20 Years of Magic: ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’

Photo courtesy of Dave M. Bennett.

On November 16, 2001, a magical film was released in theaters. Who knew this little film would change my life? You may know the film. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone came out 2 decades ago. It’s been 20 years of magic and I can’t wrap my head around it. This franchise means the world to me. I wanted to take a look at the film that started it all and give you all the details on the new reunion special coming out in early 2022. Let’s get into this.

Reflecting on 20 Years of the Harry Potter Franchise

I seriously can’t wrap my head around that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 20 years old now. When this came out, I was only 3 at the time so it took me quite a few years to discover this magical franchise. I don’t remember when, why or how I started watching the Harry Potter films.

I’ve personally never read the books. You’re probably saying, “How have you not read the books?” I’m not a fan of reading and I just was never interested in reading the books.

I’ve always had a huge love for the first film. It’s one of my favorite comfort films. It’s nostalgic. The franchise always makes me feel at home. This film, in particular, always brings a smile on my face.

What’s the Big Deal?

To those of you who aren’t familiar with the Harry Potter franchise, let me familiarize you with it. The franchise started out as books. The franchise ran from 2001-2011. All the books were turned into films. The films star Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger. These are just the main characters.

The story of the franchise is about the lives of these 3 characters at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry along with other obstacles they face during their time at school and outside of school.

If you love fantasy and magic, you’ll love this franchise. It’s so immersive. It always lets me escape reality.

Reunion Details

On November 16, 2021, it was announced that the original Harry Potter cast will reunite in the HBO Max special, Return to Hogwarts, to celebrate 20 years of the iconic franchise.

The special will reunite Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. The trio that is the heart of this franchise. A slew of other cast members joining the trio are Tom Felton, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, Jason Isaacs, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Gary Oldman, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Mark Williams, Matthew Lewis, among many other cast members.

I had a mini heart attack when I read about this. I found out from Emma Watson’s Instagram account. I was livid. I’m so excited for this special to see everybody together again and to look back at the film that started it all. I’m tearing up as I’m writing this because this franchise has changed my life. I’m so thankful to be a part of the fandom.

Return to Hogwarts is scheduled to be released on January 1, 2022 on HBO Max.