Hogwarts nostalgia returns as Harry Potter cast revisit iconic film sets in reunion
The world of Harry Potter has been revisited once again as members of the Weasley family cast reunited to mark the 25th anniversary of the franchise’s first film. Bonnie Wright, James and Oliver Phelps, and Mark Williams returned to the Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, stepping back onto original sets that helped define one of the most successful film series in cinema history.
The reunion focused on the legacy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, released in 2001, which introduced audiences to the magical world created from J K Rowling’s novels. The film became the highest grossing release of its year and launched a series of eight films that ran until 2011, cementing its place in global popular culture.
During the visit, the actors reflected on their time portraying the Weasley family, one of the most beloved households in the series. Mark Williams, who played Arthur Weasley, spoke warmly about returning to the wizarding world, describing it as a place he always enjoys revisiting. Oliver Phelps, who portrayed George Weasley alongside his twin brother James as Fred, said the experience felt like stepping back into a moment frozen in time, with little sense that many years had passed since filming ended.
The reunion also coincides with a new exhibition at the studio titled First Year at Hogwarts – Where the Filmmaking Magic Began. Running for four months from May 7, the feature allows visitors to revisit key scenes from the first film, including Harry Potter’s introduction to Hogwarts and the Sorting Hat ceremony. Other recreated moments include classroom sequences and Gryffindor common room scenes featuring characters such as Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom.
The studio experience also highlights the behind the scenes craftsmanship that brought the wizarding world to life, from set design to costume creation. Organisers say the aim is to give fans an immersive look at how the early films were made while celebrating the franchise’s long lasting cultural impact.
Geoff Spooner, senior vice president of WBD Global Experiences EMEA, said the anniversary event honours 25 years since Harry first stepped into Hogwarts, describing the story as one that continues to inspire audiences across generations. He noted that reuniting original cast members on the authentic film sets added a meaningful layer to the celebration.
The Harry Potter film series remains one of the most successful in history, with its characters and locations continuing to attract millions of visitors to studio attractions in the United Kingdom. The reunion serves as both a nostalgic return for the cast and a renewed opportunity for fans to connect with the world of Hogwarts in a tangible way.