The Maxton Edit Issue 8. Vol. 1 by themaxtonedit

05 Danke Für Nichts Movie Review

08 Maxton Edit Quarterly News Season 2 Behind the Scenes

13 EXCLUSIVE: Songs In Cinema Shaping the World Between Us

03 MUSIC REVIEW: WANN Ben Felipe’s New Single 04 German Film & Comic Con Damian Hardung & Andrea Guo Attend 06 FEATURE A Wrap on Season 3 07 FEATURE Eli Riccardi At Monarch Berlin 10 REVIEW: Schwarze Gold What happens when progress turns into a question of power? 11 REVIEW: Das Märchen vom Schwanensee Starring Frederic Balonier

12 Das Märchen vom Schwanensee Collage 18 Highlighting a Fan Account Featuring @damianandharrietnews 07 A Wrap On Season 3: The Final Season of Maxton Hall

20 Meet The Staff & Thank You Note

WANN is a stripped-back, deeply introspective track where Ben Felipe turns emotional exhaustion into something quietly powerful. The song sits in that heavy space between longing and self-reflection, never rushing toward resolution. Lyrics like “Right now getting up feels so hard” and “somewhere along the way I forgot how to smile” immediately ground the song in burnout and honesty. The imagery of searching the ruins of his heart and losing the ink in his words perfectly captures the feeling of having emotions without the energy to express them. In the refrain, “A grey day like this one, when clouds water flowers” becomes a haunting metaphor for falling apart while life continues to grow around you.

“WANN” SONG REVIEW

WANN doesn’t try to fix anything. It lingers in uncertainty, waiting for color to return and asking “When will I hear from you?” That quiet ache is exactly what makes the song resonate. What ultimately elevates WANN is its restraint. The understated production gives the lyrics space to breathe, allowing every line to land without distraction. Ben Felipe lets the silence speak just as loudly as the words, turning personal reflection into something universal. It’s a song that doesn’t demand attention, but earns it by staying honest all the way through. At its core, WANN feels like a moment of stillness captured in sound. It mirrors the experience of standing in place while time moves on, unsure of what comes next but unwilling to look away from the feeling. In embracing that pause, Ben Felipe delivers a song that feels intimate, human, and quietly unforgettable. In that sense, WANN becomes less about waiting for an answer and more about learning how to exist in the question itself.

I used to be carefree, now I’m wordless, silent in the corner — what’s going on in my head? 3

DAMIAN HARDUNG AND ANDREA GUO CONNECT WITH FANS AT GERMAN FILM & COMIC CON Maxton Hall stars Damian Hardung and Andrea Guo spent Saturday, December 6th at the German Film and Comic Con, where both actors met a steady stream of excited fans throughout the day. Their appearance quickly became one of the event’s most talked about highlights.

Damian’s schedule was filled with photos, selfies, autographs and two meet and greet sessions. Fans repeatedly mentioned how kind he was in person and how he made each interaction feel special, even with a packed schedule and long lines.

Damian and Andrea participated in a Maxton Hall duo moment early in the day, giving fans a chance to see the two together and share a few memorable minutes with them. Attendees loved how friendly, relaxed and genuine they both were, whether posing for photos or chatting briefly with each person who came through.

By the end of the day, social media was flooded with selfies and posts from fans who shared how memorable their experience was. Many described meeting Damian and Andrea as unforgettable and praised both actors for being so welcoming and down to earth.

Andrea continued her day with additional autograph and selfie sessions and later appeared in the official Maxton Hall panel. Her schedule kept her interacting with fans throughout the day, and many attendees shared how wonderful it was to meet her in person.

Their appearance at German Film and Comic Con once again showed how much the Maxton Hall cast values the people who support the series, making December 6th a meaningful day for fans and actors alike. © German Film & Comic Con

ICHTS REVIE

ether when stability disappears? g o t y l i m a f chosen a s d l t ho Wha

ÜR N F E K

Rather than focusing on a single protagonist, the film works as a collective portrait. Each character represents a different strategy for coping with pressure and uncertainty..Katharina’s refusal to grow up becomes the emotional trigger of the narrative. Victoria introduces volatility and confrontation, often pushing conflicts into the open. Ricky challenges decisions and resists emotional conformity. Malou remains mostly silent, observing rather than intervening, yet firmly embedded the group. Their relationships are marked by loyalty and friction alike. Support is offered instinctively, but without clear boundaries, turning closeness into strain. In this collective dynamic, Danke Für Nichts presents friendship less as comfort than as a structure under pressure, with growing up emerging as a shared process shaped by dependency, responsibility and emotional limits.

