The main focus of the line is Harry Potter's first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as he discovers that he is a famous wizard and begins his education. Later on, sets based on other installments and spin-offs would be produced too.
Lego Harry Potter was inspired by the films of the Harry Potter series. The construction toy range was based on the films and developed in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products. The construction sets were designed to recreate the story and characters of the films in Lego form.[4][5]
Launch
The first Lego Harry Potter sets were launched in September 2001. In January 2004, Lego owner and CEO Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen announced a change in direction for the company, which at the time was facing a DKK 1.4 billion loss, and that the company would focus on core products and not "big, movie-related IPs such as Harry Potter".[6] A week later, the company clarified that this did not mean any immediate "radical changes", and that the Harry Potter theme would continue. However, the theme was discontinued after 2007 for a time. The original Lego Harry Potter minifigure skin tone was yellow until April 2004 when they switched to more realistic natural skin tones.
Warner Bros. and Lego announced on February 12, 2010, that six sets including Hogwarts Castle (set number: 4842), Hagrid's Hut (set number: 4738), The Burrow (set number: 4840), Hogwarts Express (set number: 4841), Dobby's Release (set number: 4736) and Quidditch Match (set number: 4737) would be released in October 2010. These sets have newly decorated mini-figures and animals including Luna Lovegood, Bellatrix Lestrange, new owls and new pigs. Also announced was a Lego Harry Potter board game that was made available in August. In 2013, The Lego Group discontinued Lego Harry Potter sets.[7] However, a Lego Dimensions add-on pack featuring Harry Potter and Voldemort was scheduled to be released on 27 September 2016.[8]
In 2018, it was announced that more sets based on the Harry Potter Universe would be released, starting with a set based on the Great Hall.
On 28 April 2020, it was announced that more sets based on the Harry Potter Universe would be released in August 2020.[9]
On 31 August 2020, Lego Group announced that the newest set Diagon Alley (set number: 75978) were to be released in next month.[10]
During the post-2018 reboot wave, Lego has also released two series of Lego Harry Potter Collectible Minifigures under the Lego Minifigures theme.
In 2021, it was announced that Harry Potter Hogwarts Crests (set number: 31201) would be released on 1 January 2021 as a sub-brand of the Lego Art theme.[11] Lego has also released more sets in the summer of 2021 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Lego Harry Potter.[12] More sets are being released in 2022
Construction sets
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001–2002)
The first film saw the largest number of sets, with fourteen being made in total starting 1 September 2001. Eleven were produced in 2001, with the remaining three released the following year.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002–2003)
Ten sets were produced based on the second film in the series, two of which were released the year after the second film. These sets were designed to be combined with the sets from the first film, with launch starting on 1 January 2002.
The third film saw eleven sets released, starting 1 April 2004, including the first Lego Harry Potter mini set. In addition, the minifigures became fleshed toned, following Lego universal change for licensed characters.
Only one set was produced based on the fifth film foreshadowing the theme's assumed retirement. This was the last Harry Potter themed set until 2010, released 1 June 2007.[13]
Lego revived the Harry Potter theme after a three-year gap from previous set released in 2007. These new sets were released October 1, 2010 within the UK. All sets are remakes of previous ones with the exception of one new set, The Burrow, which is based on a scene from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.[15][16]
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood
Hogwarts Castle
4842
Various Movies, with particular elements from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-part 2
Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Professor McGonagall, Argus Filch, Filius Flitwick, Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape, 2 Dementors, Ms. Norris, Lord Voldemort
2011
Lego released four main sets in 2011. Diagon Alley was released in January, while the other three sets were released on June 1, 2011, around the time of the cinema release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. However, the Trolley, The Lab and the Mini Hogwarts Express were all promotional sets that were released in different countries at different times, which were either being given away with newspaper offers, the purchase of Diagon Alley from the Lego Shop and also with the pre-order of the game, Lego Harry Potter: Years 5–7.
