HBO Max has released the first glimpse at the golden trio from the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special, giving Potterheads a look at their reunion! The event celebrates 20 years of the franchise's first film — Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone — and features special appearances from over 30 cast members!
In a newly released photo, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who played Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley in the eight-part film franchise, are seated in the Gryffindor house common room. The group is seen sharing laughs and reminiscing about a time gone by.
Daniel, Emma, And Rupert Meet Again
All aboard the Hogwarts Express! In the photo shared, the trio is pictured spending time at the common room they once called home at Hogwarts. It's an emotional moment for fans to see the stars retrace their steps and come back to where it all began.
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will see the return of major stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, as well as other cast and crew members across all eight films. From director Chris Columbus who helmed the first two films of the franchise to actors Gary Oldman, Robbie Coltrane, and James and Oliver Phelps, who played fan-favorite characters Sirius Black, Rubeus Hagrid, and Fred and George Weasley.
A plethora of other actors, including Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), will also join the golden trio.
Author J.K. Rowling, who wrote the bestselling series of fantasy novels, will not be attending the anticipated event. When the HBO Max special was announced, the British author's name was missing from the star-studded list of appearances, and it was later confirmed she would not join.
Rowling has made transphobic comments in the past that sparked anger within Harry Potter fans, who have always believed the wizarding world to be an inclusive place. The Hollywood Reporter reported that the author will be "featured in archival footage."
Per HBO, the special "will tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new in-depth interviews and cast conversations, inviting fans on a magical first-person journey through one of the most beloved film franchises of all time."
It will premiere on HBO Max on January 1, 2022.
