It’s been 20 years since the wonderful world of Harry Potter debuted on the silver screen. On November 14, 2001, J.K. Rowling’s world-famous novels were adapted into primetime films, and the first film of the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, premiered. This widely-anticipated release marked the beginning of an era. An entire generation of children and adults alike spent the greater part of the 2000s decade enthralled by the creations of J.K. Rowling. Lovably charming characters, surprisingly fantastical settings, and unbelievably incredible plots combined beautifully to form the 8-film-series that the entire world has come to know and love. 

The seven following films kept audiences on the edge of their seats for the next 10 years, as Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011) marked the end to the decade of Potter. Fans of both the movies and books wept in soft, soft disappointment, as the movies showed no promise of return, and Rowling confirmed that the series finale was in fact final. While the main cast members have been questioned for the last decade regarding a reunion, their responses have reigned supremely negative, and fans have been disheartened with the promise of no Harry Potter reunion.

That all changed, however, on November 16, when HBO Max, the popular streaming service, announced that they would be producing and premiering a Harry Potter reunion, set to be released on January 1, 2022. Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts shook the world with its announcement, and fans rejoiced, quickly followed by immense celebration. “I couldn’t believe it” exclaimed Alexandra Herrada (11), an avid fan of the films. “These characters are like my family,” recalled Nicole Phillips (12). “It’s a franchise that I’ve come to love over the course of my life” she continued.

This Harry Potter reunion is nothing short of widely anticipated. Unexpected yet greatly appreciated, this special is predicted to receive mass global acclaim. This special was directed by Chris Columbus, the previous director of both the first and second films, and according to a statement from HBO Max, it will “tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new, in-depth interviews and cast conversations” (hbomax.com). Never-before-seen footage is promised to make an appearance, and fans throughout the world await its release in gleeful anticipation.

The three main protagonists, Harry, Hermoine, and Ron, will be making a reappearance in the special, played by the respective actors Danielle Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. Dozens of other fan favorites are set to appear, as the IMBD page for the special includes “Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)” (IMBD.com). This is just the beginning, however, as the HBO statement confirmed that “many more” of the classic characters would appear. 

Harry Potter is such a beloved franchise throughout the world, and fans were upsettingly desolate after the series’ conclusion. Readers and watchers, old and young alike, have enjoyed the series for the past 20 years and are in much anticipation regarding the reunion special. Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts will be a popular and enjoyed event throughout the world, and the one-time, 20-years-later reunion is sure to be a treat.