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Harry Potter

Aspiring young wizard Harry Potter is the fictional protagonist in the best-selling book series in history, selling more than 400 million copies in numerous languages.

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All Content on this topic

Black and white portrait photo of British actress Dame Maggie Smith

Oscar-winning British actor Maggie Smith dies at 89

Maggie Smith's acid-tongued roles in "Harry Potter" and "Downton Abbey" earned her legions of fans.
ArtsSeptember 27, 202401:53 min
Michael Gambon, known for his role as the headmaster of iconic Hogwarts school

Harry Potter 'Dumbledore' actor Michael Gambon dies

Gambon was a mainstay in London and Broadway theaters, but became best known as Harry Potter's mentor in later life.
CultureSeptember 28, 2023
Gathering of the Harry Potter impersonators in Hamburg

Multiplicado! Hamburg Harry Potter fans break costume record

More than 1,700 Harry Potter fans in Hamburg broke the world record for the most Potter impersonators in one place.
CultureAugust 26, 2023
Doku YT Plan KW 52 l Zisch Bumm Bang! Blockbuster-Sounds aus dem Schafstall

Blockbuster sounds from the barnyard

Peter Burgis is a rock star among noise makers: he scores blockbuster movies like "Harry Potter".
FilmJune 9, 202326:06 min
A still of Harry Potter looking up at the camera from the film "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."

Max announces 'Harry Potter' series, J.K. Rowling to produce

"Harry Potter" and "Game of Thrones" are set to be turned into series to be broadcast on the Max streaming platform.
CultureApril 13, 2023
Still from 'Hogwarts Legacy': a silhouette in a flaming landcape.

'Hogwarts Legacy': Harry Potter-themed game faces criticism

"Harry Potter" fans look forward to a new video game, despite boycott calls as J. K. Rowling is accused of transphobia.
CultureFebruary 8, 2023
04.2016 Check-in (Sendungslogo)

Europe's most beautiful train routes

We ride through Scotland, Norway, Italy and Switzerland.
TravelFebruary 5, 202326:05 min
Two gloved hands holding 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'.

The world's most expensive Harry Potter books at auction

A very rare edition of "The Philosopher’s Stone" sold for £8,000 at auction. But other Harry Potter books broke records.
LiteratureDecember 16, 2022
Robbie Coltrane

Harry Potter actor Robbie Coltrane dies age 72

The Scottish actor played the role of Hagrid in the Harry Potter series and also starred in James Bond films.
FilmOctober 14, 2022
A stack of books in a bookstore.

Banned Books Week: A fight for freedom

Galileo Galilei, Salman Rushdie and Harry Potter have all been targeted by people wanting to ban their books.
CultureSeptember 18, 2022
A boy wears a tie and shirt and glasses, dirt on his face and collar

My coming of age with 'Harry Potter'

Twenty-five years after the first "Harry Potter" book, Shabnam Surita recalls how she grew up with the boy wizard.
CultureJune 26, 2022
DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo)

Euromaxx - Lifestyle Europe

Harry Potter’s own Edinburgh, a parade for Hieronymus Bosch, and Ivan Dorn, a popstar from Ukraine.
LifestyleJune 25, 202226:05 min
Magazin Euromaxx vom 25.06.2022 | Edinburgh Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Auld Reekie

J. K. Rowling drew inspiration from the Scottish capital for her "Harry Potter" books.
TravelJune 25, 202204:39 min
John Williams in front of an image of himself conducting.

Hollywood composer John Williams turns 90

From "Star Wars" to "Jaws," movie fans love the US composer's scores, and he holds a record number of Oscar nominations.
FilmFebruary 7, 2022
Transome window that reads 221 B

Where Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes live

Do you remember the addresses of Bilbo the Hobbit or Mary Poppins? A literary tour, from Privet Drive to Baker Street.
LiteratureDecember 24, 2021
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Euromaxx - Lifestyle Europe

Gucci at 100. Aboard a Jacobite steam train. And: how to make borscht.
LifestyleNovember 27, 202126:01 min
Euromaxx 27.11.2021 | KW 47

Scotland's Jacobite steam train

Join DW's Hannah Hummel on her wondrous Jacobite steam train trip.
LifestyleNovember 27, 202105:03 min
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson in 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,' with one character holding out a wand in front of her.

'Harry Potter' cast to reunite for 20th-anniversary TV special

Twenty years after the film's release, stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint will "Return to Hogwarts."
FilmNovember 17, 202111 images
R Kelly, man in a suit and wearing sunglasses

The power of the hashtag

Digital movements like #MeToo and #MuteRKelly have raised awareness for justice, but there is a flipside.
CultureSeptember 24, 2021
Actor Johnny Depp wearing a grey hat and black-rimmed glasses

Uproar over honorary awards for Johnny Depp

Two European film festivals will honor the actor for his contributions to cinema, drawing the ire of women's groups.
FilmAugust 12, 2021
J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling's essay on trans rights up for award

The BBC has defended its nomination of author J.K. Rowling, who offended many with her comments on transgender people.
CultureDecember 22, 2020
Geigerin Anne-Sophie Mutter

Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter on COVID-19 and diversity

Mutter is an advocate for human rights — and now the politics surrounding the coronavirus.
CultureOctober 20, 2020
Harry Potter book

Harry Potter fan sites call out J.K. Rowling

The Leaky Cauldron and Mugglenet said that they will no longer publish J.K. Rowling's personal achievements or photos.
Human RightsJuly 3, 2020
J K Rowling at the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film premiere

JK Rowling survived sexual abuse, domestic violence

The Harry Potter author published a blog post speaking about her past of domestic violence and sexual assault.
CultureJune 11, 2020
(L-R) Daniel Radcliffe, JK Rowling, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint at the world premiere of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Archive photo from 2011.

