The Maxton Edit Issue 4. Vol. 1.

© damianhardung on Instagram/ © Paul Hepper

By Davisha (Creative Director & Content Strategist)

© GANT

Damian turns another year older on September 7th, and we want to show him just how loved and appreciated he is by fans all over the world!

We’re putting together a special birthday tribute post, and we’d love for YOU to be part of it. Here’s how you can join:

📩 Please DM us your message (do not comment) and be sure to include: • Your name • Instagram handle • Country

📝 In your DM, send a short message (3–4 sentences) telling us: • Why you admire Damian • How he’s inspired you • Or a favorite moment that made you smile

📅 Deadline to submit your message: September 1 🎁 The tribute post will go live on: September 7 - his birthday! st

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Let’s come together as a fandom and make Damian’s birthday one to remember! We can’t wait to read your heartfelt messages and share them with him on his special day.

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04 Damian Hardung: A Portrait

06 Damian’s Most Memorable Projects

11 EXCLUSIVE: Jenn Archer Into the Deep Blue - Interview

14 5 Types of Maxton Hall Students Which one are you?

15 Effortless By Nature GANT Feature 17 Special Maxton Hall Reunion 19 New Characters, New Chaos: Season 2 Expands the World of Maxton Hall 21 Highlighting A Fan Account featuring @damianhardungfl

© @damianhardung on Instagram

25 Save Me Book Review 26 New Movie: Corpus Delicti From Theatre to Screen 28 Damian Hardung: From Ensemble to Spotlight Achievements & Awards 28 Damian Hardung: Achievements & Awards

29 Miles to Nowhere: Damian Inspired Playlist 30 Meet The Staff & Thank You Note

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A Portrait Damian Hardung doesn’t need grand gestures to be noticed. When he enters a room, you feel it - not because he takes up space, but because he’s grounded in it. There’s intention behind his presence, thought behind his words, and focus in how he listens.

He’s not chasing perfection. He’s showing up for what’s real.

© damianhardung & primevideode on instagram

The way he works Damian approaches his roles with clarity and care.

He’s not interested in performance for the sake of it, he wants to understand what’s really there. His characters don’t feel constructed. They feel explored. He doesn’t chase intensity. He creates space for it to emerge. Whether he’s playing Jonas in Club der roten Bänder, Dan in How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast), the novice monk in The Name of the Rose, or Peter in Gestern waren wir noch Kinder. Every performance reflects a different side of him. No repetition. No formula.

Just a willingness to go where it matters most.

He chooses roles that challenge him, and quietly lets them speak.

The way he thinks Damian doesn’t rush into answers or say things just to be heard. He observes first, thinks deeply, and looks for what lies beneath in scripts, in people, in himself. Earlier this year, he mentioned in one of his posts that he wrote his second state exam. No announcement, no spotlight. Just focus, and the choice to keep it his own.

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Even off camera, the impression remains.

Damian doesn’t dominate a space, he shapes it.

He brings calm into fast moments, thoughtfulness into conversation, and clarity into complexity.

He doesn’t need to be loud to be heard.

© damianhardung on instagram

The way he stays

What stays with you isn’t noise.

It’s substance. Quiet conviction.

And the sense that you’ve just met someone real.

The kind of presence that doesn’t ask for attention - but earns your respect.

And somehow, lingers.

5 Fun Facts about Damian His lucky charm is a small toy pig.

His family also has a real one, named Rumi.

Where it lives is kept private, but its meaning is unmistakable.

He enjoys café rituals and has tried latte art at home more than once.

It’s never about getting it perfect, just about slowing down, and finding joy in something simple.

He prepares with music - and writing.

Before emotional scenes, he listens to playlists and writes two pages by hand to access the emotion underneath.

He prefers to travel light – often with just one backpack.

“It helps keep my mind clear,” he told GQ. Simplicity gives him focus, whether he’s preparing for a scene, an exam, or just life.

He’s a massive Star Wars fan.

Not just the films, the entire universe.

He grew up with it, and yes, he knows the lore by heart.

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© VOX

© IMDb

© Vimeo

DAMIAN’S MOST MEMORABLE PROJECTS

2010

2013

2015 - 2017

Der magische Umhang / The Magic Cape (Short Film) Tobren

Clara und das Geheimnis der Bären / Clara and the Secret of the Bears (Film) Thomas

Club der roten Bänder / Red Band Society (TV Series) Jonas

The story of two children searching for their place in the world, exploring friendship, courage and self-confidence.

Nine-year-old Tamara, who wears an eye patch, is bullied at school until she befriends Christian, a new classmate with a mysterious black cloak. Believing in its magic, the two set out on a journey that teaches Tamara an unexpected lesson.

Clara, a 13-year-old girl in the Swiss Alps, senses what others cannot. When she discovers a bear cub and is drawn into visions of Susanna, a girl from centuries past, her world begins to shift. Only Thomas, a boy sent from the city to live with foster parents, takes her seriously.

Together they must uncover the truth and restore harmony between humans and nature.

