TLDR;
The Sorta Stupid crew reacts to a Harry Potter reunion special, discussing the cast's transformations, memorable moments, and behind-the-scenes insights. They touch on various aspects, from casting choices and set designs to the emotional impact of the series and the actors' personal experiences. The conversation also includes humorous commentary on the different Hogwarts houses, particularly Hufflepuff, and reflections on the legacy of the films.
- Cast's transformations and personal experiences
- Humorous commentary on Hogwarts houses
- Reflections on the legacy of the films
Intro [0:00]
The Sorta Stupid crew starts by mentioning a Harry Potter baking show and a musical, which have been requested by viewers. Before diving into the main topic, they briefly discuss "Wizards of Baking," a six-episode series, suggesting it could be a Patreon exclusive.
First Impressions and Cast Appearances [1:08]
The hosts watch the Harry Potter reunion special and comment on the appearances of various cast members. They note Neville Longbottom's significant glow-up and remark on how much the Weasley's dad has aged. They also observe that some actors, like the actress who played Chang, haven't changed much. The discussion touches on the idea that for the younger actors, the reunion is like a high school reunion.
Daniel Radcliffe and Fandom Resurgence [3:22]
The hosts discuss Daniel Radcliffe's career and mention a meme of him in bear shoes. They also talk about the resurgence of fandoms, particularly around books, driven by platforms like TikTok and BookTok, leading to a revival of bookstores like Barnes & Noble.
Casting and Eye Color [6:02]
The video transitions to a discussion about the casting process for Harry Potter, focusing on the importance of finding the right actor for the role. They share anecdotes about the casting director's efforts to bring Daniel Radcliffe in for an audition. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they discuss the creepiness of people with light blue and green eyes.
The Golden Trio's Experience [8:30]
The hosts discuss the experiences of the actors who played the Weasley twins, noting the media attention they received after being cast. They praise Emma Watson as the smartest person on set and talk about the family backgrounds of the actors. The conversation touches on actors who weren't showcased in the reunion, such as Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory), and the hosts jokingly criticize Hufflepuff house.
Hufflepuff Slander and Hogwarts Houses [9:44]
The hosts continue their humorous critique of Hufflepuff, questioning their accomplishments and comparing them unfavorably to other Hogwarts houses. They discuss the traits associated with each house, with Slytherin being portrayed as the house for those who "put a snake in the basement." The conversation touches on the idea that all dark wizards seem to come from Slytherin, prompting a discussion about whether the house should address this reputation.
Directing Child Actors and Alan Rickman [14:31]
The discussion shifts to the challenges of directing child actors and the talent of the adult actors in the Harry Potter films, particularly Alan Rickman (Snape). They share anecdotes about Rickman's professionalism and the impact of his character.
Set Design and Early Access [15:52]
The hosts praise the set design of the Harry Potter films and joke about wanting their living rooms to look like the movie sets. They then transition to promoting their Patreon and YouTube membership for early access to their videos.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories [17:02]
The hosts share behind-the-scenes stories from the Harry Potter sets, including an anecdote about floating candles falling and J.K. Rowling's detailed rule book for Quidditch. They praise the child actors' performances and discuss the darker themes in the later movies.
Rewatching the Movies and Julie Walters [18:34]
The hosts express their desire to rewatch the Harry Potter movies and comment on the actors' appearances in the reunion special. They discuss Julie Walters (Mrs. Weasley) and note how similar she still looks to her character.
Unfriendly Actors and Dobby [20:08]
The hosts share anecdotes about working with unfriendly actors and discuss the character of Dobby, reflecting on the emotional impact of his role in the series.
Darker Themes and Mad-Eye Moody [21:03]
The conversation turns to the darker themes in the Harry Potter books and movies, and how they transcend age. They discuss the character of Mad-Eye Moody and express surprise that the actor wasn't included in the reunion.
Alan Rickman's Knowledge and Emma Watson's Essays [22:51]
The hosts discuss Alan Rickman's inside knowledge of the Harry Potter plot and Emma Watson's academic achievements, noting her habit of writing lengthy essays.
