HBO Max will launch in 2022 with a full slate of fan service It will see a Harry Potter reunion with most of the original cast returning, including stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint The special celebrates the 20th anniversary of the film "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the first in a series of film adaptations of the popular books

According to the press release announcing the special, it "tells the fascinating making-of story through all-new in-depth interviews and cast conversations, taking fans on a first-person magical journey through one of the most beloved film franchises of all time" This last part sounds really unique, but most fans will just want to see their favorite actors interact with each other We expect every emotion to be stirred in the scene where the actors remember Richard Harris and Alan Rickman, who have both passed away

Specials of this sort will encourage fans to re-subscribe to HBO Max and keep HBO on our best streaming services list (though the lack of first-day movies will echo HBO's ranking in 2022)

And before you ask, controversial Harry Potter author JK Rowling does not appear to be involved in the project The press release detailing it listed a large number of cast members for the reunion, and her name was missing from all of them, except for a final mention of the fact that the film is based on her books

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will be available on HBO Max on January 1, 2022 The press release states that it will be delivered "as soon as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Day," but due to the time difference, this is easier said than done While waiting for the special, you can watch all the Harry Potter films in order on both HBO Max and Peacock

If history repeats itself, the special will no doubt air at 3 am ET It is often during that time that non-HBO content arrives on HBO Max, such as the Friends reunion On the same day, the Harry Potter trivia show "Hogwarts Tournament of Houses" will arrive on HBO Max

HBO Max is available on all the best streaming devices; don't have HBO Max? The special will also be available on TBS and Cartoon Network in spring 2022

Looking for something else to watch on HBO Max while you wait? This week, there's the long-awaited reunion of "Sex and the City" with the revival of "And Just Like That" (originally titled "And Just Like That") And on FXX, the Paddy's Pub mess continues with "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" Season 15 Episodes 3 and 4

Invitations are sent out and old friends finally see eye to eye on the train, but there's not much new in the first teaser trailer, which will most likely air on HBO and HBO Max, for those who haven't heard it yet or need a reminder why they should continue their subscription Check it out:

Most of the major players you'd expect in the Potterverse return for the Harry Potter reunion, including the core trio of Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson Notably absent is Michael Gambon, the second actor to play Albus Dumbledore since Harris' death Gambon suffers from memory loss

Maggie Smith is also not on the list

The full cast of the special edition of "Return to Hogwarts" (at least as announced) is:

The footage released by HBO Max for promotional purposes does not show the reunited cast Instead, it depicts nostalgia in the form of supercuts of touching moments from the film