Harry Potter Teaser Promises Reunion of Original Cast--But Not The Author
New Years Day Special celebrates 20 years of the film franchise based on the books
With the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film upon us, HBO Max's Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts on January 1, 2022 reunites Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint with director Chris Columbus.
Featuring new interviews, conversations and more, the special celebrates 20 years of the film franchise based on the book series from J.K. Rowling.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the focus of the special will be on the films--not the books. THR confirmed that author Rowling will not make a new appearance in the special, but will appear in the special in archival footage.
“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," says Tom Ascheim, Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics President. "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."
After airing on HBO Max on Jan. 1, 2022, the special will also arrive on TBS and Cartoon Network in the spring ahead of the theatrical release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
THR reports that Columbus is eager for the opportunity to direct a film adaptation of Broadway production the Cursed Child, which revisits the young characters as adults.
“A version of Cursed Child with Dan, Rupert and Emma at the right age, it’s cinematic bliss. To able to actually see these adult actors now back in these roles? Oh, yeah. It would be amazingly fun to make that film — or two films.”
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ABOUT HARRY POTTER
The Harry Potter series is comprised of seven fantasy novels by British author J. K. Rowling. The stories detail the adventures of young wizard Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. They are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The main story arc concerns Harry's struggle against a dark wizard named Lord Voldemort, who intends to become immortal, overthrow the wizard governing body known as the Ministry of Magic, and subjugate all wizards and Muggles (non-magical people).
Harry Potter complete book series
Harry Potter and the…
Philosopher's Stone (1997)
Chamber of Secrets (1998)
Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
Goblet of Fire (2000)
Order of the Phoenix (2003)
Half-Blood Prince (2005)
Deathly Hallows (2007)
The best-selling book series in history, the Harry Potter books have sold more than 500 million copies worldwide, and been translated into eighty languages. The last four books set consecutive records as the fastest-selling books in history, with the final instalment selling some eleven million copies in the U.S. within 24 hours of its release.
A play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, based on a story co-written by Rowling, premiered in London on 30 July 2016,
The original seven books were adapted into eight movies, now the third highest-grossing film series of all time. In 2016, the total value of the Harry Potter franchise was estimated at $25 billion, making Harry Potter one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
The Harry Potter franchise has expanded to include a travelling exhibition that premiered in Chicago in 2009; a studio tour in London that opened in 2012; a digital platform where J. K. Rowling updates the series with new information; and a series of spin-off films thst kicked off with 2016's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Most recently, themed attractions, collectively known as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, have been built at several amusement parks around the world.
