Warner Bros. to celebrate Harry Potter's 25th anniversary worldwide with special theatrical release and more: Details inside

Originally released on November 16, 2001, director Chris Columbus’ film was the first installment in Warner Bros.’ eight-movie adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling novels.

• Warner Bros. marks 25 years of Harry Potter with global events and screenings
• Special screenings with BTS footage set for Aug 27 to Sept 3
• Universal parks and Studio Tours celebrate with themed experiences and merch

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Harry Potter fans have reason to celebrate as Warner Bros. Discovery announces plans to mark the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, unveiling a series of exciting events and activities.

Originally released on November 16, 2001, director Chris Columbus’ film was the first installment in Warner Bros.’ eight-movie adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling novels. Over the years, the franchise has amassed over $7.7 billion at the global box office, cementing its status as a beloved phenomenon across generations of fans.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the anniversary festivities will begin in the spring, featuring butterbeer trucks offering a variety of drinks and themed merchandise across selected cities worldwide from March through May.

Following this, official Harry Potter locations and retail stores around the globe will celebrate the birthday of the iconic character on July 31, potentially with limited-edition products and special events. The well-loved Back to Hogwarts celebration will then take place during August and September, reuniting fans from various parts of the world for a nostalgic celebration of the beloved series.

To further heighten excitement, the anniversary will include theatrical screenings of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, featuring ten minutes of exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. These special screenings are scheduled from August 27 to September 3.

As per reports, the screenings will be held at Cosm venues in Shared Reality, with additional supplemental visuals enhancing the experience. Cities confirmed to host the events include Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, and Detroit, with tickets going on sale starting March 4 ahead of the screenings.

The celebrations will also extend to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour experiences in Tokyo and London, with the London tour set to launch a new summer feature specifically honoring Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Additionally, Universal theme parks will participate in the anniversary, offering limited-time experiences at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including seasonal butterbeer offerings and Back to Hogwarts events, among other themed activities.

Also read: Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer to compose original score for 'Harry Potter' TV series

Helmed by Chris Columbus, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone starred Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, John Cleese, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, and Maggie Smith in the lead roles. These actors continued to portray key characters across the subsequent films in the series, becoming synonymous with the magical world of Harry Potter.

Looking ahead, Warner Bros. is also planning to release a new Harry Potter series later this year, adding to the excitement for fans worldwide.