Danke Für Nichts is a German coming-of-age ensemble film set in a supervised shared apartment in Berlin. Four young women live outside traditional family structures, creating their own routines and rules in an attempt to postpone adulthood and its expectations. When Katharina decides she does not want to turn eighteen, the fragile balance of this self-built system begins to shift. The film observes how the decision affects the group as a whole. Support turns into obligation, closeness into strain, and friendship into a responsibility none of them is fully prepared for. At the same time, moments of dry, sometimes biting humor punctuate the tension, preventing the film from tipping into melodrama. The film became available in the ZDF Mediathek on 12 December 2025, ahead of its television premiere on ZDF on 15 December 2025.

THE STORY CONTINUES:

MAXTON HALL OFFICIALLY WRAPS SEASON 3 Three days after the season two finale left fans reeling, Maxton Hall delivered some unexpected good news: season three has already wrapped filming. The announcement follows the show’s official renewal on June 9 and confirms that the next chapter of Ruby and James’ story is already complete behind the scenes. The upcoming season is based on Save Us by Mona Kasten, the third part of the triology, and picks up right where season two left off - with plenty still up in the air. After a manipulated photo falsely suggests an inappropriate relationship with Graham Sutton, Ruby Bell is suspended from Maxton Hall, putting both her Oxford dream and her relationship with James at serious risk. The fallout from the cliffhanger sets the tone for what’s next.

Season three will see the couple fighting to protect Ruby’s future, while tensions continue to ripple through their friends and families. Beyond the official announcement, filming activity had already sparked speculation before. In November, cast and crew were spotted shooting scenes in Oxford, with footage circulating online. Back in September, fans also noted fireworks near Marienburg Castle - the location used as Maxton Hall in the series which is temporarily closed to visitors at the time, due to renovations at the castle itself. There’s no premiere date just yet, but early rumors point toward a release in late 2026 or early 2027. We’ll keep you updated as soon as more official information becomes available.

Eli Riccardi Live at Monarch Eli Riccardi played a sold-out show at Monarch Berlin, marking a clear milestone in her growing live presence. While I wasn’t in attendance, everything reflected here is based on fan-shot videos that Riccardi herself reposted to her Instagram stories, offering an intimate window into the night. From those clips alone, the atmosphere felt packed, warm, and deeply attentive, with the crowd fully locked into every moment onstage.

The performance captured Riccardi in complete command of the room, balancing intensity with ease as she moved through the set. The lighting and close quarters of Monarch gave the show a raw, almost cinematic feel, making the audience seem less like spectators and more like participants. Smiles exchanged onstage and visible reactions from the crowd suggested a night that felt special for everyone in the room. Riccardi was joined by her band, comprised of Aidan Keith Lowe, Blau, Robin Danaher, Jan Landowski, Arthur K. R. Fritz, and Nadir, whose presence added to the sense of cohesion and momentum throughout the set. Even through short clips, it’s clear this sold-out Berlin date was more than just another stop, it was a moment of connection, growth, and affirmation for an artist clearly finding her stride live.

MAXTON EDIT QUARTERLY NEWS Maxton Hall continues to captivate audiences worldwide and Season 2 has proven to be nothing short of extraordinary. From record-breaking premieres to intimate behind-the-scenes glimpses, fans have had ample reasons to celebrate over the past few months. The excitement commenced in August when the cast took a moment to celebrate Harriet’s birthday on set, demonstrating that even amidst a rigorous filming schedule, camaraderie and lighthearted moments remained ever-present.

The anticipation culminated with the Season 2 premiere on November 7, which ascended to #1 globally on Prime Video within 24 hours. In celebration, members of the cast

Meanwhile, fans were afforded an early glimpse of Season 3 when, on November 12, Damian and Harriet were observed filming in Oxford. This was particularly remarkable as Season 3 filming had never been officially announced. Weeks later, on December 1, Prime Video confirmed that filming had wrapped. That same day, behind-the-scenes glimpses of Season 3 pins were shared, showcasing playful set moments and meticulous attention to detail.

