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Tag: JK Rowling

  • Literary Success Story: From Wizardry To Wordcraft, JK Rowling’s Magical Journey To Literary Triumph | world news

    New Delhi: JK Rowling’s life reads like a fantastical tale itself. A single mother on welfare, battling personal tragedy and rejection, she conjured a boy wizard named Harry Potter, who not only conquered evil but also conquered Rowling’s own hardships. This is the story of an author who spun gold from adversity, weaving a literary empire that captivated millions and forever changed the landscape of children’s fiction.

    From Train Delays to Magical Beginnings:

    It all began on a delayed train in 1990. Stuck in transit, a 25-year-old Rowling, mourning the loss of her mother, dreamed up a young boy receiving his Hogwarts letter. This seed of an idea would blossom into the first Harry Potter manuscript, written amidst poverty and personal struggles. Despite facing 12 rejections, Rowling refused to let her story vanish.

    Bloomsbury Blossoms and Boy Wizard Booms:

    Finally, in 1997, a small British publisher named Bloomsbury took a chance on Harry Potter. The rest, as they say, is magical history. “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was an instant success, capturing hearts and awards alike. Book after book followed, each a global phenomenon, with Rowling’s meticulous world-building and relatable characters enchanting readers of all ages.

    Beyond Hogwarts: A Literary Legacy:

    The Harry Potter series, translated into over 80 languages, sold over 500 million copies, becoming the best-selling book series in history. It spawned eight successful films, theme parks, and countless merchandise, propelling Rowling to unprecedented literary and financial success.

    But Rowling’s impact extends far beyond commercial triumph. She became a beacon of hope for aspiring writers and a champion for social causes, establishing her own charity, Lumos, to help disadvantaged children.

    A Story of Triumph and Tenacity:

    JK Rowling’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. It’s a story of defying doubters, embracing imagination, and weaving hope into words. Rowling’s legacy is not just the Boy Who Lived, but the inspiration she sparked in millions – a reminder that even the darkest chapters can lead to the most magical beginnings.

  • Daniel Radcliffe says it is “important” to speak out against JK Rowling’s views on transgender community

    By Express News Service

    By now, it is well known that writer JK Rowling has strongly established her conservative thoughts on the transgender community and has been branded as TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist).

    At times when the author is receiving backlash for her opinions, actor Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Rowling’s character ‘Harry Potter,’ in the film franchise, has said that it is “really important” that he spoke for the transgender community.

    The actor had previously published an open letter stating that “Transgender women are women”.

    The actor, in an interview with IndieWire, spoke about how he decided to voice his opinions against Rowling. “The reason I felt very, very much as though I needed to say something when I did was that, particularly since finishing ‘Potter,’ I’ve met so many queer and trans kids and young people who had a huge amount of identification with Potter on that. And so seeing them hurt on that day I was like, I wanted them to know that not everybody in the franchise felt that way. And that was really important,” the actor said to IndieWire.

    Daniel had published an open letter in June 2020, extending his support to the transgender community. He wrote the letter on The Trevor Project’s website, a non-profit organization that caters to the LGBTQ community and suicide prevention among them. Daniel had written in his letter, “It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm.”

    “It was really important as I’ve worked with the Trevor Project for more than 10 years, and so I don’t think I would’ve been able to look myself in the mirror had I not said anything,” Radcliffe added. “But it’s not mine to guess what’s going on in someone else’s head,” the actor had further written.

    Rowling’s unpopular opinion erupted into controversy in June 2020, when she tweeted and argued that discussions pertaining to gender identity negates biological sex.

    “If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives,” Rowling had written.

    However, the Harry Potter star expressed his difference of opinion on the subject matter. “Transgender women are women,” Radcliffe wrote in his open letter. “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 Jo or I.”

    “To all the people who now feel that their experience of the [Harry Potter] books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you,” he added.

    Daniel is not the only Harry Potter actor to voice his opinion against Rowling’s opinions. Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the films, had said to The Independent, “I’m pro-choice, pro-discussion, pro-human rights across the board, and pro-love. And anything that is not those things, I don’t really have much time for.”

    (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express)

    By now, it is well known that writer JK Rowling has strongly established her conservative thoughts on the transgender community and has been branded as TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist).

