Harry Potter fans in China will return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this weekend as Warner Bros. Pictures rereleases all eight films in theaters nationwide starting Oct. 11.

A promotional poster advertises the rerelease of eight "Harry Potter" films in China. [Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery]

Warner Bros. will rerelease one "Harry Potter" film each Friday in Chinese theaters for eight consecutive weeks, starting Oct. 11 with "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." The schedule continues with "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" on Oct. 18, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" on Oct. 25, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" on Nov. 1, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" on Nov. 8, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" on Nov. 15, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" on Nov. 22, and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" on Nov. 29.

The complete film collection will screen in more than 3,400 theaters across 295 Chinese mainland cities, available in formats including IMAX, Cinity and Dolby Cinema. This marks the first consecutive showing of all eight films on such a scale in China, highlighting the franchise's enduring popularity.

The Warner Bros. rerelease announcement has sparked nostalgia among fans. Meanwhile, audiences may pay tribute to renowned actor Maggie Smith, who passed away recently and was beloved for her role as iconic Professor Minerva McGonagall.

Beyond the theatrical rerelease, Warner Bros. Discovery regularly partners with Chinese companies to engage fans through various products and experiences, including theme parks, games and audiobooks. Warner Bros. Discovery has organized fan events across China, including "Magical Mischief" and the "Fantastic Beasts Red Envelope Giveaway." The annual "Back to Hogwarts" celebration drew large crowds this year in Beijing, Shanghai and Changsha. The Changsha event alone attracted more than 230,000 people.

The Wizarding World franchise, which includes "Harry Potter" films and the "Fantastic Beasts" series, is the fourth-highest-grossing film series globally, with $9.6 billion in worldwide box office receipts. Eight Harry Potter films generated $7.7 billion worldwide, including 1.26 billion yuan ($178 million) from the Chinese mainland.

The first installment, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," was rereleased in 2020 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first "Harry Potter" book published in China in 2000. It grossed 192 million yuan in China's ever-expanding film market, significantly more than the 56 million yuan it initially made in China in 2002, according to China's ticketing platform and box office tracker Maoyan.

Harry Potter fans participate in a "Back to Hogwarts" event in Changsha, Hunan province, Sept. 1, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery]

The "Harry Potter" series, created by British novelist J.K. Rowling, has captivated generations of Chinese readers and moviegoers. Since its debut more than 25 years ago, the saga of the young wizard has become a cultural phenomenon, ranking among the most successful entertainment franchises in history.

Rowling's novels have spawned eight blockbuster films, three "Fantastic Beasts" movies, the stage play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and various games. Fans globally also engage through consumer products and enjoy themed attractions at Universal Studios worldwide. Warner Bros. Discovery's expanding "Harry Potter" portfolio includes tours, events and stores like Platform 9 3/4 shops and the flagship Harry Potter New York store. Studio Tours in London and Tokyo offer behind-the-scenes looks.

An upcoming HBO series based on the "Harry Potter" books promises to expand the franchise's reach, inviting both longtime fans and newcomers to explore its magic.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)