London, England – In a bustling mahogany kitchen just outside of London, the enchanting world of Harry Potter comes to life. The air is filled with the aroma of steaming pots and sweet sugar, while shelves adorned with glass jars of treats reminiscent of those found in Honeydukes from the popular “Harry Potter” film series create a magical atmosphere. Amidst whimsical props such as the Sorting Hat, a Triwizard trophy, and Godric Gryffindor’s sword, contestants of the show “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” scurry around, showcasing their culinary skills in a competition set to premiere on Food Network and Max on November 14.
Produced by Warner Horizon Television, “Wizards of Baking” marks the beginning of a carefully planned initiative by Warner Bros. to expand the Harry Potter franchise through various mediums, including TV series, video games, theme parks, high-end merchandise, and live experiences. The studio aims to breathe new life into the beloved characters and worlds created by J.K. Rowling in 1997 with the release of her bestselling novel series. A scripted “Harry Potter” TV series slated to debut on HBO in 2026 is set to be the culmination of this ambitious strategy.
Ahead of the highly anticipated TV series, Warner Bros. is strategically leveraging its newly formed partnership with Discovery through a $43 billion merger to delve into new opportunities for growth, combining Warner Bros.-controlled properties with Discovery’s established lineup of lifestyle channels. This collaboration has paved the way for the enchanting world of Harry Potter to make its debut on Food Network, a dream envisioned by the channel’s leader, Betsy Ayala, following the merger.
Hosted by actors James and Oliver Phelps, known for their roles as Fred and George Weasley in the “Harry Potter” movies, “Wizards of Baking” challenges professional bakers to create elaborate cakes that not only taste delicious but also tell a story inspired by Potter’s Wizarding World. The judging panel, which includes veteran foodie Carla Hall and chef Jozef Youssef, along with a weekly guest judge, evaluates the creations based on their ability to bring the story to life.
Filmed at Leavesden Studios on the original movie sets used for the “Harry Potter” films, “Wizards of Baking” is a significant investment for Food Network, showcasing the elaborate and intricate work of the bakers on a grand scale. While Warner Bros. has faced challenges with the “Fantastic Beasts” film series based on Rowling’s novels, recent successes in the gaming industry, particularly with games like “Hogwarts Legacy,” have reignited interest in the Wizarding World among fans.
Looking ahead, Warner Bros. is gearing up for the opening of Epic Universe, a Universal theme park in Orlando, Florida, dedicated to the world of Harry Potter. The park, set to open in May, will offer fans of all ages immersive experiences and rides themed around the magical universe created by Rowling. As the franchise continues to evolve and expand, Warner Bros. remains committed to delivering authentic and engaging experiences that resonate with fans both old and new.