Set Design and Hufflepuff [23:55]
The hosts revisit the topic of set design, expressing their admiration for the magical environments created in the films. They then jokingly criticize Hufflepuff again.
Teenage Awkwardness and Casting Hot People [24:29]
The discussion shifts to the portrayal of teenage awkwardness in the films and the casting of attractive actors for the later movies.
Robert Pattinson's Absence and Draco's Nerves [25:51]
The hosts speculate on why Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory) wasn't included in the reunion and comment on Tom Felton's (Draco Malfoy) nervous demeanor.
Alan Rickman and Other Departed Actors [27:47]
The hosts reflect on the passing of Alan Rickman and other actors from the Harry Potter films, expressing their sadness and admiration for their work.
Voldemort and Cedric's Death [26:51]
The hosts discuss Ralph Fiennes' role as Voldemort and the impact of Cedric Diggory's death, criticizing Hufflepuff's performance in the series.
Peter Pettigrew and Dark Themes [28:11]
The hosts discuss Peter Pettigrew's role in Cedric's death and reflect on the dark themes present in the Harry Potter series, noting that they transcend the typical "kids' film" label.
Mad-Eye Moody's Absence and the Remaining Cast [29:12]
The hosts express their disappointment at the absence of Mad-Eye Moody from the reunion and comment on the enduring presence of the remaining cast members.
Daniel Radcliffe's Game and Helena Bonham Carter [30:09]
The hosts praise Daniel Radcliffe's charm and discuss Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal of Bellatrix Lestrange, noting her ability to improvise and create a terrifying character.
Bellatrix and Political Themes [31:11]
The hosts continue to admire Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal of Bellatrix and discuss the political themes that emerged in the later Harry Potter films.
Emma Watson's Hesitation and the Trio's Bond [32:31]
The hosts speculate on Emma Watson's potential hesitation to return for the later films and discuss the unique bond between the three main actors.
The Fans and Neville's Glow-Up [34:07]
The hosts discuss the impact of the Harry Potter series on its fans and revisit the topic of Neville Longbottom's glow-up.
Evanna Lynch and First Kisses [35:10]
The hosts praise Evanna Lynch's portrayal of Luna Lovegood and discuss the awkwardness of first kisses on set.
Draco's Struggle and Departed Actors [36:28]
The hosts discuss Tom Felton's portrayal of Draco Malfoy's internal struggle and reflect on the passing of several actors from the series.
Alan Rickman's Generosity and Helen McCrory [37:34]
The hosts praise Alan Rickman's generosity and discuss Helen McCrory's role as Narcissa Malfoy, expressing their admiration for her talent.
Direction and Animal Deaths [38:32]
The hosts commend the direction of the reunion special and share a story about an animal that died on set and was given a proper burial.
The Epilogue and Darker Themes [39:16]
The hosts discuss the epilogue of the Harry Potter series and the darker themes that emerged in the later films.
Ron and Hermione's Kiss and Relationship [39:54]
The hosts discuss the kiss between Ron and Hermione, noting the actors' discomfort and the challenges of portraying the relationship.
Saying Goodbye and Weighted Wands [41:34]
The hosts reflect on the emotional experience of saying goodbye to the Harry Potter series and discuss the physicality of holding a wand.
Method Acting and Future Sequels [43:01]
The hosts joke about the actors' method acting and speculate on the possibility of future Harry Potter sequels.
Friendship and Jumping into a Chimney [43:29]
The hosts discuss the enduring friendship between the actors and share a story about jumping into a chimney on the last day of filming.
Devastation and New Adaptations [44:35]
The hosts express their devastation at the end of the Harry Potter series and speculate on the possibility of new adaptations.
Passing Down the Legacy and Missing Actors [45:38]
The hosts discuss the legacy of the Harry Potter series and express their sadness at the absence of certain actors from the reunion, particularly Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid).
Robbie Coltrane and Conclusion [47:37]
The hosts reflect on Robbie Coltrane's passing and conclude their reaction video, encouraging viewers to join their Discord and watch other videos.