    At times when the author is receiving backlash for her opinions, actor Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Rowling’s character ‘Harry Potter,’ in the film franchise, has said that it is “really important” that he spoke for the transgender community.

    The actor had previously published an open letter stating that “Transgender women are women”.

    The actor, in an interview with IndieWire, spoke about how he decided to voice his opinions against Rowling. “The reason I felt very, very much as though I needed to say something when I did was that, particularly since finishing ‘Potter,’ I’ve met so many queer and trans kids and young people who had a huge amount of identification with Potter on that. And so seeing them hurt on that day I was like, I wanted them to know that not everybody in the franchise felt that way. And that was really important,” the actor said to IndieWire.

    Daniel had published an open letter in June 2020, extending his support to the transgender community. He wrote the letter on The Trevor Project’s website, a non-profit organization that caters to the LGBTQ community and suicide prevention among them. Daniel had written in his letter, “It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm.”

    “It was really important as I’ve worked with the Trevor Project for more than 10 years, and so I don’t think I would’ve been able to look myself in the mirror had I not said anything,” Radcliffe added. “But it’s not mine to guess what’s going on in someone else’s head,” the actor had further written.

    Rowling’s unpopular opinion erupted into controversy in June 2020, when she tweeted and argued that discussions pertaining to gender identity negates biological sex.

    “If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives,” Rowling had written.

    However, the Harry Potter star expressed his difference of opinion on the subject matter. “Transgender women are women,” Radcliffe wrote in his open letter. “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 Jo or I.”

    “To all the people who now feel that their experience of the [Harry Potter] books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you,” he added.

    Daniel is not the only Harry Potter actor to voice his opinion against Rowling’s opinions. Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the films, had said to The Independent, “I’m pro-choice, pro-discussion, pro-human rights across the board, and pro-love. And anything that is not those things, I don’t really have much time for.”

    (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express)

  • Graham Norton takes down Twitter account after JK Rowling criticises his comments on trans rights

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Soon after ‘Harry Potter’ author JK Rowling criticized Graham Norton over his comments about transgender people made in a recent interview, the Irish actor and host left Twitter.

    According to Deadline, the row started after Norton was commended by singer-songwriter Billy Bragg for his position on trans rights made at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

    Rowling, who has often clashed with trans activists on social media, told Bragg he was “supporting rape and death threats” by backing Norton, who appeared to have actually said very little to spark the controversy.

    When questioned on Rowling’s position on trans rights, Norton had said: “When I’m asked about it, I become a part of it. My voice adds nothing to that discussion and I’m sort of embarrassed that I’m somehow drawn into it.

    “If people want to shine a light on those issues then talk to trans people. Talk to the parents of trans kids, talk to doctors, talk to scientists. Talk to someone who can illuminate it in some way,” he added.

    The comments were part of an answer to an initial question about ‘Monty Python’ star John Cleese, who often criticizes what he sees as cancel culture.

    Norton said so-called ‘cancel culture’ was another phrase for ‘accountability’ facing celebrities over their words.

    However, in criticizing Bragg, Rowling wrote: “Enjoying the recent spate of bearded men stepping confidently onto their soapboxes to define what a woman is and throw their support behind rape and death threats. You may mock, but takes real bravery to come out as an Old Testament prophet.”

    Neither Norton nor Bragg had referenced rape or death threats in their statements and following Rowling’s tweet, Norton has since deleted his @grahnort account.

    WASHINGTON: Soon after ‘Harry Potter’ author JK Rowling criticized Graham Norton over his comments about transgender people made in a recent interview, the Irish actor and host left Twitter.

    According to Deadline, the row started after Norton was commended by singer-songwriter Billy Bragg for his position on trans rights made at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

    Rowling, who has often clashed with trans activists on social media, told Bragg he was “supporting rape and death threats” by backing Norton, who appeared to have actually said very little to spark the controversy.

    When questioned on Rowling’s position on trans rights, Norton had said: “When I’m asked about it, I become a part of it. My voice adds nothing to that discussion and I’m sort of embarrassed that I’m somehow drawn into it.

    “If people want to shine a light on those issues then talk to trans people. Talk to the parents of trans kids, talk to doctors, talk to scientists. Talk to someone who can illuminate it in some way,” he added.

    The comments were part of an answer to an initial question about ‘Monty Python’ star John Cleese, who often criticizes what he sees as cancel culture.

