Harry Potter franchise

Harry Potter is a global cultural phenomenon that originated in the United Kingdom as a series of fantasy novels. Written by J.K. Rowling, the series was first published by Bloomsbury Publishing in 1997. The franchise quickly expanded into a massive media empire, encompassing a record-breaking eight-part film series, stage productions, and various video games.

While the intellectual property rights for the book series remain predominantly with J.K. Rowling, the global entertainment and merchandising rights are primarily controlled by Warner Bros. Entertainment. Manufacturing of Harry Potter-themed products, such as toys, apparel, and collectibles, occurs in multiple countries worldwide depending on the licensee, with major production hubs in China, the United States, and Europe.

The franchise today is managed through the 'Wizarding World' brand, a joint venture that oversees the cohesive expansion of the universe across different mediums. This includes the 'Fantastic Beasts' film series and the 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' theatrical productions. The ownership structure ensures that while the creative origins remain British, the commercial and distribution power is centered in the United States under the Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella.