Twenty-odd years later, Harry Potter returns to the small screens in the form of a reunion show, titled Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.
In case you needed confirmation that you’re old, this is it!
When a trailer bearing the name Harry Potter, featuring names of the actors who gave life to the amazing characters in the franchise, most people’s first thought was, “No!!! Are they making another Harry Potter film?” Yet, while some felt utter dread at the mere thought of that, others felt excitement. The former are those who would prefer classics to be left just as they are, and the latter are those who won’t mind another go, just for the hell of it.
None of that matters, though, as the film is not being rebooted as we may have thought. Instead, it is a reunion to mark the 20th anniversary of the franchise’s first film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. It would seem cast reunions are the in-thing now, and HBO Max is in the middle of it all, as this comes right on the heels of Friends: The Reunion, which also premiered on the streaming network.
The television special set to air in January 2022 features beloved stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who literally came of age in the course of filming the series. Alongside other cast and crew of the franchise, they will discuss their time on the series, share insight about the production, as well as never before seen footage. It promises to be a treat, and the millions of ardent fans the world over can’t wait to gobble it all up, come the turn of the new year.
Related article: HBO Max releases “Friends: The Reunion” official trailer, see reactions.
What and what should fans expect from this reunion series, you ask? Keep reading to see all that we know.
J.K Rowling will not be participating
British author J.K. Rowling, who created the world from which the film series was adapted and worked closely with the producers, will not be involved in this upcoming television show. Her representatives made it known on Wednesday that they won’t be making any comments on this, as did production company, Warner Bros. This is suspected to be part of the backlash Rowling have faced in recent times over her comments about the LGBTQ movement, which have been received badly by the public. While she is supportive of the transgender community and their rights, the author refuses to ‘bow down’ to a movement seeking ‘to erode ‘woman’ as a political and biological class.’
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Cast interviews and behind the scene footage
According to Warner Bros., this project hopes to ‘honor the magic behind the making of the films’. Thus, a big part of things to expect from the reunion show are in-depth cast interviews and behind-the-scenes moments from the eight movies in the series. Despite Rowling not being an active part of it, she will feature in archive footage. The show will also feature the cast as they make a return to the original sets of Hogwarts, where it all began two decades ago.
Speaking on the upcoming show, Tom Ascheim, the president of Warner Bros’ Global Kids, Young Adults, and Classics sections, said, “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.”
The returning cast members
The Harry Potter fandom knows how the series forms a huge part of the main casts’ lives. Starting as child actors and coming of age through the production is an experience that stays with you forever. Speaking on the reunion, Emma Watson, who played the role of Hermione Granger, wrote, “Harry Potter was my home, my family, my world and Hermione (still is) my favorite fictional character of all time. I think a journalist once said it was irritating how many times during an interview I mentioned how lucky I was and started counting… BUT I DAMN WELL KNEW!!! And still know.” She went on, adding, “I am proud not just of what we as group contributed as actors to the franchise but also as the children that became young adults that walked that path.”
Other cast members confirmed to be taking part include Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), and Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), who tweeted, “Is this what school homecoming is like? Mark your calendars.”
Official trailer
The compelling official trailer, which was released by HBO on Tuesday, featured some of the most unforgettable scenes across the series, with Albus Dumbledore shown narrating in-between scenes.
There you have it. 1 January 2022 is the date. How excited are you to see this? If you are a Harry Potter fan, you probably can’t contain your anticipation, like many others the world over. The day is nigh, and what we wish above all is that this lives up to the hype and delivers on all levels. Fingers crossed.
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