Pack your trunks and head to Platform ¾, because the reunion we’ve all been waiting for is finally happening!
HBO Max sent shockwaves through the wizarding world on Tuesday by announcing that Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are officially returning to Hogwarts. The original trio will headline a massive retrospective special, Harry Potter th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, set to premiere on Jan. , .
The announcement comes exactly years after the theatrical premiere of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and fans on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok are already reaching for the tissues as they process the news.
But Harry, Ron, and Hermione aren’t the only ones coming home. The guest list for the special reads like a “Who’s Who” of wizarding royalty.
Fans can expect to see Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Gary Oldman, and Imelda Staunton. Even the fan-favorite rival Tom Felton will be back to walk the hallowed halls of the original sets.
The reunion will also feature James and Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, and Evanna Lynch. Joining them is director Chris Columbus, who helped launch the global phenomenon two decades ago.
Shortly after the news broke, Emma Watson took to Instagram to share a heart-melting throwback photo of the trio from their childhood filming days. The post quickly went viral, racking up millions of likes within hours.
“Harry Potter was my home, my family, my world and Hermione (still is) my favorite fictional character of all time,” Watson wrote in a caption that left many fans misty-eyed.
She opened up about the unique bond the cast shared while growing up in the global spotlight. “I am proud not just of what we as a group contributed as actors to the franchise but also as the children that became young adults that walked that path,” she shared.
Watson didn’t forget the dedicated Potterheads who have kept the magic alive for twenty years, either. “Thank you for fighting to make it such an inclusive and loving place,” she added, before signing off with a cheeky, “Happy th Anniversary Potterheads!”
According to HBO Max, the special aims to tell an “enchanting making-of story” through brand-new, in-depth interviews and unprecedented cast conversations. The goal is to give fans a seat at the table as the stars reminisce about the decade they spent together.
Executive producer Casey Patterson says the “excitement is palpable” as the stars return to the iconic sets where it all began. “There’s magic in the air here with this incredible cast, as they all return home to the original sets of Hogwarts,” Patterson shared.
For those who can’t wait until New Year’s Day to start their rewatch, all eight original films are currently available to stream on HBO Max.
The special will also enjoy a broadcast run on TBS and Cartoon Network in Spring , leading up to the theatrical release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
It’s safe to say that for the fans who grew up waiting for their Hogwarts letter, the new year is already looking absolutely magical. Mischief managed!
Unexpected Team-Up: Prince William and Emma Watson Unite for Change
Prince William had plenty to celebrate this weekend, but his latest public appearance quickly turned heads for a very different reason. After marking his 44th birthday and Father's Day with his family, the future king returned to royal duties—and made a surprisingly personal confession about the emotional toll of climate change.
William joined Hollywood stars Emma Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch at a United for Wildlife forum in London, an initiative he launched with the Royal Foundation in 2013. The organization works around the world to combat wildlife trafficking, environmental crime, and the destruction of endangered species.
But it was William's candid admission about his own fears that stole the spotlight.
The Prince of Wales revealed that climate change has caused him "sleepless nights," admitting he has struggled with anxiety about what the future could look like. Yet instead of allowing those fears to overwhelm him, William said seeing real progress through conservation efforts has helped keep his environmental anxiety under control.
He also delivered a powerful message to business leaders, urging them to become the kind of leaders they admired when they were children. With technology and innovation transforming the world at an incredible pace, William challenged CEOs to use their influence to create meaningful change.
The event launched London Climate Action Week, with more royal appearances expected, including the Earthshot Prize assembly.
Emma Watson also delivered a surprising revelation of her own. The Harry Potter star highlighted the fashion industry's enormous environmental impact, pointing out that it produces more emissions than aviation and ranks behind only oil among major polluting industries.
Watson, who is also pursuing a doctorate in philosophy at Oxford, shared a hilarious story about mistakenly believing paparazzi were following her. After spotting photographers with telephoto lenses, she arranged a distraction and escaped through another exit. The twist? They weren't photographing her at all. They were waiting to capture a red kite.
Meanwhile, Benedict Cumberbatch praised William as "a great guy" and urged businesses and individuals to recognize that they can still make a difference, even when global environmental challenges appear overwhelming.
With William, Watson, and Cumberbatch joining forces on the issue, the London forum delivered a clear message: the fight against environmental destruction is becoming impossible for the world's biggest names to ignore.
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