Meet the real-life muggles named Harry Potter
How sharing a name with the Boy Who Lived transfigured the lives of a knighted criminal lawyer, a fitness guru and more.
This article was originally published on 29 March 2018, and the interviews carried out that year. Just before midnight on 1 November 1981, a rather severe-looking woman named Minerva McGonagall made a revelatory prediction. Although only a tabby cat mere minutes before, she was now standing beside a tall elderly man known as Albus Dumbledore, the two animatedly discussing the orphan baby they would soon leave on the darkened footsteps of number 4 Privet Drive. "This boy will be famous!” McGonagall whispered to her companion, who was placing yet another lemon drop in the mouth hiding beneath his flowing silver beard. "There will be books written about him – every child in our world will know his name!” She was, of course, completely correct. The baby, a young wizard called Harry Potter, would soon possess one of the most celebrated names on the planet. It was a name that became emblazoned across JK Rowling's novels, which went on to sell 500 million copies worldwide in 74 languages. Four syllables that would garner their own registered trademark and font. And even today, almost 30 years since The Philosopher's Stone was published, ‘Harry Potter’ is still a name more popular on Google than Donald Trump, Taylor Swift and Jesus Christ. Though, however right McGonagall's prophecy was, she had overlooked something huge. While the Boy Who Lived would soon bear the world’s most famous name, so too would a set of other Harry Potters across the country. The estimated 23 Harry Potters of voting age residing in the UK, for instance. Although having no dealings with Hogwarts, Hagrids, Horcruxes, Hedwigs, Hippogriffs or Hufflepuffs, these Harry Potters would forever now be entwined with conversations about the wizarding world – whether they wanted to or not. Is the name a permanent curse to their lives or simply a spellbinding conversation starter? Thanks to a few real Harry Potters, we don’t have to guess the answer to that question. We got to know five of these muggles – or at least wizards well-abiding The Official Magical Secrets Act – to discover exactly how the name has shaped their lives, for better and worse. So, pour yourself a pumpkin juice and grab a chair by the common room fire. It’s time to meet the Harrys… Sir Harry Potter, lawyer If you have ever heard of a Harry Potter without a lightning-shape scar, it’s probably this one. The defence criminal lawyer, legal historian and ordained priest has unleashed his booming Scottish voice across TV and radio, featuring on The One Show and presenting BBC Four’s The Strange Case of the Law – much to the enjoyment of viewers… View oEmbed on the source website And his name doesn’t just raise eyebrows on X, but also conjures an unusually upbeat tone during criminal trials. "It gets a lot of amusement, especially in the Crown Court,” admits Potter. "Once I was representing a man called Martin Luther King and in the next court there was a Gandhi on trial. People were falling on the floor laughing as the tannoy was calling for the three of us.” Now, you might think a lawyer who is subject to sniggering might not be a very good one in the eyes of the jury. And it’s also reasonable to assume a lawyer who can’t examine witnesses such as the Sheriff of Nottingham or somebody called Michael Caine – as Potter has also done – without inducing chortles throughout the courthouse would be a disaster to a client. Quite the opposite. “Juries love it. They smile at me when they don’t with other barristers. And if you put the jury in a good mood, they’re easier to impress,” says Potter. “Prosecutors often make a mistake when they introduce me as Harry Potter as it gives me an instant advantage. And they know it probably gives me a bit of an edge, but it amuses them too.” However, occasionally his name can accidentally interfere with proceedings. “I once had a client who the judge ordered a psychiatric report for,” remembers Potter. “It came back as this huge 17-page thing that concluded he was delusional because he thought his barrister was Harry Potter. The judge turned to me and said ‘I think we’ll be getting another report, Mr Potter!’” It’s incidents like this that saw Potter writing to JK Rowling herself, outlining that he was a lawyer working in chambers (“’I’m the real Harry Potter and I know the chamber of secrets!’ I said”) and querying whether he was actually the source of the boy wizard’s moniker – “Because I’m Scottish I asked if she heard my name when she was living in Edinburgh,” Potter explains. And amazingly, Rowling replied. And while she broke the bad news that the fictional Potter wasn’t inspired by the lawyer one, Rowling did reveal its source: Harry was simply her favourite name and the Potters were her next-door neighbours. Not the answer Potter was looking for, perhaps, but Rowling’s words provided something much more valuable: “I keep that letter safe – it’s probably my pension fund!” he chuckles. Harry Potter, former student at Sheffield University Like the Harry above, this Potter was born before The Philosopher’s Stone was published – but only by five months. This meant that although not named after the Boy who Lived (“my parents like to make that very clear,” he says), JK Rowling’s Wizarding World has constantly been a part of his own. “It’s always been there, from when I was a kid,” explains Potter. “I was never ‘Harry’ or never just ‘Potter’ – I was always called the full ‘Harry Potter’ at school.” Not that this was a bad thing. As Potter recalls, this recognition slowly treated him to some, as he says, “pretty cool stuff”. For instance, remember when bookstores invited in streams of wizarding fans for the midnight launch of the latest Hogwarts novel? Well, on 21 July 2007, Potter opened up his Exeter branch of WH Smith to mark the release of The Deathly Hallows. “They even got me dressed up in a wizard’s outfit,” remembers Potter. “But I got a book out of it so I wasn’t complaining!” But as he got older things got more, as Potter puts it, “intense”. “Family holidays were always interesting,” he says. “I don’t know what it is about American immigration, but they really like to make a scene. They have really stern faces for everyone else and then I step up and they’ll shout out ‘oh damn! Harry Potter?!’ and get up to show the other officers my passport.” That’s not even the weirdest incident Potter has experienced in an airport. “In 2013 I was on a trip with my school. There were about 30 or 40 of us there when somebody spotted Gary Oldman [who plays Sirius Black in the Harry Potter movies]. And then, of course, somebody in my class decided to shout out about my name. “[Oldman] thought it was a joke, but played along. ‘Oh really?’ he said grinning. Then he pulled me forward from the crowd – I was hiding at the back because I knew this would happen. He read my passport, paused and went ‘oh s**t!’ I was really chuffed.” Harry Potter, marketing & customer services worker Dive into a Pensieve brimming with this Harry’s earliest memories and you’ll notice a recurring presence: Pottermania. Aged four and barely able to read JK Rowling’s first book when it hit stores, Harry was swamped with interest over his name. “I remember The Sun newspaper and BBC round my house,” he remembers. “It was a lot to ask of a kid, but I did enjoy it.” His name soon led to bigger perks, particularly when Potter was invited to the London premiere of The Chamber of Secrets in 2002. “I went with my mum,” he remembers. “All these stars were walking down the carpet and then there was us – all the photographers were left asking ‘who are they?’” And after confounding the national press, Potter was even allowed to view the film with the stars, watching it while sitting next to Vinnie Jones. However, for a 24-year-old working in the marketing department of a shelving company, the spell has since worn off slightly. Potter still gets emails from clients thanking him for “working his magic”, but his name has become somewhat of a bludger. “I play golf. I really love it so I wanted to enter a competition. So I called up to register and on hearing my name they said it wasn’t April Fool’s Day and slammed the phone down. Sometimes the name really doesn’t work in my favour,” he laughs. Harry Potter, salesman If the wizarding Harry Potter ever packs in the auror work and tries his hand at a muggle business, we’ve got one tip: print off more business cards. “I can get through 80 to 100 at an event,” this Potter, a business development manager, explains. “Often I have people coming up to my stall saying ‘I’m sorry, I’m just here to get a business card with Harry Potter’s name on it’. I don’t mind it, though ­– it’s a great ice-breaker. And it’s good to be remembered if you’re selling the right stuff!” And he hasn’t only found the name useful for shifting a sale. For instance, on accidentally arriving to the British Library’s Harry Potter History of Magic exhibition an hour late, Potter was able to gain entry with a flick of his ID. “As soon as my friend told them my name and they checked it we were sent straight in. They even said to not worry about closing time – ‘you stay as long as you want!’” But perhaps most valuable of all, Potter has been gifted an easy fancy dress idea. “I’ve dressed as a wizard about five times now,” he says. “I think people always think I’d never be up for it, but it’s part of Halloween!” Harry Potter, fitness & nutrition coach Wizarding gyms probably aren’t a concept you've given much consideration (well, not since the whole ‘Neville Longbottomed’ meme), but here’s a man who may change that. This Harry Potter is a workout fanatic keen on sharing his exercise and nutritional knowledge through his Instagram and YouTube streams. However, instead of encouraging followers to build a Victor Krum physique, Potter markets himself as a specialist in superhero muscle. In fact, he goes by ‘Harry Ashton Potter’ online to stand out from Hogwarts’ finest. “Also I think just using "Harry Potter" would cause some people to think that I was using a fake name,” he explains. And what about in his everyday life? Although he admits the novelty of the name “has worn off”, the same can’t be said of those close to him. “Sometimes my friends will say ‘ask him what his surname is’ [when meeting new people]. Then I usually pretend to not have a clue what they're on about so they end up looking stupid.” So, from the story of Harry Potter and the psychiatric report to Harry Potter and the golf club quarrel, each of the above have faced their own unique experience of carrying the boy wizard’s name. But what do these people – hereby Sir Harry, Student Potter, Salesman Potter, Marketing Potter and Fitness Potter – all have in common? Firstly: the majority prefer JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings – only two of the above actually have a firm grasp of the Potter story. And even those who are fans of the books and films have to admire them privately. “I’m a big fan of both, but I have to pretend that I’m impartial to it,” says Student Potter. “Years ago, I got a pair of Gryffindor winter gloves and got absolutely roasted for wearing them. Never again!” View Green Video on the source website Secondly, they hate making restaurant reservations. Or paying bills over the phone. Or, well, anything that requires stating their full name. “There’s normally a titter in the background or they’ll say ‘come on, give us your real one’,” says Sir Harry. “I haven’t yet been stopped by the police while driving, but I suspect they would nick me for giving a false identity. They’d probably get out the breathalyser too.” It’s not an inconvenience reserved for the offline world, either. Each of the Potters has been met by the same disbelief on social media. “I signed up to Facebook when I was 13, but every time a new Potter film came out Facebook banned me thinking that my account wasn’t real,” recalls Student Potter. “Each time I had to send off a scan of my passport and about two weeks later I’d be able to go on Facebook again. It was unbelievably frustrating!” And he was a Potter lucky enough to be granted an account in the first place. Sites like Facebook and X have denied others, assuming they’re setting up a page with a false name. And ironically, that’s just what they had to do to get accepted. Harry Potters across the globe have been forced to invent a new moniker, either simply utilising the Scandinavian alphabet (here’s a shout out to the Harry Pøtters out there), promoting their middle names or even assuming a pseudonym. And it’s not just a problem with social media. Ironically, if you're born Harry Potter you become virtually anonymous online. Search for yourself and any mentions – good or bad – will be buried beneath volumes of wizarding memes, Reddit threads and ‘Draco Malfoy is definitely a werewolf’ fan theories. On the plus side, this digital invisibility cloak means your personal details and shared pictures will be Google-proof – identity fraud won’t be a concern. And, if like Sir Harry, you wrote a book before JK Rowling then you might see a boost in sales due to a mass of confused fans (“I imagine children getting books about capital punishment are quite surprised!” he says with a chuckle). However, being a young Harry Potter also means it’s near impossible to make a name for yourself on the web – even if you try to put a twist on it: “I’m thinking about going into consultancy and using my initials to get further up the Google rankings, but HP is one of the biggest businesses out there,” says Student Potter with a grin. “I don’t know if I’d make any money!” And no, these Harry Potters can’t use their connection to Hogwarts to bolster business either. If they’re not licensed by Warner Bros and try to set up a company that waters down the Harry Potter brand – for example, by setting up a Harry Potter dry cleaners with winks to JK Rowling’s world inside – then they might be heading towards a lawsuit. In fact, a “Harry Potter Dry Cleaners” is one of the most commonly cited examples of trademark dilution in the US. So, these Harry Potters won’t be raking in the galleons with a self-named business any time soon. But they do have a huge advantage getting employed at somebody else’s company. “The name definitely makes me stand out in interviews,” admits Salesman Potter. “It changes the dynamics of the whole thing as well. [The interviewer] might get a good measure of me if they make Harry Potter jokes and I receive them well. Part of being a functional person in society is being able to make fun out of yourself, I guess.” And even better than securing you a job, going by the name of Harry Potter might win you an election. At least, that’s what happened to Sir Harry. From 2002 he served a term on Greenwich council in London, coming top in his local polls by only two votes. “That was the name,” he says. “In a local election, a few votes are all it needs. And when I was around canvassing I found there were quite a few children that followed me because they heard I was Harry Potter. Recognition helps.” Our Student Potter also achieved election victory last year, in an uncontested – yet still problematic – contest. “I was running unchallenged to my international students committee, but I wasn’t the only name on the ballot paper. There was me and the acronym for ‘re-open nominations’, just ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘RON’. I was thinking ‘oh god, why me!?’” he laughs. “But usually the name helps. I’m thinking of going into politics and fingers crossed it makes a difference.” Yet even the Potters we spoke to who had no ambitions of power have been scrutinised like a politician. “Because of the name people are going to remember if you do anything wrong,” explains Salesman Potter. “If you make somebody feel bad or do something embarrassing you’re not going to get away with it. You have to make a conscious effort to be on your best behaviour all the time. It makes things a bit less natural than what it should be. “The name takes away a bit of privacy. When I was three days into university people had heard about me before we met… I think a lot of the conversations I have with new people aren’t made in confidence. You know that they’re going to tell somebody they’ve spoken to you. And depending on how the conversation went, they might share details as well. I know if somebody hears my name they’re probably going to tell five people about it.” Student Potter can relate: “I remember a few weeks into my first year when people were posting about me on [anonymous sharing app] Yik Yak. People were like ‘oh my God, there’s a guy called Harry Potter in my politics seminar!’ or ‘There’s a bloke in my flat block called Harry Potter!’ These posts were getting 60 or 70 upvotes every day. I was thinking ‘who are these people!? Who’s doing this? “I remember too walking to a seminar on a busy street and a guy stopping in front of me, taking out his headphones and shouting ‘YOU’RE A WIZARD, HARRY!’. It was quite intense.” It’s not just at university. These Harry Potters have gone through similar encounters during each new phase of their life. Whether starting a new job or school, they have to go through a recognition process that the actual wizarding Harry could relate to. “In school assembly in my first week they decided to call out my name. Everyone started whispering – it was just like that scene from The Philosopher's Stone,” recalls Salesman Potter. Those who grew up at the height of Pottermania have been particularly influenced by their name. And it’s easy to think why: imagine if you were called Harry Potter and 75 per cent of people you ever met wanted to discuss your name (an estimation given by one Potter). Not only would that be all you’ve known, but it’s also the first impression you leave on everyone else. As Student Potter says: “I do find it bizarre how much it shapes my identity when I first meet people. It can really define me.” View Green Video on the source website But here’s the thing: if the name did somewhat transfigure their characters, it didn’t craft them into a set of anxious individuals or deeply-frustrated men waiting for the next ‘10 points to Gryffindor!’ jibe. Far from it: rather than shying away from the topic, each of the Potters we spoke to were extremely open about their connection to JK Rowling's character. They were easy-going, jolly, honest, confident and brilliantly self-deprecating too. Each one, to put it simply, was just incredibly nice. True, we took a somewhat biased sample of Harry Potters – not only are these the ones who agreed to speak to us, but they’re all Potters who haven’t decided to change their name (the few of these hard-to-find former Potters we contacted declined an interview). But the majority of Potters we spoke to were up for a chat. And despite going through years of – what most would consider – anxiety-provoking situations, they still were incredibly upbeat about their experiences. In fact, none said they felt the need to file a deed poll. Pop a name tag on each of the above, stand them in front of the Mirror of Erised and each would still see ‘Harry Potter’ written on the reflected sticker. Why? One possible reason: they’re never short of conversation. Granted, it’s the same are-you-really-called-Harry-Potter talk that’s a novelty for strangers, but it’s a topic they’re well-trained in. “It’s always nice to start off with a joke – assuring them you’re not actually a wizard,” explains Student Potter. “I think it makes me friendlier, more willing to have a laugh and get to know somebody better. It’s better than awkward small talk.” It’s also a name that people can’t help but warm towards. Tell somebody you’re called Harry Potter and they’ll instantly think of a beloved childhood character. Barriers are broken down as people plug into JK Rowling’s fantasy world, home of happy memories and adolescent wonder. And, as Sir Harry Potter delicately puts it, “If you were called Hitler or Stalin it would probably put off some, but the name attracts people. “It gives pleasure to others. And if you can make people smile at relatively no cost to yourself then it’s a good thing. You have a warm glow.” So yes, the Harry Potters we spoke to weren’t without their quibbles and were quick to tell of the woes of constant recognition. But each of their stories finished with a laugh instead of a sigh, a light shining through any possible darkness – much like the real Potter’s Patronus repelling away any dementor. With all things considered? All was well. Harry Potter author JK Rowling has faced backlash in some quarters due to her views on transgender rights. In 2020, she published a lengthy statement detailing her stance on sex and gender debates – the essay was criticised and disputed by LGBTQ+ charities including Stonewall. Rowling has also shared her views on social media, including in a 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter), in which she insisted that “there are no trans kids” and opposed the idea that a child can be “born in the wrong body”. In May 2025, Rowling set up the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, which describes itself as offering legal funding support to “individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights”. Harry Potter actors including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, have distanced themselves from Rowling's views and have issued statements supporting the transgender community. Others, including Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jim Broadbent, have defended the author from the criticism she has received. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Harry Potter TV series: Release date speculation, casting & latest news
Everything to know about the new Wizarding World TV series adapting the original seven books.
