Accio deep breaths, “Harry Potter” fans. A genuine “Harry Potter” reunion is taking place to mark the 20th anniversary of the release of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” and a lot of the main cast is back. Warner Bros. announced Tuesday that franchise stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint will reunite and join filmmaker Chris Columbus for the HBO Max special “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.”
The retrospective special will debut on HBO Max on Jan. 1 when the clock strikes midnight, and will also debut on TBS and Cartoon Network in spring 2022 before the theatrical release of “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” – the third film in the “Fantastic Beasts” prequel series.
This “Harry Potter” reunion special will tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new in-depth interviews and cast conversations, inviting fans on a magical first-person journey through one of the most beloved film franchises of all time. In addition to the announcement, a teaser trailer for the “Harry Potter” reunion special was released – although it sadly does not include any footage from the actual reunion itself.
In addition to the main trio and Columbus (who directed the first two Potter films), other “Harry Potter” actors confirmed to take part in the retrospective include Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch and Ian Hart, among others.
“It has been an incredible journey since the debut of the ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ film, and witnessing how it has evolved into this remarkable interconnected universe has been magical to say the least,” Tom Ascheim, president of Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics, said in a statement. “This retrospective is a tribute to everyone whose lives were touched by this cultural phenomenon—from the talented cast and crew who poured their heart and soul into this extraordinary film franchise to the passionate fans who continue to keep the Wizarding World spirit alive 20 years later.”
“There’s magic in the air here with this incredible cast, as they all return home to the original sets of Hogwarts, where they began 20 years ago. The excitement is palpable as they prepare to take their fans on a very special and personal journey, through the making of these incredible films,” executive producer Casey Patterson added.
Produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon at the iconic Warner Bros. Studio Tour London—The Making of Harry Potter, “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts” is executive produced by Casey Patterson of Casey Patterson Entertainment (“A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote”) and Pulse Films (“Beastie Boys Story”).
