Darcie 
The Wizarding World comes to life at the Back to Hogwarts fan celebration with a special look at the new Harry Potter series coming to HBO Max.
The first of September has always been a celebratory day for Harry Potter fans because it is the day we get to go back to Hogwarts and the mythical world that has offered so many people sanctuary. This year’s celebration was bigger and better than ever, for two special reasons. Firstly, it has been twenty-five years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released and changed cinema forever. Secondly, we are entering a new phase with the HBO Max TV series adaptation that is launching at Christmas this year.
Events were hosted around the world to commemorate the day, and I was lucky enough to attend the celebration in London. The event featured magical surprises, goodies, and, most importantly, glimpses into the HBO adaptation.
THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS
As we entered the experience, we boarded the Hogwarts Express – a photo opportunity with our Hogwarts letters. After a quick photo, we wrote letters to the cast and crew of the new show. This was so sweet as the team told us the crew and cast would actually be passed these letters to read. Then you were able to collect some house temporary tattoos and even be sorted into your Hogwarts house before we got our first look at the new house designs.
Each of the four houses had a giant trunk filled with various items. Woven through each one was the theme of nature; each trunk featured specific leaves, such as Acorn for Gryffindor and Ivy for Hufflepuff. Key items like the sword and Diadem were featured as well, which were nice hints for the future. I wonder if the trucks represent the common rooms; if so, the design team will have created something special.
GRYFFINDOR OR HUFFLEPUFF?
We also got a good look at the house crests and flags; the animals themselves look similar, but the shapes make the new ones stand out. There is something aged about them; the new crests wouldn’t be out of place in a castle or on a shield.
The experience was a lot of fun, and the new looks at the show certainly made this event one to remember.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone airs on Christmas Day on HBO Max.
Be sure to check back with us regularly for the latest news, trailers, reviews, and updates from across the Harry Potter universe. With Future of the Force, you’ll always be ready to follow the Hogwarts Express wherever the latest stories take you!
Darcie Gray is the Fashion Editor of The Future of the Force. Aside from being a passionate Star Wars fan, she loves every genre of movies and she channels her passion for film into her personal blog Just Another Film Blog. Follow her on Twitter where she shares her love of film regularly.
