Harry Potter reunion 2022: when is Return to Hogwarts on in the UK, trailer - and who is in the cast?

The special will celebrate 20 years since the first Harry Potter film hit the big screen in 2001

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Big news for fans of the wizarding world of Harry Potter - a brand new special celebrating 20 years of the boy wizard is coming out that will reunite the cast and crew of the iconic franchise, including the golden trio themselves, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.

This is everything you need to know about the 20th anniversary special - and when it’s set to be released in the UK.

What is Return to Hogwarts?

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Cast and crew from the legendary Harry Potter franchise are set to reunite for the first time for HBO’s Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special.

The special will tell the story of the behind the scenes of making the franchise, with brand new in-depth interviews with the cast and crew.

HBO has said that the special will invite fans “on a magical first-person journey through one of the most beloved film franchises of all time”.

The programme is set to honour the making of the films, as well as the famous Harry Potter studio tour in London, which is where the special will take place.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter opened in 2012 (Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter opened in 2012 (Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter opened in 2012 (Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
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Tom Ascheim, President, Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics, said: “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.

“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.”

Executive producer Casey Patterson added: “There’s magic in the air here with this incredible cast, as they all return home to the original sets of Hogwarts, where they began 20 years ago.

“The excitement is palpable as they prepare to take their fans on a very special and personal journey, through the making of these incredible films.”

Who will be in the special?

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The original Harry Potter trio are of course involved in the special - Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, best friend Ron Weasley, Rupert Grint, and brainiac Hermione Grainger, Emma Watson.

Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson attending the New York premiere of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson attending the New York premiere of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson attending the New York premiere of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

As well as golden trio, fans can expect to see Harry Potter alumni, including:

  • Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) 
  • Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid)
  • Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort)
  • Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy)
  • Gary Oldman (Sirius Black)
  • Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge)
  • Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy)
  • James (Fred Weasley) and Oliver (George Weasley) Phelps
  • Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley)
  • Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley)
  • Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas)
  • Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom)
  • Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)
  • Ian Hart (Professor Quirrell) 

As well as familiar faces from on-screen, the special will also see Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets director Chris Columbus get involved.

When will the special be released?

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will air in America on HBO Max on the first day of the new year, on 1 January 2022.

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When the special was first announced there wasn’t any news about a potential UK air date - however, that has now changed.

It’s been confirmed that Return to Hogwarts will stream exclusively on Sky, and will be available to watch on NowTV from the morning of Saturday 1 January 2022.

Where can I watch all eight Harry Potter films?

Unfortunately, none of the Harry Potter films are available to watch on Netflix or Disney Plus, two of the biggest streaming platforms around - but the good news is that they are available to watch elsewhere.

On the Sky Store, you can purchase or rent all the Harry Potter films individually, or you can buy the movie box set which includes all eight films for a special offer of £34.99.

The first Harry Potter film was released in 2001 (Photo: Warner Bros)The first Harry Potter film was released in 2001 (Photo: Warner Bros)
The first Harry Potter film was released in 2001 (Photo: Warner Bros)
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If you’re not a Sky customer, you can also buy or rent each Harry Potter film individually on the Google Play store, or, again, you can buy the eight-move box set, for a slightly higher price of £38.99.

Alternatively you can buy or rent each film individually on Amazon Prime Video, or, once again, you can purchase the eight-film collection for £34.99.

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