Club of the Red Bands tells the story of Jonas, Leo, Alex, Toni, Emma, and Hugo, who meet in the hospital and, despite their different struggles, form a deep friendship. Together they support each other through hardship, finding strength, humor, and hope in their shared journey. Their bond turns the hospital into a place of life rather than just illness.

Damian plays Tobren, one of the bullies at Tamara’s school.

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© N-TV

© Universum Film

© IMDb

2018

2019

2019

Das schönste Mädchen der Welt / The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (Film) Rick

Club der roten Bänder – Wie alles begann / Red Band Society: The Beginning (Film) Jonas

Auerhaus (Film) Höppner

Rick is the charming new student who shakes up the status quo at school. With his confident, magnetic presence, he quickly becomes the center of attention, fueling both rivalry and comedic tension among his peers. Beyond his charm, Rick is also navigating the insecurities and pressures of adolescence, which adds layers to his character.

This film is the prequel to the acclaimed series and takes a closer look at the lives of Jonas, Leo, Alex, Emma, Toni, and Hugo before their paths first crossed in the hospital. Each of them is shown in their own world - within their families, schools, and personal struggles facing moments that will forever change them. We learn the background stories of the characters, well known from the series.

Damian’s portrayal strikes a balance between cocky ease and youthful vulnerability, showing that behind the confident exterior lies someone learning to understand friendship, love, and self-worth. He brings depth to a role that could have easily slipped into cliché, making Rick memorable and multidimensional while highlighting the universal challenges of growing up.

The film not only reveals their individual fears, dreams, and challenges, but also shows how each of them develops resilience and inner strength in the face of hardship. By painting these portraits, it foreshadows the powerful connection that will one day bring them together.

In the early 1980s, six teenagers in a small German village move together and turn it into their shared refuge, the “Auerhaus.” At its center is Frieder, recently released from a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, joined by his loyal classmate Höppner, Höppner’s girlfriend Vera, and three other friends. The house becomes a place of freedom, rebellion, and fragile hope, even as the shadow of Frieder’s despair never disappears.

The story captures the anxieties of youth on the edge of adulthood and shows how friendship can become a lifeline.

Damian Hardung gives Höppner a quiet sensitivity, showing both loyalty to Frieder and his own doubts about the future. His performance blends warmth with introspection, holding the fragile group together.

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© ZDF

© NetflixDE Instagram

© Prime Video

2019

2019 - 2025

The Name of the Rose (TV Series) Adso da Melk

How To Sell Drugs Online Fast / HTSDOF (TV Series) Daniel Riffert

Adso of Melk is a young Benedictine novice accompanying his mentor, William of Baskerville, to a remote abbey in 14th-century Italy. Initially eager and impressionable, Adso serves as the audience’s window into a world steeped in mystery and religious intrigue. Throughout the investigation of a series of mysterious deaths, Adso’s character evolves from a naive observer to a more introspective and questioning individual. His experiences challenge his understanding of faith, knowledge, and the complexities of human nature.

Daniel is initially introduced as Lisa Novak’s boyfriend and a typical high school jock, but his role evolves significantly over the series’ four seasons from 2019 to 2025. As the story progresses, he transitions from a rival to a pivotal ally in the operation of MyDrugs, Europe’s largest online drug marketplace.

His character development shows a gradual shift from a superficial high school persona to a more complex and integral figure within the ensemble. The portrayal adds depth and authenticity, capturing the growth and challenges of a young man navigating adolescence, ambition, and moral dilemmas. Daniel’s journey is a testament to the story’s exploration of identity, responsibility, and the consequences of one’s choices.

Damian Hardung’s portrayal captures Adso’s internal conflict and growth, adding depth to the narrative’s exploration of truth, belief, and the human condition.

2022 Gestern waren wir noch Kinder / Yesterday We Were Still Children (Limited Series) Young Peter Klettmann Young Peter Klettmann is portrayed through poignant flashbacks that delve into his formative years, revealing the complexities of his character.

Raised in a seemingly idyllic family, Peter’s early life is marked by a tragic accident during his Abitur celebration, where a moment of youthful recklessness leads to a fatal incident.

Damian Hardung’s portrayal captures the depth of Peter’s inner turmoil, guilt, and the long-lasting impact of his actions on his family’s dynamics.

Through these flashbacks, the series explores themes of memory, identity, and the enduring effects of past mistakes, providing a rich emotional backdrop to the unfolding adult narrative.

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© Prime Video

© Paramount +

© ARD

2023

2024

2024

Unsere wunderbaren Jahre / Our Miracle Years (TV Series) Winne Wolf

Stella. A life.

(Film) Manfred Kübler

Maxton Hall: The World Between Us (TV Series) James Beaufort

Season Two of this series plays in 1967 and follows Winne Wolf, a rebellious 19-year-old, who wrestles with the weight of being his powerful grandmother’s chosen successor. Instead of following the chosen paths, Winne is drawn to resistance, underground political ideals, and his best friend Bijan’s daring dreams of escaping to West Berlin. Forced into an apprenticeship in the family factory by his grandmother Christel, he’s thrown into the dusty world of guest workers only to realize he might stay and fight for something bigger .

