The majority of the Harry Potter franchise is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, a global media and entertainment conglomerate.
Here's a breakdown of how they own the franchise:
- Film Rights: Warner Bros. Pictures holds the rights to produce and distribute the eight Harry Potter films, which have generated billions of dollars in revenue worldwide.
- Theme Parks: Warner Bros. owns and operates the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions at Universal Studios theme parks in Orlando, Hollywood, and Osaka.
- Consumer Products: Warner Bros. licenses the Harry Potter brand for various consumer products, including toys, clothing, books, and video games.
- Streaming Rights: HBO Max, a streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, currently streams the Harry Potter films and other related content.
While J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, retains some ownership rights, Warner Bros. Discovery's control over the franchise is undeniable. Their ownership encompasses the most valuable aspects of the brand, including the films, theme parks, and licensing rights.