    Norton said so-called ‘cancel culture’ was another phrase for ‘accountability’ facing celebrities over their words.

    However, in criticizing Bragg, Rowling wrote: “Enjoying the recent spate of bearded men stepping confidently onto their soapboxes to define what a woman is and throw their support behind rape and death threats. You may mock, but takes real bravery to come out as an Old Testament prophet.”

    Neither Norton nor Bragg had referenced rape or death threats in their statements and following Rowling’s tweet, Norton has since deleted his @grahnort account.

  • Sylvester Stallone to Daniel Craig, Hollywood celebs mourn demise of Queen Elizabeth II

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Hollywood celebrities, mourned the demise of the longest-serving monarch of the UK, Queen Elizabeth II on social media.

    Actor Daniel Craig in his statement, wrote, “I, like so many, was deeply saddened by the news today and my thoughts are with The Royal Family, those she loved and all those who loved her. She leaves an incomparable legacy and will be profoundly missed,”, fox news reported.

    I think Queen Elizabeth had a great sense of humour and she was a good sport. She proved this when she made her grand entrance to the London 2012 Olympics alongside Daniel Craig as James Bond.This was absolutely magnificent.#RIPQueenElizabeth #QueenElizabeth #JamesBond pic.twitter.com/T9gKTcQzdU
    — The Sting (@TSting18) September 8, 2022
    British singer, Elton John took to his Instagram and shared a long post which reads,” Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing. She was an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and genuine caring warmth. Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”

    Actor Helen Mirren stated, “I’m mourning along with the rest of my country, the passing of a great Queen. I’m proud to call myself of the Elizabethan age. If there was a definition of nobility, Elizabeth Windsor embodied it,” as per fox news.

    English singer Ozzy Osbourne took to his Instagram account and shared a post which he captioned, “I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen. With a heavy heart, I say it’s devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II.”

    The ‘Harry Potter’ author JK Rowling wrote on her Twitter account, “Some may find the outpouring of British shock and grief at this moment quaint or odd, but millions felt affection and respect for the woman who uncomplainingly filled her constitutional role for seventy years. Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives. She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She’s earned her rest. #TheQueen.”

    Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives. She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She’s earned her rest. #TheQueen
    — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 8, 2022
    British singer Mick Jagger shared a post on Instagram and wrote, “For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there. In my childhood, I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much-beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the Royal family.”

    The ‘Rocky’ actor Sylvester Stallone shared a post and wrote, “May this GREAT QUEEN , Rest in Peace. The world will never see the likes of her again…”

    Fashion designer Victoria Beckham mourned the loss of Queen Elizabeth II and wrote, “Today is a very sad day not just for our country but for the entire world. I’m deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Monarch, Her Majesty The Queen. She will be remembered for her steadfast loyalty and service and my thoughts are with the royal family at this incredibly sad time.”

    Queen Elizabeth II, died peacefully at Balmoral castle aged 96, the royal family said in a statement. The UK’s longest-reigning monarch was placed under medical supervision earlier on Thursday after her condition deteriorated.

    Buckingham Palace issued a statement while referring to the Prince of Wales, Charles as the King.

    “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” the statement said. 

    A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher
    — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

    WASHINGTON: Hollywood celebrities, mourned the demise of the longest-serving monarch of the UK, Queen Elizabeth II on social media.

    Actor Daniel Craig in his statement, wrote, “I, like so many, was deeply saddened by the news today and my thoughts are with The Royal Family, those she loved and all those who loved her. She leaves an incomparable legacy and will be profoundly missed,”, fox news reported.

    I think Queen Elizabeth had a great sense of humour and she was a good sport. She proved this when she made her grand entrance to the London 2012 Olympics alongside Daniel Craig as James Bond.
    This was absolutely magnificent.#RIPQueenElizabeth #QueenElizabeth #JamesBond pic.twitter.com/T9gKTcQzdU
    — The Sting (@TSting18) September 8, 2022
    British singer, Elton John took to his Instagram and shared a long post which reads,” Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing. She was an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and genuine caring warmth. Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”

    Actor Helen Mirren stated, “I’m mourning along with the rest of my country, the passing of a great Queen. I’m proud to call myself of the Elizabethan age. If there was a definition of nobility, Elizabeth Windsor embodied it,” as per fox news.

