The ever expanding wizarding world of Harry Potter
By
Devin Brown
/ CBS News
Screenshot from Pottermore video
The Wizarding world of Harry Potter continues to expand even as the last movie heads towards theaters in a matter of weeks, including J.K. Rowling's unveiling of the interactive website/reading experience Pottermore. We have decided to give you a few of the other ways Harry has taken over the world as a cultural phenomenon. From the books to the candy, here is a collection of some of the things that have resulted from Pottermania.
The books that started it all
Alex Wong
Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone was released on September 1, 1998. Thirteen years later, the books continue to entertain the world.
The global movie franchise
Warner Bros.
The "Potter" movies are the highest grossing film franchise of all time with nearly $6 billion in global receipts. These highly entertaining films have been a cultural force with fans lining up hours before the premieres in full wizarding gear to watch the films at the soonest opportunity.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter resort
Handout
The Universal Orlando resort "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" is one of the most spectacularly-themed entertainment experiences ever created and has fans coming from all over the world to ride the rides and sip a butterbeer just like their favorite characters.
The fictional sport turned reality
Christopher Capozziello/Getty Images
The fictional sport of Quidditch is now being played across the country. The sport was adapted into a real-life game which began at Middlebury College in 2005, and the school hosted the first large Intercollegiate Quidditch Tournament. It is a cross between soccer, dodgeball, and rugby... and unfortunately, doesn't feature flying broomsticks.
The video games
JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images
The "Potter"-themed video game immerses the player in the world of Harry Potter. Players als encounter new characters and creatures, engage in a variety of sub-quests, fly on a Hippogriff and explore previously unseen areas of Hogwarts.
The spin-off books
Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images
For those who want to learn the wizardry that Harry and friends learned, J.K. Rowling wrote "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" after mentioning it in her novels. It was her first book since ending Harry Potter's adventures.
The actors that brought Hogwarts to life
Warner Bros.
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have grown up over the last ten years in front of the world. Now that the movies have wrapped, all that we have left is the future projects of some of the brightest stars.
The magic school
Graham Barclay/BWP Media/Getty Images
Many children wait for their letter inviting them to Hogwarts and face the disappointment of not receiving it, but now you can join the Hogwarts network on Facebook and many still hope for a late acceptance.
The costumes
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images
The glasses, the robe, the tie, the wand: The iconic costume has appeared on Halloween, at movie premieres and book launches since the movies hit the screen. You can bet people won't stop donning the garb once the franchise ends.
The theme song
Scott Barbour
Dum-da-da-dum-da-dum-dum: Some can sing it, many can play it, but everyone knows the John Williams-composed "Hedwig's Theme" when they hear it.
The fans
Dave Hogan/Getty Images
The wizarding world of Harry Potter is only made possible by the fans of the series. These fans have shown an extreme dedication and have turned the books into a billion dollar franchise.
Spoofing Harry Potter
21st Century Fox
Harry Potter has been spoofed across the board by popular comedy series, including Fox's "The Simpsons."
The book parodies
Amazon Books
Barry Trotter is one of many books to poke fun at Harry and his magical world, but none have received the success or recognition of the original. (That's not to say they aren't absolutely hilarious.)
The jewelry
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
From Skymall to Etsy, there are plenty of Potte- inspired jewelry. Here is Salazar Slytherin's Locket as seen in "Harry Potter: The Exhibition" in New York City.
The fan sites
Mugglenet.com is the number one fan site for Potter fans. You can get news on everything Harry related, discuss theories and gossip on rumors about the books and movies.
The yummy treats
Tim Boyle/Getty Images
Who hasn't wanted to try Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans after reading the books? Well, it is a complete reality thanks to the overwhelming desire to taste the treats.
The spells
TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/Getty Images)
"Expecto Patronum!" The spells that the characters cast have taken on a life of their own as fans shout out the spells that defeated the Dark Lord and his Dementors and find a new way to study Latin for those pesky SATs.
The Dark Lord's Twitter
Twitter
Any decent Potter fan with a Twitter account follows The Dark Lord's hilarious account in which he makes comments on current events or takes swipes at competing franchises. (Pointing the fiinger at you, "Twilight.")
The interactive fan site
Pottermore was just announced. Users can log in starting October for an interactive Harry Potter reading experience, but a select few will be invited for beta testing startin July 31, 2011.