Harry Potter – History, Characters, Films, Series & Collectibles
It began as a book turned down by twelve publishers. It became seven novels, eight films, theme parks – and in 2027 it returns as a television series. This guide covers the history, the characters, what is coming, and what is worth owning in Harry Potter collectibles.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
The history: from a train in Manchester
In 1990 J.K. Rowling was travelling by train from Manchester to London when the idea arrived of a boy who discovers he is a wizard. It took seven years to reach publication – and twelve publishers turned it down before Bloomsbury took it on, with an initial print run of 500 copies.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was published in 1997. By 2007 all seven books were out. The films began in 2001 and finished in 2011 – eight of them, with the final book split in two.
Why this matters to collectors: few franchises have such recognisable objects. The wand, the Marauder's Map, the Time Turner, the house scarf – these are things people want to hold, not merely watch.
The characters
Harry, Hermione and Ron – three children who meet on a train and stay together for seven years.
Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Flitwick – among the best-drawn supporting casts in modern fiction.
The wizard they will not name, and the Horcruxes that keep him alive.
The HBO series – premiering in 2027
Fourteen years after the last film, Hogwarts reopens. Filming began in July 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden – the same studios where the films were made.
What is known
- Premiere: 2027, on HBO and HBO Max.
- First season: "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" – each season adapts one book.
- The new trio: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, Alastair Stout as Ron – chosen from more than 30,000 children who auditioned.
- At Hogwarts: John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Nick Frost as Hagrid.
- And one return: Warwick Davis plays Professor Flitwick again – the same role he held across all eight films.
Studio dates move – we update this guide whenever something changes officially.
The four houses
It is arguably the cleverest idea in the whole universe: every reader belongs somewhere. And it translates directly into products – scarves, t-shirts, mugs, school gear, all in four versions.
Courage and daring. Scarlet and gold. The lion.
Ambition and cunning. Green and silver. The serpent.
Wisdom and learning. Blue and bronze. The eagle.
Loyalty and patience. Yellow and black. The badger.
What is worth collecting
- Wands: the single most characteristic object. Each character has a different design, and collectors pursue them one at a time.
- Funko POP!: the easiest place to start, with dozens of versions per character.
- Jewellery & replicas: the Time Turner, the Horcruxes, Slytherin's locket.
- Maps & posters: the Marauder's Map and the Hogwarts Express.
- House items: scarves, t-shirts, mugs – four of everything.
- School gear: pencil cases, notebooks, backpacks. They fit the theme naturally, because Hogwarts is a school.
Gift guide
School gear, a wand, a t-shirt with the house crest.
Funko POP, a house scarf, posters, board games.
Replicas, jewellery, wands in collector packaging.
Mugs, keyrings, socks, notebooks.
Frequently asked questions
- When does the new Harry Potter series come out?
- In 2027, on HBO and HBO Max. Filming began in July 2025 and each season will cover one book, starting with the Philosopher's Stone.
- Who is in the new series?
- Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione and Alastair Stout as Ron. Among the adults: John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, Janet McTeer as McGonagall and Nick Frost as Hagrid. Warwick Davis returns as Flitwick.
- Where can I find authentic Harry Potter collectibles in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
- Which Harry Potter gift is the safest choice?
- If you know the recipient's house, anything in its colours. If you do not, a wand or a Funko POP of their favourite character – both work at any age.
- Are your Harry Potter products official?
- Yes. Everything is officially licensed and comes from authorised distributors.
