'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone' Sets Global 25th Anniversary Re-Release
Back to the Big Screen: 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone' Sets Global 25th Anniversary Re-Release
LONDON — Grab your cloaks and wands: the Boy Who Lived is returning to the silver screen for a milestone silver anniversary. Warner Bros. Discovery has officially announced that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (known internationally as the Philosopher’s Stone) will receive a massive theatrical re-release this summer to celebrate 25 years since the film first enchanted audiences in 2001.
The re-release is set to run for a limited global window between 27th August and 3rd September 2026, strategically coinciding with the franchise's annual "Back to Hogwarts" celebrations.
New Magic: Unseen Footage Confirmed
This isn't just a standard trip down memory lane. Warner Bros. revealed that the anniversary screenings will feature 10 minutes of never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage. While the specific content of these extras remains under wraps, insiders suggest the footage includes candid moments from the young lead trio Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, during their first weeks on set at Leavesden Studios.
“Watching this film 25 years later isn't just about nostalgia; it’s about honoring a cultural shift,” said a Warner Bros. spokesperson. “For many, this was the Portkey into a lifelong love of cinema. Bringing it back with new material is our way of saying thank you to the fans who have kept the magic alive.”
A Year of "Wizards, Witches, and Muggles"
The theatrical run is the crown jewel of a year-long "25 Years of Magic" campaign. Fans can expect a flurry of activity leading up to the November anniversary:
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"Butterbeer Season": From March through May, touring Butterbeer trucks will visit major cities across North America and Europe, offering limited-edition merchandise.
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Shared Reality at Cosm: Starting March 4, tickets go on sale for "Shared Reality" screenings at Cosm venues in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Atlanta, allowing fans to experience Hogwarts in an immersive, dome-style environment.
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Collector’s Collections: Major brands including LEGO, Crocs, and Hallmark are launching exclusive anniversary lines. LEGO has already teased a special "Hogwarts Castle Sorting Ceremony" set featuring a unique 25th-anniversary collectable Patronus.
The Road to the Reboot
The timing of the anniversary serves as a bridge between eras. As fans revisit Chris Columbus's original 2001 masterpiece, production is currently underway for the HBO Original Harry Potter television series, slated to premiere in 2027.
The upcoming series will feature a brand-new cast, including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron. For many veterans of the "Potterhead" community, the 2026 re-release represents a final opportunity to celebrate the original cinematic cast on the big screen before the torch is officially passed.
Ticket Information
While general tickets for the August window will be available through major cinema chains starting in early summer, fans are encouraged to monitor the official Harry Potter Fan Club app for early access and "surprise and delight" moments at select locations.
Whether you're a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff, the message from Warner Bros. is clear: the journey to Platform 9¾ is just as magical a quarter-century later.