November was brimming with major developments. As nominations for the Jupiter Awards were announced and fan voting opened, Maxton Hall and its stars garnered significant recognition. Season 2 was nominated for Best Series National, while Damian Hardung and Harriet received nominations for Best Actor and Best Actress National, respectively. Notably, Season 1 and both Damian and Harriet had previously triumphed at the 2025 Jupiter Awards, underscoring the enduring excellence of the cast and the series.

and crew shared extensive behind-thescenes photo dumps from the first three episodes, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the making of the show. Many continued to provide additional BTS content as episodes 4 through 6 premiered weekly, keeping the excitement alive throughout the season. Fans also celebrated the final episode of Season 2 on November 28, marking the conclusion of an unforgettable chapter.

December continued the momentum with several significant releases. On December 4, the Season 2 blooper reel premiered on YouTube, delighting fans and garnering special attention when Harriet reposted the reel on her Instagram stories, highlighting collaborations with several fan pages. Then, on December 11, Damian became the inaugural cast member featured in Prime Video’s Signature Series, a full photoshoot complemented by a short BTS video in which he candidly addressed questions such as his “signature fear,” “signature song,” and “signature phrase.” Additionally, fans could indulge in the Making of Maxton Hall Season 2, a 20-minute feature initially released on Prime Video and later on YouTube, offering a closer look at production dynamics, cast interactions, and the vibrant, creative energy behind the cameras. The triumph of Season 2 reached its zenith on December 18, when Prime Video announced that Maxton Hall had become the #1 Most Watched International Original Series Ever worldwide, a distinction also achieved by Season 1. This accolade attests not only to the extraordinary talent of the cast and crew but also to the unwavering dedication of the global fan community. With awards, record-breaking viewership, behind-the-scenes charm, and tantalizing glimpses of Season 3, Maxton Hall has affirmed its status as more than a television series. It is a cultural phenomenon. The past few months stand as a celebration of storytelling, community, and indelible moments.

©@damianhardung,@harriet.herbigmatten, @fredericbalonier @benfelipe, @justusriesner, @andreaguo, @sonjaweisßer @primevideode

SCHWARZES GOLD REVIEW: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PROGRESS TURNS INTO A QUESTION OF POWER? Schwarzes Gold is a six-part German drama series set around 1900 in the Lüneburg Heath, based on real historical events surrounding the early oil boom in Wietze, one of the oldest oil production sites in the world. Against this factual backdrop, the series unfolds as a powerfully staged historical drama with clear influences from the Western genre. When oil is discovered beneath the fields, existing structures of ownership, dependency and authority are thrown into upheaval. What begins as an economic opportunity quickly escalates into a field of conflict shaped by greed, competition and force. The series shows how individual parties drive this economic upheaval without regard for losses. Personal consequences, social fractures and moral boundaries are knowingly accepted in the pursuit of property and influence. Schwarzes Gold has been available in the ARD Mediathek since 22 December 2025 and was broadcast on Das Erste on 29 December 2025. The series tells its story from multiple perspectives, following different lines of power and interest within the village. Ownership, influence and economic promise shape relationships between the characters. Decisions are driven by competition, social pressure and the prospect of advancement — and visibly alter the fabric of the community. At the center is Johanna Lambert, portrayed by Harriet Herbig-Matten, who navigates the tension between family responsibility, economic pressure and the desire for selfdetermination. Characters such as Richard Pape and Wilhelm Pape represent different forms of ambition, adaptation and the exercise of power, without being clearly framed in moral terms. Relationships are defined by dependency, rivalry and both overt and covert power struggles. Trust is rare; proximity is often born of necessity. Progress becomes a matter of position — and of the price one is willing to pay. Schwarzes Gold presents economic advancement not as a promise of a better future, but as a conflict-driven test for an entire community. A dramatically told, opulently produced historical series that uses real history to make power, greed and their consequences visible. 10

