Warner Bros has taken steps to introduceHarry Potterto the next generation with the institution of a new interactiveHarry Potterexperience, with 4 moving exhibitions set up in various locations. The interactive experiences come in the aftermath of the more adult-focusedFantastic Beastsfilms, which are now beginning to fade out.
TheHarry Potterfranchise is one of the world’s most well-known, and it started with a hit children’s book series by British children’s author J.K. Rowling. The books were successful and went on to be adapted intoHarry Pottermovies with massive box office success. Now, Warner Bros. Discovery seems intent on reaching a new audience with in-person interactive experiences.
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Varietywas given a sneak peek at the projects, which are a collaborative effort between the IP stewards and Original X Production. “The parks are the films come to life,” Kathleen Wallis, VP of global themed entertainment at Warner Bros. Discovery, explained, discussing the projects. “You can step into those stories and those scenes. These other experiences bring something different to the table. When we were concepting what this experience would be, one of the things we looked at was, ‘How do we bring this franchise and make it more accessible to younger kids? We really don’t have anything out there that is specifically geared to younger kids.'" Her comments reflect the attitude shown by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, who similarlyhad exciting plans for the DCEU, expressed at a Q3 meeting earlier in the week.
“The generation that grew up with Harry Potter, they’re parents now, and you never grow out of Harry Potter. So it’s an opportunity for them to introduce the franchise to their kids on a level where they’re prepared for it — even if they’re not familiar with the stories, which a lot of 6-year-olds probably aren’t," said Original X Production’s CSO Stacy Moscatelli. “But we didn’t want to alienate the older audiences — we wanted fans of all ages, which is hard. There were a lot of conversations trying to figure out how do we make this space activate in a way that’s appropriate for both groups.” The idea is certainly more novel than theHarry Pottersequel plansthat previous CEO Jason Kilar hinted at while still in the position.
While the IP is as popular as ever, some controversy from Rowling has recently haunted the franchise, which many speculate had a major effect on the performance of the most recentFantastic Beastsfilm, with franchise leading manDaniel Radcliffe having to speak out against theHarry Potterauthor. Just how well a new push for popularity will do with a controversial creator still involved remains to be seen.
Harry Potter: Magic at Playwill be open to the public from July 27, 2025, onwards.
