks / ZDF

Welcome to the “Prinzenhof” – where chaos rules the night.

Nighties is a sharp German comedy set in a shabby Munich hotel. Night after night, Millie, Rafael, Franca & team tackle bizarre guests, tech fails, and wild surprises.

All 8 episodes now in the ZDF Mediathek (just search “Nighties”).

Or catch it on TV – Tuesdays at 9:45 pm on ZDFneo, July 1–22 (double episodes).

Stream or tune in – Nighties keeps the night shift fun.

In Nighties, Ben Felipe plays Rafael, a nightshift bartender with a talent for questionable business schemes and a mild obsession with crypto (that he doesn’t quite understand himself). Instead of mixing cocktails, he’s busy chasing his next get-richquick idea – often with hilarious results.

Rafael is the lovable mess of the group, always broke but never boring. His kitchen chats with Franca add surprising depth, and Felipe brings just the right balance of charm, wit, and warmth to the role.

He’s got no clue what he’s doing – but somehow, he still makes the night better. Perfectly imperfect.

Our Conclusion: Nighties brings fast-paced humor, quirky characters, and a fresh look at the chaos behind hotel doors at night. Whether you binge or watch week by week, this hidden gem delivers charm, heart, and just the right dose of offbeat energy.

26

© MaxedOutPod

ELISE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DAVISHA/DC CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CONTENT STRATEGIST

MEET THE STAFF JANA COMMUNITY MANAGER & INTERVIEW COORDINATOR

28

JANINA FEATURES EDITOR & INTERVIEW COORDINATOR

THE MAXTON EDIT

|

2

© primevideode on Instagram

Thank You! Thank you for reading Issue 2 of The Maxton Edit!

Each issue is built with passion, care, and a deep love for this community - and we’re so grateful that you’re here to share it with us. Your continued excitement and support make all the difference, and we truly wouldn’t be here without you.

A heartfelt thank you to Ben Felipe for being our exclusive feature this issue. Your presence, warmth, and words brought something truly special to these pages we’re honored to spotlight you.

To Malve, thank you for your generous support and coordination. We deeply appreciate everything you did to help make this feature come to life.

To UFA and Seriencamp - thank you for your partnership and trust. Your contributions behind the scenes allowed us to share this story in the most meaningful way.

And a special thank you to Marie for helping us with videos and photos from Seriencamp. Your behind-the-scenes support brought important moments to life in this issue - we’re so grateful.

We want to also thank Elvira for our beautiful back cover once again! You are truly so talented!

And of course, to you, our readers: thank you. Whether you’ve been with us from the very first page or just joined us now, your love for this world and everyone in it inspires us every day.

We can’t wait to share what’s next.

29

Back Cover Artwork by @elvleevaz