Das Märchen vom Schwanensee Review Das Märchen vom Schwanensee reimagines the timeless Swan Lake story with a thoughtful balance of tradition and modern sensibility, making it a surprisingly heartfelt holiday watch. The film closely follows the classic ballet narrative: Zauberer Rotbart curses Odette to live as a swan, and Prinz Friedrich falls deeply in love with her. Rotbart then sends his daughter Odile, the black swan, to deceive the prince by appearing in Odette’s place. While the structure remains faithful to the original tale, the film introduces subtle narrative shifts that give the story a fresh emotional rhythm without straying too far from its roots. Samirah Breuer delivers a graceful and emotionally grounded performance as Odette, capturing both the vulnerability and quiet strength of the character. Her chemistry with Riccardo Campione as Prinz Friedrich makes the central love story feel sincere and fully believable, allowing the romance to anchor the fantasy elements of the film. Frederic Balonier, known to many from Maxton Hall, stands out as Toni, bringing warmth and much-needed humor to the story. His comedic moments feel organic and provide balance without ever distracting from the emotional core. Visually, the film is striking. The costumes honor the elegance of the classic ballet while incorporating a modern edge that keeps the aesthetic fresh and accessible. This same balance carries into the dialogue, which blends old-world language with contemporary phrasing, giving the film a distinctly modern tone. Das Märchen vom Schwanensee ultimately succeeds as a comforting, magical, and much-needed holiday film that respects tradition while embracing a new generation of viewers.

Echoes of Emotions: Songs In Cinema about creating the Heartbeat of Maxton Hall The music of Maxton Hall: The World Between Us has earned a special place in the hearts of fans. Atmospheric and deeply emotional, it has become closely tied to defining scenes and characters. A significant part of this musical world was created by Songs in Cinema, a duo whose compositions helped shape the tone of the series and turn moments into lasting memories. In this interview, we take a closer look at their creative process and explore how emotions become melodies, and why music can sometimes express what words cannot.

Wie seid ihr zur Filmmusik gekommen? Hat euch diese Arbeit auch zusammengeführt? // What first led you into composing for film, and did this path bring you together as a team? Julian hat schon von Kindesalter an den Beruf des Musikers angestrebt und hat dazu Schlagzeug und Songwriting & Producing studiert. Hier hatte er bereits erste Erfahrungen mit der Produktion von Filmmusik gesammelt.

Victoria hingegen hat erst spät ihre Leidenschaft für die Komposition entdeckt. Als Singer & Songwriterin hatte sie schon immer Songs geschrieben, hat allerdings nie ernsthaft über eine Musikkarriere nachgedacht. Als sie dann einen ihrer Songs zusammen mit einem Filmkomponisten für den Abspann eines Fernsehfilms produziert hat, wurde sie von der Filmmusik infiziert. Kennengelernt haben wir uns dann tatsächlich durch die Zusammenarbeit an Filmprojekten und speziell durch das Songwriting für Filme.

Julian aspired to become a musician from an early age and studied drums as well as songwriting & producing. During this time, he had already gained his first experience in producing film music. Victoria, on the other hand, discovered her passion for composition rather late. As a singer & songwriter, she had always written songs, but never seriously considered a career in music. When she then produced one of her songs together with a film composer for the end credits of a television film, she became infected by film music. We actually got to know each other through working together on film projects, and especially through songwriting for films. Als ihr an der Musik für Maxton Hall gearbeitet habt, hattet ihr bereits Szenenmaterial oder ein Skript? Wie läuft so ein Prozess normalerweise ab?// When you started working on Maxton Hall, did you already have access to the script or footage, and what does the scoring process normally look like for you? Für die erste Staffel haben wir die Drehbücher gelesen und anhand derer die ersten Musik-Themen geschrieben. Hier haben wir schon eng mit Martin und Ceylan zusammengearbeitet, um gemeinsam einen allgemeinen Sound für Maxton Hall zu entwickeln. Bald hatten wir dann auch einiges an Bildmaterial und konnten eine gemeinsame musikalische Sprache finden, die als Basis für eine großartige Zusammenarbeit diente. Der Prozess ist allerdings von Produktion zu Produktion unterschiedlich. Manchmal fangen wir schon an eine musikalische Welt zu entwickeln und haben nur die Erzählungen der Regisseur*innen zum Plot im Kopf. In den meisten Fällen bekommen

