Full Breakdown
Harry Potter Film Crew Reflects on 25 Years and Anticipates New HBO Series
5/11/2026, 10:53:36 PM
Core Reflections: 25 Years After the First Film
Prop designer Pierre Bohanna and art director Gary Tomkins, both based in Buckinghamshire, marked the quarter-century anniversary of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* by recounting their early experiences on the eight-film saga. Bohanna, who joined the production without having read the books, described the broomsticks he crafted as “technically challenging pieces in terms of structure and aesthetic.” He also recalled that the earliest wands were “just sticks…found in bushes around the studios.” Tomkins, who helped develop concept art and blueprints for all eight movies, said he was “not sure whether it would be a success or not” when he first arrived at Leavesden Studios in Watford. Both men expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming HBO adaptation, noting that the original story offers ample material for deeper exploration.
Production Legacy: Sets, Props, and the Warner Bros Studio Tour
The original films were shot at Leavesden Studios, where the design team built the iconic locations that now populate the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Watford. The tour showcases the sets, props, and costumes created for the series, allowing visitors to see the physical legacy of the eight-film production. Bohanna and Tomkins highlighted the tour’s role in preserving the work, with Tomkins stating the team was “delighted the studio tour was built and showcases all the fantastic sets, props and costumes that we created for the films.”
Official Statements & Responses
Bohanna conveyed that, as a former crew member, he now looks forward to watching the new series as a viewer, believing the narrative “can only get better with delving deeper into each story.” Tomkins emphasized his continued emotional connection to the original movies while expressing that he is “very excited to see how the new series would interpret the designs and continue the legacy for a whole new generation.” Both officials underscored respect for the original material and optimism about its reinterpretation.
Criticism & Opposition
The source material did not present any criticism or opposing viewpoints regarding the upcoming series or the retrospective comments of the crew.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've always loved that wands are not just about magic, they're about taste and style,” — Pierre Bohanna, prop designer
- “He also admitted some of the first wands were just "sticks" they found in "bushes around the studios".” — Pierre Bohanna, prop designer
- “We were so delighted the studio tour was built and showcases all the fantastic sets, props and costumes that we created for the films.” — Gary Tomkins, art director
- “not sure whether it would be a success or not” — Gary Tomkins, art director
- “If they are going to expand, it can only get better with delving deeper into each story.” — Pierre Bohanna, prop designer
- “ Tomkins said that although his heart was still in the original movies, he was "very excited" to see how the new series would interpret the designs and "continue the legacy for a whole new generation".” — Gary Tomkins, art director
Why It Matters: Legacy and the New Series
The reflections of Bohanna and Tomkins illustrate how the original production’s craftsmanship continues to shape contemporary adaptations. Their insights highlight the technical ingenuity behind iconic props and sets, reinforcing the cultural significance of the Harry Potter franchise. The anticipation surrounding the HBO series suggests a renewed public interest that may introduce the world-building of the original films to a new audience, while the Warner Bros Studio Tour preserves the tangible heritage for future generations.
What’s Next: HBO Series Release
The first season of the HBO adaptation of *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* is scheduled for release in December on HBO Max, with a second season already confirmed.
