Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to return to cinemas for 25th anniversary as multiple celebrations confirmed

Warner Bros Discovery has unveiled plans to bring the Wizarding World's first movie instalment, 2001's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, to the big screen to celebrate 25 years of magic.

Excitingly, there's more to the celebrations than just the return of the film to cinemas, with WBD promising that "Wizards, Witches and Muggles worldwide can look forward to fan-focused experiences, spectacular screenings, exclusive products, and more."

Firstly, the period from March to May is to be dubbed Butterbeer Season, where Butterbeer Trucks will be popping up in cities around the world, offering limited edition drinks and exclusive merch.

Unless you're a real Potterhead, the 31st July might not mean much to you – but it's the Boy Who Lived's birthday, and to mark the occasion this year, official Harry Potter locations globally will feature specially themed events and activities.

Key to the celebrations, between 27th August and 3rd September, the Philosopher's Stone will have its 25th anniversary theatrical re-release.

Returning to cinemas, the film will be accompanied by ten minutes of behind-the-scenes extras which have never been seen on the silver screen. On top of that, select venues will be showing all eight Harry Potter films in the cinema during this period – so keep an eye out.

WBD has also promised that the screenings will feature "experiential magical touches guaranteed to bring the magic to life." LEGO, Crocs, Spin Master, Timex, MinaLima, and a huge number of other brands are also joining the party, with a range of products, toys, and merch coming out this year.

If that still doesn't sound like enough, Warner Bros Studio Tour London will be running a special celebration of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone this summer, where fans will be able to discover iconic artefacts introduced in the first film from the Golden Snitch to the Philosopher's Stone itself.

There's a huge amount of Potter to enjoy, and you can find more information on the Harry Potter website.

The first film in the franchise was a major hit when it was released back in 2001, introducing fans to Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson – who would go on to play Harry, Ron and Hermione in all eight films and became global superstars in the process.

Bolstering the young cast members were a host of iconic British actors, including Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman and Ralph Fiennes, among many others.

Meanwhile, the entire novel series is now set to be remade in an upcoming HBO TV show, which is currently set to release it's first season – based on the Philosopher's Stone – in 2027.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone returns to cinemas for its 25th anniversary this Autumn.

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