As filming on HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV series continues, some key figures behind the production are starting to give their assessments of how it's going thus far, and what fans can expect. For instance, in December 2025, HBO Max head of original content Sarah Aubrey spoke about the series while on a panel at Content London, as reported by Variety. Aubrey said that she was visiting the set of the series the following day, before adding: "I just keep thinking, it’s such a delightful adaptation of the books. And I think when people watch it, they [will] think, 'These are the books.'" Meanwhile, Warwick Davis, currently the only star to be returning from the Harry Potter movies to play the same part of Filius Flitwick in the series, spoke about the new adaptation on Times Radio, as reported by Deadline. "I’m working on it at the moment, but I can’t really tell you anything other than we’re retelling those wonderful stories but with more depth and detail than has been seen before," he said. "They’re very faithful adaptations of the book. "We’re obviously telling the same story so there are similar moments that we’re experiencing as actors on the set. But it’s weird being back in the same studios again, doing it all again, because Leavesden is where we shot the films." Of course, with filming ongoing, we're still far off from getting a specific release date, but more news is being revealed frequently. Most recently, Hans Zimmer and his collective of composers, named Bleeding Fingers, were tapped to compose the score for the series. Hans Zimmer, Kara Talve and Anže Rozman said in a statement together: "The musical legacy of Harry Potter is a touch point for composers everywhere and we are humbled to join such a remarkable team on a project of this magnitude. The responsibility is something that myself, Kara Talve and Anže Rozman do not take lightly. "Magic is all around us, often just beyond reach, but as in the world of Harry Potter, you simply must look for it. With this score we hope to bring audiences that little bit closer to it whilst honoring what has come before." For more on the Harry Potter series, including the potential release date, more casting news, and the TV show's plot, the rest of this watch guide below has you covered. Harry Potter TV series release date speculation HBO's Harry Potter adaptation is currently expected to premiere in 2027, following comments by CEO & President of Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav. Originally reported by TVLine, Zaslav told press back in November 2024: "Oh, it could probably be [2027], something like that." "But don’t hold me to any of that, because we’re just getting started in the writing and casting process." Although an exact release date hasn't been announced yet, we'll update this page as soon as we hear more. A lot has happened since Zaslav's comments, including the casting of the key actors, but logistically it still looks like a 2027 release date for the Harry Potter show is doable. Filming for the new Harry Potter began in July 2025, kickstarting what is intended to be a seven-season adaptation, taking place across the UK in locations like London Zoo, King's Cross Station, and Hertfordshire. One obvious concern is making sure the show stays on track to release one new season per year, so the lead actors don't end up growing too old for their roles. Speaking about HBO's plans to film new seasons as quickly and efficiently as possible, HBO CEO Casey Bloys, explained to Collider’s Steve Weintraub: "From 11 to 13, is a big jump in kids' lives. You can get away with 13 to 15, something like that. So we are going to have to think about scheduling and shooting so that they don’t grow too much between seasons. It is a consideration." "I think an annual schedule would be tough, but it depends on how much is written ahead of time." In November 2025, Bloys confirmed that season 2 was already being written. Bloys told reporters during a press conference, as reported by Deadline: "The plan is to still try and get it — I don’t know if it’s going to be like stop shooting Season 1 on Friday and start Season 2 on Monday. "There’ll be a break in there, but we’re going to do whatever we can to not have a huge gap. For the kids, obviously, but also for viewers. You know, trying to not have massive gaps. It is a big show, lots of special effects, obviously, massive operation, but we’re going to do what we can." Bloys also previously confirmed that author JK Rowling is involved in the project, amid ongoing controversy regarding her views on trans rights, which have turned many former fans away from the franchise. In response to these concerns, an HBO spokesperson said (via Variety): "We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance". "JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement." This has done little to quell concerns over Rowling's impact as a public figure, and how her income from the Potter franchise may be used to facilitate anti-LGBTQ+ projects. In recent years, the author was notably absent from the 20-year anniversary special of the Harry Potter movies, and the 2023 Hogwarts Legacy spin-off game faced boycotts. Meanwhile, several fan-run organisations have distanced themselves from Rowling, including the international association for real-life Quidditch, which has renamed the sport "quadball." Who will be the cast starring in the Harry Potter TV series? As mentioned above, the lead stars playing Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger have been confirmed. Back in September 2024, there was an open casting call looking for the three kids, with Warner boss Channing Dungey admitting it would be "tricky" to allocate the roles (via Variety). Now we know that, in HBO's Harry Potter series, Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry, Arabella Stanton will play Hermione and Alastair Stout will play Ron. Stanton is known for having previously starred in the West End production of Matilda, as well as the Andrew Lloyd Webber production of Starlight Express. Stout has been seen in TV advertisements, while McLaughlin will be seen in Sky Original comedy Grow. Following the lead actors being announced, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director/executive producer Mark Mylod said in a statement to Variety: "After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione and Ron". "The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there." Meanwhile, HBO previously announced that John Lithgow is set to play Albus Dumbledore in the new Harry Potter show. Lithgow previously said of taking on the role: "It came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid. But I'm very excited." Elsewhere, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) will star as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer (Tumbleweeds) will star as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) will appear as Rubeus Hagrid. While those four series regulars had previously been rumoured to be joining the project, some other new additions have been more unexpected. The more surprising additions are Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse (The Fast Show) as Argus Filch, who will appear in guest/recurring roles. Thallon is currently best known in the theatre world and most recently starred in the Royal Shakespeare Company's 2025 Hamlet. In June, a whole load of new additions were also announced to fill out supporting roles. Katherine Parkinson (Rivals) will play Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt (Lord of the Flies) will play Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn (Ripley) will play Lucius Malfoy and Bertie Carvel (The Crown) will play Cornelius Fudge. Meanwhile, Leo Earley will play Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni will play Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah will play Lavender Brown, Bel Powley (Masters of the Air) will play Petunia Dursley and Daniel Rigby (I, Jack Wright) will play Vernon Dursley. Unfortunately, those hoping for returns from the film franchise's stars, such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson or Rupert Grint, are out of luck – it's not looking likely. Chatting to ComicBook.com, Radcliffe quashed any speculation about him making an appearance. He said: "My understanding is that they’re trying to very much start fresh, and I'm sure whoever is making them will want to make their own mark on it and probably not want to have to figure out how to get old Harry to cameo in this somewhere." He continued: "So I'm definitely not seeking it out in any way… but I do wish them, obviously, all the luck in the world, and I'm very excited to have that torch passed. But I don't think it needs me to physically pass it." Argus Filch star David Bradley told RadioTimes.com: "I think it’ll be very interesting to see what they will do with the extra time they’ll have to film more of the books than we could. "The Goblet of Fire and the last two, they were quite chunky – how do you condense those into a two and a half hour film? "Of course, you’ve got to sacrifice quite a lot of plot and characters. I’m assuming the reason they’re doing it is they’ll be able to include more of the story because they’ll have more screen time – a lot more than the films had. I’ll be interested. I haven’t had the call yet!" Asked whether it felt strange to see a new adaptation in the works, Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, mused: "It’s no weirder for me than for everybody else who’s seen the films. I happen to be in the films too." View Green Video on the source website He continued: "They make a new Spider-Man every 15 minutes. You know, there was a ton of stuff in the books that we left out. Yeah, it's an odd feeling, but it’s no odder for me than it is anyone else. I can’t wait to see them and see what they do." Behind the camera, we know that His Dark Materials writer Francesca Gardiner will serve as showrunner, while Succession director Mark Mylod is attached to produce and film some episodes. Meanwhile, JK Rowling will executive produce the series, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts. "Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series," said Rowling. Who is playing Voldemort in the Harry Potter series? The actor who will be playing Voldemort in the Harry Potter HBO series hasn't been revealed just yet, but well-known contenders like Matthew Macfadyen, Matt Smith, Paul Bettany, Cillian Murphy and Tom Hiddleston are in the running, according to Online Betting Guide. However, known entertainment industry leaker Daniel Richtman recently posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Harry Potter TV show is "auditioning both men and women for Voldemort", so there is a chance Tom Riddle could be portrayed by a woman. There is no confirmation of either claim yet, but we will be updating this guide as soon as we hear more. What is the Harry Potter TV series about? The series will be based on all seven books in the series, originally published between 1997 and 2007. A statement from the newly branded Max explained: "The stories from each of Rowling’s Harry Potter books will become a decade-long series produced with the same epic craft, love and care this global franchise is known for. "The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail, much-loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years." It continued: "Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and beloved films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally." The Harry Potter series will stream on HBO Max. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Harry Potter TV series will feature a book character cut from the films as new castings confirmed
A certain ghost professor will make an appearance.