wir aber einen Roh- oder Feinschnitt und können direkt zum Bild komponieren. For the first season, we read the scripts and wrote the initial musical themes based on them. We already worked closely with Martin and Ceylan to jointly develop an overall sound for Maxton Hall. Soon, we also had quite a bit of visual material and were able to find a shared musical language that served as the basis for a great collaboration. However, the process differs from production to production. Sometimes we start developing a musical world with only the directors’ descriptions of the plot in mind. In most cases, though, we receive a rough or fine cut and can compose directly to the picture. Wie entstehen eure Kompositionen? Beginnt ihr mit einem Grundkonzept oder entwickelt sich die Musik erst im Prozess? // How do your compositions come to life? Do you start with a concept or does the music evolve during the process? Wir entwickeln immer zuerst ein Konzept, auch immer in Absprache mit Regie und Produktion. Hierzu führen wir im Voraus einige Gespräche und suchen oft auch nach Klangbeispielen. Für den eigentlichen Kompositions-Prozess ist es von Stück zu Stück unterschiedlich. Am besten arbeiten wir direkt zum Bild. Durch das Schauspiel, die Szenerie oder auch durch die Geschwindigkeit der Schnitte bekommen wir dann doch am meisten Inspiration. We always first develop a concept, always in consultation with the director and production. To do this, we have several conversations in advance and often also look for sound references.

The actual composition process differs from piece to piece. We work best directly to the picture. Through the acting, the scenery, or even the speed of the cuts, we ultimately get the most inspiration. Habt ihr Tipps für jemanden, der in die Filmmusik einsteigen möchte, aber noch nicht weiß, wo er anfangen soll? // What advice would you give someone who wants to enter the world of film music but doesn’t know where to start? Wir haben beide damit angefangen für uns selbst kurze Szenen von bestehenden Filmen zu vertonen. Das hat uns sehr weitergeholfen, vor allem, nachdem man die entstandene Musik mit der, des eigentlichen Komponisten bzw. der eigentlichen Komponistin verglichen hat. Ansonsten können wir nur empfehlen ständig Musik zu machen, Musik aufzunehmen und die Musik anderer Komponist:innen zu analysieren. We both started by scoring short scenes from existing films for ourselves. That helped us a lot, especially after comparing the resulting music with that of the original composer.

Otherwise, we can only recommend constantly making music, recording music, and analyzing the music of other composers.

Wie kam die Zusammenarbeit mit dem Team von Maxton Hall zustande? // Can you share how the collaboration with the Maxton Hall team began? Der Regisseur Martin Schreier hat Victoria angeschrieben und gefragt, ob sie denn noch Filmmusik mache. Sie haben sich zuletzt vor einigen Jahren in Berlin getroffen und er hat sich erinnert, dass Victoria auch Filmmusik komponiert. Wir durften dann an dem Pitch teilnehmen, sprich die ersten zehn Minuten der ersten Episode vertonen. Schon als wir die ersten Bilder des Pitchs gesehen haben, waren wir begeistert und haben direkt viele Ideen bekommen. Director Martin Schreier contacted Victoria and asked whether she was still composing film music. They had last met a few years ago in Berlin, and he remembered that Victoria also composed film music. We were then invited to take part in the pitch, meaning we scored the first ten minutes of the first episode. As soon as we saw the first images of the pitch, we were excited and immediately had many ideas. Haben sich für einzelne Figuren eigene musikalische Motive entwickelt – zum Beispiel für Ruby oder James? Wenn ja, wie unterscheiden sie sich? // Did specific musical themes or motifs develop for individual characters, for example, Ruby or James? If so, how do they differ? Ja, wir haben für die Hauptcharaktere jeweils ein musikalisches Motiv geschrieben. Ruby haben wir versucht sehr geerdet und nahbar darzustellen. Passend dazu haben wir auch die Klangwelt der Familie Bell gestaltet.

James‘ Thema haben wir in der Melodie sehr einfach gehalten. Das haben wir gemacht, da er über die Episoden hinweg eine enorme Veränderung durchlebt und wir durch die wenigen Melodie-Töne sein Thema in sehr unterschiedlichen musikalischen Stimmungen wiederbringen können. Der aristokratischen Beaufort-Welt haben wir ein sehr klassisch anmutendes und schweres Thema gegeben. Hier arbeiten wir mit Streichinstrumenten und nur ganz subtilen elektronischen Elementen.

