It’s been twenty years since Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone (Philosopher in the U.K version) film came out in theaters.
The film helped jump start the careers of Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe into global superstars and garnered seven highly successful sequels. Based on a series of successful novels by author J.K Rowling, Harry Potter taught fans themes of mystery, adventure, delight, magic, coming of age, friendship and most importantly love.
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Even though the Potter films and novels have been completed and finished, the franchise is still strong as ever. Even critics acknowledged that the films have aged well throughout these 20 year span. It has been revealed that HBO Max is planning a 20th Anniversary special to commemorate the film franchise, with the stars returning for a Return To Hogwarts. They also revealed a short trailer of this long awaited reunion.
Harry Potter Returns To Hogwarts 20 Years Later
Filmmaker and director of the first film Chris Columbus has also been confirmed to make an appearance. And, of course, the franchise’s main trio of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson have been announced to make their long awaited reunion after many years.
The main trio is expected to join Columbus and other cast members from all eight of the Harry Potter films by doing retrospective special to celebrate the anniversary of Sorcerer’s Stone. According to HBO Max, the special will “tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new, in-depth interviews and cast conversations.”
Other cast members expected to return are Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch and Ian Hart. It’s also been revealed that author J.K Rowling will not make an appearance due to her recent controversial comments among trans-community.
In a statement by president of Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics Tom Ascheim by acknowledged the impact the Potter films have given to millions of fans. Aschiem declared:
“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.”
Aschiem also stated that:
“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.”
Additionally Casey Patterson, who will produce the special reunion feature, shared his excitement.
“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,”. Patterson also added “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.”
Hearing these words, fans can expect an emotional and joyful reunion of the cast who helped brought the Boy Who Lived into our world, and helped changed Pop Culture cinema forever.
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will premiere on HBO Max on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2022. The special will be produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television and in association with Warner Horizon. The special will be filmed at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour located in London.
Additionally, an exclusive first look of Return To Hogwarts will debut during the premiere of “Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses”. Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses will premiere on November 28th on TBS and Cartoon Network. The show will be hosted by Helen Mirren and will be a four part series event. The short competitive series will feature cameos by Potter film alumni Tom Felton, Simon Fisher-Becker, Shirley Henderson and Luke Youngblood. The series will also be accompanied by die-hard Potter fans Jay Leno and Pete Davidson. Hogwarts Tournament of Houses also will begin streaming on HBO Max on Jan. 1.
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Source: Variety