The Harry Potter TV series will feature at least one book character who did not appear in the original film series as the show has officially cast Richard Durden as the previously unseen Professor Cuthbert Binns. Cuthbert Binns, a book character who never made it into the films, is a ghost professor, known for his incredibly boring History of Magic lessons. In the books, we discover that one day he fell asleep in the staff room and died, simply leaving his body behind him and continuing to teach as a ghost. He teaches Harry for his first three years at Hogwarts (after which, the young wizard quickly drops History of Magic as a subject) and, in his second year, relays the legend of the Chamber of Secrets to the class. Alongside Durden's casting, HBO announced that Warwick Davis will reprise his role as Professor Filius Flitwick, with Sirine Saba playing professor of Herbology Pomona Sprout, while Bríd Brennan will take on the role of Madam Poppy Pomfrey. Director Chris Columbus, who helmed the first two movies, recently told Radio Times his hopes for the series including elements from the books that he did not have time for in the films. He said: "There was so much we couldn't put in the films – they weren’t short, they were over two and a half hours long, but I still struggled. It still keeps me up at night sometimes.” Specifically, he shared: “I missed the fact that I was never able to put Peeves in the first film.” Peeves is a mischievous poltergeist who wreaks havoc at Hogwarts. He was due to be played by comedian Rik Mayall in the films but was eventually cut completely as Columbus and his team were never happy with how he looked. “Plus, there is a scene in the first book, Philosopher’s Stone, where Hermione and Harry are tasting potions in one of the challenges, and one of them could die at any moment,” Columbus remembered. “It's like this incredible chess match that we just did not have time to shoot. So hopefully those scenes will be reinstated. They have 10 hours. I hope they use them well.” Durden has a range of TV and film credits to his name, including appearances in Silent Witness, Ghosts, and Bridgerton. Harry Potter author JK Rowling has faced backlash in some quarters due to her views on transgender rights. In 2020, she published a lengthy statement detailing her stance on sex and gender debates – the essay was criticised and disputed by LGBTQ+ charities including Stonewall. Rowling has also shared her views on social media, including in a 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter), in which she insisted that “there are no trans kids” and opposed the idea that a child can be “born in the wrong body”. In May 2025, Rowling set up the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, which describes itself as offering legal funding support to “individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights”. Harry Potter actors including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, have distanced themselves from Rowling's views and have issued statements supporting the transgender community. Others, including Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jim Broadbent, have defended the author from the criticism she has received. The Harry Potter series will stream on HBO Max. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Star Wars legend confirmed to return as Harry Potter film character in the TV version
The Harry Potter series has officially confirmed the return of its first original cast member – Warwick Davis as Professor Filius Flitwick. Davis portrayed the Hogwarts Charms professor in all eight of the Harry Potter movies (as well as taking on the role of Griphook the goblin). Now, it's been announced he'll reprise the role of Flitwick for the HBO TV series, which is set for release in 2027. This time, Davis is passing the role of Griphook over to Leigh Gill. Various other castings have also been confirmed, including Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas, Finn Stephens as Vincent Crabbe, and William Nash as Gregory Goyle. Meanwhile, we'll also be seeing a character that was never shown in the film series as Richard Durden takes on the role of Professor Cuthbert Binns (the History of Magic professor). Sirine Saba will play professor of Herbology Pomona Sprout, while Bríd Brennan will take on the role of Madam Poppy Pomfrey. The new Harry Potter series is set to dedicate a season to each of JK Rowling's books, with the first focusing on the iconic first novel, The Philosopher's Stone. It's written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, whilst Mark Mylod will executive produce and direct multiple episodes of the series for HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros Television. It had previously been confirmed that Dominic McLaughlin will be leading the cast as Harry Potter, along with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Sherlock's Louise Brealey will play Madam Rolanda Hooch and Andor's Anton Lesser will play Garrick Ollivander, whilst other notable casting includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy and Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy. Harry Potter author JK Rowling has faced backlash in some quarters due to her views on transgender rights. In 2020, she published a lengthy statement detailing her stance on sex and gender debates – the essay was criticised and disputed by LGBTQ+ charities including Stonewall. Rowling has also shared her views on social media, including in a 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter), in which she insisted that "there are no trans kids" and opposed the idea that a child can be "born in the wrong body". In May 2025, Rowling set up the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, which describes itself as offering legal funding support to "individuals and organisations fighting to retain women’s sex-based rights". Harry Potter actors including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have distanced themselves from Rowling's views and have issued statements supporting the transgender community. Others, including Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jim Broadbent, have defended the author from the criticism she has received. The Harry Potter series will stream on HBO Max. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hogwarts Legacy Switch 2 upgrade: Price, changes and how to get it
With the Nintendo Switch 2 arriving, plenty of Switch 1 titles have got themselves a big upgrade – Hogwarts Legacy is one of them. The magical jaunt through the Harry Potter universe comes with a few nice upgrades on Switch 2, making it the best way to play for Nintendo fans. So, how much is it, what big changes are there, and how do you get it? Read on for the answers. How much does Hogwarts Legacy for Switch 2 cost? Hogwarts Legacy costs £49.99 / $59.99 for the Standard Edition, or £59.99 / $69.99 for the Digital Deluxe Edition on the official Nintendo store. Alternatively, if you prefer physical media, you can buy the game in the UK from GAME, Smyths or <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hogwarts-Legacy-Nintendo-Switch-UK/dp/B0F8BN7XS2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=27528JWTCRGM4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NxNrsb3ukhYReXqbueM5VBhKVjeRfcqorlKk8ek9U8tLd7-JFHXTStQNQ_ajnkBkYUo8SVQsM2S6yPsqpbtwVGKmLb_wfPYBXKfyIvopk_ku7kBXmBKjkGmVb2a0y0_rQe92sb6acKsUtpUuVZ8fA_sFuCqMmuIuyPXcytE5ywrLu4yjPKeqlsFxhagnyi8UJ-dto7mj31X7Z4Nrq8byExOYJDMgRYnHCkqhbGhr66c.B1hO3ZAIZXrCQzTmB3PhHCV4hoZzRGQHV1QytKE4hkA&dib_tag=se&keywords=hogwarts+legacy+switch+2&qid=1749200245&sprefix=hogwarts+legacy+switch+2%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-2&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2276820" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Amazon. Similarly, for US players, you can get a physical copy of the game from GameStop, Best Buy or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hogwarts-Legacy-Nintendo-Switch-2/dp/B0F8F1SVKM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1VIIPSXES9J5T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GpXmUBCM2FEGUx37wYkKOtYbJ6txk1d5XNDqTJDLQUdIaOfV2pSM9rEH3l9gLQ-bCjOtFMWW6PfdORhemSlXdnjydIhF1GDdO0ndLGxTyiEgvMoxzYH8LVVAjdXKxB_oj3PZAGghkSEVGt0WshP7L20ZevFKazqKWcCwf9ct3UEWnoWHOZ4umhsY7enbF8FQIGSeZe8mQsSzgdh-lHN3pusMgNbVtdJYsOFDAsncwvc.RI9kQ8GKjwVoJ3R64n9SLDMhTw7YWL1dmMXuJB-EZoU&dib_tag=se&keywords=hogwarts+legacy&qid=1749203629&sprefix=hogwarts+legay%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazon. What changes in the Switch 2 version of Hogwarts Legacy? Hogwarts Legacy has been pretty significantly upgraded compared to the Switch 1 version, and the most significant upgrades are no doubt to its performance and visuals. The game runs up to 1440p resolution while docked, and up to 1080p in handheld mode, because the game now features Nvidia DLSS support. The game features anti-aliasing, some better lighting, and better textures, all while running at a much smoother framerate compared to the Switch 1 version. That being said, the game still does not run at 60FPS, continuing to run at 30FPS, which will no doubt be a disappointment to many players, perhaps because it lacks Nvidia Frame Generation. Luckily, it makes up for that in a sense with significantly faster load times to save you waiting around for as long. Last, but not least, the game features mouse support thanks to the new Switch 2 Joy-Cons. How to get the Hogwarts Legacy Switch 2 upgrade If you already own Hogwarts Legacy on Switch 1 and want all the added benefits of the upgraded version, thankfully you won't have to shell out for a brand-new copy. If you own either a digital or physical copy of the game, so long as it's registered to the same Nintendo Account your Switch 2 is logged into, you can head to the eShop and find Hogwarts Legacy. There, you'll be able to buy the Switch 2 upgrade for £8 / $10, after which you'll be able to download an update fully upgrading your version of the game – simple! View Green Video on the source website Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
20 Harry Potter quiz questions and answers
Grab a butterbeer and put your Hogwarts knowledge to the test.
We may be about to get a Harry Potter reboot series, the cast for which is just starting to shape up (hello, John Lithgow), but fans still love to revisit both the books and previous film adaptations. Therefore, if you're looking for a round in your next quiz, a trip to Hogwarts is always a good option, and we've got a set of questions to make sure you're all set. From behind-the-scenes facts and cast queries to in-universe questions from the Wizarding World, RadioTimes.com is here with a round of questions (and answers!) to see if your friends know their Horcruxes from their Hufflepuffs. Once you’re done, why not try our TV pub quiz, film pub quiz, music quiz or sport pub quiz for size? Plus there's many, many more pub quizzes available as part of our bumper general knowledge pub quiz. Accio quiz! View Riddle on the source website 20 Harry Potter quiz questions Who is Harry Potter's godfather? What year was the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, released in cinemas? Which future Batman actor played Triwizard Tournament entrant Cedric Diggory? Who was Minister for Magic during the first five films? What was the name of the Hippogriff Harry and Hermione save from execution? On which floor of Hogwarts was the forbidden corridor in The Philosopher's Stone? What was the name of the tree Harry and Ron crashed their car into? Who did Bad Sisters star Fiona Shaw play in the Harry Potter films? What village can Hogwarts students visit from their third year? Who was Hermione's date at the Yule Ball? What is the name of Voldermort's pet snake? What flavour are Bertie Bott's beans? Which future Doctor Who played Barty Crouch Jr. in The Goblet of Fire? What is the name of the building said to be the most haunted in Britain? What animal represents Hufflepuff house? What is the name of Harry's mother? Which actor replaced Richard Harris as Dumbledore from the Prisoner of Azkaban onwards? Which Weasley brother gets married in the Deathly Hallows Part 1? Which class has a different teacher every year? Who did Game of Thrones actress Natalia Tena play in the Harry Potter films? Harry Potter quiz answers Sirius Black 2001 Robert Pattinson Cornelius Fudge Buckbeak Third floor Whomping Willow Petunia Dursley Hogsmeade Viktor Krum Nagini Every Flavour David Tennant Shrieking Shack Badger Lily Michael Gambon Bill Weasley Defence Against the Dark Arts Nymphadora Tonks Can't get enough quizzing? Try some of our other quizzes now: General knowledge quiz questions and answers Kids general knowledge quiz questions and answers TV quiz questions and answers Music quiz questions and answers Sport quiz questions and answers Food and drink quiz questions and answers Geography quiz questions and answers Christmas quiz questions and answers Easy pub quiz questions and answers The Crown quiz questions and answers Friends quiz questions and answers Game of Thrones quiz questions and answers Breaking Bad quiz questions and answers Peaky Blinders quiz questions and answers Soaps quiz questions and answers Netflix quiz questions and answers Doctor Who quiz questions and answers Marvel quiz questions and answers Harry Potter quiz questions and answers Disney quiz questions and answers James Bond quiz questions and answers Star Wars quiz questions and answers Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hogwarts Legacy Demiguise Statues: All moon locations revealed
Need help collecting the Demiguise Statues? We'll walk you through the lot.
Got a copy of Hogwarts Legacy and you want to know where to find the useful Demiguise Statues? You're in luck for we have all the moon locations revealed. Demiguise Moon Statues aren't just nice to look at; they allow you to further level up your Alohomora spell (the lockpicking one). You'll want to make sure you level up your lockpicking spell, as you will be able to unlock Level 2 and Level 3 locks, which will open up more locations for you to explore and enable you to progress through the story. Talk about vital. Read on to find out where the Hogwarts Legacy Demiguise Statue locations are. This article is part of our free Hogwarts Legacy walkthrough guide - to unlock your complete companion to the game. Demiguise Statues Hogwarts Legacy: All moon locations If you're more of a visual learner, we've found that the video below from YouTuber ESO is a very handy one for hunting down Demiguise Moons in Hogwarts Legacy: View oEmbed on the source website You will find the first Demiguise Statue after completing a quest from Gladwin Moon, Hogwarts' caretaker. In the quest, he teaches you the famous Alohomora unlocking spell (you'll need to use this to collect the statues' moons). By collecting the moons for Moon, he'll upgrade Alohomora for you. Get him nine moons, he'll tell you how to unlock level 2 locks - 13 moons, level 3 locks. So, it's worth doing. We'll also add that you can only collect the Demiguise Statues at nighttime, so don't go looking in the day! Right, let's get started. We'll divide the list by region to keep it simple. How to collect Demiguise Statues in Hogwarts Astronomy Wing: Professor Fig's Classroom - once you're in Fig's classroom, head to his office and it's right at the back, on a table near the fireplace. The Great Hall - on the right-hand side of the dining table, unlock the level 1 door and it's on a table in the centre of the room. Defense Against the Dark Arts Tower - unlock the toilets, and once you're in, the statue should be behind the stall with the sign on the door. Library Annex - head to the restricted section of the library, go all the way down to the basement, and it'll be just past the eye chest. Divination Classroom - the classroom is up a spiral staircase near the library annex. Once you've climbed the ladder and you're in the class, find the statue at the back. Hogwarts North Exit - once out of the gate, turn left and head towards the staircase and unlock the door in the wall, and it's on your right. Transfiguration Courtyard - once you're through the door by the fast travel point, unlock the door (we should add that this is a level 2 door, so you might need to come back for this one). Potions Classroom - once again, this classroom is just off the library annex. Bear left, and open the level 1 door into the next hallway. The item is in a level 2 room, so make sure you've unlocked level 2 before coming for this one. Beast Classroom - just off the bell tower, it's inside the hut (another level 2). Map Chamber - once back in the Hogwarts cistern, turn past the big stone dragon statue. There's a level 1 door, and a statue inside. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Demiguise Statues in Hogsmeade Village Tomes and Scrolls - head to the shopkeeper's bedroom, and you'll find it right next to an Eye Chest. Hog's Head - head behind the bar, and the statue should be on the other side of the wall with the big (live) hog's head. Dervish and Banges - once you're in the shop, it should be on the counter. Three Broomsticks - go through the main door and climb the stairs right to the top. Unlock the door, and the statue will be on a table in the middle of the room. Hogsmeade House - if you're still near the Three Broomsticks, head to the house on the right. Unlock the door, and the statue is upstairs. Hogsmeade House 2 - head to the small house across the road from the Brood and Peck. Unlock the door, and the statue is just above the fireplace. Hogsmeade House 3 - behind the Honeydukes shop there should be a small hut. Unlock the door and you should see it straight away! Hogsmeade House 4 - this is the second house to your left in the alleyway just past Ollivanders. It's a level 2 lock, so, again, you might need to come back later. Hogsmeade House 5 - finally, this house is next to J. Pippin Potion Shop. Another level 2. View Riddle on the source website Demiguise Statues in Highlands Northford Bog, Pitt-Upon-Ford - Head to the floo flame, and follow the path to a big house on the right. Once inside, head upstairs and the statue will be on the floor. Upper Hogsfield - head to the floo flame in Upper Hogsfield (northern part of Hogsmeade Valley), and follow the path to the house with the wheel leaning against the wall. Unlock the door, head inside, and you'll see the statue straight away. Aranshire - this is on the east side of South Hogwarts Region. Unlock the house closest house to the floo flame, and head upstairs for the statue. Lower Hogsfield - this area is in the South Hogwarts Region. There should be a house with a circular roof - head inside and look behind the door to find the statue. Brocburrow - This area is in the northeastern section of Hogwarts Valley. Go to the centre of town, and head to the house near the well with a level 1 lock. The statue will be on the floor, to your left as soon as you enter. Keenbridge - this area is in the centre of the Hogwarts Valley. Follow the path that heads west, and you should come across a house with pumpkins outside. Unlock the door, and there should be a statue right in front of you. Feldcroft - head to the east side of Feldcroft, and look for the house with the clothesline on the roof. Head inside, and there should be a statue on the windowsill to your left. Irondale - once you've fast-travelled to Irondale, you should immediately see a house with a triangular roof. Head inside, and there should be a counter to your right - and a statue behind it! Marunweem - once in Marunweem, follow the path north from the floo flame and unlock the door to the first house on your right. The statue will be behind a bar to your left. Bainburgh - Bainburgh is in the northern section of Manor Cape. Head to the house immediately to your left (at the spawn point) and open the door. The statue will be on a table next to the armchair. Cragcroft - once in Cragcroft, head to the centre. It's a large area, but the centre is marked with a big tree. Once there, head north until you see a merchant with a stall. There's a house right behind her - head inside, go upstairs, and the statue will be on the bedside table. We hope this list has been useful for you! Once you've gone to all Demiguise moon locations and collected all the statues, make sure to keep checking your Owl Post, as you may receive an interesting letter. You can check out some more of our Hogwarts Legacy explainers with the handy list below. Read more on Hogwarts Legacy: Hogwarts Legacy DLC plans are 'cancelled' - but there is good news for fans Hogwarts Legacy review - our full verdict Hogwarts Legacy potions - all recipes to know Hogwarts Legacy plants - what do they do? Hogwarts Legacy level cap - how to spend talent points Hogwarts Legacy Daedalian Key locations - House token guide Hogwarts Legacy best gear - the strongest outfits Hogwarts Legacy gold - get rich! Hogwarts Legacy Elder Wand - can you get it? Hogwarts Legacy cast - Simon Pegg and more Hogwarts Legacy DLC - what's next? Hogwarts Legacy mods - the best fan-made cheats Hogwarts Legacy New Game Plus - does it exist? Hogwarts Legacy Infamous Foes - where to find them Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hogwarts Legacy gold: Get rich quick with money-making hacks
Collect more gold than a Niffler in Hogwarts Legacy.
