For all of us Muggles who have not yet had a chance to watch the documentary ‘Harry Potter: A History of Magic’ which has already aired on the BBC (and apparently came out on DVD), the CW is giving us a chance to see it! In a few weeks (on Wednesday, April 11th to be exact), they will air the special to help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the first ‘Harry Potter’ book.
The network is allowing the documentary to take the spot usually occupied by teen drama ‘Riverdale’ although, I highly doubt they will lose much in the ratings department with a ‘Harry Potter’ special on their hands, especially one narrated by Imelda Staunton (who portrayed the villainous Dolores Umbridge in the films), and featuring cameos from other stars from the films including Evanna Lynch, Warwick Davies, and David Thewlis.
The documentary shares its title with the real-life’Harry Potter’ museum of the same name and will explore how exactly the Wizarding World and the story of Harry came to life, utilizing drafts and artifacts from the museum to help tell the story of how J.K. Rowling created the story the world has embraced so enthusiastically. As stated above, the hour-long documentary originally aired on the BBC last year, but this is the first time it has aired for American audiences. It heralds the beginning of an exciting time for ‘Harry Potter’ fans as later this year a ‘History Of Magic’ exhibit will be opening in New York (around October), and in November the next chapter of the franchise will be released when ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald’ premieres in theaters.
Check out the full synopsis for ‘Harry Potter: A History Of Magic’ below:
MORE THAN MERE MAKE BELIEVE – Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter
book along with the British Library as they host an exhibition of the real-life magical history
behind J.K. Rowling’s beloved classics. Go behind the scenes of this mesmerizing show with
exclusive access to a priceless collection of artifacts and other items on display as J.K. Rowling
opens her private archive to reveal drawings and drafts that have been hidden away for years.
Her magical writing is brought to life with readings from actors from the “Harry Potter” films
(David Thewlis, Evanna Lynch, Warwick Davies, Miriam Margoyles and Mark Williams) while
illustrator Jim Kay illuminates Rowling’s imaginary world.
The special is narrated by Imelda Staunton (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1”) and
directed by Alex Harding and Jude Ho.
