The 72nd Taormina Film Festival in Sicily began with fire and dragons as House of the Dragon Season 3 premiered at the town’s historic Teatro Antico amphitheater. The open‑air venue, overlooking Mount Etna, welcomed more than 5,000 attendees, ranging from schoolchildren to seasoned cinephiles. HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery chose Taormina as the first European stop of the Season 3 world tour, rekindling the festival’s reputation as a showcase for global television.

Quick read

  • Season 3 opened the Taormina Film Festival on June 10.
  • Venue: Teatro Antico, a 5,000‑seat Ancient Greek amphitheater.
  • Stars Steve Toussaint, Tom Glynn‑Carney, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, and Phoebe Campbell attended.

A spectacular Sicilian venue

The Teatro Antico di Taormina, built by the Greeks and later expanded by the Romans, provided a dramatic backdrop for the premiere. The amphitheater has previously hosted The White Lotus Season 2 and remains one of Sicily’s most iconic cultural landmarks. The screening was preceded by a live orchestra performance of the show’s score, with images from the series projected onto the ancient stone walls, creating a cinematic spectacle that merged history with fantasy.

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Stars and audience reception

The event was attended by Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon), Tom Glynn‑Carney (Aegon II), Harry Collett (Jacaerys Velaryon), Bethany Antonia (Baela Targaryen), and Phoebe Campbell (Rhaena Targaryen), who introduced the Italian premiere. Jury president Jane Campion, actress Holly Hunter, and other international guests also joined the gala.

The audience responded with squeals, cheers, and collective gasps, particularly during shocking moments such as Aemond’s unsettling interaction with Alicent and the naval battle featuring Corlys against admiral Sharako Lohar. Toussaint later admitted the reception was “overwhelming,” while Collett said he was stunned to learn 5,000 spectators had filled the amphitheater.

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