Potter fever is upon us once again. At long last, we have word of a special celebration of 20 years of the film franchise, with one notable absence.
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and many more memorable faces will join together for a 'Harry Potter' reunion special for the new year.
This week marks 20 years since 'Hary Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' hit cinemas, and now the main cast, who are all in their mid-30s, will return for a one-off special appearance with a number of their old colleagues and friends.
'Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts' will premiere on HBO Max on January 1, 2022 (an Irish release date is TBC), with director of 'Philosopher's Stone' and 'Chamber of Secrets', Chris Columbus, also set to make an appearance.
An incredible line-up from all eight films will also feature. The returning cast includes Helena Bonham Carter, Imelda Staunton, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Robbie Coltrane, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch and Ian Hart.
One very notable omission from the 'Harry Potter' reunion is the author who created the series. J.K. Rowling's name hasn't been mentioned in the promotion of the new year's special, which could be down to her apparent rocky relationship with the former child stars. Both Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, and a number of other cast members including Evanna Lynch, spoke out against Rowling following her hurtful comments towards the transgender community in 2020.
Executive producer of the 'Harry Potter' reunion, Casey Patterson, said: "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."
To be completely honest, we didn't think a reunion was on the cards. When HBO announced that Helen Mirren would be presenting a Potter-themed quiz show, 'Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses', it was presumed that this would be the only reference to the eight films we would be getting. Fortunately, this isn't so.
'Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts' will air on HBO Max in the US on January 1, 2022. An Irish release date is yet to be announced, but hopefully, Sky TV and NOW will air the special for us Potterheads.
All eight 'Harry Potter' films will be available on Sky TV and NOW this December for all your festive viewing.
