The original cast of the popular Harry Potter series will reunite to appear on an HBO special to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the franchise. Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson will be appearing together once again in the special, which is set to premiere on Jan. 1 on HBO Max.
The upcoming special, titled Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, has been described as a special that will celebrate the legacy of the franchise and the impact it has had on the hearts, minds, and imagination of fans from around the world.
Cast Reunion Minus JK Rowling
Warner Media announced Tuesday that the special would include in-depth interviews of the original cast members, including those in all eight Harry Potter films. This includes cast members from the movie series such as Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Tom Felton, Bonnie Wright, and Evanna Lynch.
One muggle will be missing from the HBO special, the original writers of the Harry Potter books, JK Rowling. The author of the books that the movies are based on was recently involved in a scandal over her statements regarding the transgender community.
Rowling's statement had alienated fans and some of the movies' cast. Last year, Radcliffe issued a statement in response to Rowling's controversial tweets about gender identity. Rowling has since been labeled as transphobic by the transgender community.
Rowling's omission from the roster, for the time being, can be interpreted as a warning that some issues are beyond the reach of a simple spell.
A Tribute To Fans
Warner Bros president, Tom Ascheim, said the journey from the release of the original Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone movie has been both incredible and magical for its creators and fans.
"This retrospective is a tribute to everyone whose lives were touched by this cultural phenomenon," Ascheim said.
Ascheim thanked the cast and crew of the films for their hard work and the "passionate" fans who have stuck with the franchise and kept the Wizarding World alive for the past two decades.
Harry Potter HBO Special And Exclusive Release Date
Apart from HBO Max, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will also air on Cartoon Network And TBS in spring 2022. The TBS and Cartoon Network premier will be before the theatrical release of the Harry Potter spinoff Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
Before the HBO release, Warner Bros said it would release an exclusive that would give fans a first look at the reunion special. The exclusive, titled Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses, will debut on Nov. 28 on Cartoon Network and TBS. The four-part competition show will also air on HBO Max on Jan. 1
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