A newly released image shows ten original stars from the Harry Potter franchise gathered for the upcoming reunion. The reunion, which will debut on HBO Max on New Year’s Day, commemorates the 20th anniversary since the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. A whole host of cast mates from all eight of the original films are scheduled to make an appearance, most notably the leading trio, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.
Among the other stars set to feature in the special are Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, and Evanna Lynch. Chris Columbus, the director of the first two Harry Potter films (The Sorcerer's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets) is also due to appear. Perhaps the person set to be the most noticeably absent is series creator J.K. Rowling, whose controversial comments on trans issues is are largely considered to be the reason for her exemption.
Now, a newly released promotional image from HBO Max has provided a sneak peek at ten of the reunited cast members. Gathered in the festively decorated Great Hall, the image features a group of some of Hogwarts’ most easily recognizable students, led by Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint. Also ignoring the on-screen divide between Slytherin and Gryffindor is Tom Felton, known as Harry Potter’s iconic school rival, Draco Malfoy. He is joined by the Weasley twins, played by James and Oliver Phelps, and Ravenclaw’s Luna Lovegood, played by Evanna Lynch. Opposite them are the full-grown stars behind Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis), Dean Thomas (Alfred Enoch), and Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright). Check out the image below:
The teaser image comes as fans await the release of a recently promised trailer for the Return to Hogwarts reunion special. Suspense around the internationally popular franchise is at an all-time high after the release of a new trailer for Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, which provided the first look at Mads Mikkelsen as the new face of Grindelwald. Also setting fans at the edge of their seats is the upcoming finale of the Harry Potter trivia show, Hogwarts Tournament of Houses, hosted by Helen Mirren.
Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding Rowling, it seems the universe of Harry Potter is determined to go on feeding fans' appetites for magic. By distancing itself from the author, Warner Bros. is perhaps hoping to create a special which is free from any shadow of negativity, allowing fans to reflect with fondness, upon a series which many people grew up with. Whether Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts will deliver on expectations of nostalgia and behind-the-scenes tidbits, audiences will have to wait until January 1 to find out.
Source: HBO Max