    English singer Ozzy Osbourne took to his Instagram account and shared a post which he captioned, “I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen. With a heavy heart, I say it’s devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II.”

    The ‘Harry Potter’ author JK Rowling wrote on her Twitter account, “Some may find the outpouring of British shock and grief at this moment quaint or odd, but millions felt affection and respect for the woman who uncomplainingly filled her constitutional role for seventy years. Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives. She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She’s earned her rest. #TheQueen.”

    Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives. She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She’s earned her rest. #TheQueen
    — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 8, 2022
    British singer Mick Jagger shared a post on Instagram and wrote, “For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there. In my childhood, I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much-beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the Royal family.”

    The ‘Rocky’ actor Sylvester Stallone shared a post and wrote, “May this GREAT QUEEN , Rest in Peace. The world will never see the likes of her again…”

    Fashion designer Victoria Beckham mourned the loss of Queen Elizabeth II and wrote, “Today is a very sad day not just for our country but for the entire world. I’m deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Monarch, Her Majesty The Queen. She will be remembered for her steadfast loyalty and service and my thoughts are with the royal family at this incredibly sad time.”

    Queen Elizabeth II, died peacefully at Balmoral castle aged 96, the royal family said in a statement. The UK’s longest-reigning monarch was placed under medical supervision earlier on Thursday after her condition deteriorated.

    Buckingham Palace issued a statement while referring to the Prince of Wales, Charles as the King.

    “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” the statement said. 

    A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher
    — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

  • JK Rowling slams Putin defending her against ‘cancel culture’

    By ANI

    LONDON: British author JK Rowling has slammed Vladimir Putin after the Russian President made a reference, mentioning her in his latest speech.

    As per Variety, Putin had stated on Friday that his country was being “cancelled” by Western culture, similar to how Rowling has faced criticism for her controversial anti-trans comments.

    “They cancelled [J.K.] Rowling recently, the children’s author. Her books are published all over the world, [but they cancelled her] just because she didn’t satisfy the demands of gender rights,” Putin had said.

    Responding to this comparison on Twitter, the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise author wrote, “Critiques of Western cancel culture are possibly not best made by those currently slaughtering civilians for the crime of resistance, or who jail and poison their critics,” followed by ‘I Stand With Ukraine’ hashtag. Putin had further also likened “cancel culture” to Nazis trying to burn books in the 1930s.

    “We remember the footage when they were burning books. It is impossible to imagine such a thing in our country and we are insured against this thanks to our culture. And it’s inseparable for us from our motherland, from Russia, where there is no place for ethnic intolerance, where for centuries representatives from dozens of ethnic groups have been living together,” he said.

    For several years now, Rowling has been surrounded by controversy due to her gender beliefs and a series of anti-transgender tweets posted in 2020. At the time the author had argued that discussing gender identity negates biological sex.

    As per Variety, most recently, Rowling generated backlash for opposing a reform bill in Scotland that would make it easier for transgender people to legally change their gender. 

  • JK Rowling slams Vladimir Putin defending her against ‘cancel culture’

    By ANI

    LONDON: British author JK Rowling has slammed Vladimir Putin after the Russian President made a reference, mentioning her in his latest speech.

    As per Variety, Putin had stated on Friday that his country was being “cancelled” by Western culture, similar to how Rowling has faced criticism for her controversial anti-trans comments.

    “They cancelled [J.K.] Rowling recently, the children’s author. Her books are published all over the world, [but they cancelled her] just because she didn’t satisfy the demands of gender rights,” Putin had said.

    Responding to this comparison on Twitter, the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise author wrote, “Critiques of Western cancel culture are possibly not best made by those currently slaughtering civilians for the crime of resistance, or who jail and poison their critics,” followed by ‘I Stand With Ukraine’ hashtag. Putin had further also likened “cancel culture” to Nazis trying to burn books in the 1930s.

    “We remember the footage when they were burning books. It is impossible to imagine such a thing in our country and we are insured against this thanks to our culture. And it’s inseparable for us from our motherland, from Russia, where there is no place for ethnic intolerance, where for centuries representatives from dozens of ethnic groups have been living together,” he said.

    For several years now, Rowling has been surrounded by controversy due to her gender beliefs and a series of anti-transgender tweets posted in 2020. At the time the author had argued that discussing gender identity negates biological sex.

