‘Harry Potter’ Wizarding World Facts — 20 Things You Totally Didn’t Know

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June 12, 2019 1:09PM EDT

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‘Harry Potter’ Cast Members

‘Harry Potter’ Cast Members — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was an absolute game changer when it came to theme parks around the world. The stunning amusement parks brought the “Harry Potter” movies and books to life, taking HP fans through Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, and everything in between. Fans are immersed in the wizarding world when they drink Butterbeer, buy their own wands, shop for robes, and travel through Hogwarts, ride dragons, and now, take a ride on Hagrid’s motorbike. And the park is approved by the film’s original cast. Stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione), and Rupert Grint (Ron) all provided audio for the various rides when it first opened. And in June 2019, with the opening of the Hagrid ride, OG members of the “Harry Potter” family got together to celebrate the world, once again. Just look how happy they are in this pic! By the way — how well do you know “Harry Potter”? These 20 facts about the movies may surprise you!

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Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe — Devoted readers of the ‘Harry Potter’ books know that he has his mother, Lily’s green eyes. But in the movie, despite that prominent detail, Harry’s eyes are blue. That’s because poor Daniel Radcliffe had a terrible reaction to the green contacts!

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J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling — Harry Potter & The Cursed Child is still selling out left and right in London’s West End, but if Michael Jackson had had his way, the Boy Who Lived would’ve hit the stage years go. J.K. Rowling revealed to Oprah that the music superstar wanted to write a ‘Harry Potter’ musical with her, but she politely turned him down.

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Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson — Sybill Trelawney has a drinking problem. No, really. Rowling revealed that Hogwarts resident seer’s favorite hobby is ‘sherry’ and developed an ‘over-reliance on alcohol’ in later years of her teaching career.

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Bonnie Wright

Bonnie Wright — 9 ¾ isn’t the only fractioned platform at Kings Cross station. If you like, you can also take a version of the Orient Express to wizard-only villages through continental Europe, according to J.K. Rowling. Just locate platform 7½ and you’re off!

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Matthew Lewis & Evanna Lynch

Matthew Lewis & Evanna Lynch — Even though it looks like Luna and Neville will get together at the end of the Deathly Hallows- Part 2 film, that’s not exactly how things work out. Luna actually ends up marrying the grandson of Newt Scamander, Rolf. (Fingers crossed for a Fantastic Beasts epilogue scene/ Harry Potter reunion!)

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Matthew Lewis

Matthew Lewis — Meanwhile, Neville married Hannah Abbott. He became a Herbology teacher at Hogwarts and she became the new innkeeper at Leaky Caludron, where they live together. Lucky Hannah Abbott.

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Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Fiennes — When Voldemort meets his end in the Battle of Hogwarts, he was 71 years old. Tom Riddle was born December 31st, 1926. Doesn’t look it, I know, but these are the facts as promised!

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J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling — J.K. Rowling almost played Harry’s mom in the original film. Imagine seeing Jo as Lily Potter in the Mirror Of Erised scene? Yeah, too weird. We’re glad she thought better of it.

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Rupert Grint

Rupert Grint — If you’re like me, the death of Tonks and Lupin really tore you up. They just had a baby, leaving another orphan around the wizarding world. But it actually could’ve been worse! Rowling admitted that in an earlier draft of the Battle of Hogwarts, Tonks and Lupin lived, but Arthur and Ron Weasley DIED. Can you even imagine that???

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Daniel Radcliffe & Emma Watson

Daniel Radcliffe & Emma Watson — J.K. Rowling is Team Harmony. In an interview with Emma Watson, Rowling admitted it would’ve made more sense for Hermione to have ended up with Harry, not Ron. After admitting that the Ron & Hermione’s romance was a ‘form of wish fulfillment,’ she confesses that in retrospect, she would’ve liked to have seen Harry marry the series’ heroine, not Ron. BTW — Emma agreed!

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Imelda Staunton

Imelda Staunton — Dolores Umbridge, who some would argue was a worse villain than Voldemort, was surprisingly a half-blood. Her mother, Ellen Cracknell, was a Muggle who married her wizard father. Bonus tidbit – she had a squib brother.

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David Thewlis

David Thewlis — Remus Lupin and Bill Weasley were both turned in werewolves after being attacked by Greyback. Though Bill was turned while working with the Order of The Phoenix, Remus was turned as a young boy. His father, Lyall, worked for the Ministry and as revenge for arresting him, Greyback forced his way into Remus’ room while he was sleeping and attacked him. His father never forgave himself.

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Domhnall Gleeson & Brendan Gleeson

Domhnall Gleeson & Brendan Gleeson — Bill Weasley & Mad Eye Moody are related — sort of! Domhnall Gleeson portrays Bill Weasley and is the son of Brendan Gleeson, who plays Mad Eye! You know who is also related? Sybill Trelawney and Mafalda Hopkirk! (Emma & Sophie Thompson are sisters!)

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James Phelps & Oliver Phelps

James Phelps & Oliver Phelps — George Weasley named his first son after his brother Fred, who died in the Battle of Hogwarts. (It’s okay, we’re crying too.)

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Mark Williams & Daniel Radcliffe

Mark Williams & Daniel Radcliffe — When Arthur Weasley uses the ‘visitors’ entrance into the Minstry of Magic with Harry, he dials the number 6-2-4-4-2. The letters underneath the keypad spell out the word ‘Magic’. Next time you’re in Orlando, head over to Universal Studios and keep a look out for red phone booth. If you dial those numbers there, well, we won’t give away the surprise…

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James Phelps , Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright & Oliver Phelps

James Phelps , Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright & Oliver Phelps — Ron was an Auror and worked for the ministry for a time, but ultimately left to help George manage Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. Because Diagon Alley really needs two Weasley brothers on the block to feel right.

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Rupert Grint

Rupert Grint — Rupert Grint basically is Ron Weasley. He’s got the worst case of arachnophobia this side of the Muggle world. So, you know, not much acting really going on in the ‘Chamber of Secrets’ film.

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One of the Saunders Triplets

One of the Saunders Triplets — If you think that the baby who played Harry in film one grew up to play Harry’s son Albus Serverus in film 8, then you would be WRONG. The FACT of the matter is, that was an Internet lie. Baby Harry was played by the Saunders Triplets. ASP was played by a kid named Arthur Bowen.

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