‘Return to Hogwarts’ Review– Go Behind the Scenes 20 Year Later
Harry Potter fans join the cast and crew of the films on New Years’ day. Lots of magic and nostalgia– here’s our Return to Hogwarts review.
It’s been 20 years since the premiere of Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone (or the Sorcerer’s Stone to American audiences.) For those of us who grew up on the property’s books and films, Harry Potter still holds a special place in our hearts. Thanks to HBO Max, stars of the films return to share behind-the-scenes stories and feelings in Return to Hogwarts.
Who attended Return to Hogwarts?
Of course, the main draw of the event was the return of the films’ young stars. Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Tom Felton are the main feature. The three main actors, young children at the time of their casting, reflect on their experiences on set with one another and the exemplary cast of performers who shared the screen with them.
Other Hogwarts students to return included Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), James & Oliver Phelps (the Weasley twins), and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley). Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) also joined the cast to share their memories.
The returning adult stars Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley), and Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) appear in the reunion as well. We also get stories from actors Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), and Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort).
Who Was Missing?
The author of the prolific Harry Potter series J.K. Rowling did not attend the event. While it hasn’t been confirmed, many speculate that she wasn’t included due to several transphobic comments she’s made over the years. She does, however, appear in some archived footage about the films’ casting process.
Julie Walters, whose stunning performance as Molly Weasley made her everyone’s dream mother, also did not attend. She has spoken The Times about the physical toll acting has taken on her and her bowel cancer diagnosis (now in remission). She is spoken of very fondly, of course. Other stars in attendance attest to her Weasley-like persona behind the scenes.
It’s unknown why Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore) and Dame Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall) didn’t attend the event. The same goes for The Batman star Robert Pattison, who played the ill-fated Triwizard champion Cedrick Diggory.
Return to Hogwarts Highlights
Return to Hogwarts Review: It’s a Kind of Magic
