Return to Hogwarts 20 years later

In celebration of 20 years since the first Harry Potter film premiered, HBO Max has released the special, Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts. With recent interviews with members of the cast, the two-hour documentary walks viewers through the film series.

And best of all, the book series author is only present in a few seconds of archival footage.

The lack of inclusion speaks volumes; the Harry Potter has become a poison-pill. WarnerBros needs to look beyond the Harry Potter franchise.

For most of the kids, the decade of filmmaking happened as they grew up. The films and the time off camera was their high school experience. Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reunite in the Gryffindor along with other cast members and the filmmakers from across all eight films as they reminisce, and celebrate the 20-year anniversary since the release of the first film in the series.

The special steps through the series in chronological order, exploring behind the scenes details and the way each director tackled their film. The documentary walks through several phases, echoing the changing style and mood as the movies involved and the actors matured.

Also interviewed for the special include stars Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Tom Felton, James & Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Ian Hart, Toby Jones, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, as well as producer David Heyman and directors Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell and David Yates.

Overall, Return to Hogwarts is a must watch for every Harry Potter fan, it’s sentimental and for some, may include new tidbits. Many of the interviews happen on the original set as the stars explore their old home.

Stream Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts on HBO Max