Welp, it’s happening. Last week we heard that Warner Bros. was trying to reunite the cast of the Harry Potter movies — including principle actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint — for a special that looked back on the eight films they made together. Now, the studio has pulled back the curtain on Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, complete with a trailer. Check it out:
And the reunion doesn’t stop with Radcliffe, Watson and Grint. This special will feature a treasure trove of Harry Potter talent, including:
- Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange)
- Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid)
- Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort)
- Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy)
- Gary Oldman (Sirius Black)
- Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge)
- Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy)
- James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley)
- Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley)
- Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)
- Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas)
- Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom)
- Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)
- Ian Hart (Professor Quirrell)
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone director Christopher Columbus
“And many more.” Warner Bros. isn’t messing around.
What happens in Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts?
According to the press release, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts “will tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new in-depth interviews and cast conversations.” The whole thing will be filmed on the original Harry Potter sets, and we’ve heard that the cast may recreate some scenes like the Yule Ball and boarding the Hogwarts Express. Think of it like how the cast of Friends read through old scenes on Friends: The Reunion, another HBO Max project. They’re finding a niche!
“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,” said Warner Bros. executive Tom Ascheim. “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.”
Executive producer Casey Patterson also weighed in: “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.”
When does Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts premiere?
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will drop on HBO Max on January 1, 2021. Not a bad way to start the new year.
However, you can get a sneak peak at the special during Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses, which is a Harry Potter-themed game show airing on TBS and Cartoon Network on November 28. That show is hosted by Helen Mirren, one of the only notable British actors not to appear in the original movies. Better this than nothing!
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