The special feature, which is aired in honor of the franchise's 20th anniversary, will 'tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new, in-depth interviews and cast conversations.'
- Nov 17, 2021
AceShowbiz - It's good news for Potterheads! HBO Max is set to air a retrospective special titled "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts" to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter film franchise. The special will see Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint reuniting.
According to the network, the feature will "tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new, in-depth interviews and cast conversations." All eight of Warner Bros.'s original "Harry Potter" films are streaming on HBO Max.
"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."
Casey Patterson, who executive produces the special, adds, "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."
In addition to Daniel, Emma and Rupert, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, James Phelps and Oliver Phelps will appear in the special. Also set to make appearance are Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch and Ian Hart.
Author and franchise creator J.K. Rowling, meanwhile, will not be seen in the special. The British author faced backlash from the LGBTQ+ community in recent years for her statement about transgenders. Weighing on J.K.'s transphobic remarks, Daniel said in an essay for the Trevor Project last year, "Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo (Rowling) or I."
"Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts" will premiere on HBO Max on New Year's Day, January 1, 2022.