Name
Number
Based on
Minifigures
Diagon Alley
10217
Various Movies
Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Hagrid, Fred and George Weasley, Lucius Malfoy, Fenrir Greyback, Mr. Ollivander, two Gringott's goblins, and a skeleton.
Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, Remus Lupin, Professor Sprout, Gregory Goyle, Lucius Malfoy, and a Dementor.
Trolley (Small Polybag)
30110
Various Movies
Harry Potter, Hedwig.
The Lab (Small Polybag)
30111
Various Movies
Harry Potter.
2016
Lego has produced a Harry Potter-themed Lego Dimensions "team pack" with a scheduled release date of 27 September 2016 in the United States. This add-on pack includes Harry Potter and Voldemort minifigs that are largely similar to the 2010/2011 versions. Key differences include a different hairpiece for Harry Potter and a brown wand instead of a white one for Voldemort. The add-on pack also includes small versions of the Weasleys' flying car and the Hogwarts Express engine. This "team pack" number is 71247. An additional "fun pack" featuring Hermione Granger and Buckbeak (71348) was released on May 9, 2017. Add-on packs based on Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them are set for release alongside the film on 18 November 2016; these include a "story pack" containing Newt Scamander, a Niffler and a MACUSA model (71253), and a "fun pack" containing Tina Goldstein and a Swooping Evil (71257).
2018 (Focused on the Philosopher's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets)
Harry Potter sets were released on July 1, 2018, including a set based on the Great Hall in the first two movies. The theme also includes sets based on the "Fantastic Beasts" movies. Additionally, on September 1, a 6000-piece microscale Hogwarts D2C set was released for purchase.[17]
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Susan Bones, Minerva McGonagall, Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid, Quirinus Quirrell and Nearly Headless Nick
Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Molly Weasley, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, Rubeus Hagrid, Draco Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy, Gilderoy Lockhart, Garrick Ollivander, Florean Fortescue and Daily Prophet photographer
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Molly Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Nymphadora Tonks, Bellatrix Lestrange and Fenrir Greyback
Harry Potter Advent Calendar
75981
Seasonal
Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Padma Patil, Parvati Patil and Cho Chang
2021
On January 1, 2021, Lego released the Harry Potter Hogwarts Crests (31201) under the Lego Art theme.[25]
Hogwarts Moment
On January 1, 2021, 4 sets were released under the Hogwarts Moment subtheme.[26]
Name
Number
Based on
Minifigures
Hogwarts Moment: Transfiguration Class
76382
Various movies
Professor McGonagall, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger
Hogwarts Moment: Potions Class
76383
Various movies
Professor Snape, Seamus Finnigan and Draco Malfoy
Hogwarts Moment: Herbology Class
76384
Various movies
Professor Sprout, Cedric Diggory and Neville Longbottom
Hogwarts Moment: Charms Class
76385
Various movies
Professor Flitwick, Cho Chang and Harry Potter
20th Anniversary (Focused on the Philosopher's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets)
On April 16, 2021, Lego announced the upcoming release of new Harry Potter sets from June 1, 2021, to mark the 20th anniversary of Lego Harry Potter. Selected sets will also include an exclusive golden minifigure to mark the celebration.[27] In addition, collectible Wizard Cards based on the Chocolate Frog Cards featuring Harry Potter Universe characters were also randomly packed into the sets.[28]
Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley, Tom Riddle, Colin Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchy, Luna Lovegood, Gilderoy Lockhart, Albus Dumbledore, Professor Sinistra, Nearly Headless Nick and Golden Voldemort
Harry Potter Advent Calendar
76390
Seasonal
Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Dudley Dursley and Griphook
Professor Trelawney, Harry Potter and Parvati Patil
Hogwarts Moment: Defence Against the Dark Arts Class[39]
76397
Various movies
Professor Moody, Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger
Throughout the year, additional sets based on various movies from the franchise were released.[40]
Additionally, on August 31, a 5129-piece Hogwarts Express D2C display set was released for purchase.[41]
Dolores Umbridge, Corban Yaxley, Pius Thicknesse, Harry Potter/Albert Runcorn, Hermione Granger/Mafalda Hopkirk, Ron Weasley/Reg Cattermole, Mary Cattermole, Arthur Weasley and Dementor
Harry Potter, Rubeus Hagrid, Dragomir Despard, Ron Weasley, Bellatrix Lestrange, Hermione Granger, Griphook, Bogrod, Ricbert, a Death Eater, 2 goblin bankers and 2 guards.
LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar
76418
Various movies
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Aberforth Dumbledore, Madam Rosmerta
Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Minifigures Series 1
71022
22
Harry Potter in School Robes, Hermione Granger in School Robes, Ron Weasley in School Robes, Draco Malfoy, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, Cho Chang, Dean Thomas, Lord Voldemort, Dobby, Professor Trelawney, Cedric Diggory, Professor Flitwick, Mad-Eye Moody, Harry Potter in Pajamas, Albus Dumbledore, Newt Scamander, Tina Goldstein, Jacob Kowalski, Queenie Golstein, Credence Barebone, Percival Graves[59]
Harry Potter Minifigures Series 2
71028
16
Harry Potter, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Griphook, Lily Potter, James Potter, Ginny Weasley, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, Bellatrix Lestrange, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Moaning Myrtle, Professor Sprout, Neville Longbottom[60]
Video games
Lego Creator: Harry Potter
Two sandbox games were released as part of the Lego Creator series: Lego Creator: Harry Potter (2001)[61] and Creator: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002).[62] Both games allow the player to build their own sets in a virtual world based on the Lego Harry Potter theme, and interact with their constructions by taking control over minifigures or creatures that have been added to the world by the player.[63]
The crossover toys-to-life game Lego Dimensions[73][74][75][76] developed by Traveller's Tales features content based on both the original Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. A "team pack"[77][78][79][80] includes an additional level that recreates the events of the original film and adds Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort as a playable characters. A "story pack" offers an extended six-level story campaign retelling the events of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and includes Newt Scamander as a playable character.[a] Additional "fun packs" add Tina Goldstein[b] and Hermione Granger as playable characters.[81]
Other merchandise
In 2022, The Lego Harry Potter brand has also produced Plush Toy Collection.[82][83]
Reception
In 2020, The Lego Group reported that the Lego Technic, Lego Star Wars, Lego Classic, Lego Disney Princess, Lego Harry Potter and Lego Speed Champions, "The strong results are due to our incredible team," and that these themes had helped to push revenue for the first half of 2020 grow 7% to DKK 15.7 billion compared with the same period in 2019.[84]
In 2019, Harry Potter and Hedwig (set number: 41615) was listed as one of The Top Ten best-selling Harry Potter toys in the UK for the 12 months ending May 2019.[85]
In 2019, Hogwarts Great Hall (set number: 75954), Hogwarts Express (set number: 75955), Hogwarts Whomping Willow (set number: 75953), Quidditch Match (set number: 75956) and Harry Potter and Hedwig (set number: 41615) were listed on The Top Ten best-selling Harry Potter toys in the UK for the 12 months ending May 2019.[85]
In March 2022, The Lego Group reported that the Lego City, Lego Technic, Lego Creator Expert, Lego Harry Potter and Lego Star Wars themes had earned for the full year of 2021. Revenue for the year grew 27 percent versus 2020 to DKK 55.3 billion and consumer sales grew 22 percent over the same period, outpacing the toy industry and driving market share growth globally and in largest markets.[86]
On 28 September 2022, The Lego Group reported that the Lego Star Wars, Lego Technic, Lego Icons (formerly Creator Expert), Lego City, Lego Harry Potter and Lego Friends themes had earned for the six months ending 30 June 2022. Revenue for the period grew 17 percent to DKK 27.0 billion compared with the same period in 2021, driven by strong demand. Consumer sales grew 13 percent, significantly ahead of the toy industry, contributing to global market share growth.[87]