Hier haben wir auch einige Anläufe gebraucht. Confusion, being overwhelmed, and shock. For example, the scene in season one when Ruby and James pass each other in the school hallway and James deliberately ignores her after they kissed for the first time the day before. Or the argument scene in the stairwell in Oxford. Here, we also needed several attempts.

We kept James’ theme very simple in its melody. We did this because he undergoes an enormous transformation over the course of the episodes, and with just a few melodic notes we are able to bring his theme back in very different musical moods. For the aristocratic Beaufort world, we gave it a very classical-sounding and heavy theme. Here we work with string instruments and only very subtle electronic elements. Welche Emotion war beim Komponieren am schwierigsten zu treffen? // Was there a particular emotion or tone that was especially challenging to capture in music? Verwirrung, Überforderung und Entsetzen. Zum Beispiel die Szene in Staffel eins, als Ruby und James sich im Schulflur entgegenlaufen und James sie bewusst ignoriert, nachdem sie sich am Vortag zum ersten Mal geküsst hatten. Oder auch die Streitszene im Treppenhaus in Oxford.

Yes, we wrote a musical motive for each of the main characters. We tried to portray Ruby as very grounded and approachable. In keeping with that, we also designed the sonic world of the Bell family.

Wenn ihr nur einen Track auswählen dürftet, der Maxton Hall als Gefühl beschreibt: Welcher wäre es? // If you could choose only one track that best represents the feeling of Maxton Hall, which one would it be? Für uns persönlich ist es „Stories Yet To Be Told“, da wir mit dem Song am Ende der Staffel zwei all die Impressionen und Emotionen, die wir in der Serie gefühlt haben, verarbeiten. For us personally, it is “Stories Yet To Be Told,” because with the song at the end of season two we process all the impressions and emotions that we felt throughout the series. Wie fühlt es sich an zu sehen, dass Fans bestimmte Musikstücke emotional mit Charakteren, Szenen oder Zitaten verbinden? // Seeing fans connect specific tracks to characters, moments or quotes, what does that mean to you?

Das feiern wir natürlich! Auch weil es wahrscheinlich bedeutet, dass wir mit der Musik die Essenz der Szenen und Charaktere getroffen haben. Generell finden wir es wirklich großartig, wie stark die Maxton Hall Community deren Gedanken, Emotionen und Begeisterung mit uns und der Welt teilt und die Serie feiert! Of course we celebrate that! Also because it probably means that with the music we managed to capture the essence of the scenes and characters. In general, we find it truly amazing how strongly the Maxton Hall community shares their thoughts, emotions, and enthusiasm with us and the world, and celebrates the series.

Was war die größte Herausforderung während der Arbeit an der Musik für die Serie? // Looking back, what would you say was the biggest challenge while composing for the series? Wahrscheinlich war es am schwierigsten den allgemeinen Sound zu finden, den die Serie bekommen sollte. Hier haben wir am Anfang sehr viel ausprobiert und sehr viele Layouts mit dem Team geteilt, bis wir alle zufrieden waren. Während der Arbeit an der zweiten Staffel haben wir schon auch mehr Druck gespürt, auch weil wir dem internationalen Erfolg der Serie gerecht werden wollten. Probably the most difficult part was finding the overall sound the series should have. At the beginning, we tried out a lot of things and shared many layouts with the team until we were all satisfied. While working on the second season, we definitely felt more pressure, also because we wanted to do justice to the international success of the series.

Available only in Germany in a limited edition. Buy exclusively on Amazon.

Highlighting A Fan Account Some fan accounts don’t just follow a story, they quietly become part of the fandom itself. @DamianandHarrietNews is one of those spaces: familiar, steady, and shaped by a genuine love for Maxton Hall. For this edition of Highlighting a Fan Account we take a closer look at the person behind it.