Stella. Ein Leben. tells the story of Stella Goldschlag, a young Jewish woman in Nazi Berlin whose dream of becoming a singer is crushed by persecution.

In her desperate attempt to protect herself and her parents, she makes the devastating decision to collaborate with the Gestapo and betray others - a choice that will haunt her for the rest of her life. The film portrays her as both victim and perpetrator, forcing us to sit with the unbearable moral grey zones of survival.

Maxton Hall follows Ruby Bell, a scholarship student at an elite private school, whose life suddenly clashes with that of James Beaufort. What starts as constant friction slowly shifts into a dangerous closeness, where both of them are forced to face sides of themselves they’d rather keep hidden. The story shows how quickly hate can turn into something deeper, and how fragile trust becomes when the worlds they come from couldn’t be further apart.

Damian Hardung inhabits Winne with a cool charm, balancing teenage ease with deep uncertainty.

Damian Hardung plays Manfred Kübler, Stella’s husband, with quiet intensity. His warmth and presence make his sudden deportation to Auschwitz all the more devastating, and he leaves a lasting mark on the story even in absence.

Damian plays James with this mix of sharp wit and quiet vulnerability - you hate him in one moment and feel for him in the next. He nails the tension between arrogance and insecurity so well that watching him with Ruby feels unpredictable, messy, and completely addictive.

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© medienboard

© ARD

© zdfneo Instagram

2024

2024

2025

Love Sucks (TV Series) Ben von Greifenstein

Bis zur Wahrheit / At the end of truth (Film) Mischa

Softies (TV Series) Marvin

Ben is a centuries-old vampire navigating the challenges of modern life, complex relationships, and the irony of eternal youth. Beneath his charming and confident exterior lies centuries of longing, detachment, and quiet melancholy, shaped by experiences across generations.

Damian brings both humor and heartache to the role, making Ben at once alluring, vulnerable, and deeply empathetic. The character struggles with the tension between his immortal existence and the human emotions he cannot escape, which adds layers of depth and realism. Through Ben, the series explores themes of love, identity, and the burden of carrying centuries of history while trying to connect with the present.

This movie tells the story of Martina, a neurosurgeon whose life collapses after she is raped

by Mischa, the son of her best friend, during a holiday trip.

Outwardly she tries to keep everything together, but the silence becomes unbearable as the truth pushes its way to the surface. Mischa’s betrayal not only destroys her trust, it exposes the fragile foundations of the world around her. The film is a gripping drama about trauma, denial, and the painful path toward reclaiming one’s own voice.

Damian Hardung embodies Mischa with unsettling nuance, mixing boyish charm with a chilling blindness to the violence he commits. His performance leaves the audience deeply unsettled, forcing them to confront the disturbing reality of a perpetrator who refuses to see himself as one.

Marvin is a high-achieving young man in his mid-twenties living in a shared apartment with two friends. On the surface, he appears to have everything under control, but beneath that exterior he struggles with selfdoubt, emotional confusion, and the pressures of modern masculinity. He grapples with expectations from society, relationships, and the challenge of expressing vulnerability while maintaining his sense of independence.

Damian portrays Marvin with raw authenticity, capturing both his humor and his heartfelt moments. Marvin’s journey is a deeply relatable exploration of identity, emotional openness, and the complexities of navigating adulthood, showing that strength can also be found in sensitivity and honesty.

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© photo provided by Jennifer Archer

Into the Deep Blue: Jennifer Archer Makes Waves With Her Debut Novel Jennifer Archer is no stranger to storytelling. As an award-winning screenwriter, she’s already mastered the art of blending heart, tension, and cinematic flair. Now, she’s making waves in the literary world with her debut novel, Into the Deep Blue, releasing September 30. In this interview, Archer dives into the inspiration behind her novel, the depth of her character development, and why she chose Damian Hardung to play Nick Bennet.

What was your inspiration for writing the Into the Deep Blue screenplay then book?

I had a bit of a broken heart at the time, and writing Blue was a way for me to explore how something good might grow from sadness. It was cathartic to write this alternate reality where a hopeful-ever-after could exist.

What’s the most valuable lesson you learned about yourself as a writer through publishing your debut novel?

I learned to trust my voice. It’s easy to succumb to overthinking and overanalyzing every sentence with a debut book. I’m happy to move on from that and feel so much more comfortable and confident with my words.

What does a typical writing day look like for you — or is there no such thing?

It depends on which part of the process I’m in. If there’s a deadline or notes to address, I get to work the second I pour myself a cup of coffee. I hate having an outstanding to-do list. When I’m drafting, it’s all about sinking into a different mindset. For that, I love the magic that comes with writing in the evenings when the world grows quiet and there are fewer interruptions. I light some candles and listen to music. Drafting is my happy place.

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What has the early feedback from readers or industry peers meant to you so far?

