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The stars of the Harry Potter movies, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson will be reunited for the TV special, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, celebrating the 2001 release of the first film in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
The special will premiere on HBO Max on New Year’s Day will see the beloved trio reunite with director Chris Columbus and other cast members from all eight Harry Potter films.
READ MORE | Ever wondered what Daniel Radcliffe did with his $100 million Harry Potter fortune?
"This retrospective is a tribute to everyone whose life was 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,” said Warner Bros' Tom Ascheim, president of the studio's Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics division.
Fans were delighted at the news of the reunion, saying it would be the best way to start 2022.
I’m crying you actually don’t even understand what Harry Potter means to me ?????? (fuck JKR tho) I cannot wait to watch this reunion !! https://t.co/7lK9tsD1nZ
— Dannie ?? 101 wins ?? (@Formaela19) November 16, 2021
Harry Potter creator JK Rowling, will not be featured in the special.
The author last year caused an uproar last year with transphobic comments which were slammed by the stars of the Harry Potter films.
Daniel said, “transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either [Rowling] or I.”
Rowling will only be shown in archival footage in the special, a source told People magazine.
READ MORE | JK Rowling defends her anti-trans tweets as Harry Potter stars condemn her comments
Fans are split on whether Rowling's exclusion is fair, given that she's the creator of the series, and they have been asking where the Harry Potter actors loyalties lie. Author John Boyne said if he was in the trio's shoes, he wouldn't have taken part in the special.
Rowling has yet to comment on the special, or her absence from it.
If I owed my entire career to 1 person, if I'd known her since I was 8, if I was worth $90m because of her, then not only would I defend her when maligned but I would refuse to take part in any reunion that excluded her.
— John Boyne ?? (@john_boyne) November 17, 2021
But that's just me. #JKRowling https://t.co/0ay5mhQ1FE
Sources: variety.com, news.sky.com, people.com, thetrevorproject.org
