Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Film Turns 25!

Warner Bros. Discovery today announced its Australian plans to celebrate 25 Years of Magic since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first enchanted audiences on the big screen.

When the film premiered on November 16, 2001, it opened a Portkey to the wizarding world, shattering box office records to become the highest-grossing film of the year. That single spell launched an eight-film phenomenon that has conjured more than $7.7 billion globally, cementing Harry Potter as one of the most beloved entertainment franchises of all time.

Now, 25 years later, the magic is stronger than ever. Australian and New Zealand fans are invited to unite for a major programme of local celebrations spanning immersive experiences, retail, and live events.

A Spellbinding Chadstone Takeover (4–26 April)

The centrepiece of the Australian celebrations is a Harry Potter 25th Anniversary takeover of Chadstone, the largest retail and lifestyle destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

The centre-wide activation will feature three major zones:

• The Grand Staircase: Making its Australian debut in the Luxury precinct.

• The Grand Hall: A massive installation anchoring the experience.

• The Hogwarts Express: A life-sized train installation for fans.

Additional Highlights at Chadstone:

• The Market Pavilion: Sample an exclusive new flavour from the wizarding world.

• Hotel Chadstone: A premium Harry Potter-inspired High Tea experience (first time in Australia).

• LEGO® Discovery Centre: A dedicated takeover from 2–27 April.

• EB Games: A dedicated Harry Potter store takeover.

• Starbucks: Exclusive, limited-edition merchandise range.

Retail Magic Across Australia

Fans nationwide can celebrate with new product launches rolling out at EB Games & Zing Pop Culture, alongside dedicated ranges from LEGO, Kmart, and more.

• Starbucks Australia: Featuring a collection of tumblers and mugs inspired by the wizarding world’s most beloved motifs.

• Agoro: Launching a limited-edition “Blind Box” featuring pure silver foils of key characters and a chance to find a 24k pure gold Golden Snitch foil.

• Rubies Costumes: A special 25th-anniversary velour cloak featuring lenticular foil that changes colour, printed with Harry’s Patronus and the Ravenclaw Eagle.

Colgate Oral Care Range:

• Kids Powered & Manual Brushes: Featuring extra-soft bristles and a “feathered quill” design.

• Adult Powered Brush: 30,000 strokes per minute for a “spellbinding clean.”

• Bubbling Cauldron Toothpaste: Cavity protection in a bubble fruit flavour.

Touring and Live Experiences

Beyond the retail activations, the magic continues on stage and in galleries:

• Harry Potter: The Exhibition: Following its Melbourne success, the exhibition moves to Sydney from May to October.

• Film Concert Series: A series of orchestral concerts running June through December across Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney.

Global Celebrations

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: A new summer feature (May 7 – Sept 7) showcasing the props of the first film, including the Philosopher’s Stone and the Golden Snitch.

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: Special “back to the beginning” events to be announced soon.

• Universal Destinations & Experiences: Limited-time offerings at theme parks in Orlando, Hollywood, Osaka, and Beijing, including “Butterbeer Season.”

Social Sharing: #HarryPotter25

Official Site: HarryPotter.com

About the Harry Potter Franchise

Over 25 years since its debut, the Harry Potter phenomenon thrives as one of the most successful entertainment properties in history. Based on J.K. Rowling’s best-selling novels, the universe includes eight blockbuster films, three Fantastic Beasts films, the Cursed Child stage play, and state-of-the-art games from Portkey Games. An upcoming HBO Original TV series is also currently in development.

About Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

Directed by Chris Columbus and written by Steve Kloves, the film grossed $974 million during its initial run and has since surpassed $1 billion with re-releases. It was nominated for three Academy Awards (Score, Art Direction, and Costume Design) and remains the second highest-grossing film of its era.