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

  • Written by Times Media

Warner Bros. Discovery Unveils Spellbinding Plans for Harry Potter’s 25 Years of Magic  Celebration in Australia

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 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premiered on 16 November 2001, it opened a  Portkey to the wizarding world for filmgoers, 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, and 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, running from  4–26 April. 

The centre-wide activation will transform Chadstone into an immersive Harry Potter experience,  featuring three major activation zones across the precinct. Making its Australian debut, the iconic  Grand Staircase will be unveiled in the Luxury precinct. The Grand Hall installation will anchor  the experience, while the Hogwarts Express Train will further immerse fans in the magic. 

Additionally, the takeover will feature immersive fan experiences, including: 

  • An exclusive new flavour from the world of Harry Potter, available to sample at The Market  Pavilion 
  • A Harry Potter high tea experience at Hotel Chadstone, offering a premium dining  experience inspired by the world of Harry Potter, never before seen in Australia 
  • A takeover of the LEGO® Discovery Centre from 2-27 of April 
  • Starbucks selling a brand-new, limited-edition Harry Potter merchandise range 
  • A dedicated Harry Potter store takeover at EB Games during the activation period 

Retail Magic Across Australia

Fans nationwide can celebrate through retail, with new Harry Potter product launches rolling out  at EB Games & Zing Pop Culture, alongside dedicated ranges from LEGO, Kmart and more - offering multiple ways to engage with the anniversary across Australia. 

Starbucks Australia 

Starbucks Australia invites Witches, Wizards & Muggles to discover that magic isn’t just found in  spellbooks or far-off realms… it’s waiting to be shared between friends, one surprising sip at a  time. 

Their Harry Potter x Starbucks collection, inspired by the wizarding world’ most beloved motifs,  let you carry a piece of magic wherever you go. Whether it’s a tumbler fit for the Great Hall or a  mug worthy of a Butterbeer toast, these limited-edition pieces are made for sharing. 

LEGO 

Step into a spellbinding celebration this April as LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne marks  25 years of Harry Potter™ magic! Young witches, wizards and Muggles can build their own LEGO®  wand alongside our Master Model Builders, uncover hidden iconic Harry Potter scenes in  Miniland, and enjoy so much more magical, brick-tastic fun throughout the attraction. Don’t miss  this enchanting, family-friendly experience these school holidays at Australia's ultimate indoor  LEGO playground." - Mikayla McGlone, General Manager, LEGOLAND Discover Centre  Melbourne. 

AGORO 

Nothing celebrates the 25th anniversary like pure silver and gold collectibles. To mark the  moment, Agoro is launching a limited-edition Blind Box featuring pure silver foils of the key  characters who shaped the magical world — plus the chance to catch a Golden Snitch foil struck  in 24k pure gold. 

Colgate  

Colgate is proud to partner with Harry Potter to transform everyday oral care into a magical  moment of connection for the whole family. Launching across Australia and New Zealand, the  range encourages building healthy habits through the wonder of the wizarding world. 

The Oral Care range includes: 

  • Kids Powered Toothbrush: Designed for young witches and wizards, featuring a small  vibrating head and extra-soft bristles that brush away more plaque than a manual  

toothbrush. 

  • Kids Manual Toothbrush (6+): Inspired by a feathered quill, this brush features gold and  black bristles and a suction cup spelled for upright storage. 
  • Adult Powered Toothbrush: Experience a spellbinding clean with 30,000 brush strokes  per minute, a rubber polisher to help remove surface stains, and a tongue and cheek  

cleaner. 

  • Bubbling Cauldron Toothpaste: Helps protect against cavities with a delicious bubble  fruit flavour.

Rubies Costumes 

Possibly the most well- known young Wizard of this century, Harry Potter is the magic behind the  famous J K Rowling series. A student of Gryffindor House at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft  and Wizardry and under the instruction of Albus Dumbledore, Harry acquires the skills and magic  to confront antagonist Lord Voldemort. Known for his robe, wand, glasses and lightning bolt scar,  Harry is a favourite character for Book Week and Halloween. This cloak is a special edition for  Harry Potter’s 25th anniversary celebrations throughout 2026.  

This special edition cloak has been developed using the symbols of Harry Potter’s Patronus – the  lucky charm plus Ravenclaw’s Eagle printed on the back. This beautiful velour cloak has been  printed using lenticular foil that appears to change colour as it catches the light. 

Touring and Live Experiences 

Beyond Chadstone, fans can experience the wizarding world through live and immersive events: Following its success in Melbourne, Harry Potter: The Exhibition will run in Sydney from  May to October 

  • The magic continues with a series of Harry Potter concerts, running June through  December across Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney 

Fans will also be able to purchase limited edition items from the exclusive 25th Anniversary range  at select Harry Potter Shops in London, America, Tokyo and online, the range includes a  gorgeous Celebration Bear, Philosopher’s Stone Keychain and Collectable Pin Set.  

Global Experiences 

Harry Potter destinations around the world will also offer fans surprise and delight moments  throughout the year… 

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter will unveil their new summer  feature – celebrating Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

From 7th May – 7th September, fans can discover the wizarding artefacts they were introduced  to in the first film, from the mystifying Philosopher’s Stone, to the iconic Golden Snitch. This  special feature will reveal how each magical prop was carefully crafted for filming, as well as  showcase the instantly recognisable sets, reveal behind-the-scenes facts and clever secrets  that made the film so iconic. 

This year, Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo – the Making of Harry Potter will also enable fans to  go back to where it all began... more information will be shared on what fans can look forward to  soon. 

Universal Destinations & Experiences will celebrate Harry Potter with special, limited-time  offerings in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks in Orlando,  Hollywood, Osaka and Beijing throughout the year - including Butterbeer Season and Back to  Hogwarts, as well as at Warner Bros. Discovery Global Touring Experiences including The Harry  Potter Film Concert Series, Harry Potter: The Exhibition, Harry Potter: Visions of Magic and  Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience. 

To ready themselves for festivities, fans can visit https://www.harrypotter.com/news/celebrate 25-years-of-harry-potter-and-the-philosophers-stone-film-magic where they can check out the  special 25th Anniversary Brand Spot, get Sorted into their Hogwarts House and join the Official  Harry Potter Fan Club.

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