HBO Max has officially launched in the UK and Ireland, marking the occasion with a major red carpet event in London that brought together talent from across the platform’s expanding slate.
A Landmark Launch Event in London
Held at Queen Elizabeth Hall within the Southbank Centre, the event transformed the venue into an immersive, multi-room experience inspired by HBO Max’s most recognisable series and brands. The celebration coincided with the platform’s official launch on March 26.
Attendees included the lead trio from the upcoming Harry Potter television series, Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton, making their first red carpet appearance together.
They were joined by an extensive lineup of talent from across HBO Max’s catalogue, including Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King (The Comeback), Steve Carell, Phil Dunster, and Charly Clive (Rooster), and Noah Wyle alongside Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt).
Further appearances included Sharon Horgan (Youth), Marisa Abela (Industry), Aimee Lou Wood and Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus), and Linda Cardellini with Joy Sunday (DTF St. Louis). Industry figures such as David Chase (The Sopranos) and Peter Safran, Co-Chairman and CEO of DC Studios, were also in attendance.
‘House of the Dragon’ and Franchise Power
The event also showcased the strength of HBO’s flagship franchises. Cast and creatives from House of the Dragon and A Knight of a Seven Kingdoms were present, including Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, James Norton, and Fabien Frankel.
Their presence reinforced HBO Max’s continued investment in high-end, franchise-driven storytelling, particularly within the Game of Thrones universe.
Inside the HBO Max “House Party”
Guests were invited into a themed “house party” experience, with each room designed to reflect different elements of HBO Max’s identity.
Highlights included DJ Lou Hayter spinning vinyl in The Loft, Peter Dorelli serving signature martinis in The Liquor Cabinet, and a stocked kitchen offering themed snacks and drinks. Additional spaces included a billiards room featuring a library of HBO scripts and a wardrobe filled with vintage HBO merchandise.
One of the standout activations was the Cupboard Under the Stairs, where attendees could watch the first teaser trailer for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Elsewhere, interactive elements such as The Pitt’s emergency red phone and a polaroid photo room added to the experiential design.
HBO Max UK: Pricing and Availability
HBO Max is now available in the UK and Ireland, offering a range of subscription tiers:
- Basic with Ads (£4.99/month): 2 devices, Full HD
- Standard with Ads (£5.99/month): 2 devices, Full HD, 30 downloads
- Standard (£9.99/month): Ad-free, 2 devices, Full HD, 30 downloads
- Premium (£14.99/month): 4 devices, 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Atmos, 100 downloads
- TNT Sports Plan (£30.99/month): Includes TNT Sports channels and live event feeds
The service is accessible via hbomax.com and launch partners including Sky and Prime Video, with support across major devices such as smart TVs, consoles, mobile devices, and streaming platforms.