Italy’s Taormina Film Festival opened with a double dose of ancient power Wednesday night as the first episode of HBO’s “House of the Dragon” Season 3 was shown on a giant outdoor screen to a cheering crowd of 5,000 at the Greek Theater in the Sicilian resort, which dates back to the 3rd century B.C.
The Italian premiere of the new season of the prequel show, set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, has opened in an ancient theater in the shadow of Sicily’s active volcano Mount Etna, starring Steve Toussaint (Lord Corys Velaryon), Harry Collett (Jacaris Velaryon), Bethany Antonia (Baela Targaryen) and Phoebe Campbell (Raina). Targaryen) attended the first stop of its worldwide promotional tour after its world premiere in London on June 8th.
“We chose to come to Taormina because the combination of House of the Dragon, Taormina, this amazing theater and Mount Etna in the background is incredible,” said Alessandro Alaimo, WBD Southern Europe Managing Director.
On stage, Toussaint was asked about his affinity for Game of Thrones and what it feels like to be a part of a “so-loved world” through his character, and he said, “Well, I think we’re standing on the shoulders of that great show.”
“If that show hadn’t been such a phenomenal success, we probably wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing here in terms of traveling through the realm of Westeros,” he added.
“We are their ancestors. We set the pace. And I think for people who love that show, there are a lot of moments in Game of Thrones that reflect on the events that we depicted. So I think that makes it more exciting and interesting.”
Helen Mirren, Russell Crowe, Gore Verbinski and Fernanda Torres are among the top talent heading to the prestigious festival over the next few days at the Sicilian resort (known to American viewers as the filming location for Season 2 of “The White Lotus”). Crowe is at the world premiere of Australian action thriller Bear Country, reuniting him with Unhinged director Derrick Bolte.
As previously announced, Jane Campion will head the Taormina Fest jury, which also includes Holly Hunter, costume designer Miyako Bellizzi, casting director Francine Meiszler, breakout director Akinola Davis Jr. (In the Shadow of the Father), Sue Kroll, head of global marketing for Amazon MGM Studios, and Italian actor and director Pietro Castellitto.
The 72nd Taormina will be held from June 10th to 14th.