Hogwarts Legacy was one of the biggest games out the year it was released, and it still has plenty of new players jumping in to explore Hogwarts, and they will need to figure out how to accrue some gold. It's an open-world RPG, so there are other aspects besides money. Levelling up, for example, and learning new magic and abilities. But, unfortunately, grinding and farming XP will only get you so far. You'll realise this as soon as you visit Hogsmeade for the first time and cast your eyes on the upgrades, potions, and brooms on offer. So, how do you make gold quick? Well, if you don't want to cheat (look at our Hogwarts Legacy mods piece if you do), then you'll have to do some work. Just like in real life, right? Below, we'll share a few tips on how to get money in Hogwarts Legacy. Soon, you'll be buying all the food off the trolley. Best ways to get gold in Hogwarts Legacy There are so many ways to get gold in the game, so we'll list a few. But don't forget the conventional wisdom from real-life - look after the Knuts, and the Galleons will look after themselves. Collect the eyeball chests Opening these chests requires some work, but you can read our guide on how to do it here. It's worth doing, though, because once you've gone through the trouble, you'll be rewarded with 500 Galleons. Not something to be sniffed at. View Green Video on the source website Pick your side quests wisely Although this isn't the case with all quests, some are listed on the menu that advertise that you'll be rewarded with gold. If you're on the poor side, pick these. Also, at the end of some quests, there will be the option to ask for more money. If you're doing a morally dubious run, then this shouldn't be a problem. Really spam Revelio Revelio is a nifty little spell you unlock early in the Path to Hogwarts main quest. If you use this often enough, you'll see treasure chests and little bags of gold scattered worldwide. Granted, these are often in small amounts - but every little helps. Sell your unwanted gear Unless you're a hoarder, there's very little point in hanging on to your unwanted gear once you've outgrown it. And there are plenty of shops in Hogsmeade that will take pretty much anything. Well, anything except potions or plants, we're afraid. But they'll never stop buying your gear. Rehome your excess beasts We're all for compassion towards animals, so why not kill two birds with one stone... we mean, why not send two birds to a new and loving home while also filling your pockets? There is a shop in the game that can do just that. Better than keeping them all cooped up in the Room of Requirement, right? Go to Brood and Peck in Hogsmeade, and you'll find they buy any beast you're willing to part with for around 120 coins. Don't think of the dystopian vibes; you can make a consistent source of money by breeding beasts and then selling them. Get your own Hogsmeade shop For all you budding entrepreneurs out there, why not start a business? It would be silly to leave out this side quest in an article about making money in Hogwarts Legacy. However, we should add that this quest is only available on the PlayStation edition. The quest is aptly called "Minding Your Own Business" and becomes available in winter. The premise is the following: wander around Hogsmeade (near the broomstick shop) until you're offered the chance to buy a shop. You will then need to complete a fairly long quest, and the shop is yours. Once you own the shop, you can sell gear to it - this is where you'll get the best prices in the game for your unwanted clobber. So there are plenty of ways to earn money in Hogwarts Legacy. Some methods are more roundabout than others, but it can be done. Good luck! View Riddle on the source website Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Will there be a Hogwarts Legacy 2? Everything we know
With it being over a year since Avalanche Software dropped Hogwarts Legacy, we're well overdue news about a sequel. It was one of the biggest games of last year, selling over 30 million copies across the many platforms on which it released. Someone at Warner Bros has shared some interesting information, and other sources suggest there might be a link to other Wizarding World media. There's a lot of speculation out there, which makes it difficult to know what to believe. So, will there even be a Hogwarts Legacy 2? And if there is, when can we expect it? Will it release on pretty much every console like its predecessor? And what about the plot? We'll share everything we know down below. Will there be a Hogwarts Legacy 2? According to the Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels said that a Hogwarts Legacy sequel is a high priority after the huge success of the original last year. Despite the tepid (to put it lightly) response to Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, he still considers Warner Bros' gaming department to be a massive asset (phew!). View Green Video on the source website At a conference, Wiedenfels said: "It is, just like the film business, a hit-driven business. Obviously a successor to Hogwarts Legacy is one of the biggest priorities in a couple years down the road." Also, in a Variety article by Jennifer Maas and KJ Yossman, it was suggested that the next game could tie in with the upcoming Harry Potter TV show from HBO. David Haddad, president of Warner Bros shared a lot of information about the future of the Wizarding World franchise. Read the full Variety article here. It's difficult to know how the game and show will tie together (with the previous game set a century before the adventures of Potter), but you can read about our speculations in this area here. So, while there's not a huge amount of information here (no release date, platform information), all signs point to us getting a Hogwarts Legacy sequel. The words "a couple of years down the line" suggests that it will at least drop on the current generation of consoles. That said, with speculation of a PlayStation 6 already in the works, it's hard to know anything for sure. If any other news surfaces we'll let you know right away, but this looks promising. Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How will Hogwarts Legacy 2 connect to the Harry Potter TV show?
The reported connection is something of a surprise!
Warner Bros seems to have confirmed that Hogwarts Legacy 2 will have some sort of narrative connection to the Harry Potter TV show, but how in the Wizarding World would that work? The future of the Harry Potter franchise has been teased in a detailed new article from Variety, with numerous Warner Bros execs offering tidbits of information. The article notes that Hogwarts Legacy was the best-selling game of 2023, and has now sold 30 million units. Working on a sequel is mentioned to be "a very big priority" for Warner Bros. A big multimedia plan for Harry Potter is now rolling out across TV, merch, gaming, theme parks and other touch-points, with the success of Hogwarts Legacy helping to inspire this new round of investment in the brand. The Variety article, penned by Jennifer Maas and KJ Yossman, suggests that Hogwarts Legacy 2 will have some connective tissue to the HBO series, a TV event that will see a rebooted cast take on the roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione to retell the tales from the original books. The article states in no uncertain terms: "Haddad says the games team has been coordinating some of the big-picture storytelling elements in the Hogwarts Legacy sequel with the storylines that will play out in the Harry Potter HBO series coming from Warner Bros Television." But what could that mean? With the first Hogwarts Legacy game being set in 1890, and the original books being set in the 1990s, points of connection may not be immediately obvious. Let's give The Sorting Hat a rest for a moment and put on The Speculation Hat instead. How will Hogwarts Legacy 2 connect to the Harry Potter TV show? As an avid enjoyer of the Harry Potter books and movies, and a gaming journalist that sunk a lot of hours into Hogwarts Legacy, I see three main areas in which Hogwarts Legacy 2 and the HBO series could connect: people, places and things. The first game told a fairly self-contained story about goblins rebelling, ancient magic and professors from the past. But it did have some Easter eggs connecting it to familiar Harry Potter lore. Players of the first game will remember Professor Weasley and Professor Black, who are ancestors to Ron and Sirius respectively. There was also Ominis Gaunt, a student who sits in the same lineage as both Salazar Slytherin and Tom Riddle (AKA Lord Voldemort). There was also a memorable segment involving the Deathly Hallows, which swapped into a hand-drawn visual style reminiscent of the famous animated segment from the first Death Hallows film. That's not to mention Hogwarts and its grounds, which were created in stunning detail in the first game, with lots of locations that fans of the books/films could recognise. So, how could Warner Bros Games push these connections to the next level in Hogwarts Legacy 2? People that could appear in Hogwarts Legacy 2 Albus Dumbledore attended Hogwarts as a student in 1892, just two short years after the plot of Hogwarts Legacy. He will, of course, be a major character in the Harry Potter TV show. It's easy to imagine him being a supporting character in the game, somehow foreshadowing his role in the show. Nicolas Flamel is a friend of Dumbledore's. Despite being born in 1326, he is still alive at the time of Hogwarts Legacy, having prolonged his life using the Philosopher's Stone. This, of course, is a key item in the first book (which will presumably be the basis for season 1 of the TV show). Involving Nicolas in the game, casting forward somehow to the events on TV, would make perfect sense. Newt Scamander joined Hogwarts as a student in 1908, so a big time jump would be needed to include him in the second game. We can probably rule out Eddie Redmayne's character, then, even though he would love all the Hogwarts Legacy beasts. View Green Video on the source website Tom Riddle first attended Hogwarts in 1938. This, again, would require a big time jump to make it possible in the games. Perhaps this would be a better plot for Hogwarts Legacy 3? Maybe the boffins at Warner Bros could time that threequel to land at the same time as a later season of the TV show, where Voldemort will have a bigger presence? Certainly, his early years feel ripe for exploration in a spin-off. Lily Potter, James Potter and Severus Snape first attended Hogwarts in 1971. Unless Hogwarts Legacy 2 is planning a massive time jump, we wouldn't expect to see them. However, the memory of their love triangle looms over Harry throughout the books... maybe we could see what actually happened in Hogwarts Legacy 3 or 4? If Warner Bros is planning to make this an ongoing franchise, it could potentially bring us through all of these eras, if given enough time! Places that could appear in Hogwarts Legacy 2 The Chamber of Secrets gives the second Harry Potter book its name. The iconic location was referenced in the first Hogwarts Legacy game, but players have yet to actually find a way in. Making it visitable in Hogwarts Legacy 2 would add a nice little connection to the TV show, but probably not until its second season (assuming its one season per book). Privet Drive is where it all begins in the first Harry Potter book. But it's hard to imagine a reason why it would pop up in Hogwarts Legacy 2. King's Cross Station and its famous Platform 9 3/4 is a key location in the first book. It did not appear in the first Hogwarts Legacy game, but would make a fine addition to the second game. The station, if you were wondering, was built in 1852, so it should exist in the right time period for the game. Diagon Alley is where Harry Potter does his Back to School shopping in the first book. It didn't appear in the first Hogwarts Legacy game. It would provide a nice TV parallel if it appeared in the second game. Azkaban appeared briefly in the first game. It is, of course, a key location in the third book. A larger role for the wizarding prison would be cool, but they could hold that back for a later game that lands closer to season 3 of the show. Things that could appear in Hogwarts Legacy 2 Harry's Invisibility Cloak is a key item in the first book. It appeared in the first Hogwarts Legacy game, but only in the dreamlike Deathly Hallows sequence. It would certainly make a handy costume item in the second game! The Philosopher's Stone gives the first book its name. It can turn any metal into pure gold (which would be handy for making money in Hogwarts Legacy) and extends the life of anyone who drinks it. Nicolas Flamel should have already made it by the time of Hogwarts Legacy, and it could make a great McGuffin for the second game. The Resurrection Stone is another Deathly Hallow. It won't appear until a later season of the show. Interestingly, it has a connection to the Gaunt family, who are represented in Hogwarts Legacy by Ominis Gaunt. If the gaming franchise keeps going for multiple sequels, perhaps it will appear eventually! Mirror of Erised plays a key role in the first book, showing Harry a ghostly image of his parents. It wasn't in the first game, but could make a fun plot device in the sequel. So, it's time for some final thoughts. Having gone down this rabbit hole of a thought experiment, we're starting to see some potential areas where Hogwarts Legacy could intersect with the first season or two of the Harry Potter TV show. Involving Dumbledore and Flamel in the story would be a surefire way to connect the narrative of the game with the events playing out on TV, adding a certain 'before and after' to and fro to proceedings. Perhaps this is the "big picture storytelling" they were talking about? The Philosopher's Stone seems a likely focal point of that kind of story. If the young Dumbledore learns how dangerous the stone is (in the game), you'll understand why he went to such great lengths to hide it later (as you'll see on TV). Doubling down on the nostalgia for those early books, cameo appearances from the Invisibility Cloak, Platform 9 and 3/4 and Diagon Alley could go a long way to making your experience in Hogwarts Legacy 2 feel similar to Harry's adventures on the small screen. Now lets put The Speculation Hat away and see what happens next. Read more on Hogwarts Legacy: Hogwarts Legacy review - our full verdict Hogwarts Legacy potions - all recipes to know Hogwarts Legacy plants - what do they do? Hogwarts Legacy level cap - how to spent talent points Hogwarts Legacy trophies - the achievements you need Hogwarts Legacy cast - Simon Pegg and more Hogwarts Legacy house sorting quiz - take the text Hogwarts Legacy character creator - customisation revealed Hogwarts Legacy common rooms - tour all four Who is Phineas Nigellus Black? Sirius ancestor explained Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
LEGO Harry Potter cheats: Full list of cheat codes and how to use them
Get ready to use a little magic on the games.
