The Taormina Film Festival in Italy commenced with a spectacular opening on Wednesday night, featuring the premiere of HBO’s “House of the Dragon” Season 3. The first episode was showcased on an enormous outdoor screen to an enthusiastic crowd of 5,000 in the Greek theater of the Sicilian resort, a historic venue dating back to the 3rd century B.C.
The Italian debut of this prequel series, set two centuries before “Game of Thrones,” took place at the ancient theater beneath the looming presence of Sicily’s active Mt. Etna volcano. Stars Steve Toussaint (Lord Corlys Velaryon), Harry Collett (Jacaerys Velaryon), Bethany Antonia (Baela Targaryen), and Phoebe Campbell (Rhaena Targaryen) were present, marking the first stop of the show’s global promotional tour following its world premiere on June 8 in London.
“We’ve chosen to come to Taormina because the combination of “House of the Dragon,” Taormina, this amazing theater, and Mount Etna behind us is just unbelievably amazing,” said WBD South Europe Managing Director Alessandro Araimo.
On stage, when asked about his connection to “Game of Thrones” and joining such a cherished universe through his role, Toussaint remarked, “Well, I think that we stand on the shoulders of that great show.”
He added that if “Game of Thrones” hadn’t been phenomenally successful, they might not be there continuing their journey through the Westeros realm.
“We are their ancestors. We were setting the pace, and I think for people who love that show, there are lots of moments in “Game of Thrones” where they refer back to the events that you see portrayed by us. So I think that makes it that much more exciting and interesting.”
Helen Mirren, Russell Crowe, Gore Verbinski, and Fernanda Torres are among the notable figures expected to attend the renowned festival in the Sicilian resort, familiar to U.S. audiences as the setting for “The White Lotus” Season 2. Crowe will be there for the world premiere of the Australian action thriller “Bear Country,” reuniting with director Derrick Borte of “Unhinged.”
Jane Campion is leading the jury at the Taormina festival, which also includes Holly Hunter, costume designer Miyako Bellizzi, casting director Francine Maisler, emerging director Akinola Davies Jr. (“My Father’s Shadow”), Amazon MGM Studios’ global marketing head Sue Kroll, and Italian actor/director Pietro Castellitto.
The 72nd edition of the Taormina Film Festival is scheduled to run from June 10-14.
