“Harry Potter” Cast to Reunite For 20-Year Anniversary Special
by Emily Nagle
It’s been 20 years since Harry, Ron, and Hermione began their magical journey at Hogwarts in the film adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”.
To celebrate, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson (in addition to director Chris Columbus and other actors from the series, including Tom Felton, Robbie Coltrane, and Gary Oldman) are reuniting for the first time in ten years for an HBO Max special titled “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts”. Slated to premiere on New Year’s Day 2022, the behind-the scenes special will take a look back at the beloved film franchise, and “tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new, in-depth interviews and cast conversations,” according to an official press release from WarnerMedia. A first look at the film will air on Cartoon Network and TBS on November 28 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) during the premiere of bracket-style quiz show “Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses”.
Tom Ascheim, president of the Kids, Young Adults, and Classics division at Warner Bros., issued a statement following the announcement of “Return to Hogwarts”, acknowledging the worldwide impact of the “Harry Potter” franchise.
“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,” he described in the 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.”
Despite much of the original cast returning for the special, “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling has been confirmed by NPR to not be coming back (except in archival footage).