Now that the LEGO Harry Potter collection has been given a shiny new upgrade on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, you might have returned to the blocky wizarding world (you might be new to it, too!) and wanting to enter in some cheat codes. Whether you're looking to earn more Studs, increase your magical abilities or find items more easily, there's a cheat for it. All cheat codes on this page should work with every version of the Harry Potter LEGO games. Whether you're playing the original releases or the newer versions – it's time to activate some cheats. Read on for the full list of LEGO Harry Potter cheats and to find out how to use them. You can also check out the video above for five of our favourite cheats in the games! Jump to: How to use LEGO Harry Potter cheat codes General LEGO Harry Potter cheat codes LEGO Harry Potter cheat codes – Years 1-4 LEGO Harry Potter cheat codes – Years 5-7 How to use LEGO Harry Potter Cheats There are actually two different ways to enter cheats. The first can be found in the LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 section, by heading over to Wiseacre's Wizarding Supplies in the Diagon Alley hub. Enter the building and head upstairs, there’s a chalk board that you can enter cheats on. For LEGO Harry Potter years 5-7, you’ll need to head into the main menu and then select ‘Extras’. From here you can find the cheats section, so enter the codes below to switch up the game a bit. There are some general cheats you can use whenever you want, while others are restricted to either the first half or second half of the story. Check out your options below! General LEGO Harry Potter cheat codes Carrot Wands (Changes all wands into carrots) - AUC8EH Character Studs (Characters and enemies leave Studs behind) - H27KGC Character Token Detector (Detects Character Tokens) - HA79V8 Christmas (Adds Santa hats to characters) - T7PVVN Disguise - ENTRY2 4DMK2R Extra Hearts (Adds extra hearts) - J9U6Z9 Fall Rescue (Rescues from fall damage) - ZEX7MV Fast Dig (Faster digging animation) - Z9BFAD Fast Magic (Faster magic animation) - FA3GQA Gold Brick Detector (Detects Gold Bricks) - 84QNQN Hogwarts Crest Detector (Detects Hogwarts Crests) - TTMC6D Ice Rink (Floor behaves like slippery ice) - F88VUW Invincibility (Invincible to damage) - QQWC6B Red Brick Detector (Detects Red Bricks) - 7AD7HE Regenerate Hearts (Regenerates Hearts) - 89ML2W Score x2 (Multiplies score by 2) - 74YKR7 Score x4 (Multiplies score by 4) - J3WHNK Score x6 (Multiplies score by 6) - XK9ANE Score x8 (Multiplies score by 8) - HUFV2H Score x10 (Multiplies score by 10) - H8X69Y Silhouettes (Turns every character into a black silhouette) - HZBVX7 Singing Mandrake (Mandrake plants now sing) - BMEU6X Stud Magnet Attracts Studs to you) - 67FKWZ LEGO Harry Potter cheat codes – Years 1-4 Spells Accio - VE9VV7 Anteoculatia - QFB6NR Calvorio - 6DNR6L Colovaria - 9GJ442 Engorgio Skullus - CD4JLX Entomorphis - MYN3NB Flipendo - ND2L7W Glacius - ERA9DR Herbifors - H8FTHL Incarcerous - YEB9Q9 Locomotor Mortis - 2M2XJ6 Multicorfors - JK6QRM Redactum Skullus - UW8LRH Rictusempra - 2UCA3M Slugulus Eructo - U6EE8X Stupefy - UWDJ4Y Tarantallegra - KWWQ44 Trip Jinx - YZNRF6 Gold Bricks Gold Brick 1 - QE4VC7 Gold Brick 2 - FY8H97 Gold Brick 3 - 3MQT4P Gold Brick 4 - PQPM7Z Gold Brick 5 - ZY2CPA Gold Brick 6 - 3GMTP6 Gold Brick 7 - XY6VYZ Gold Brick 8 - TUNC4W Gold Brick 9 - EJ42Q6 Gold Brick 10 - GFJCV9 Gold Brick 11 - DZCY6G LEGO Harry Potter Cheat codes – Years 5-7 Carrot Wands (Changes all wands into carrots) - AUC8EH Character Studs (Characters and enemies leave Studs behind) - H27KGC Character Token Detector (Detects Character Tokens) - HA79V8 Christmas (Adds Santa hats to characters) - T7PVVN Collect Ghost Studs (Collect translucent waypoint Studs) - 2FLY6B Extra Hearts (Adds extra hearts) - J9U6Z9 Fall Rescue (Rescues from fall damage) - ZEX7MV Fast Dig (Faster digging animation) - Z9BFAD Gold Brick Detector (Adds on-screen indicator to nearby Gold Bricks) - 84QNQN Hogwarts Chest Detector (Adds on-screen indicator to nearby Hogwarts Chests) - TTMC6D Invincibility (Invincible to damage) - QQWC6B Red Brick Detector (Adds on-screen indicator to nearby Red Bricks) - 7AD7HE Score x2 (Multiplies score by 2) - 74YKR7 Score x4 (Multiplies score by 4) - J3WHNK Score x6 (Multiplies score by 6) - XK9ANE Score x8 (Multiplies score by 8) - HUFV2H Score x10 (Multiplies score by 10) - H8X69Y Super Strength (All characters have Super Strength ability) - BMEU6X Get more from games with cheat codes: GTA 3 cheats | GTA San Andreas cheats | GTA Vice City cheats | GTA 5 cheats | GTA 4 cheats | Little Alchemy cheats | Pokémon Emerald cheats | Age of Empires 3 cheats | RDR2 cheats | The Sims 4 cheats | LEGO Star Wars codes | Roblox promo codes | Age of Mythology cheats | KotOR cheats | Shindo Life codes | Subway Surfers codes | Cookie Clicker cheats | A One Piece game codes | Little Alchemy 2 cheats | Sonic Origins cheats | Sonic Origins Blue Spheres codes | Sims 3 cheats Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Dame Maggie Smith, acting legend, star of Downton Abbey and Harry Potter, dies aged 89
The award-winning actress was best known for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
Beloved actress of stage and screen Dame Maggie Smith has died, aged 89. In a statement, her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said: "It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. "She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. "She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother. "We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days. "We thank you for all your kind messages and support, and ask that you respect our privacy at this time." Smith was born in 1934 in Ilford and left school aged 16 to study acting at the Oxford Playhouse. She went on to have a wide ranging and illustrious career on both stage and screen, appearing in films such as Sister Act, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Gosford Park. She kept acting on stage throughout her life, most recently in 2019’s A German Life at London’s Bridge Theatre. Smith gained international recognition for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter film series, appearing in seven of the eight films and becoming a firm favourite among fans. Her role in Downton Abbey was similarly acclaimed, with her Dowager Countess appearing throughout the series, as well as in both films. Smith married actor Robert Stephens in 1967 and the couple had two sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, both of whom are also actors. They divorced in 1975 and Smith married playwright Beverley Cross. Cross died in 1998. Smith had five grandchildren. She was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990 and was nominated for six Oscars, winning two. These were for Best Actress in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and for Best Supporting Actress in 1978 for California Suite. Following the sad news, Channel 5 has announced that it will be airing a special programme titled The Marvellous Maggie Smith: A Tribute at 7:30pm tonight (27th September) to remember the late star.
Harry Potter TV series gets release window update – and it's later than we thought
We might not be boarding the Hogwarts Express until 2027.
The upcoming Harry Potter TV series might not arrive on our screens until 2027, according to HBO's chairman and CEO Casey Bloys. Asked if he thought the show would launch in 2026 – as had previously been expected – Bloys told Deadline that it would be "late '26-'27", and added that "writers are just getting started so it’s too soon to talk about air date". In the same interview, he revealed that as well as the writing process having started, director Mark Mylod (known for Succession and the 2022 film The Menu) has also begun work on the project, and explained: "They’re hiring department heads, casting, and we’re off." Meanwhile, asked if there was any truth to a reported production start date in March – supposedly in line with a date listed on the casting call for young actors to play the three leads – Bloys said that no date had yet been decided upon. "I think they were talking about age [the young actors] will be in March, that doesn’t mean necessarily a production start date," he said. It was announced back in April 2023 that all seven novels in JK Rowling's hugely popular children's book series were set to be adapted into a new TV show, less than 15 years on from the release of the final entry in the film series. Earlier in September, it was revealed that the show had opened a casting call for young actors to submit self-tapes for the leading roles, confirming that the series will film between 2025 and 2026. Read more: Harry Potter TV series hires His Dark Materials writer as showrunner Harry Potter series will be "tricky" to cast, says WB boss The announcement called for children who will be aged nine to 11 in April 2025 and who are residents of the UK and Ireland, and also included a note saying: "We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting." It was revealed in June that Francesca Gardiner - who has previously written multiple episodes of His Dark Materials and The Rook – would be serving as showrunner for the series, while Mylod would executive produce the show and direct multiple episodes. The synopsis for the show states that it will "be a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer JK Rowling". It continues: "The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years. "Each season will bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally." Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide or Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How to make your own PS1 Hagrid cosplay, thanks to Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions
Last year's Hogwarts Legacy reignited the spark for games set in the Wizarding World, and this week's Quidditch Champions lets us dive into the sport that was sadly missing. And it's also providing something else that wasn't in Hogwarts Legacy. Or rather, someone. Everyone's favourite giant groundskeeper couldn't have been in Legacy, with the game being set before he was born, but, as Harry says at the end of the Chamber of Secrets film; "It's not Hogwarts without you, Hagrid." Not only is Hagrid making an appearance in Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, but a certain version of him is making a return. 23 years ago, a Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone game released on the first PlayStation, and Hagrid's appearance has gone down in history. His low-res look might be dated, but meme culture celebrates these things. And in response to the memes, Unbroken Studios is bringing PS1 Hagrid back. This is both in the game itself, and as a printable cosplay... let's take a closer look. How to make a PS1 Hagrid cosplay The aforementioned printable cosplay is a (fairly elaborate) PS1 Hagrid mask. If you don't mind a bit of DIY, you can download everything you need for it here. Check out the mask in action, in a post from the game's official X page below: View oEmbed on the source website How to get PS1 Hagrid in Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions If you're not a cosplayer (or if you don't fancy doing the weekly shop in a low-res Hagrid mask), then you can show your love for the retro groundskeeper in the game itself. Because, of course, he's a playable character. So how do we unlock him? You'll be glad to know that no microtransactions are required, but you'll need to grind. To play as PS1 Hagrid in Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, you'll need to reach level 40 on the current season pass. The best way to farm XP is to complete daily and weekly tasks, which isn't work if you enjoy the game. We'll see you on the field! Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Is Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions crossplay? Multiplayer between platforms explained
Is Quidditch taking over all gaming platforms?
Brooms away! Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is available to play, and many are wondering if the game features crossplay. The standalone title based on the Wizarding World's favourite sport allows players to compete for their favourite Hogwarts house before taking their skills to the international stage. Most new releases nowadays allow players of all platforms to join forces and play together. Does Quidditch Champions feature crossplay capabilities? Keep on reading for everything there is to know about cross-platform action. Is Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions crossplay? Multiplayer between platforms explained Yes, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions does feature crossplay. This is great news for players of all platforms wanting to play with each other. The inclusion of crossplay should keep the multiplayer ticking over long after its release. Players on Xbox can play with PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch owners with ease. Those on PlayStation can compete against Xbox, and so on. View Green Video on the source website Does Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions have cross-progression? Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions also features cross-progression. This was confirmed by Unbroken Studios, which revealed "no matter where you want to play, everything you earn goes with you". Want to take Quidditch on the go using a Nintendo Switch? No problem. Fancy loading into a match on PlayStation? Easy peasy. Everything unlocked on one platform will carry over to the other. Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Harry Potter star on what was missing from films and should be in series remake
"If only we could have had five-hour movies."
With HBO's new Harry Potter series on the way, one of the stars of the original film franchise has weighed in on how the novels should be adapted differently this time around. Speaking with Variety, Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the films, was asked which storylines she hopes the TV series includes that didn’t make it into the films, to which she said: "So many things." "More of the development of the relationship between Ginny and Harry," she explained. "There’s nuanced moments of where they begin to fall in love. "I think more of that arc of her character becoming this real loyal sidekick to Harry and how she really understands and knows his story and who he is and is the best partner for him. "So I just hope we see that evolution of that character - and so many characters. If only we could have had five-hour movies. "There are so many characters that have moments I love from the books - Neville and Luna - so I’m hoping as a fan of the books that I get to see more." Wright said that "it might be weird" for her to appear in the series in any capacity, so said she would "happily" just be watching, and added that she felt the new young cast would be under a "bit more pressure" than the cast of the films were. Read more: Harry Potter star Tom Felton lands major new movie role with Joker star Harry Potter star "really didn't like" Miriam Margolyes's viral remark about fans She explained: "When we were making them, we didn’t know where Harry Potter was going. And at the time, there wasn’t social media, and there wasn’t as much access to public opinion, so it was kind of a little bubble within itself. "But I also think it’s such a fun opportunity for these people, whether how they’re cast or how they perform their roles, to just have fun with it and have their interpretation of it." Wright isn't the only actor from the films to have ruled out a return for the series - Neville Longbottom star Matthew Lewis has also said he is "not in any rush" to return to the Wizarding World. Francesca Gardiner will be the showrunner on the new series, while Succession's Mark Mylod will executive produce and direct multiple episodes. The Harry Potter series will arrive on HBO in 2026. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
LEGO Harry Potter remastered: Release date and what to expect
LEGO Harry Potter will look better than ever.
