Helen Mirren to Host Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses

Legendary actress Helen Mirren has been confirmed as the host for Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses, an upcoming HBO Max competition series. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first film in the iconic Harry Potter franchise, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, premiering in theaters. The films were based off the best-selling books of the same name by J.K. Rowling. The story followed the adventures of Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), the “boy who lived.” After Harry learns he’s a wizard, he must learn how to navigate a magical, wizarding world as well as his deadly foe, Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes).

Harry Potter had already become a global phenomenon by the time The Sorcerers Stone premiered in 2001. Many fans grew up along with Harry, and the premiere of each new film in the series became an enormous theatrical event across the globe. The books and films enchanted fans with the story’s universal themes of love, acceptance, and grief, as well as the charming cast of characters that Harry met along his journey. Although Rowling has unfortunately courted controversy with recent comments on social media, the love for Harry’s world and story still remains.

Now, Warner Bros. has officially announced that Dame Helen Mirren will host the highly-anticipated Hogwarts Tournament of Houses competition series, which is set to film later this month. The show will initially air on Cartoon Network’s ACME night and TBS, followed by HBO Max. The Oscar-winning actress said she always knew that “someday I’d get a Harry Potter role” and revealed she was “so pleased to take part in the 20-year film celebration.” Warner Bros. President of Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics, Tom Ascheim, said their was “no one better” than Mirren to take on the hosting role. Read their comments below:

Mirren: “The films inspired such enchantment and wonder for so many of us, and it will be such a treat to reignite that magic for the countless fans who continue to revel in this spellbinding world.”

Acheim: “We’re creating an arena for the leagues of Harry Potter film fans to flex their knowledge of the Wizarding World, and there’s no one better than Dame Helen Mirren to add some British grandeur to this event that will debut across our WarnerMedia brands and platforms.”

According to the official statement, Hogwarts Tournament of Houses will feature fans vying for the honor of House Cup champion in a four-part series that is set to “showcase ultimate fan glory on a never-before-seen scale.” In an update that is sure to thrill Harry Potter super fans, the series will feature a play-along component, which will allow them to participate in the fun as well. Hogwarts Tournament of Houses is slated to premiere later this year.

The upcoming competition series is a fun and unique way to celebrate the two-decade anniversary of the first Harry Potter film, and selecting a British icon like Dame Helen Mirren to host is a surefire path to gaining viewer interest. HBO Max did downplay the idea of a Harry Potter spin-off series earlier this year, and no further news of possible reboot, sequel or spin-off has been revealed since. However, while that prospect would be rife with possibilities, the confirmed competition show will serve as a great way to celebrate Harry Potter‘s legacy alongside fans who grew up with the franchise.

Harry Potter was a magical series for a multitude of reasons. The story of a boy who grew up to be a hero resonated with so many fans across the world. It will certainly be a lot of fun to watch fans compete in Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses for the glory of being declared House Cup champion and to celebrate the enchanting story of the Boy Who Lived.

Source: Warner Bros.