It’s meant the world! Never in my wildest dreams did I expect this kind of reception. I’m enormously grateful. When people reach out after reading the book or the script, it always makes my day.

the flair and ground a moment. When writing, there’s often a battle between ‘write it pretty’ and ‘write it real,’ but I always find the most powerful lines to be the honest ones.

Damian Hardung has been signed on to play Nick. What drew you to casting him to play Nick?

Did writing the screenplay first shape the Damian is a remarkable talent. He brings such way you approached the novel, or did the vulnerability and authenticity to the screen. He’s two forms develop separately in your mind? also a wonderfully reactive performer. I searched for Nick for a long time. No one ever felt quite The book actually came first. I was around right, and with Damian, I just knew. halfway through, with what was essentially a very detailed outline, when I decided to write With filming still ahead, what part of the it as a screenplay. I started adapting it on a production process are you most looking Friday and finished the first draft by Sunday forward to? evening. The details were so fresh that the words just poured out. Screenwriting always Every day that I get to see Nick and Fiona sparks more visuals for me, so new beats brought to life will truly be a pinch-me moment. would appear that weren’t in the book, and I’d I’m looking forward to the creative collaboration. flip back to add them. The two formats There’s such a joy and kinetic energy that comes complement each other beautifully, and I love from sharing ideas. moving between them.

How would you describe Into the Deep Which character was the most difficult to Blue using emojis? write, and why?

Grief plays a large role in Nick and Fiona’s story. How did you approach writing about loss in a realistic way?

Everyone processes grief so differently that it’s impossible to have a one-size-fits-all story. I just tried to tell the truth of these characters.

One of my favourite editor notes was ‘too sweeping’ - a little reminder to pull back on

© photo provided by Jennifer Archer

Fiona. Nick was always very organic to me. His voice was a constant, and one I can still easily slip into. Fiona’s voice changed in my mind a few times over the drafts, and I needed to ensure it was cohesive throughout.

💔🌌🎭

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© Jennifer Archer & Marble Press Books

By Award Winning Screenplay Writer Jennifer Archer Comes

echo

Ad Created by Elise Tucker Editor-In-Chief

5 Types of Maxton Hall Students © Prime Video

Which one are you?

The Graceful Prisoner Polished, proper, and terrified of scandal. They'll do anything to keep up appearances.

Example: Lydia Beaufort You if: You care what people think - but only because you have to.

The Smart One Who's Always Underestimated Quiet, focused, and way smarter than everyone else.You’re calm, focused, and no one sees you coming.

Example: Ruby Bell You if: You love a good book, hate fake people, and somehow end up in chaos anyway..

The Rich Trouble-Maker Popular, unpredictable, and usually involved in some kind of mess.

Example: James Beaufort You're confident, dramatic, and a bit of a flirt (but secretly soft).

The One Who Knows Everything Observant and lowkey. Not loud, but always watching. They never get caught but know all the tea.

Example: Alistar Ellington You if: You stay quiet in group chats but know everything about everyone..

The Sweet Protector Kind, supportive, and loyal - but cross them and it's game over.

Example: Ember Bell You if: You love hard, protect your people, and aren't afraid to speak up.

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© Teresa Wagenhofer, Eno de Vit, PR

EFFORTLESS BY NATURE: How a personal favorite turned into a true partnership and why GANT is such a natural fit for Damian.

Some connections speak for themselves - quiet, effortless, and instantly real.

No need for statements. Just a sense of truth from the beginning.

GANT - a sustainable heritage brand rooted in Scandinavian clarity and American ease, found in Damian something rare: presence without pretense. A sense of self that doesn’t need to perform. No loud prints. No exaggerated gestures.

Just quiet certainty, in style and in spirit.

But beyond appearances, this partnership reveals something deeper: a shared sensibility about how fashion should feel, and how it should be made.

GANT stands for longevity, quality, and responsibility in fiber and philosophy.

It’s clothing that endures because it’s built on what matters.

That quiet consistency runs through Damian, too. He rarely explains what he values, but it’s there.

In the work he chooses. The way he carries himself. The things he quietly supports. And for fans who see past aesthetics, that’s the connection. One built not on image but on alignment.

Because true style doesn’t shout.

It resonates. And long before the partnership had a name, it had a presence.

Damian had already worn GANT, casually, authentically, long before the world ever called it a campaign. At events. On the road. Behind the scenes.

It didn’t look planned. It felt like it belonged.

And maybe that’s why it made sense, it was already part of him.

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© Davide Frandi

The looks followed that rhythm: light shirts, clean silhouettes, neutral tones, all timeless pieces rooted in GANT’s summer identity. They didn’t demand attention. They gave it. To the moment.

To the person.

This summer, GANT took their storytelling one step further by opening a summer guesthouse of their own.

Set on the French Riviera, the newly launched space wasn’t just a setting.

It became the story itself, a space that embodied ease, simplicity, and quiet design. Everything the brand stands for.

Even with a script, there was no role to play. Damian arrived as himself, thoughtful, present, fully at ease.

