As the Harry Potter film franchise celebrates it's 20th year since the first movie was released, the cast members are set to reunite and return to Hogwarts, for the first time ever, in a one-off TV special, named "Harry Potter 20 th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts."
The cast includes the stars of the show, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played wizarding trio, Harry, Hermione and Ron. They have not been seen together since the last premiere of the franchise, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2, in July 2011.
The special show will premier on screens on January 1, 2022, on HBO Max, but will also later debut on TBS and Cartoon Network in spring 2022.
READ MORE: Harry Potter turns 20 as fans across Merseyside celebrate the magic
Other iconic cast members who will be at the reunion include Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton and more.
Actors from across all eight of the Harry Potter films will be making an appearance, as they join filmmaker Chris Columbus, telling an enchanting making-of story through all-new in-depth interviews and cast conversations.
Tom Ascheim, President, Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics, said: "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."
He added: "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, executive producer, 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."
Emma Watson gave a nod to the reunion and to celebrating the past 20 years in an Instagram post.
She shared: " Harry Potter was my home, my family, my world and Hermione (still is) my favorite fictional character of all time. I think a journalist once said it was irritating how many times during an interview I mentioned how lucky I was and started counting… BUT I DAMN WELL KNEW!!! And still know."
She added: "I am proud not just of what we as group contributed as actors to the franchise but also as the children that became young adults that walked that path. I look at my fellow cast members now and I am just so proud of who everyone has become as people. I am proud we were kind to each other that we supported one another and that we held up something meaningful.
"Thank you to the fans that have continued to show their support well after the last chapter closed. The magic of the world wouldn’t exist without you. Thank you for fighting to make it such an inclusive and loving place.
"I still miss the crew who made these films all the time. Thank you for all of your hard work too - I know your contributions sometimes get overlooked.
"Happy 20th Anniversary Potterheads! We hope you enjoy the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts which will stream New Year’s day, Jan. 1 on HBO Max. Lots to look forward to."
Alongside the caption, she shared two throwback images of her and her cast members outside the legendary Hogwarts wizarding school.
Fans went wild at the news, and shared their comments.
One user said: "Starting off 2022 in the best way possible!!"
Manasa said: "I can't wait to see Daniel , you and Rupert on the same stage. My whole childhood would be reunited. Thank you so much for agreeing to do this."
Sylvia said: "This new made my day, my month… MY YEAR! So excited for this."
The post was liked almost 5.5million times, showing just how loved the Harry Potter franchise is.
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