In February 2023, Hogwarts Castle (set number: 71043) was listed on "The biggest Lego sets of all time" by Lego fansite Brick Fanatics.[88]
In March 2023, The Lego Group reported that the Lego City, Lego Technic, Lego Icons, Lego Harry Potter and Lego Star Wars themes had earned for the full year of 2022. Revenue for the year grew 17 percent to DKK 64.6 billion and consumer sales grew 12 percent in 2022, achieving growth in all major market groups with especially strong performance in the Americas and Western Europe.[89]
Awards and nominations
In 2001, Hogwarts Castle (set number: 4709) was awarded "Toy of the Year" and also "Activity Toy of the Year" by the Toy Association.[90]
In 2019, Lego Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Minifigure Series was awarded "Toy of the Year" and also "Collectible of the Year" by the Toy Association. Also included, Hogwarts Castle (set number: 71043) was awarded "Toy of the Year" and also "Specialty Toy of the Year" by the Toy Association.[94]
In 2020, Hedwig (set number: 75979) was awarded "DreamToys" in the Licensed To Thrill category by the Toy Retailers Association.[95]
In 2021, Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets (set number: 76389) was awarded "DreamToys" in the Licensed To Thrill category by the Toy Retailers Association.[96]
In 2022, The Ministry of Magic (set number: 76403) was awarded "DreamToys" in the Film & TV Favourites category by the Toy Retailers Association.[97]
Lego Harry Potter: Building the Magical World. Authored by Elizabeth Dowsett. Published by Dorling Kindersley, 2011. ISBN0-75668-257-6
Lego Harry Potter Magical Adventures Ultimate Sticker Book. Published by Dorling Kindersley, 2011. ISBN1-40537-003-3
The Harry Potter Lego Minifigure Catalog : 1st Edition. Authored by Christoph Bartneck. Published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, 2012. ISBN1-47010-807-0
Lego(r) Harry Potter: Characters of the Magical World. Published by Dorling Kindersley, 2012. ISBN0-75669-257-1
Witches and Wizards Character Handbook (LEGO Harry Potter). Authored by Samantha Swank. Published by Scholastic Inc., 2018. ISBN1-40719-236-1
Harry Potter Build Your Own Adventure. Authored by Elizabeth Dowsett. Published by Dorling Kindersley, 2019. ISBN0-24136-373-X
Harry Potter The Magical Guide to the Wizarding World. Authored by Rosie Peet. Published by Dorling Kindersley, 2019. ISBN0-24139-735-9
Lego Harry Potter Build Your Own Adventure: With Lego Harry Potter Minifigure and Exclusive Model. Authored by Elizabeth Dowsett. Published by Dorling Kindersley, 2019. ISBN0-24136-373-X
Lego Harry Potter: A Magical Search and Find Adventure (Activity Book with Snape Minifigure). Authored by Ameet Studio. Published by Scholastic Inc., 2019. ISBN1-33858-189-9
Lego Harry Potter: Back to Hogwarts Activity Book + minifigure. Authored by Ameet Studio. Published by Scholastic Inc., 2019. ISBN1-33831-147-6
Harry Potter Magical Treasury: A Visual Guide to the Wizarding World. Authored by Elizabeth Dowsett. Published by Dorling Kindersley, 2020. ISBN0-24140-945-4
Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Adventures. Published by Centum Books, 2020. ISBN1-91339-900-1
Adventure with Buckbeak! (Lego Harry Potter: Activity Book with Minifigure). Authored by Ameet Studio. Published by Scholastic Inc., 2020. ISBN1-33863-853-X
Lego (R) Harry Potter (TM) Magical Treasury : A Visual Guide to the Wizarding World (with exclusive Tom Riddle minifigure). Authored by Elizabeth Dowsett. Published by Dorling Kindersley, 2020. ISBN0-24140-945-4
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