The LEGO Harry Potter remastered release date is on the horizon, much to the delight of fans wanting to play through the games on current-gen hardware. Known as the LEGO Harry Potter Collection, the remaster of Years 1-4 and 5-8 will be the third time the pair have released together. This time around, the games have been given a fresh coat of paint with enhanced graphics, higher frame rates and more. But when can players return to LEGO Hogwarts? Read on for everything there is to know about the LEGO Harry Potter Collection and what the developers have in store! When is the LEGO Harry Potter remastered release date? LEGO Harry Potter Remastered launches on 8th October 2024. This was confirmed as part of the 2024 Back to Hogwarts showcase, which gives Harry Potter fans a closer look at upcoming projects inspired by the Wizarding World. What's included in LEGO Harry Potter remastered? Included in LEGO Harry Potter remastered are all eight films split in two. The first game includes the first four years, while the second features the last three. Alongside the base games, there are two DLC packs for Years 5-7. A short trailer on the Harry Potter YouTube channel reveals "all content" will feature "in 4K resolution and enhanced graphics". Alongside better graphics, the game will also release with haptic feedback, giving players even more immersion as they battle against Voldemort once again. View oEmbed on the source website Can I pre-order LEGO Harry Potter remastered? Yes! Pre-orders for LEGO Harry Potter remastered are live for some retailers. So far, Smyths Toys has the game ready for release for £34.99. There's every chance other retailers will have pre-orders going live in the coming weeks. We'll be sure to update the page with the cheapest price as soon as we find it. Is there a trailer for LEGO Harry Potter remastered? The only trailer for LEGO Harry Potter remastered is its announcement trailer, which appeared on 2nd September 2024. View oEmbed on the source website With only a month until the remaster launches, there's bound to be more trailers highlighting the enhanced graphics and new features. Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions release date - UK launch time and price
Get ready to mount those broomsticks - the Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions release date is fast approaching. For fans of the Harry Potter franchise, a dedicated game based around the sport of Quidditch has been sought-after for years. Now, Unbroken Studios has grabbed the Quaffle and created a title that allows fans to play. Unbroken Studios has worked on a number of different franchises, such as Call of Duty, God of War and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, so it's perhaps no surprise that we should be getting a high-quality game. But when is Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions releasing? Read on to find out! If you are stuck in Hogwarts Legacy, check out our walkthrough guide. To unlock your complete companion to the game, click here. Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions release date confirmed The Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions release date is Tuesday 3rd September 2024 – so not too long at all. The news was announced during Summer Game Fest, alongside a fancy new trailer which you can find at the end of the page. Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions UK release time The Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions servers will switch on at different times depending on the location of players. We've collected all the details on the release times around the world and listed them below, so fans can start their chase for the Golden Snitch as soon as possible: Console UK: 12pm BST Europe: 1pm CET USA (East): 7am EST USA (West): 4am PST Australia: 8.30pm ACST India: 4.30pm IST Japan: 8pm JST PC UK: 2pm BST Europe: 3pm CET USA (East): 9am EST USA (West): 6am PST Australia: 10.30pm ACST India: 6.30pm IST Japan: 10pm JST Can I pre-order Quidditch Champions? You can! Pre-orders are now available from GAME and various other retailers. In terms of the Quidditch Champions price, it should be £24.99 for the Digital Standard Edition and £34.99 for the Deluxe Edition. Pre-order Quidditch Champions on Xbox Pre-order Quidditch Champions on Nintendo Switch Pre-order Quidditch Champions on Steam For PlayStation users, the game will be available on PS Plus this month. Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions gameplay and story details Ahead of launch, the official Harry Potter YouTube channel has unveiled a wealth of information on what Quidditch Champions has in store. View oEmbed on the source website Players can fill the role of a chaser, beater, seeker and keeper on the Quidditch pitch. Each goal scored is worth 10 points, while capturing the Golden Snitch scores 30, slightly different to the movies. Players begin their Quidditch journey at the Weasley Burrow to learn the mechanics of the game before working their way to the international stage at the Quidditch World Cup. "Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is a fast-paced, online multiplayer game featuring the world's most iconic magical sport," Warner Bros has said. The game "engages players in the sport of Quidditch and other broomstick adventures alongside friends in a competitive setting". Alongside gameplay, players can upgrade their skills and brooms to optimise their style of play. There's even a character customisation option. After capturing the World Cup, players can take part in PvP matches to test their mettle against each other. The gameplay trailer also mentions post-launch seasons, suggesting new cosmetics, pitches and more are on the way. Which consoles and platforms can play Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions? Warner Bros Games has confirmed, on an official FAQ webpage, that Quidditch Champions "will be available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam and Epic)". What's more, PlayStation Plus subscribers can access the game through their membership between 3rd and 30th September. Unfortunately, there has been no news of an Xbox Game Pass release, though. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Is there a trailer for Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions? There is! A day before its release, Warner Bros released a short cinematic trailer showcasing Gryffindor and Slytherin preparing for action. View oEmbed on the source website For those wanting to see some gameplay ahead of launch, there's even a closer look at the various roles on offer. View oEmbed on the source website Subscribe to our free Gaming Newsletter for weekly insights, and visit our Gaming hub for all the latest news. Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Harry Potter TV series hires His Dark Materials writer as showrunner
Francesca Gardiner will act as showrunner, while Succession's Mark Mylod has been chosen as the lead director.
We're still two years off from the Harry Potter reboot series arriving on screens, but the team is rapidly coming together, with a showrunner and director for the show having now been announced. After it was revealed earlier this week that the series would now be airing as an HBO original rather than a Max original, the series has officially hired Francesca Gardiner as showrunner. Gardiner has previously written multiple episodes of His Dark Materials and The Rook, as well as an episode of The Man in the High Castle, and has acted as an executive producer on His Dark Materials and Killing Eve. She was also a consulting producer on seasons 3 and 4 of Succession. Meanwhile, Succession director Mark Mylod, who was also behind The Menu and multiple episodes of Game of Thrones and Shameless, will executive produce and direct multiple episodes. The synopsis for the series states that it will "be a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer JK Rowling". Read more Harry Potter star "really didn't like" Miriam Margolyes's viral remark about fans Harry Potter's Gary Oldman thinks he was "mediocre" as Sirius Black The synopsis continues: "The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years. "Each season will bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally." Chairperson of Warner Bros Television, Channing Dungey, previously admitted that it was tricky to cast the show's leads, following on from the beloved performances by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. She said: "The tricky part is the first two books, where the kids are on the younger end, around 11 or 12." Dungey also added that casting conversations would begin once a showrunner is chosen, meaning we may get some news in the not-too-distant future. The Harry Potter series will arrive on HBO in 2026. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hogwarts Legacy crossover with Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions explained
We solemnly swear we are excited for this one.
It has been an exciting time for fans of the Harry Potter franchise of late, with last year’s Hogwarts Legacy becoming the best-selling game of the year, while we are only a few months away from another new title in the form of Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions. The absence of Quidditch in Hogwarts Legacy was one of the major downsides to the game for many players, despite its overall popularity. Being set free in a world that let us fly a broomstick, run amok in Hogwarts and venture across to Hogsmeade just didn’t feel the same without the dangerous but exhilarating sport included. But now Harry Potterheads are set to get their chance to shine on a Quidditch pitch, as a new game was announced during Summer Games Fest earlier in June, set to release on 3rd September 2024. Expectedly, fans are clambering for information on the game after its surprise announcement, so we have compiled everything you need to know in a nice package below. Is Quidditch Champions part of Hogwarts Legacy? No, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is not a part of Hogwarts Legacy as it is a standalone experience, according to the game’s official website. The game, developed by Unbroken Studios, can be played alone or with friends co-operatively. There is also a PvP mode so we can battle it out with each other for ultimate bragging rights. It looks set to have a more cartoony aesthetic when compared to Hogwarts Legacy, and focuses on the magical sport. You can watch a trailer below. View oEmbed on the source website It’s also good news for owners of last-generation consoles as it will release on both the PS4 and Xbox One. As you would expect, Quidditch Champions is also going to be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam and Epic Games. ‌Hogwarts Legacy crossover with Quidditch Champions explained Despite Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions being a standalone experience, players who have previously played Hogwarts Legacy are in luck, as they will be rewarded with the Legacy Pack in Quidditch Champions. This pack is an exclusive reward for returning players and cannot be obtained, or conjured using a spell, any other way at the time of writing. ‌What's included in the Quidditch Champions Legacy Pack? There are multiple items included in the Quidditch Champions Legacy Pack that make it worthwhile. We’ve listed them all below. Moontrimmer Broom Skin Sebastian Sallow Hero Skin Sebastian Sallow Style Wand Ancient Magic Emblem Ancient Magic Celebration It is going to be hard to resist customising a broom with a special skin or showing off after a victory with a limited celebration, so read on to find out exactly how you can get the Legacy Pack in Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website ‌How to get the Quidditch Champions Legacy Pack Getting the Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Legacy Pack is easy. Firstly, you must own a copy of Hogwarts Legacy and sign in to the game using your Warner Bros Games account. If you are yet to sign up for one, you can do so on Warner Bros’ official website. We are assuming that once Quidditch Champions is released, we will be able to sign into the same account with our relevant credentials in the game itself. From there, we should be rewarded with the Legacy Pack. Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hogwarts Legacy Summer Update explained: What's in today's patch notes?
Photo mode is finally here (and some other cool stuff)!
The much-anticipated Hogwarts Legacy Summer update is live right now! If you’ve been looking to get back into the game, there’s never been a better time than right now thanks to the introduction of the Haunted Hogsmeade quest which was previously PlayStation-exclusive onto the rest of the platforms. That’s not all, though, this is the biggest update for the game to date and it adds plenty of new content to enjoy! Keep reading to find out what’s in the Hogwarts Legacy Summer update. Magically scroll to the end of the page to check out the full list of patch notes. What’s in the Hogwarts Legacy Summer update? The Hogwarts Legacy Summer update adds the Haunted Hogsmeade quest to all platforms, introduces a new photo mode and even allows you to reset your Talent Points to respec your character. Check out the official Summer update trailer to see the new additions in action: View oEmbed on the source website As you can see (if you watched the trailer) it’s not just the new photo mode, Haunted Hogsmeade quest or ability to respec that’s been added with the update. Everyone now has access to all previously exclusive items and cosmetics such as the Onyx Hippogriff mount, the Felix Felicis Potion and the Shopkeeper Cosmetic set. New cosmetic items – including a new broom, Azkhaban-themed gear and even Harry Potter’s glasses. The development team even released a video that greatly details everything in the update. Check it out: View oEmbed on the source website Full patch notes for Hogwarts Legacy Summer update The full list of Hogwarts Legacy Summer update patch notes has been revealed by Warner Bros on the game’s official website. Check the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC patch notes below (you’ll find the full list of patch notes separately on the WB website linked above for the PS4/Xbox One version and Switch edition): Developer notes – This Patch unlocks the Haunted Shop mission previously available only to Sony platforms on all supported platforms, as well as all previously exclusive items and cosmetics, including: The Onyx Hyppogriff mount. The Felix Felicis Potion. The Shopkeeper Cosmetic set. It also includes new, never seen before cosmetic items, AND a new broom: The Lavender Borealis. The Azkaban Themed gear. The Circular Taped Spectacles. A Photo Mode has also been added to allow players to capture screenshots of their Hogwarts Legacy experience and all their newly unlocked cosmetics. *Photo mode will become available after completing the mission to gain access the field guide. In addition, this patch also provides players with a talent point reset function, to re-build your ideal Witch/Wizard without having to start a new playthrough. Multiple bugs have also been addressed (Details below). View Green Video on the source website Localisation Implemented several updated localised Voice Over retakes for Japanese and Spanish. Fixed the Brazilian Portuguese translation of “Silver Rim Spectacles”. Fixed a Typo in the “Wingardium Leviosa” French spell description. Fixed several Voice Over cut-offs throughout the game. Audio Fixed several Voice Over cut-offs throughout the game. Fixed instance where the SFX/Dialogue Volume would become louder than the music Volume while using stereo devices and being set to 50%. UI Fixed instance that made player unable to select field guide pages’ options when accessing the menu while holding down the basic spell cast button. Fixed instance where loading a Manual Save or Fast traveling to certain locations would cause alohamora prompts to disappear from magical beast cages. Fixed instance where Dark Arts spells would become not equippable after equipping regural spells in loadout 1. Fixed instance where the mission icon for the last arc of the Broom race would linger on screen after completion. Gameplay Removed butterflies misleading players to previously opened treasure chests. Fixed Instance where using the Swift talent on the edge of the map would cause mission progression to linger on the “Search for the Rune Symbol” step. Achievements Fixed instance where the Fountain on Hogwarts grounds flying field guide page wouldn’t count towards the Map Counters or The Bell Tower Wing Sector. NPC Fixed instance where Lodgok would occasionally remain stuck inside the Hogshead in Hogsmeade instead of traveling to the Witch’s Tomb, preventing player progression. Avatar Fixed instance where it wouldn’t be possible for the avatar to climb and reach a treasure chest in the High Keep. Fixed instance where the Legendary Masquerade Masks would clip within the avatar’s face when equipped. Fixed instance where swimming to treasure vault near Keenbridge would cause the avatar to fly into the air. Navigation Fixed instance where Professor Garlick and Professor Hecat could get stuck moving in the air after leaving the hospital. Fixed instance where a loading screen would cause a cage door to lock up again without regenerating an alohamora lock on it in a bandit camp on the north end of the map. Fixed instance where loading a save and fast travelling to any location would make alohomora locks disappear from fixed cages. Fixed instance where bone clusters would lose collision and fall through the floor when interacted with. Combat Fixed Instance where Loyalist assassin enemies’ attacks would not damage the avatar. Lighting Fixed instance where blinding lighting VFX would display when exiting the Hallway castle vault. Fixed instance where light changes would be visible when the camera angle shifts while in conversation with Professor Garlick in the Greenhouse. Accessibility Fixed instance where setting left handed mode while in the vivarium caused the avatar to drink a potion or deploy combat plants while attempting to access the beasts’ menu. Miscellaneous Updated Credits PS5 Audio Increased avatar dialogue volume during final fight. Localization Fixed instance where localized keyboard w/special characters would not display when naming Avatar and captured magical beasts. VFX Added missing fire VFX to the fireplace located at Pitt-Upon-Ford. Overland Fixed instance where a moonstone node on the mountain side could not be reached or interacted with. Gameplay Fixed instance where choosing to try again after falling behind Professor Fig inside Gringotts Vault would cause the player to respawn OOW and block progression. PC SDK Updates/Platform support Razer Chroma SDK support Streamline 2.4 DLSS 3.7 FSR 2 XeSS 1.3 DualSense/DualShock Controller 1.5.0 for improved PC support UI Fixed instance where the Spell menu would become inaccessible after binding Spell Selection to the TAB key, preventing player progression. Fixed instance where game would freeze whenever two HUDS would overlap. Fixed instance where the background of the menu would flash white when switching to a lower graphics preset. Lighting Fixed instance where moving the camera while on a specific Merlin Puzzle platform in Keenbridge would cause a strobe effect on the lighting. Fixed instance where ambient hues would change abruptly when moving the camera in Hogsmeade. Raytracing Cleaned up rogue semi-translucent meshes in BVH. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Harry Potter star "really didn't like" Miriam Margolyes's viral remark about fans
Jessie Cave said that the Professor Sprout star's comments about the franchise's adult fans were "a shame".
Harry Potter star Jessie Cave has revealed that she "really didn't like" Miriam Margolyes's recent comments about the franchise's adult fan base. Margolyes went viral earlier this month after suggesting during an interview with New Zealand news programme 1News that fans who were no longer children should move on from obsessing over the wizarding world. "I worry about Harry Potter fans because they should be over that by now," she said. "It was 25 years ago, and it’s for children. I think it’s for children." She added: "They get stuck in it. I do Cameos, and people say, 'We’re having a Harry Potter-themed wedding,' and I think, 'Gosh, what’s their first night of fun going to be?' I can’t even think about it. No." Margolyes then reiterated her stance in a further interview with Australia’s ABC News Breakfast, saying that although the Potter series was a "wonderful set of films", she felt that, "If your balls have dropped, then it’s time to forget about it." Read more: Ghostbusters' Ernie Hudson pitches sequel about Winston’s investigations 10 years on, Captain America: The Winter Soldier remains the MCU's greatest movie But Cave – who played Lavender Brown in the films – said during an appearance at the Dream It Convention in Paris that she did not agree with those remarks from the Professor Sprout star. "It’s such a shame that that happened," she said. "You know how she is — she’s just a bit funny. And I think she didn’t mean for it to be taken like that, I hope." She continued: "I really don’t like that she said that." View Green Video on the source website Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Warner Bros boss wants live-service Harry Potter or Hogwarts Legacy game
JB Perrette outlines a new strategy in video games for Warner Bros.