    As per Variety, most recently, Rowling generated backlash for opposing a reform bill in Scotland that would make it easier for transgender people to legally change their gender. 

  • Rupert Grint compares JK Rowling to ‘aunt I don’t agree with’

    By IANS

    LONDON: ‘Harry Potter’ star Rupert Grint has spoken about the relationship he shares with author JK Rowling, who wrote the stories that helped propel him to fame.Chatting with The Sunday Times, the 33-year-old actor said: “I liken JK Rowling to an auntie. I don’t necessarily agree with everything my auntie says, but she’s still my auntie. It’s a tricky one.”Grint is likely referring to some of the tweets that Rowling has put out, as well as others she has retweeted and liked, that trans rights activists say hurt their cause and in turn, the lives of those who are trans, reports femalefirst.co.uk.The author had previously tweeted: “If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives.”Grint had spoken out in support of the trans community back in 2020, issuing a statement to Us Weekly that said: “I firmly stand with the trans community. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.”He added, during a 2021 interview with Esquire: “I felt like I had to (speak) because I think it was important to,” nothing that the trans community are “a valuable group that I think needs standing up for”.Rowling has been in the news for what some would describe as all the wrong reasons, as of late. She didn’t take part in any new filming for the ‘Return to Hogwarts’ anniversary special, leading to many jumping to the conclusion that it was her stance on trans rights that led to that decision.Despite this, Rowling did indeed feature on the show in footage that was filmed a few years prior, lending commentary to some of the magic that went on behind the scenes of the Potter franchise.

  • Rupert Grint compares JK Rowling to ‘aunt I don’t agree with’

    By IANS

    LONDON: ‘Harry Potter’ star Rupert Grint has spoken about the relationship he shares with author JK Rowling, who wrote the stories that helped propel him to fame.Chatting with The Sunday Times, the 33-year-old actor said: “I liken JK Rowling to an auntie. I don’t necessarily agree with everything my auntie says, but she’s still my auntie. It’s a tricky one.”Grint is likely referring to some of the tweets that Rowling has put out, as well as others she has retweeted and liked, that trans rights activists say hurt their cause and in turn, the lives of those who are trans, reports femalefirst.co.uk.The author had previously tweeted: “If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives.”Grint had spoken out in support of the trans community back in 2020, issuing a statement to Us Weekly that said: “I firmly stand with the trans community. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.”He added, during a 2021 interview with Esquire: “I felt like I had to (speak) because I think it was important to,” nothing that the trans community are “a valuable group that I think needs standing up for”.Rowling has been in the news for what some would describe as all the wrong reasons, as of late. She didn’t take part in any new filming for the ‘Return to Hogwarts’ anniversary special, leading to many jumping to the conclusion that it was her stance on trans rights that led to that decision.Despite this, Rowling did indeed feature on the show in footage that was filmed a few years prior, lending commentary to some of the magic that went on behind the scenes of the Potter franchise.

  • HBO Max sets ‘Harry Potter’ reunion with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and more

    By PTI

     LOS ANGELES: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, the leading trio of the “Harry Potter” film franchise are teaming up with Chris Columbus and other cast members for a retrospective special on HBO Max to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their first film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”.

    According to Variety, “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts” will premiere on the WarnerMedia-owned streaming platform on January 1, 2022.

    Based on J K Rowling’s first novel in the seven-book series, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” was released in theatres on November 16, 2001.

    Also called “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, the film follows Harry’s (Radcliffe) first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as he discovers that he is a famous wizard and begins his formal wizarding education.

    Grint and Watson starred as Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry’s housemates who go on to become his best friends.

    The feature will “tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new, in-depth interviews and cast conversations”, according to HBO Max.

    The reunion special will also feature other cast members from all eight “Harry Potter” films 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 Phelps (Fred Weasley), Oliver Phelps (George Weasley), Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas), Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Ian Hart (Professor Quirrell).

    Tom Ascheim, president of Warner Bros Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics, said the 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,” Ascheim added.

    Casey Patterson, who serves as executive producer on the special for Casey Patterson Entertainment along with Pulse Films, said 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 two decades 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,” Patterson said.

    “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts” is produced by Warner Bros Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon at the Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.

    The special also will air on WarnerMedia’s TBS and Cartoon Network in spring 2022 ahead of the Warner Bros Pictures theatrical debut of “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”.