He moved through the space intuitively, observed more than he posed, and brought with him that unmistakable calm fans have come to know.

The campaign didn’t ask for performance it invited presence.

This wasn’t about reinvention. It was about recognition, a campaign that didn’t try to redefine anything, but instead reflected what was already there.

The guesthouse, the light, the silence they spoke on their own terms.

Just Damian: at ease, in his element, unmistakably himself.

The campaign stood out because it didn’t just sell clothes, it told a story.

A story about style, freedom, and quiet confidence.

And that’s exactly why Damian resonates so deeply with fans: not because he’s perfect, but because he’s real.

This partnership reflects that quiet strength fashion that doesn’t speak loudly, but says everything.

And as he once put it with effortless honesty:

One sentence, disarmingly real, that captured the essence of why this works.

Not curated. Not polished. Just him.

© Davide Frandi

“I hate shopping. So I’m just grateful GANT took over that part.”

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© Prime Video

SPECIAL: Maxton Hall - Reunion Some reunions just hit differently. Released on August 27th exclusively on Prime Video, the Maxton Hall reunion brought the cast back together to reflect, laugh, and relive the moments that turned the series into a phenomenon.

Inside Jokes, Real Emotions, and a Lot of Laughter The cast didn’t hold back - Harriet Herbig-Matten, Damian Hardung, Andrea Guo, Justus Riesner, Runa Greiner, Frederic Balonier, Ben Felipe, Eli Riccardi, Martin Neuhaus, and Govinda Gabriel shared their thoughts and stories behind some of Maxton Hall’s most memorable moments to navigating the emotional beats that shaped Season 1.

They played games, teased each other with inside jokes, and gave fans glimpses of what was really going on between takes. Without giving too much away, the group also dropped a few hints about what’s ahead in Season Two, arriving November 7th - just enough to get everyone speculating all over again.

A Love Letter to the Fandom One of the most heartfelt moments of the reunion? The cast watching a fan-made video project from @maxtonhallaccess, @rvbyjames, and @maxtonhalldigital, that left more than one person emotional. It wasn’t just a tribute to the show - it was a reminder of how deeply the story of Ruby and James has resonated around the world.

At one point, Damian even recognized Janina from the video. A small, genuine moment that quietly showed how closely the cast has followed the fandom from day one.

The group also answered fan-submitted questions, for example also from Davisha, with reactions that felt real: touched,

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It was honest, appreciative, and the kind of full-circle moment that made the reunion feel less like a wrap-up - and more like a beginning.

Words That Stayed © Prime Video

grateful, and visibly moved by the support. It was a reminder that this show’s success isn’t just built on screen it lives in the people who watch, post, create, and care.

And before the segment ended, they took a video message, thanking the fandom directly, starting to say what so many had been feeling all along:

Another emotional highlight came from director Martin Schreier, who wrote personal letters to each cast member present - and the reactions said it all.

It wasn’t about big speeches or dramatic reveals. It was personal. Emotional.

Intimate. A reminder of how much this project meant behind the scenes, too.

Each letter reflected not just on the work they’d done, the appreciation and admiration shared for each other, but also on the growth they experienced together and individually. You could feel how much care went into every word.

© Prime Video

© Prime Video

“Huge thanks thanks to all fans, for your great fan videos that you have edited together. Thank you so much for all the energy and the love that you put into it that is the reason why we are doing this.

That is not self-evident, and for that we want to say thank you.” (Govinda Gabriel, Sonja Weisser, Damian Hardung and Frederic Balonier in Maxton Hall: Reunion).

And as if the letters weren’t enough, Martin himself made a surprise appearance, stepping into the room to join them one more time.

There was no need for anything polished or rehearsed. Just a few minutes that felt honest - and added one more layer of warmth to a reunion that was already full of it.

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New Characters, New Chaos: Season 2 Expands the World of Maxton Hall

Season 2 of Maxton Hall is already promising more tension, more heartbreak - and now, more characters. With filming wrapped and first glimpses already teasing what’s ahead, the story isn’t just picking up where Ruby and James left off - it’s stepping into new territory.

The world around them is shifting. Familiar dynamics are changing, and new people are entering the picture - some bringing opportunity, others adding pressure. Whether they come in quietly or not, they’re set to complicate things in all the right (and wrong) ways.

Prime Video was partnering up with DEADLINE to give a first look at the new cast joining Maxton Hall in Season 2 - and the characters we’ll be keeping an eye on.

© Prime Video

Dagny Dewath as Ophelia Beaufort Elegant, deliberate, and never far from a secret - Ophelia Beaufort enters as James and Lydia’s aunt, adding a new layer to the already-complicated Beaufort family dynamic. She’s not here to smooth things over - she’s here to protect the legacy.

Helen Bell is Ruby and Ember’s mother - and while she’s been out of the picture, she’s never really gone. Her appearance adds emotional weight to the Bell’s story, showing off how important family can really be.

