When a Hollywood premiere attracts non-affiliated celebrity talent, you know it’s the real deal. Fellow saga storyteller Damon Lindelof (“Lost,” HBO’s “The Leftovers”) hung with Molly McNearny and Jimmy Kimmel, all big “Thrones” fans.
There’s a new queen on the scene alongside Gwendoline Christie. This one’s realm is New Jersey. It’s Ms. Dana Owens a.ka. Queen Latifah.
The highlight of the “Thrones” after-party was a mutating video mural that swallowed the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Using the architectural “CAD” of the building, a team spent months designing the artwork and multiple days testing it. (The team told The Party Report they previously projected visuals on to the Obama White House.)
Model Steph Thomas did not fear the White Walkers. Perhaps they were more interested in the filet of beef, chicken skewers, lamb chops, and sweet corn ravioli at the buffet stations.
“Took a trip to the year 3000 and met my husband of 11 years ,” Texas A&M sorority sister Rachel Wright posted of meeting the coolest of the Jo-bros.
Atop a parking lot, this bash had Richard Dormer growing mantlers…
… bartenders pouring a special vintage of “Game of Thrones” wine (made by a winery in Paso Robles; where in Westeros is that?)…
…and while it may always be winter in Westeros, two “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” alums, Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson came to see Jon Snow.
Kit Harrington checked in with the HBO leadership: Programming President Casey Bloys (2nd from right), and king of kings Richard Plepler, HBO’s Chairman/CEO.
That crew did not need these hot tickets: A physical ticket and a mylar wristband to gain access to the event. Grand Avenue in downtown L.A. was closed down for blocks.
The photo booth offered prop wolves and an optional pop-out dragon head. These guests got in to character a bit too much.
The soundtrack: Drake’s “Fake Love” and the classic “R. Kelly Ignition Remix”. Around 11 p.m., HBO’s dancefloor was actually half full — a rarity on the Hollywood event circuit.
Meredith Salenger and Patton Oswalt got a look at the show four days before the rest of the world. Earlier in the night, Jay Roach (a “Game of Thrones” premiere regular) hung with the comic.
Arrays of flags like these dressed up the lobby of the Disney Concert Hall before the screening. Oddly, Hollywood rose to the occasion. Amongst agents, executives, couples out for the night, a ton of media, and a few familiar HFPA faces, most men wore a coat and tie. Very east coast formal.
“Game of Thrones” returns to HBO this Sunday, July 16, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.