'Harry Potter' star backs transgender rights

Actor Daniel Radcliffe has thrown his weight behind transgender rights, saying: "Transgender women are women."
SocietyJune 9, 2020
Pippi Langstrumpf

Pippi Longstocking at 75

It's Pippi Longstocking's birthday. Why does everyone admire the strongest and bravest girl in the world?
LiteratureMay 20, 2020
Cliff And Seascape Of Cape Roca, Sintra, Portugal

10 reasons for Portugal

Spectacular nature, centuries-old culture and good wine in the south of Europe
TravelOctober 22, 201910 images
Meet the Germans - Books

Reading rats: All about German books and reading habits

Germany is known as the land of poets and thinkers, but is it a land of book-lovers?
CultureSeptember 13, 201904:47 min
Handmaid's Tale costume

Getting ready for Atwood's new novel

It's the book launch of the year. But why is there such a hype behind Margaret Atwood's sequel to "The Handmaid's Tale"?
CultureSeptember 6, 2019
DW Shift Sendungslogo

Shift - Living in the Digital Age

AR is said to be the next big thing in gaming. But is the hype deserved or just a marketing gimmick?
Digital WorldJuly 12, 201912:36 min
DW euromaxx 17.05.17 | Edinburgh Castle

Scottish landmark: Edinburgh Castle

J.K. Rowling is said to have based Hogwarts school on Edinburgh Castle.
LifestyleOctober 23, 201804:59 min
DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo)

Euromaxx - Lifestyle Europe 13.07.2018

Mermaids in the Mediterranean, highlights from this year’s World Cup and NordArt anniversary edition.
LifestyleJuly 27, 201826:00 min
Berliner Highland Games

10 reasons to visit Scotland

Natural beauty and brave people! There are a lot of reasons to visit the country.
TravelJuly 24, 201810 images
Verne Troyer

'Mini-Me' actor Verne Troyer dies

Verne Troyer, who was best known for his performance as Mini-Me in the "Austin Powers" movies, has died.
SocietyApril 22, 2018
Euromaxx 21.08.2017 Valter Adam Casotto

The man behind the masks of Game of Thrones

Artist Valter Adam Casotto has made masks for Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, X-Men, and The Hobbit.
CultureFebruary 24, 201803:01 min
China Hongkong Mädchen liest Harry Potter

Bestsellers that almost didn't make it to the bookstores

Here's a selection of authors whose books were initially rejected by publishers — and went on to become bestsellers.
CultureJanuary 4, 2018
The Harry Potter book laid out on a bookstore table

International bestsellers initially rejected by publishers

Publishers have often erred when rejecting manuscripts... One of them advised J.K. Rowling not to quit her day job.
CultureJanuary 4, 20188 images
Zauberlehrling Harry Potter und die Kammer des Schreckens

Harry Potter 'History of Magic' exhibit opens

Chinese oracle bones and broomsticks - a look at the magic at the heart of the Potter series.
CultureOctober 20, 2017
Euromaxx 21.08.2017 Valter Adam Casotto

Sculpture Artist Valter Casotto

Artist Valter Adam Casotto has made masks for Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, X-Men and The Hobbit.
CultureAugust 27, 201704:46 min
Harry Potter

Happy 20th birthday, Harry Potter!

Who could have known 20 years ago that Harry Potter would become such a cult classic?
CultureJune 26, 2017
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20th anniversary of Harry Potter

June 26, 201700:49 min
DW euromaxx 17.05.17 | Edinburgh Castle

European landmark: Edinburgh Castle

J.K. Rowling is said to have based Hogwarts school on Edinburgh Castle.  
CultureMay 18, 2017
DW euromaxx 17.05.17 | Edinburgh Castle

European landmark: Edinburgh Castle

J.K. Rowling is said to have based Hogwarts school on Edinburgh Castle.
CultureMay 18, 201704:55 min
Großbritannien Theaterstück "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" in London

Harry Potter play cleans up at Olivier awards

The West End show "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" won a record of nine prizes at the Olivier Awards in London.
TheaterApril 10, 2017
Harry Potter, The Forbidden Forest

Harry Potter fans may now enter the Forbidden Forest

These woods were strictly off-limits for the young Hogwarts students, but visitors can now experience them themselves.
CultureMarch 31, 2017
Euromaxx-Sendung 29.03.2017 | Hogwarts

Down time: On the trail of Harry Potter

Forbidden Forest is the newest attraction at The Making of Harry Potter outside London.
LifestyleMarch 30, 2017
01.2012 DW Euromaxx

Euromaxx - Lifestyle Europe 30.03.2017

A new attraction at The Making of Harry Potter; insects as art; passatelli noodles
CultureMarch 30, 2017
Euromaxx | Emma Watson Die Schöne und das Biest

Emma Watson stars in a Beauty and the Beast remake

A new movie version of “Beauty and the Beast” celebrates its world premiere. Emma Watson stars as Belle.
CultureMarch 2, 2017
Schweiz Heidis Welt Alm in Vals

Landscapes like in a movie

Offering tours to famous film locations has developed into a flourishing business.
TravelFebruary 16, 201710 images
01.2012 DW Euromaxx

Euromaxx - Highlights of the Week

Learn Harry Potter magic, a Santa Claus championship, and why are the Danes so happy.
CultureDecember 26, 2016