© Prime Video

Gina Henkel as Helen Bell

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© Prime Video

Proschat Madani as Alice Campbell Alice Campbell doesn’t ask for permission - she offers opportunity, and expects results. When she appears with a potential Oxford scholarship for Ruby, it’s clear she’s not just funding a future - she’s testing her, too.

Basil Eidenbenz as Frederick Ellington Frederick is the older brother of Alistair and Elaine, and he enters the story with charm, confidence, and a few too many layers.

Kiro Ebra as Forest Forest is part of British high society and first crosses paths with Alistair at a fundraising gala.

© Prime Video

© Prime Video

As Alice Campbell’s assistant, May Clancey knows exactly how to blend into the background - and exactly when not to.

She’s efficient, observant, and always a few steps ahead of what’s being said out loud.

© Prime Video

Anna Lucia Gustmann as May Clancey

© Prime Video

Laura de Boer as Julia Stevens Julia Stevens joins as Mortimer Beaufort’s new assistant - smart, capable, and anything but a background character. She watches everything, says little, and might just be the person who sees more than anyone else in the room.

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Highlighting A Fan Account Every Editor in Chief dreams of getting to feature their best friend, and today I get that chance. From sunny Florida, Davisha runs @damianhardungfl, a fan account that is part curated gallery, part love letter to Damian Hardung, and part my personal Associated Press.

She is also The Maxton Edit’s Creative Director and Content Strategist, which means her eye for detail and storytelling shapes everything we do here. And since September is also her birthday month, it feels only right to celebrate her in this issue too. Meet Davisha.

You’re not just a fan — you’re also part of The Maxton Edit team! Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your fan account, and how you became part of the magazine?

Hi! I’m Davisha, also known as DC, and I’m the human behind @damianhardungfl. I live in sunny Florida and I’m a big lover of all things ocean, so I’m happiest anywhere near the water.

I started my fan page because Damian Hardung’s work in Maxton Hall (and beyond!) truly inspired me and I wanted to create a space where fans could connect, celebrate, and keep up with his projects. Running the page has been such a fun experience, from countdowns and edits to sharing behind-the-scenes moments and talking with fans from all over.

Becoming part of The Maxton Edit team was such an unexpected but exciting step. It has been amazing to collaborate with other fans who are just as passionate and to help put together something that feels like a love letter to the show and its cast. For me, it is more than just being a fan. It is being part of a creative, supportive community that celebrates every win, shares in every countdown,

and makes the wait for Season 2 even more fun.

What’s one post you created yourself that you’re really proud of — maybe because of how it turned out?

That’s a challenging question because I invest a great deal of thought and care into nearly every post I create. However, one project that truly stands out for me is the Dear Damian Fan Project. I invited fans from around the world to share their personal messages of appreciation, admiration, and encouragement for Damian. I was touched to receive nearly 30 heartfelt letters via email. Reading through each one was an incredibly moving experience that underscored the deep connection this fandom shares. I decided to compile these messages into a beautifully designed booklet and complemented it with a reel for social media, aiming to showcase the collective love and support surrounding Damian.

This project became one of the most significant and meaningful posts I have ever shared. When Damian himself acknowledged it by liking and commenting, I was utterly speechless.

That moment carried immense significance not only for me but for every

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fan who contributed. It remains my hope that someday I will have the opportunity to present him with a physical copy of the booklet in person, making the experience even more memorable.

How has your fan account changed since you first started it?

Since I first created @damianhardungfl my fan account has evolved far beyond what I originally imagined. It started as a simple way to celebrate Damian Hardung’s work and connect with other fans but over time it has blossomed into a thriving engaged community. I have put more thought into the content experimenting with creative edits countdowns and behind-the-scenes glimpses that keep the page exciting and fresh.

What I truly love most is how the account has become a space for fans from all over the world to come together sharing their thoughts supporting each other and celebrating every milestone in Damian’s career. It is incredibly rewarding to see friendships form and for the page to be a positive place where passion for Damian’s work can be expressed openly.

Overall the account has transformed from just a fun hobby into something much more meaningful and fulfilling. Watching it grow alongside Damian’s journey has made this experience even more special.

experience much richer and more rewarding. It’s been amazing to be part of a community where we don’t just share a love for Damian Hardung’s work, but also support each other creatively and personally. These friendships have turned this fan journey into something truly special, filled with collaboration, encouragement, and a shared passion that keeps growing every day.

Did you always plan to make a fan account, or did it just sort of happen?

Honestly I never intended to start a fan account it just developed naturally. When I first saw Damian as James in Maxton Hall there was something about the way he fully embodied the character that really resonated with me. The depth and emotion he conveyed left a strong impression and I found myself wanting to explore more of his work. With each role I became increasingly captivated by his talent and presence.

At first I followed other Damian fan pages and appreciated how they celebrated his craft. But over time I realized I wanted a space uniquely my own a place where I could not only showcase his projects but also honor the meaningful impact he has and the person he truly is off-screen. That is how my page, @damianhardungfl,

Has running the account connected you with people you wouldn’t have met otherwise? © damianhardungfl on Instagram

Absolutely. Running @damianhardungfl has connected me with so many incredible people I never would have met otherwise.

