It seems not even the most powerful wizards are immune to a little Muggle-style human error.
HBO Max’s highly anticipated special, Harry Potter th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, was meant to be a flawless trip down memory lane. However, just two days after its premiere, the production team is responding to a viral blunder that has “Potterheads” everywhere doing a double-take.
The moment that sparked the online frenzy occurred during a sentimental segment where Emma Watson, who played the iconic Hermione Granger, discussed her childhood.
As she spoke about her early years, an adorable throwback photo appeared on screen showing a young girl wearing Minnie Mouse ears while sitting at a table. The only problem? The girl in the photo wasn’t Emma Watson—it was actually American Horror Story star Emma Roberts!
It didn’t take long for eagle-eyed fans to head to X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok to share side-by-side comparisons of the special and an old Instagram post from Roberts.
“GUYS HELP ME THATS LITERALLY EMMA ROBERTS NOT EMMA WATSON,” one fan wrote in a post that quickly racked up thousands of likes.
Another joked, “I knew Hermione was good at Transfiguration, but this is next level!”
Producers for the special were quick to acknowledge the mix-up, proving they have just as much respect for the fans’ attention to detail as Hermione would.
In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, the producers praised the fandom for their detective skills. “Well spotted Harry Potter fans!” the statement read. “You brought an editing mistake of a mislabeled photograph to our attention. New version up shortly.”
While the team didn’t give an exact “time-turner” update for when the edit will be live, they promised to upload an error-free version as quickly as possible to ensure the experience remains authentic for the millions of viewers tuning in.
The reunion special itself has been an emotional rollercoaster for fans, featuring tears and “juicy” behind-the-scenes secrets from the legendary trio of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Watson. From secret crushes to onset antics, the special has filled a “lightning bolt-shaped void” in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Even with the photo flub, the celebration of the th anniversary of The Sorcerer’s Stone remains a must-watch—though we have a feeling the editors might be double-checking their “Emmas” from now on!
Would you like me to look up more behind-the-scenes secrets revealed in the Return to Hogwarts reunion?