Warner Bros Discovery gaming CEO JB Perrette has revealed how the company will proceed with regards to video games at a recent Morgan Stanley Technology Media and Telecom Conference, and it represents something of a departure for the publisher and developer. In the past, Warner Bros Discovery has focused on producing major AAA titles that often look and feel highly cinematic. Just last year, it released the Harry Potter spin-off Hogwarts Legacy, which received mostly positive reviews. The game went on to become the best-selling title of 2023, shifting 24 million copies. That is even more impressive considering last year was stuffed with huge releases, including The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Baldur’s Gate 3 and Spider-Man 2. Warner Bros Discovery, which has 11 internal development studios, has had hits with myriad franchises outside the Potter universe, including the likes of the iconic fighting series Mortal Kombat and the influential Batman Arkham Trilogy. However, one of its recent big releases, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, fell short of expectations - and set WBD’s "games business up for a tough year", according to chief financial officer Gunnar Wiedenfels. Suicide Squad received mostly low scores from critics, including a two-star review here at RadioTimes.com. As first reported by GameSpot, Perrette also said that Suicide Squad was a disappointment, and that the AAA games market was a "volatile" place. To counteract that, he said Warner Bros Discovery would now focus on bringing some of its most popular properties, such as Game of Thrones and Harry Potter, to mobile, while continuing to invest in live-service games that people will spend money on over longer periods of time. He said: "Rather than just launching a one-and-done console game, how do we develop a game around, for example, Hogwarts Legacy and Harry Potter, that is a live-service where people can live and work and build and play in that world on an ongoing basis?" View Green Video on the source website Perrette added that "expanding into the mobile and multi-platform free-to-play space could give us a much better and more consistent set of revenue", and that if this new strategy works, video games will bring meaningful growth to Warner Bros in the future. MultiVersus, a live-service brawler that features characters from the Warner Bros pantheon including Superman, Bugs Bunny and Arya Stark, could be the first step in that direction - as it is expected to return with a new update soon. This new blueprint does not necessarily mean that Warner Bros Discovery will no longer make major new games. It still has a new Harry Potter Quidditch game to come, as well as a Wonder Woman title and The Wolf Among Us 2: A Telltale Series. For more on Warner Bros Discovery, why not read up on whether or not Hogwarts Legacy is due to get downloadable content or the right way to play the Batman Arkham Games in order? Listen to our One More Life podcast and subscribe to our gaming newsletter for all the latest intel. Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hogwarts Legacy DLC predictions: One year on, what's next for the Harry Potter game?
It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since Hogwarts Legacy first came out. The Harry Potter prequel game still feels like a relatively recent release. But in reality, launch-day players have been waiting a fair while to hear about any Hogwarts Legacy DLC plans. With the game now having completed its staggered launch — which saw it come to PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch some months after its initial bow on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC — the number of players hoping for post-launch content has only grown. Parent company Warner Bros has already teased that "a series of other things" are planned for the Wizarding World in gaming form, promising that any further projects "will let the fans be part of this world and stories and characters in deeper and deeper ways". In lieu of any official information, one year on from the initial release, what do we want to see from Hogwarts Legacy DLC? We had a think and pulled together some hopeful predictions for you. See our wishlist below! Hogwarts Legacy DLC predictions: What's next for the Harry Potter game? The official Hogwarts Legacy account on X (formerly Twitter) has told fans to "stay tuned in the coming months for more details on what’s coming to Hogwarts Legacy this year". The post mentioned "additional updates and features for the game", hinting that Hogwarts Legacy may not be finished after all. So, what could that mean? Read on for our thoughts. Quidditch Champions collaboration? Hogwarts Legacy fans really wanted to play Quidditch in the game, but the broom-based sport was absent from the actual experience. The pitch was present and the brooms worked, but the sport itself had been cancelled. The in-game reason for Quidditch’s cancellation was a serious injury in the previous season. In real life, it turns out that Warner Bros had a separate team working on a totally different game called Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions. When that Quidditch game comes out, we wouldn’t be surprised to see some sort of crossover with Hogwarts Legacy. Whether that means a playable teaser in the game, or the ability to carry your Hogwarts Legacy character/house into Quidditch Champions, remains to be seen. With Hogwarts Legacy being one of the best-selling games in recent years, Warner Bros would surely want to leverage its success to drive eyeballs to its other projects — especially when that project is also in the Harry Potter world! New story content? Traditionally, when you’re talking about a single-player game getting DLC, you’re generally expecting to see new story content that follows on somehow from the events of the main story. If there ends up being a full Hogwarts Legacy sequel, you’d expect that second game to depict the next school year. That basically leaves the summer holidays as the time period waiting to be filled by a lower stakes DLC adventure. Like the film The Holdovers, a summer-themed DLC in Hogwarts Legacy could focus on the characters that don’t go home over the holidays. With the teachers away and your character stuck at the castle, could a new villain emerge to threaten the peace and/or rob the place? Of course, some great DLCs — like Left Behind from The Last of Us — have travelled back in time, using flashbacks to fill in gaps in the story, avoiding the 'present day' altogether. That would be another option for Hogwarts Legacy. Perhaps we could explore the early days of a different playable character, like Sebastian Sallow? New locations? The Hogwarts Legacy developers famously recreated the Wizarding World prison Azkaban, but they only used it for one little house-specific quest. Just the Hufflepuffs got to visit the place, oddly enough, and not for long either. Perhaps a Hogwarts Legacy DLC could take players back to Azkaban for a longer stint, with the player-character exploring the prison more freely and piecing together some sort of mysterious side story. That would be pretty cool. With the main game mainly being limited to Hogwarts and the Scottish Highlands surrounding the castle, there are plenty of other locations that we could visit in a DLC. It would certainly be interesting to set foot in Diagon Alley or the Ministry of Magic at this point in the timeline! Other magical schools like Beauxbatons and Durmstrang are also ripe for exploring. Maybe a Hogwarts Legacy DLC could send players on an exchange trip of some sort? It would take loads of work to make a whole other school, though, so maybe that’s not a realistic suggestion. Multiplayer and PVP? One feature that Hogwarts Legacy players really wanted back in the day was multiplayer, with some fans even going so far as to make their own unofficial mods that allowed players to share the same open world. Again, it would probably take loads of work, but one way to drive players back into Hogwarts Legacy would be to make a legit version of an online multiplayer mode. Just imagine other players flying around on their brooms, helping you out in battles and chilling in the common rooms. It would make the whole world feel much more lived in! Not everyone would want to be friendly if you gave them a multiplayer option, though. Just look at GTA RP, where players roleplay all sorts of different characters, from cops to robbers and everything in between. Hogwarts Legacy multiplayer, if it happened, would have to give players the option to duel each other at least. Some sort of PVP duelling tournament would be really fun to take part in, or just watch from the sidelines. New features, new creatures? Hey, that rhymes! The developers have mentioned "additional updates and features" when talking about the future of the game, which could mean pretty much anything. In terms of features, one that we’d really like to see is a photo mode. With the game having some beautiful locations and designs, the lack of an official photo mode has always seemed a bit odd. It would be a nice thing to add at this point. Another thing we’d also like to see is more creatures. The arrival of some new species could liven up the open world and tie into new story content, giving players a reason to jump back into the game and complete their collections of magical animals. Dragons were briefly seen in the game, but you didn't get to keep one or ride around the map on any of them, which seems like an easy fix — and a nice nod to this lunar year of the dragon! Players have already modded dragon-riding into existence on PC, but we'd love to see it in the official version of the game. Until we hear official news about Hogwarts Legacy DLC, we’ll just keep imagining it the way we want it to be. And we can imagine quite a lot! View Green Video on the source website Read more on Hogwarts Legacy: Hogwarts Legacy potions - all recipes to know Hogwarts Legacy plants - what do they do? Hogwarts Legacy level cap - how to spent talent points Hogwarts Legacy trophies - the achievements you need Hogwarts Legacy cast - Simon Pegg and more Hogwarts Legacy character creator - customisation revealed Who is Phineas Nigellus Black? Sirius ancestor explained Hogwarts Legacy year - when is it set? Listen to our One More Life podcast and subscribe to our gaming newsletter for all the latest intel. Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Are there Hogwarts Legacy DLC plans? Latest expansion rumours
Pick up your wand, as it's about time to enjoy some Hogwarts Legacy DLC. The development team has confirmed one piece of DLC is being added to the game – on the Xbox, PC, and Switch versions of the game, anyway. The Wizarding World game has been out for a year by now and you've likely finished everything it has to offer by now. Fortunately, Warner Bros has confirmed that it has plans to keep the good times coming, thanks to the introduction of new features later in 2024. Love gaming? Listen to our podcast, One More Life! Now that Warner Bros. has confirmed that new updates and features are on the way to Hogwarts Legacy, it's time to see what the rumour mill thinks the DLC might be. Read on to find out everything there is to know about Hogwarts Legacy DLC. See what the development team has announced and what the latest rumours are below. Are there Hogwarts Legacy DLC plans? Yes, there are Hogwarts Legacy DLC plans! Warner Bros confirmed in January 2024 that "additional updates and features for the game" are incoming. First off, if you play the game (or plan to) on Switch, Xbox, or PC, you'll be very pleased to learn that the previously PlayStation-exclusive quest – Mind Your Own Business – is launching on every platform later this Summer! The news was broken on the official Hogwarts Legacy X (formerly known as Twitter) account. You can check out the full quote below: View oEmbed on the source website Many consider the PlayStation-exclusive quest to be one of the best in Hogwarts Legacy. It's nice that everyone else will be able to join in the fun this Summer. What's more exciting, however, is that Warner Bros adds "additional updates and features for the game" are on the way, too! Without going so far as telling us what these new features and updates will consist of, we're told to "stay tuned in the coming months for more details on what's coming to Hogwarts Legacy this year". View Riddle on the source website What are the Hogwarts Legacy DLC rumours? To start, let's talk about that Quidditch pitch. The in-game lore is that the sport has been banned due to an injury, but the fact that the pitch is on the map gives us hope. Will Quidditch in Hogwarts Legacy become available in a DLC? We hope so. Rumours on Twitter have already suggested that Quidditch was explored at one stage during development, as well as claiming that the game's map was scaled back during the process of making the game. With that in mind, it doesn't seem out of the question for these elements to be woven back in later as DLC. We can hope, at least! Another possible DLC is a continuation of the story. With this, we could find out what happens after the game's "true" ending, and carry on with our character's progress beyond the fifth year. There are lots of potential new places in the Wizarding World for a map extension, too. Although players do visit Azkaban in a certain quest, we'd love to explore the wizard prison in a fleshed out new map... perhaps tying into the evil version of the game's ending. Hogwarts Legacy is rife with DLC potential. New Spells, quests, areas, and cosmetics are all on the menu. If Avalanche Software and Warner Bros. wants to, the possibilities are endless. If DLC isn't your thing, how about a sequel instead? Reliable leaker MyTimeToShineHello has said that "sources confirmed that a Hogwarts Legacy sequel is in the works". You can check out their post on X (formerly Twitter) below: View oEmbed on the source website Of course, if and when Warner Bros announces plans to follow on from Hogwarts Legacy's launch day experience, we'll be sure to update this page. Read more on Hogwarts Legacy: Hogwarts Legacy review - our full verdict Hogwarts Legacy potions - all recipes to know Hogwarts Legacy plants - what do they do? Hogwarts Legacy level cap - how to spent talent points Hogwarts Legacy trophies - the achievements you need Hogwarts Legacy release date - staggered launch explained Hogwarts Legacy cast - Simon Pegg and more Hogwarts Legacy house sorting quiz - take the text Hogwarts Legacy character creator - customisation revealed Hogwarts Legacy common rooms - tour all four Who is Phineas Nigellus Black? Sirius ancestor explained Hogwarts Legacy year - when is it set? Hogwarts Legacy multiplayer - is it co-op? Hogwarts Legacy PC requirements - the specs you need Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition - all perks View Green Video on the source website Listen to our One More Life podcast, subscribe to our free newsletter and follow us on Twitter for all the latest gaming intel. Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a special issue of Radio Times. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Harry Potter's Gary Oldman thinks he was "mediocre" as Sirius Black
"If I had known what's coming, I honestly think I would have played it differently."