One of the most meaningful friendships I’ve formed is with my best friend Elise, who is also the editor-in-chief of The Maxton Edit. I’m also lucky to know Janina and Jana from the magazine, who are based in Germany, as well as many other amazing fans scattered all over the world.

These connections have made this

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One of my favorite parts is the excitement we all share as each new issue comes together every month. There is a real buzz in the group as we get closer to launch and it keeps us motivated and connected.

Knowing that we are offering fans something special to look forward to, something that celebrates the show and brings us all closer, makes every bit of effort worthwhile.

© damianhardungfl on Instagram

What is one quality you love about Damian’s acting?

came to life. Since then it has grown into a vibrant and supportive community that means a great deal to me and to many others who share the same admiration.

Spill it - what’s the best part about working on The Maxton Edit? Behind-the-scenes chaos? Creative bonding? Tell us everything!

The best part about working on The Maxton Edit is the incredible creative energy and the strong sense of community it creates.

Collaborating with other fans who share the same passion and dedication is truly inspiring. There is definitely some behind the scenes chaos with juggling ideas, coordinating deadlines, and balancing everyone’s enthusiasm, but that only makes the experience more exciting and rewarding.

I love how each person brings their unique perspective and skills whether it is designing visuals, brainstorming content ideas, or sharing insider tidbits about the show and cast. Together we are building something that feels like a genuine love letter to Maxton Hall and the incredible people involved.

One quality I absolutely admire in Damian’s acting is his incredible ability to communicate profound emotions and complex inner worlds with remarkably minimal effort. Often, it’s just a single glance, a subtle shift in his eyes, or a barely noticeable change in his facial expression that tells a story far deeper than words ever could. This natural talent to convey so much meaning through such small, precise moments allows the audience to truly feel and understand what his characters are going through. Damian’s performances don’t depend on exaggerated gestures or loud declarations; instead, he focuses on capturing the subtle, authentic details of human experience, the fleeting doubts, the quiet hopes, the tangled emotions that often go unspoken but shape who we are.

Watching him perform is like witnessing an intimate glimpse into someone’s soul, making every scene feel incredibly real and relatable. His ability to seamlessly move between different emotional states, whether it’s calmness, confusion, vulnerability, or determination, draws you deeply into the character’s journey. That singular look from Damian can say everything, evoking empathy and connection in a way that stays with you well beyond the moment, leaving a lasting impression that resonates deeply. It’s this rare combination of precision, honesty, and emotional depth that truly sets his acting apart and keeps me completely captivated every time. Simply put, he is the moment whenever he’s on screen, making every scene unforgettable.

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Since you are a Damian Hardung fan account, what is your favorite James moment from the show?”

My favorite James moment will always be the scene in Episode 3 when he comes to Ruby’s house to apologize. There is such raw honesty in the way he stands there, vulnerable yet determined to make amends. That entire episode is a masterpiece, but this scene stays with me because you can feel every ounce of sincerity in his words, something Damian captures so beautifully through his performance. And of course, it gave us one of the most iconic lines of the series: “You’re not invisible anymore, not to me.” A sentence that shows just how much he truly sees her.

Got any tips for fans who want to create a page of their own?

For fans who want to create their own page my strongest advice is to do it because it truly excites and motivates you not because you are chasing likes, engagement or follower counts. When your motivation comes from genuine passion and sincere appreciation for the subject your page will naturally reflect that energy and attract others who connect with it. It is important to see the process as a journey of growth allowing your unique voice and style to develop over time without pressure to be flawless or perfect. This approach makes the experience much more meaningful and fulfilling both for you and your community.

I have been touched and amazed by how many people have told me that my page has inspired them to start their own. Knowing that my dedication has encouraged others to create their own spaces is one of the most rewarding parts of running @damianhardungfl.

It is proof that sincerity and commitment really do connect with people.

Also do not hesitate to reach out and build connections with other fans. Sharing ideas and supporting one another makes the experience more fun and deeply meaningful. That is what is fun about being part of a fandom there are so many of us and we get to celebrate together.

In three words, how would you describe your fan account?

© @damianhardung on Instagram

© ZDF

Passionate. Supportive. Creative.

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SAVE ME book review Save Me throws readers into the world of Maxton Hall, a place of privilege, secrets, and unspoken rules. At its center is Ruby Bell, a scholarship student who refuses to be defined by wealth or status. With Oxford as her goal, she is determined to keep her head down, study hard, and avoid distractions. That determination shatters the moment she stumbles upon a scandal involving Lydia Beaufort and finds herself caught in the orbit of Lydia’s twin, James.

James Beaufort is the golden boy of Maxton Hall, rich, popular, and seemingly untouchable. But behind the flawless image is someone suffocated by family expectations, forced to play a role he does not want. His arrogance and power should make him Ruby’s worst enemy, yet the spark between them is impossible to ignore. Their relationship begins with tension and defiance, but slowly unravels into something far more vulnerable, intimate, and real.

