Whether you’re waiting for your Hogwarts acceptance letter, dreaming of sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade or secretly hoping you’re a Gryffindor...
POTTER MANIA
Whether you’re waiting for your Hogwarts acceptance letter, dreaming of sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade or secretly hoping you’re a Gryffindor, there’s no denying that the Harry Potter series has cast a spell on millions of readers around the world. Since J.K. Rowling introduced us to the Boy Who Lived in 1997, the books have become a global phenomenon, inspiring blockbuster films, award-winning stage productions, theme parks and a devoted fan community that continues to grow. As Harry and his creator celebrate their shared birthday, let us uncover some fascinating facts, magical surprises and exciting new developments from the ever-expanding Wizarding World.
Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling share the same birthday!
Harry Potter isn’t the only one who celebrates a birthday on 31 July. His creator, J.K. Rowling, was also born on the same day in 1965. Rowling deliberately gave Harry her own birthday, making the date extra special for fans around the world.
Since the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997, the series has sold more than 600 million copies, been translated into over 80 languages, and inspired films, stage productions and theme parks, making it one of the most successful book series in history.
Hogwarts has moving staircases... but not in the books!
The moving staircases are one of Hogwarts’ most memorable features in the films, but they don’t move in quite the same dramatic way in J.K. Rowling’s novels. In the books, the staircases change direction only occasionally, while the films turned them into constantly shifting pathways to create a more magical visual experience.
Quidditch became a real sport
What began as a fictional game in the Harry Potter books has inspired a real-life sport. Originally known as Quidditch and now officially called Quadball, the game is played in many countries by mixed-gender teams. While players can’t fly on broomsticks, they do run with broom-shaped poles while scoring goals, dodging “Bludgers” and catching a “Snitch” to end the match.
It is one of the few fictional sports to become a real international game.
The Hogwarts Express is based on a real train
The iconic Hogwarts Express was inspired by, and filmed using, the Jacobite Steam Train in the Scottish Highlands. It crosses the breathtaking Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of Scotland’s most famous railway bridges. Today, thousands of Harry Potter fans travel on the same route every year to experience a little movie magic for themselves.
Hedwig wasn’t played by just one owl
Although Hedwig is one of the series’ most recognisable characters, she was portrayed by several snowy owls during filming. Each owl had different strengths: some were better at flying, while others were trained to perch calmly or carry letters. Together, they brought Harry’s loyal companion to life on screen.
The Wizarding World today
More than 25 years after the publication of the first novel, the magic shows no signs of fading. From a brand-new television adaptation to a record-breaking stage production, the Wizarding World continues to enchant audiences of all ages and introduce new generations of fans to Hogwarts.
Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts
The Wizarding World is preparing for an exciting new chapter. HBO is producing a television adaptation of all seven Harry Potter novels, with each season expected to focus on one book. The series aims to explore the stories in greater detail than the films, giving fans more time with their favourite characters, magical creatures and unforgettable locations.
Dominic McLaughlin has been cast as Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will play Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Currently in production, the series is expected to premiere in 2027, introducing Hogwarts to a whole new generation while giving longtime fans another reason to revisit the Wizarding World.
Harry Potter continues on Broadway
Nearly 15 years after bidding farewell to the Wizarding World on the big screen, Tom Felton has once again donned Draco Malfoy’s trademark platinum-blond hair, this time on Broadway. Felton is making his Broadway debut by reprising the role that made him a global star in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, becoming the first actor from the original Harry Potter film series to join the acclaimed stage production.
Set 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the play follows Harry, Draco, Ron and Hermione as parents whose children begin their own adventures at Hogwarts. Felton’s return has delighted fans, who have welcomed the chance to see him portray an older, more reflective Draco. The actor has described the experience as a “full-circle moment”, noting that he is now the same age as Draco is in the play.
While none of the other original film stars currently appear in the Broadway production, several have shown their support over the years. Daniel Radcliffe has publicly wished Felton well on his Broadway debut, highlighting the enduring friendship shared by many members of the original cast. Meanwhile, the stage production continues with a new ensemble portraying the next generation of witches and wizards, introducing the magical world to a fresh audience.
Since premiering in London in 2016, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has become one of the world’s most successful stage plays, earning numerous awards and captivating millions of theatre-goers with its breathtaking illusions, magical effects and spellbinding storytelling. Felton’s return has added another exciting chapter to the ever-growing legacy of the Wizarding World.