Gary Oldman has revealed that, upon reflection of his Harry Potter role, he feels as though his acting in the films was "mediocre". Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with host Josh Horowitz, Oldman revealed that the Harry Potter films are what he's most widely recognised by fans for when asking for autographs. But Oldman surprised many when he went on to add: "I think my work is mediocre in it. "No, I do. Maybe if I had read the books like Alan [Rickman], if I had got ahead of the curve, if I had known what's coming, I honestly think I would have played it differently." <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2023/11/harry-potter-prisoner-azkaban-fbf67d7.jpg" width="3941" height="2627" alt="Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, David Thewlis as Remus Lupin and Gary Oldman as Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" title="Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, David Thewlis as Remus Lupin and Gary Oldman as Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" /> Oldman continued: "It's like anything, if I sat and watched myself in something and said, 'My god, I'm amazing,' that would be a very sad day, because you want to make the next thing better." Oldman starred as Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in 2004, reprising his role in The Goblet of Fire, The Order of the Phoenix and The Deathly Hallows Part 2. View oEmbed on the source website Oldman, who most recently has played the lead role of Jackson Lamb in Apple TV+'s Slow Horses, previously admitted that his involvement in Harry Potter and the Batman films saved both his career and personal life. Appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show, Oldman said: "At 42 years old, I woke up divorced and I had custody of [my] boys. That was hard because there was a shift in the industry where a lot of productions were being [filmed in] Hungary, Budapest, Prague, Australia, you know, all of these places. So, I turned down a lot of work. "Thank God for Harry Potter. I tell you, the two – Batman and Harry Potter – really, they saved me, because it meant that I could do the least amount of work for the most amount of money and then be home with the kids." For now, we have more Slow Horses to get excited about, with Oldman set to reprise his leading role. The series is based on the Slough House series of novels by author Mick Herron, with season 3 based on Herron’s novel Real Tigers. The recently released episodes saw a romantic liaison in Istanbul threatening to expose a buried MI5 secret in London. If you're looking for something to watch on TV tonight or what to watch now, then check out our TV guide. For more movie news, check out our Film hub. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hogwarts Legacy breeding: How to breed all possible beasts
If you thought Hogwarts Legacy was just a wizarding RPG, then you are sorely mistaken - as it's something of an animal husbandry sim, too. And, as such, we have breeding in Hogwarts Legacy explained, including how to breed all beasts possible. In the books, students weren't too keen on this part of their curriculum, but here in the game we couldn't wait to dive in, as the classes are a lot of fun - as is setting up your own mini zoo. Loving gaming? Listen to our podcast, One More Life! But as classes may suggest, you need to learn how to go about doing this first, and there are a number of other requirements you need to tick off your list as well - but we've got you covered. Read on and make Newt Scamander proud! This article is part of our free Hogwarts Legacy walkthrough guide - to unlock your complete companion to the game. How to breed beasts in Hogwarts Legacy To breed beasts in Hogwarts Legacy, you need to go to the Vivarium in the Room of Requirement and conjure a breeding pen, then place a male and female beast belonging to the same species and wait for 30 minutes in real life. You'll have to complete a few quests in order to get access to the Room of Requirement, a Vivarium and the breeding mechanic, though. To unlock the ability to breed beasts in Hogwarts Legacy, look for these quests and tick them off as soon as you can: The Elf, The Nab-Sack and the Loom The Plight of the House-Elf Foal of the Dead You should be all clued up on magical creatures now, and you will also be able to buy a Beast Breeding Pen (from the Tomes and Scroll shop in Hogsmeade) to place in your Vivarium. Now all you need are the beasts themselves, which you should have been taught how to catch using a Nab-Sack. You can breed four pairs of species per Vivarium, so make sure it's not too crowded! All the beasts you can breed in Hogwarts Legacy Not all beasts in Hogwarts Legacy can breed, so you'll be limited to only 12 species which can make cute babies for you. Seeing as there is a trophy/achievement linked to breeding every possible species, this may well come as a relief! The trophy is called The Nature of the Beast and requires you to breed all types of beasts. You should breed Thestrals as part of the Foal of the Dead quest, leaving you with 11 species to go. Breeding is also a great way to get hold of gold in Hogwarts Legacy - so you may want to keep an eye out for the below species that can breed: Graphorn Diricawl Thestral Kneazle Mooncal Fwooper Niffler Jobberknoll Giant Purple Toad Unicorn Hippogriff Puffskein View Riddle on the source website Can you breed the Phoenix in Hogwarts Legacy? You cannot breed the Phoenix in Hogwarts Legacy, as there is only one available in-game for you to catch. The Phoenix is the only beast in the game that you cannot breed. View Green Video on the source website The Phoenix is, of course, one of the most iconic beasts in Harry Potter - and indeed all of fantasy - so it's only fitting that you'd want to breed as many as possible. We think it helps make the Phoenix special, however. The mythical birds would be far less revered if everyone had access to them and their healing powers. Read more on Hogwarts Legacy: Hogwarts Legacy review - our full verdict Hogwarts Legacy potions - all recipes to know Hogwarts Legacy plants - what do they do? Hogwarts Legacy level cap - how to spent talent points Hogwarts Legacy trophies - the achievements you need Hogwarts Legacy release date - staggered launch explained Hogwarts Legacy cast - Simon Pegg and more Hogwarts Legacy house sorting quiz - take the test Hogwarts Legacy character creator - customisation revealed Hogwarts Legacy common rooms - tour all four Who is Phineas Nigellus Black? Sirius ancestor explained Hogwarts Legacy year - when is it set? Hogwarts Legacy multiplayer - is it co-op? Hogwarts Legacy Switch - handheld version explained Hogwarts Legacy PC requirements - the specs you need Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition - all perks Listen to our One More Life podcast, subscribe to our free newsletter and follow us on Twitter for all the latest gaming intel. Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Can you be evil in Hogwarts Legacy? Morality & how to get Avada Kedavra
Admit it, you've always wanted to scream Avada Kedavra like Voldemort...
Hogwarts Legacy may be the Harry Potter game that fans dreamed of for years, but the long wait might have pushed some would-be wizards to a path of darkness. So, for those players, we'll be looking at whether you can be evil in Hogwarts Legacy, morality and how to get Avada Kedavra – the Killing Curse. There are some definitely nasty and morally dubious things you can get up to in Hogwarts Legacy, but can you become something akin to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? Loving gaming? Listen to our podcast, One More Life! As Avada Kedacra may suggest, you can kill people in Hogwarts Legacy - and there is a very dark quest involving Slytherin student Sebastian as part of obtaining the spell. But with so little time and so much evil to get up to, we won't keep you! This article is part of our free Hogwarts Legacy walkthrough guide. To unlock your complete companion to the game. Can you be evil in Hogwarts Legacy? Morality explained While you can make certain choices and use spells that may be considered morally questionable, you cannot canonically be evil in Hogwarts Legacy. Essentially, there's no version of the story where you'll be recognised as inherently evil and rise up as a proto-Voldemort. However, this also means you won't be punished for any mischievous or immoral acts. Unlike several RPGs that have a clear morality system - think Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic - Hogwarts Legacy has no such system outlining whether your character and their actions are good or bad. The Hogwarts Legacy FAQ states: "Hogwarts Legacy does not have a morality system, but players will encounter various quests and storylines that will influence the witch or wizard they choose to become." You do have the option of slightly meaner conversation options throughout, even if they have little impact on the overall story. But if you choose to pursue the side missions of Slytherin student Sebastian, you'll unlock one undoubtedly evil spell... Hogwarts Legacy Avada Kedavra - how to get the Killing Curse Yes, in Hogwarts Legacy you can unlock Avada Kedavra, the fabled Killing Curse and the strongest of the Unforgivable Curses, by following Sebastian Sallows' quest line. As hinted above, to unlock Avada Kadavra you'll fittingly have to complete a few side quests for a Slytherin pupil named Sebastian Sallow. You'll have to complete his quest line, up to and including a mission named In the Shadow of the Relic, to unlock the curse. View Green Video on the source website You'll need to be at least level 28 to complete this quest, which is even higher than the final quest of the main story - meaning it's likely you'll have to beat the game before you start spamming Killing Curses. Many of Sebastian's quests are missable also, so you'll have to look out for him if you're intent on becoming a wizard murderer. You'll be rewarded with Avada Kedavra at the end of In the Shadow of the Relic, after fighting off a cave full of Inferi and a short boss battle. As in the Harry Potter film series, Avada Kedavra is an instant kill and unblockable - even against bosses! While it may take the challenge out of the game, we're sure it will be immensely satisfying to one-hit some of the previous enemies - especially the many, many spiders... View Riddle on the source website Read more on Hogwarts Legacy: Hogwarts Legacy review - our full verdict Hogwarts Legacy potions - all recipes to know Hogwarts Legacy plants - what do they do? Hogwarts Legacy level cap - how to spend talent points Hogwarts Legacy trophies - the achievements you need Hogwarts Legacy DLC - what's next? Hogwarts Legacy ending explained - spoilers ahead! Hogwarts Legacy beasts - magical creatures explained Hogwarts Legacy best gear - the strongest outfits Hogwarts Legacy max level - what's the cap? Who is Phineas Nigellus Black? Sirius ancestor explained Hogwarts Legacy year - when is it set? Hogwarts Legacy multiplayer - is it co-op? Hogwarts Legacy Switch - handheld version explained Hogwarts Legacy character builds - try these playstyles Listen to our One More Life podcast, subscribe to our free newsletter and follow us on Twitter for all the latest gaming intel. Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hogwarts Legacy cast: List of voice actors, including Simon Pegg
The Wizarding World welcomes an exciting set of voice actors.
With Hogwarts Legacy now out on all platforms with the recent Nintendo Switch release, everyone will be able to experience the great acting chops of the Hogwarts Legacy cast, which includes none other than Simon Pegg. And fret not, for we have all the voice actors revealed for you! If you were hoping Pegg would be reliving his 'drunk Ron Weasley' he so masterfully portrayed on the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Show in 2015, then we are sorry to be the bearer of bad news - for he only gives a great performance as the "cantankerous headmaster" Phineas Nigellus Black. View oEmbed on the source website Loving gaming? Listen to our podcast, One More Life! You'll be hearing plenty of familiar voices as you make your way down the hallowed hallways of Hogwarts, so if an actor's name has been on the tip of your tongue, you'll finally have your answer! It's not just voices that will make your ears twitch, as you'll see some recognisable names, too, as many ancestors from Harry Potter's age make an appearance in the game - such as Professor Matilda Weasley. Hogwarts Legacy cast list: All confirmed voice actors Per the official announcement, which also gave us the images below, the following voice actors are featured among the Hogwarts Legacy cast: Simon Pegg plays Phineas Nigellus Black (Headmaster, Slytherin) Sebastian Croft and Amelia Gething play the main character (Fifth Year student) Lesley Nicol plays Professor Matilda Weasley (Deputy Head, Gryffindor) Kandace Caine plays Professor Onai (Divination) Sohm Kapila plays Professor Satyavati Shah (Astronomy) Luke Youngblood plays Everett Clopton (student, Ravenclaw) Asif Ali plays Mahendra Pehlwaan (student, Ravenclaw) Jason Anthony plays Nearly Headless Nick and the Sorting Hat Enn Reitel plays Percival Rackham, Professor Ronen, and more Adam O'Connor plays Duncan Hobhouse View Gallery on the source website If the player becomes a member of the Gryffindor, you'll get a special encounter with Nearly Headless Nick. The press materials note that, "He may be the key to helping the Gryffindor player find answers crucial to solving a significant mystery – if they are willing to do him one small favour involving a bit of rotten roast beef!" View Green Video on the source website This quest turned out to be The Hunt for the Missing Pages, one of Gryffindor's house-specific missions. Hogwarts Legacy release date - staggered launch explained Hogwarts Legacy house sorting quiz - take the text Hogwarts Legacy character creator - customisation revealed Hogwarts Legacy common rooms - tour all four Who is Phineas Nigellus Black? Sirius ancestor explained Hogwarts Legacy year - when is it set? Hogwarts Legacy multiplayer - is it co-op? Hogwarts Legacy Switch - handheld version explained Hogwarts Legacy PC requirements - the specs you need Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition - price for early access View Riddle on the source website Listen to our One More Life podcast, subscribe to our free newsletter and follow us on Twitter for all the latest gaming intel. Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hogwarts Legacy best gear: Tips & tricks to get the strongest outfit
Wondering how to use gear wisely? Read on.
With Hogwarts Legacy now out on the Nintendo Switch, millions upon millions of gamers will be trying their wizarding hand at making it through the school year. And so, to get a helping hand, we have our guide on all the best gear with tips and tricks to get the strongest outfit. It wouldn't be an RPG without obsessing over item stats, crafting and upgrading equipment - and Hogwarts Legacy has this in spades. Loving gaming? Listen to our podcast, One More Life! You'll definitely need to make sure you're decked out, as the game can prove very difficult at times, and any extra edge is needed to quell the goblin rebellion. But with so much gear and so little time, let's hop on our broomsticks and get to it! This article is part of our free Hogwarts Legacy walkthrough guide. To unlock your complete companion to the game. Which gear colour is best in Hogwarts Legacy? First, we'll talk about what the different colours mean. The colour in the square icon, behind the image of the gear, refers to the rarity of the item. The starter items have that dark blue that you're probably very familiar with. The rarest (and probably best) items have an orange background. Going from best to worst, these are the gear colours in Hogwarts Legacy: Legendary (Gold) Extraordinary (Purple) Superb (Light Blue) Well-Appointed (Green) Standard (Dark Blue) How to get rare gear in Hogwarts Legacy Now that you know about the colour codes, you're probably wondering how to get that rare gear. What you'll need to do is aim for the side quests that involve puzzles. These ones usually reward you with higher quality threads (like the Extraordinary and Legendary gear). Bear in mind that the gear that's dropped out in the world will be in accordance to the player's current level. So if you're just starting out, you're unlikely to come across a Legendary item! Keep working on side missions and make sure to open every chest you can, and you should gradually assemble a better outfit as you go. View Riddle on the source website How to upgrade your gear in Hogwarts Legacy It wouldn't be an RPG without the upgrades! You can upgrade your gear after you've completed a quest called The Elf, the Nab-Sack, and the Loom (this is part of the main story, so you shouldn't miss it). Once you have the blueprint of the Loom, you can make it using the conjuring spell in the Room of Requirement. The Loom is a cool-looking thing, and it's what you'll be using to upgrade your gear and add 'traits' with special perks. However, before you upgrade you'll need the required materials - and these come from rescued beasts. The more beasts you tame, the more materials will become available to you - whenever a beast is fed and groomed in a Vivarium, you'll be able to pick up an item from them. What is the very best gear in the game? There are so many combinations available, it's hard to define the definitive "best" outfit! However, we recommend decking yourself up with as much Legendary gear you can get your hands on - if you can gather an all-orange outfit, you'll be pretty hard to beat in battle. Of course, use the Extraordinary if you don't yet have Legendary. And don't forget to use the Loom on a regular basis to beef up those stats and add relevant traits (eg, if you're about to face Ranrok or another goblin in battle, you can add traits to your gear that will reduce your damage taken from goblin weaponry). Check out this video from YouTuber KaidGames2 on how to create a particularly evil build (if you're that way inclined). View oEmbed on the source website Read more on Hogwarts Legacy: Hogwarts Legacy review - our full verdict Hogwarts Legacy potions - all recipes to know Hogwarts Legacy plants - what do they do? Hogwarts Legacy level cap - how to spent talent points Hogwarts Legacy trophies - the achievements you need Hogwarts Legacy release date - staggered launch explained Hogwarts Legacy cast - Simon Pegg and more Hogwarts Legacy house sorting quiz - take the text Hogwarts Legacy character creator - customisation revealed Hogwarts Legacy common rooms - tour all four Who is Phineas Nigellus Black? Sirius ancestor explained Hogwarts Legacy year - when is it set? Hogwarts Legacy multiplayer - is it co-op? Hogwarts Legacy Switch - handheld version explained Hogwarts Legacy PC requirements - the specs you need Hogwarts Legacy Deluxe Edition - all perks View Green Video on the source website Listen to our One More Life podcast, subscribe to our free newsletter and follow us on Twitter for all the latest gaming intel. Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.