©Amazon Prime

What makes Save Me so gripping is the contrast between Ruby and James. Ruby’s sharp, driven inner voice reveals the stakes of everything she risks by letting him in. James’s complexity, meanwhile, lies in the cracks beneath his confidence, the glimpses of a boy who wants to break free from the life chosen for him. Together, they are magnetic, opposites who challenge, frustrate, and ultimately understand each other in ways no one else can.

“ You’re not invisible anymore, not to me” Second book in the trilogy, Save You, will be available in English on September 2.

Beyond the romance, Save Me explores class divides, ambition, and the cost of expectation.

The halls of Maxton are not just a backdrop for a love story, they are a battlefield where dreams and identities are tested. It is addictive, emotional, and immersive, setting the stage for a trilogy that blends high drama with an unforgettable slow burn.

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NEW MOVIE: CORPUS DELICTI FROM THEATRE TO SCREEN We know Damian Hardung can do romance, but his next project is something else entirely. In 2026, he returns to the cinema screens in Corpus Delicti - a dystopian drama adapted from Juli Zeh’s acclaimed novel.

For Damian, the project is more than just another role - he first brought Moritz to life in 2022 during his theatre debut at a stage adaptation at Cologne’s Comedia Theater.

Directed by rennomated Lena Stahl, Corpus Delicti pairs its sharp social commentary with striking visuals and atmosphere. It’s the kind of grounded, high-stakes storytelling that lets Damian move beyond Maxton Hall while still showing the same quiet intensity audiences love him for.

With a powerful story, Corpus Delicti looks set to be one of Damian’s most layered performances yet - a reminder of just how far his range reaches.

Corpus Delicti premieres October 1, 2026.

© Jonas Huckstorf & Nathias Bothor / CORPUS DELICTI

Damian steps back into the role of Moritz Holl, a young man accused of murder in a future defined by strict surveillance and absolute control. His sister Mia, played by Hannah Herzsprung, dares to take on an unforgiving system to clear his name - a fight that pushes both characters to their limits.

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LIT.by.elise

© Jonas Huckstorf / CORPUS DELICTI

Poster Created by Elise Tucker Editor-In-Chief

CORPUS DELICTI

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© Saravejo on YouTube

© Angela Award

Sarajevo Youth Film Festival

Jupiter Award on Instagram

Angela Award 2024 In 2024, he was honored with the Angela Award at the Subtitle Film Festival in Ireland.

The title: Actor on the Move.

A quiet recognition for a presence that speaks across borders.

©️

©️

Jupiter Award on Instagram

In 2019, his lead role in Club der roten Bänder – Wie alles begann earned him the Best Acting Performance Award at the Sarajevo Youth Film Festival.

It was one of the first signs that his talent reached deeper than expected.

Not loud, not flashy, but honest and moving.

Jupiter Award 2016 - 2025 Flashback: 2016 Damian’s first Jupiter Award came as part of Club der Roten Bänder ensemble.

A shared moment on stage.

A quiet beginning for something lasting.

In 2025, Damian received the Jupiter Award as Best National Actor in TV and Streaming for Maxton Hall – The World Between Us. It was his first solo win.

A return to the same stage.

This time, standing there alone.

🏆 German Television Award (Nominee)

🏆 Günter-Strack Award (Nominee)

🏆 New Faces Award (Nominee)

🏆 International Emmy

Page 3 Kids Award (Nominee)

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Damian Inspired Playlist

Missing You 19Clouds, Dezko Addiction Levi, Jai Waetford One Last Dance Audien, XIRA Change Your Mind biskuwi

Silhouette Lyrah lonely road Naits over you Oppidan, venbee ANGELS Chase Atlantic Inner Light PALASTIC, Malou Begin Again Ben Böhmer Heal My Mind Korolova Go Down small things SOLANA Alex LeMirage Code Red- Skeler Vision Darci, Skeler Peace of Mind AK, Liam Thomas

Playlist Cover: Taxi Driver (1976)

Curated by Elise Tucker Editor-In-Chief

DAVISHA/DC CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CONTENT STRATEGIST

ELISE CHIEF EDITOR-IN-

A JANIN ITOR & D E S E TOR R RDINA FEATU O O C VIEW INTER

JANA COMMUNITY MANAGER & INTERVIEW CORRESPONDENT)

ELVIRA RESIDENT ART

IST

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Thank You! Thank you for reading the fourth issue of The Maxton Edit. Each edition is a labor of love, made possible by your constant support and encouragement.

Our gratitude goes to Paul Hepper for allowing us to use his photograph for our cover, to Damian Hardung and his management team for their generosity and support, and to Jenn Archer for sharing her thoughtful answers in our interview, as well as to Prime Video for the reunion video that reminded us how special this community truly is.

©Prime Video

Working on this magazine continues to be a source of joy and inspiration.

In the coming issues, we look forward to sharing even more stories and perspectives from the world of Maxton Hall and its cast.

And finally, thank you to our readers. Your kindness and enthusiasm keep this magazine alive, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

By Elvira (Resident Artist)