Harry Potter is a massive universe of books, movies, and musicals that have impacted pop culture and the lives of thousands of fans for decades. So when the cast came together on January 1st in a special on HBO Max to talk about 20 years since the release of the first movie, fans were ecstatic to learn more about working behind the scenes and see their favorite characters come together on the real set of Hogwarts once more. 

The cast celebrated 20 years since the release of their film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone through a series of interviews and a massive reunion of the cast and crew. The directors, writers, and actors answered interview questions and talked about their time on set, explaining the incredible impact that the films had on them.

“I’m just very proud to be a part of something that means so much to so many,” stated Rupert Grint, or Ron Weasley in the films. Their time together was extremely influential for so many reasons. The film’s CGI was groundbreaking at the time, which truly helped to immerse the audience in the story they were watching, as well as open up new doors to other filmmakers and future movies. 

The cast explained what HP meant to them and the rest of the world, and how many of them felt like misfits and found themselves by working there. “The thing that Harry Potter did for me, both as a story and as an actor in it, was that it helped me to find first what I’m not. Which, therefore, by extension, found what I am,” said Matthew Lewis, the actor of Neville Longbottom.

Despite only being a movie, the first film opened up the series to so many people and introduced them to a world of characters that they could relate to. The characters and their “underdog” status made people feel truly connected to the world, including the actors themselves. The amazing connections made backstage helped add to the on-screen chemistry that the friends and relationships had. Hearing the details and explanations about the lifelong friendships and family bonds behind the scenes made long-time fans extremely emotional. The relationships weren’t the only emotional parts of the reunion, either. The special held a mini tribute to all of those who have passed over the years, including Richard Harris (Dumbledore), John Hurt (Ollivander), Helen McCroy (Narcissa Malfoy), Alan Rickman (Snape), Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley), and many, many more. 

This incredibly sentimental reconnection moved so many people and reminded them of their childhood. Seeing the people you grew up with on the screen together once again made the world of Harry Potter incredibly emotional, and brought together a fanbase that can never truly be broken. Despite the drama behind the scenes involving J.K. Rowling and her controversial past, the fans and actors were able to push through and focus on the memories made in the past few decades. This reunion special truly was the most perfect way to start off the new year.