Hogwarts Express Launched at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, CEO Gives Speech
Last night, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter officially launched the new Hogwarts Express feature with a special event. MuggleNet was among the guests, which included Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley), James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley), Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick and Griphook), David Heyman (producer, movies 1–8), and David Yates (director, movies 5–8).
The Warner Bros. CEO, Kevin Tsujihara, gave a speech at the event, which was hosted by British television presenter Alex Zane.
.@alex_zane kicks off the speeches @wbtourlondon. #HogwartsExpress pic.twitter.com/yxF94V27EG
— ᴍᴜɢɢʟᴇɴᴇᴛ ʟɪᴠᴇ (@MuggleNetLive) March 17, 2015
In his speech, the CEO spoke about the studios, the future of Leavesden, and the importance of the United Kingdom in its success:
"The UK and Leavesden Studios are our creative home from home." WB CEO @wbtourlondon. #HogwartsExpress pic.twitter.com/4wA66XIqOH
— ᴍᴜɢɢʟᴇɴᴇᴛ ʟɪᴠᴇ (@MuggleNetLive) March 17, 2015
Of course, Tsujihara also spoke about the new Hogwarts Express feature, saying that it is
“an example of the creativity and craftsmanship that exists [sic] here.”
He also talked about J.K. Rowling:
Jo couldn’t be here tonight, but she’s here in spirit. This place embodies the world of ‘Harry Potter’ and brings it to life.
Tsujihara spoke on Fantastic Beasts, which will be filmed at Leavesden Studios:
[‘Beasts’] is really a wonderful gift from [J.K. Rowling] to the fans, and we are a part of it. It is like ‘Star Wars.’ It is not exactly a linear story but an adjacent story. And Jo wrote [the film version of ‘Beasts’] herself, which is just absolutely amazing, and she is so talented. You see the passion that everyone has for the world that she has created, and it’s just fantastic to extend it.
Finally, he spoke about the company’s plans for the future:
Right now, we are focused on ‘Fantastic Beasts.’ And Jo has a story line in her head, and right now, we are letting her go [with it].
You can read more from Tsujihara’s speech.
If you missed it, we previously reported on the new Hogwarts Express feature, where we shared with you what to expect, as well as an interview with Mark Williams. Look out for a full report from last night’s event, which will be coming soon.
You can book tickets for the studio tour, which includes access to the new Hogwarts Express feature.
Are you looking forward to visiting the Hogwarts Express feature? Have you already booked your tickets? Let us know in the comments!