‘Harry Potter’ 20th anniversary reunion trailer teases returning cast members
The invitation to the reunion we've all been waiting for has arrived!
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will debut on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2022 on HBO Max.
A new trailer for the retrospective special, featuring the cast reuniting as the film franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary, was released Monday (Dec. 6).
The invitation you've been waiting for has arrived. Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: #ReturnToHogwarts is coming to HBO Max on New Year's Day. pic.twitter.com/kttDL0QCOP
— HBO Max (@hbomax) December 6, 2021
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and many more members of the Harry Potter family are expected to take part in the special that will "celebrate the unparalleled legacy of the Harry Potter film franchise and its indelible impact on the hearts, minds, and imaginations of families and fans around the world.”
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, Ian Hart and filmmaker Chris Columbus are also set to to make an appearance.
The new trailer features quick shots of the Hogwarts clock tower, a special edition of The Daily Prophet with the headline: "Hogwarts welcomes back alumni" as well as a key character walking around Platform 9 ¾ towards the Hogwarts Express.
The trailer also teases returning cast members receiving invitations for the reunion including Robbie Coltrane, who portrays Hagrid, Matthew Lewis, known for his role as Neville Longbottom and Mark Williams, who plays Mr. Weasley.
Author and franchise creator J.K. Rowling, whose negative statements regarding the transgender community in recent years have stirred controversy among fans and Harry Potter alums, is not part of the lineup so far.
“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,” executive producer Casey Patterson said following the first teaser released in November.
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will “tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new, in-depth interviews and cast conversations,” HBO Max previously said in a statement.
All eight films from the Harry Potter collection are currently streaming on HBO Max as well as HBO GO in the Philippines. The four-part competition event Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses also recently dropped on HBO GO on Nov. 29.
Fans and Potterheads can also check out Harry Potter's 20th-anniversary hub on Wizarding World's official website as they await the reunion special on New Year's Day.
Earlier this year, the first-ever Harry Potter flagship store finally opened its doors in New York City.
An all-new immersive exhibition celebrating the world of Harry Potter will also be heading to different cities around the world next year.
The museum-like traveling exhibit, which will feature a behind-the-scenes look at the Wizarding World from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, is expected to go on a worldwide tour in 2022.