After becoming an overnight success, Maxton Hall has gone through some casting changes ahead of season 2.
The German-language TV drama, which premiered in May 2024, introduced viewers to an unlikely enemies-to-lovers romance between private school classmates Ruby Bell (Harriet Herbig-Matten) and James Beaufort (Damian Hardung). While attending their prestigious U.K. school, scholarship recipient Ruby unwittingly witnessed a secret that put her on the radar of the wealthy James.
Based on Mona Kasten’s book series, Maxton Hall quickly found record-breaking success, becoming the most-watched non-U.S. title during its first week on Prime Video. It has since been renewed for a second — and third — season.
Prime Video teased the synopsis for the second season ahead of its November 2025 premiere.
“The greatest high leads to a deep fall … Ruby is devastated. She has never had such strong feelings for anyone as she does for James. And she’s never been so hurt by anyone either,” read the official description. “She wants her old life back — when no one at Maxton Hall knew her and she wasn’t part of the elitist and spoiled world of her classmates. But she can’t forget James. Especially because he’s trying everything to win her back.”
Keep scrolling to see which Maxton Hall characters are coming back for season 2 — and which aren’t:
Harriet Herbig-Matten
Before they returned to film season 2, Herbig-Matten and Hardung discussed what they would like to see for their characters.
“[I would like Ruby] to stay true to herself and to set boundaries. She’s already doing this, but to keep doing this. And not changing for him,” Herbig-Matten exclusively told Us Weekly in June 2024. “And I would like to focus on female friendships. That is really important too. And don’t let a man destroy your life.”
The actress told Us she learned some important lessons from filming the first season that she plans to take with her into season 2.
“What I’ve learned from Damian is he worked out a lot after shooting. That’s what I learned from him. And I think there’s really to get out of your head and to just process the day,” she added. “I’ve learned that from him and that has really worked for me.”
Damian Hardung
Hardung, meanwhile, would like to see James work on himself more.
“I’ve been saying this a lot. I truly wish for him that he and his family ideally go to family therapy and figure out what’s been going on,” he told Us. “They could have better communication of their wants and their needs together and kind of figure out how they can fulfill that. And they can learn how to go forward and not make life so hard for each other.”
Sonja Weißer
Season 2 will check in with James’ sister, Lydia.
Fedja van Huêt
Maxton Hall wouldn’t be what it is without James and Lydia’s father stirring up trouble in season 2.
Justus Riesner
Alistair is still integral to the show in season 2.
Runa Greiner
Ruby’s family will continue to be explored in season 2 as Greiner returns to the show.
Martin Neuhaus
Ruby and Ember’s father is expected to return in season 2.
Julia-Maria Köhler
After Köhler originated the role of Ruby and Ember’s mother, Gina Henkel is taking over in season 2.
Ben Felipe
Based on behind the scenes footage, Felipe will be reprising his role as Cyril.
Clelia Sarto
James and Lydia’s mother, Cordelia, died in the season 1 finale, which means Sarto could return but not in the present day.
Dagny Dewath
Cordelia’s younger sister, Ophelia, is played by Dewath, with the press release teasing, “Unlike what Mortimer believed, the sisters have been in contact again for some time. She offers her support to the twins and becomes an important ally to James and Lydia.
Basil Eidenbenz
Eidenbenz is set to play Frederick — is the older brother of Alistair and Elaine. “He doesn’t understand why his younger siblings — especially Alistair — constantly oppose traditions. This behavior brings the family name into disrepute, and Frederick cannot allow that,” read the official description for Frederick.
Kiro Ebra
Ebra is playing Forest who is “part of the British high society and attends a fundraising gala being held at Maxton Hall. There he meets Alistair Ellington. The two hit it off and a little flirtation arises.”
Proschat Madani
Madani filmed scenes as Alice Campbell a.k.a “an influential businesswoman who is very keen on discovering young talent for her company. When Ruby organizes a charity gala for her foundation, she wants to reward Ruby with a private scholarship to Oxford. But Alice also knows the price that true changes can cost. Because Mortimer Beaufort will put Alice’s values to the test.”
Anna Lucia Gustmann
According to a press release, Gustmann is portraying May Clancey, who is Alice Campbell’s assistant. “At work, May is very careful to do everything right and has perfectionist standards. She can sometimes seem a bit harsh, but actually just wants to exude professionalism,” read the description.
Laura de Boer
De Boer is playing Mortimer’s new assistant Julia Stevens.
“No one can match her planning and organizational skills,” the character synopsis stated. “With perfectionist standards, entirely in Mortimer’s sense, she fits perfectly into the company’s business and suddenly comes and goes in the Beaufort Villa. Something that deeply upsets the twins.”
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