Discovering Hogwarts, a brand-new feature for 2023 has officially opened at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. Celebrating the attraction’s 11th year since opening, Hogwarts welcomed its first visitors for an exclusive look at fan-favourite scenes, brought to life for this special feature exploring Harry’s early years at the infamous school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Over 400 floating candles now adorn the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall for the first time since filming and give visitors a chance to step into the set just as the cast would have seen it during Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. For the feature, the candles, adapted by the talented Special Effects Department, use lighting effects instead of a live flame and are hung with over three miles of wire.
Fans are also invited to witness one of Harry’s first experiences of magic in Professor Flitwick’s Charms class, learning filmmaking secrets behind the floating feather as he mastered the Wingardium Leviosa spell with Ron and Hermione. The effect seen on-screen was achieved with filmmaking magic as simple as stringing a feather onto a fishing line, Special Effects Supervisor, John Richardson described the technique as “going back to the silent movie era”. Visitors can also practise their wand skills as they learn the ‘Swish and Flick’ movement behind casting the famous spell.
A live demonstration during the feature will reveal the process in which the beloved half-giant Hagrid was brought to life, right in front of fans eyes. While Robbie Coltrane stood tall as 6ft, he was not quite tall enough to portray a half giant, with body double 6ft 10” England rugby player Martin Bayfield stepping in, fitted with stilts and a prosthetic head.
Interactive experiences throughout the feature will tell the story of Harry’s first experiences in the wizarding world. Fans of all ages are invited to get hands on and create an origami ‘Sorting Ceremony’ chatterbox to take away to remember their visit.
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Discovering Hogwarts is a special feature which will run from May 2 to September 4 2023 and is included in the ticket price.
