As the backlash against the reboot continues, the original Harry Potter films are making their grand return.
To say that the announcement of HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot has proven divisive would be an understatement. The original film series, released between 2001 and 2011, remains a beloved cultural landmark, with its timeless appeal and continued accessibility on streaming platforms. To try and rehash that success just over a decade later feels unnecessary to many, branded as an over-commercialized attempt to capitalize on the franchise without offering fresh creativity.
This criticism is further amplified by the controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling, which have led to growing divisions among Potterheads. In recent years, Rowling has arguably become just as well known for her views on the transgender community and gender identity as for her actual writing.
With the OG cast – including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint – all making it extremely clear that they don’t agree with Rowling’s views (and Rowling herself denouncing them for doing so), the odds of seeing familiar faces pop up in the reboot feel increasingly slim.
The OG ‘Harry Potter’ Cast Not Returning
Despite frequent rumors over the years, it also feels unlikely that we’ll see that same cast reprise their parts for an adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” despite the fact that the actors have now reached the same ages as their characters in the stage show.
Recently, there have been whispers that Warner Bros. Discovery is still extremely keen to push ahead with an adaptation at some point. With the cast’s feelings towards Rowling (or, to be more accurate, her current legacy) allegedly standing in the way, it was previously reported that the studio has considered buying the author out of the franchise, theoretically clearing the path to their return in the future.
In the meantime, Warner Bros. Discovery – which has made no secret of its desire to explore (read: print more money from) the Wizarding World franchise further – is filling the void for Potterheads in a different way.
Heading Back to the OG Wizarding World
We’ll be seeing Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint back on screen in a different way soon, as the first four Harry Potter films are set to return to theaters in February – but with a twist.
Select screenings will be shown in 3D and 4DX, meaning fans can experience Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) in a totally new, more immersive way.
Fathom Events is re-releasing the films with Warner Bros. Discovery, starting February 13, 2025. The films will be shown at AMC, Cinemark, Regal, Megaplex, and Showcase Cinemas in order on Thursdays through Sundays, as per the following schedule.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: February 13, 20, & 27
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: February 14, 21, & 28
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: February 15, 22, & March 1
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: February 16, 23, & March 2
Notably, next year marks the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Firewhich premiered in November 2005. It will also see Universal Orlando Resort debut its third Wizarding World of Harry Potter area at Epic Universe when the theme park opens in May.
If you can’t catch the films in theaters, they are still all streaming on Max – which, coincidentally, is where the Harry Potter reboot TV series was also first supposed to premiere before Warner Bros. retooled it to an HBO release.
What’s your favorite Harry Potter film?
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