The walk down memory lane will premiere on New Years Day, bringing together beloved faces from across the original Harry Potter landscape. However, the biggest treat is having them all gather and return to the original Harry Potter sets, where they’ll reflect on the process behind the film’s maturation and the imprint their work has left behind. The franchise has been able to withstand the test of time while presenting new and exciting avenues for younger fans to experience the magic of the Wizarding World and all it has to offer. Fans have already been given an abundant amount of glimpses into the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special, but this new featurette will only serve to build anticipation even more.
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The new footage unveils new snippets from the interviews as the cast looks back on their incredible time together. For many, such as Rupert Grint, this will be the first time most of the cast has been in the same space since the magical adventure ended. The joy of reliving the experience is evident in the way they talk about what the franchise has meant to them and the connected bond it has formed within their life-long friendships. The childlike amazement is visible within each of their eyes, and as Rupert stated in his snippet, " it’s the perfect time to sit down with everyone and reminisce."
Seeing so many familiar faces return is incredible, highlighting just how beloved this franchise was and still is. The fans were not the only ones provided the privilege of basking in the experience, but the characters themselves did as they helped bring the adored world to life. As a result, the cast can celebrate and connect while equally providing audiences with the same level of connection. What will be intriguing will undoubtedly be the return of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who practically grew up on the set over the years. Many star-studded veterans, such as Gary Oldman, met them as children while filming and watched them mature, not only as actors but as individuals within their unique way. The memories of working on the set flood back for many of them, and will make their recollection of events truly meaningful.
There were a few notable absences from the featurette, but one that will catch the eye is the absence of Alan Rickman, who played Professor Severus Snape throughout all eight Harry Potter films. The actor, unfortunately, passed away at the age of 69 in January of 2016, which produced heartbreak within fans of the beloved actor and those that were fortunate enough to work beside him. The trip down memory lane will include several joyful moments for the cast, but an acknowledgment of those that have passed is something audiences are sure to appreciate. Rickman’s role played a significant part in the Harry Potter journey, but his connection with co-stars behind the scenes is a story only they can tell.
While Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint carry the most weight, the trailer hints that many of the notable stars will have their own moment to reflect on what the journey has meant to them. The special will give audiences insight into several behind-the-scenes stories and provide an exploration into how they made the filming set a home of their own. Reunion specials have become a staple on HBO Max, starting with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and transitioning onto Friends. Harry Potter is now the next revisitation into a memorable past.
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will premiere on New Years Day on HBO Max.
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Source: HBO Max|YouTube