Could you introduce yourself and share what inspired you to start this fan account? Hi, my name’s Alessia and I’m from Italy. I discovered Harriet and Damian through Maxton Hall, and I was immediately struck by their connection and the way they grow together. It felt unexpectedly powerful. I wanted to create a fan page where I could share those feelings with others, a space to celebrate their work and their on-screen chemistry. What started as a joke quickly grew into something much more beautiful. To answer your question, what inspired me to create this space was Harriet and Damian themselves, and my desire to support them in every project they take on. How did Maxton Hall first become part of your world? Maxton Hall entered my life in 2020, when I first read the books. So when, years later, I stumbled upon the news on Instagram that they were turning the story into a series, I could hardly believe my eyes. The thought that Ruby and James would soon come to life filled me with excitement. Which character from the series do you feel most connected to and why?

I think I feel closer to Ruby ‘cause I love her strength and determination and the way she fights for her dreams without ever giving up. What makes Maxton Hall feel different from other series or books you’ve experienced? I think Maxton Hall stands out ‘cause it's not the typical story of the "good girl" who meets the troubled boy who needs to be saved. Ruby is strong and determined and when James realizes to hits the bottom, does everything he can to get back on his feet and change. I think Maxton Hall is one of the few series or books that can send some important messages especially to young people who watch it, by telling stories and creating characters that stay in your heart. Between Season One and Season Two, did one stand out to you more? And if so, why? It’s a bit of a difficult question. Season one represents the beginning of everything for me, and I feel very attached to it because it’s thanks to that season that I discovered Harriet and Damian. Season two, on the other hand, really touched me on an emotional level, especially for the important messages it conveys alongside Ruby and James’ love story.

Is there a scene that touched you more deeply than you expected? That's a difficult question, but off the top of my head I'd say the moment when Ruby discovers James's mother's death. When "Carry No Thing" begins, I was broke down.

If I truly had to choose, even though it’s hard, I’d say season one, simply because of the strong emotional connection I have with it.

Do you feel being part of this fandom or running your account has changed or inspired your perspective in any way?

Yes, I think being part of this fandom has shown me how much love and support can truly bring people together. It inspired me to create new friendships with girls who, like me, share the same passion for supporting Harriet and Damian. With some of them, the connection goes beyond the fandom—we truly talk about everything, and that’s something I carry with me with great affection.

Would you say your account has its own style? If yes, how would you describe it?

Has there been a moment within the fandom, a message, reaction or connection, that truly stayed with you?

uh, I don't think my account has a style of its own, I think there are many accounts like mine with the purpose of updating and supporting the people we follow.

One of the moments that stayed with me the most was the period around the premiere. During that time, the fandom felt incredibly united in showing love and support to the cast. I truly felt like I was part of a family, connected by a shared passion and genuine affection.

If you had to sum up your account in three words which ones would you choose? Support ,Community ,Love. I chose these three words because my account is based on support, love, and a strong sense of community, with the aim of supporting Harriet and Damian. Was there a post that unexpectedly reached more people than you imagined? Yes! It happened just a few days after the premiere: I posted some photos of Harriet and Damian hugging behind the scenes, and I didn’t expect so many interactions on that post. I was truly surprised and happy to see how many people enjoyed it.

Last but not least, is there anything you’d like to say to the community or anyone reading this I’m not very good at thank-you messages, but I truly want to thank each and every one of you for the love you show to my page every day. Even though I don’t know you personally, I genuinely care about you, and I’m really happy to be part of this fandom. I’m grateful for the people I’ve met here, especially all the girls who, like me, run fan pages and share this passion. I can’t wait to keep commenting, experiencing the next moments together — especially the journey toward season three — and to continue supporting Harriet and Damian, all together.

ELISE CHIEF O EDIT R-IN-

DAVISHA/DC CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CONTENT STRATEGIST

JANINA FEATURES EDITOR & INTERVIEW COORDINATOR

JANA COMMUNITY MANAGER & INTERVIEW CORRESPONDENT)

Thank You! This issue looks back on the moments that shaped the year. With appreciation to Songs in Cinema for answering our questions and offering insight into the creation of the Maxton Hall soundtrack. Thanks to Prime Video, UFA, and the Maxton Hall crew for a year of storytelling. For Schwanensee, thanks to Märchenfilminfos for providing images. Looking ahead, we’re excited to move into a quarterly rhythm next year, allowing each issue the space to feel more intentional and focused. And finally, to our readers: thank you for your continued support and for being part of this, issue after issue.

©Prime Video

We wish you a happy new year.