Watch the star-studded trailer for ‘Harry Potter’ HBO reunion special
The HBO special will see the return of Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint
By Jen Thomas
The first trailer for HBO’s anticipated Harry Potter special has arrived, prompting an outpouring of emotions from fans.
The new clip revealed cameos from the likes of Hagrid star Robbie Coltrane, Matthew Lewis – who played Neville Longbottom and Mark Williams, who portrayed Arthur Weasley.
However, author J.K. Rowling is notably absent from the teaser for HBO and Sky. While the official reason for her absence is yet to be confirmed, the author has faced criticism in recent years due to comments about transgender people.
The reunion has been put together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone being released in cinemas.
Stars of the series, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson will all appear in the special, which is set scheduled to air on New Years Day.
Many of the characters are seen receiving letters inviting them back to Hogwarts, as well as a front-page cover of The Daily Prophet calling alumni back to where it all began.
Platform 9 3/4 and the Hogwarts Express is also seen.
Many other much-loved members of the cast will also be appearing, including Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, and Evanna Lynch, and more.
As well as interviews with the cast, which will be going more in-depth than ever before, the anniversary reunion special will also include never-seen-before clips.
Die-hard Harry Potter fans are sharing their feelings on social media following the arrival of the trailer.
One tweeted: ‘This thing makes me both so excited and so emotional as well (I am going to cry), one of the most awaited things in history (at least in literary history).’
Another added: “Wow! This is so wonderful! I’m so so so excited to watch this beautiful reunion! Can’t wait! It’s going to be so awesome! Thank you for sharing this wonderful video, I love it!”
This fan agreed: ‘This is going to be the best way to celebrate the new year.’
More recently, Harry Potter & The Philosophers Stone director Chris Columbus admitted he would be interested in returning to the series to direct a film based on Broadway spinoff Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.
The filmmaker, who first directed the first film in the franchise in 2001, has reflected on the Harry Potter universe 20 years on and noted he’s ready to direct a screen version of the Broadway hit.
The story takes place 19 years after the events of ‘The Deathly Hallows’ and follows Harry and his younger son Albus Severus Potter, who is about to begin his time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.