10 Blockbusters You Didn’t Know Shared the Harry Potter Set
Think Hogwarts is the only magic at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden? You’ll be surprised by the blockbuster films that have also called this iconic set home. Discover which famous productions crossed paths behind the scenes.
Most punters reckon Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden is all about wands, wizards, and the world of Harry Potter. But this legendary filming spot has played host to a stack of other big-name productions, from superhero epics to pop culture juggernauts. Turns out, the same soundstages that brought Hogwarts to life have also been the backdrop for some of the world’s most recognisable films.
Superheroes, Sci-Fi, and Surprises
Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008) is a far cry from the magical corridors of Hogwarts, but parts of Gotham’s gritty underbelly were built right at Leavesden. The film, starring Christian Bale and Heath Ledger, nabbed two Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor for Ledger’s take on the Joker.
Before wizards took over, Jedi were already swinging lightsabers at Leavesden. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) used the studio for set work and filming, meaning the force was strong here long before Harry’s first spell. George Lucas’s return to the galaxy introduced Qui-Gon Jinn and a young Anakin Skywalker, all within the same walls that would later echo with “Expelliarmus.”
From Barbie Pink to Dream Worlds
Fast forward to 2023, and Barbie transformed Leavesden into a pastel wonderland. Greta Gerwig’s much-hyped film, led by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, became Warner Bros.’ top earner. The studio’s soundstages were perfect for building Barbie Land’s vibrant, over-the-top sets—a wild shift from the stone and shadows of Hogwarts.
Christopher Nolan returned to Leavesden for Inception (2010), crafting mind-bending dreamscapes with Leonardo DiCaprio at the helm. The film’s reality-warping visuals were made possible by the studio’s massive, adaptable spaces. It’s fitting that a story about layered realities was pieced together in the same place as a magical universe.
Action, Adventure, and Unexpected Crossovers
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) also swung by Leavesden for several indoor scenes. Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jake Gyllenhaal starred in the first Spider-Man flick to crack the $1 billion mark. The studio’s controlled environment made it easier to pull off the film’s visual effects and stunts.
Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) is known for its globe-trotting action, but some of the most dangerous stunts were filmed safely at Leavesden. The studio provided a secure spot for set builds and sequences that couldn’t be shot on location, proving it’s just as handy for spy thrillers as it is for magical duels.
Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One (2018) needed heaps of space for its blend of real actors and digital worlds. Leavesden delivered, hosting motion capture and large-scale set pieces for the film’s virtual OASIS. The pop culture mash-up feels worlds away from Hogwarts, but both sprang to life under the same roof.
Dark Knights, Wonder Women, and Rock Legends
Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), starring Robert Pattinson, brought a brooding, detective-driven take on Gotham to Leavesden’s stages. The studio was used for indoor scenes and custom-built sets, showing just how easily it can shift from magical halls to crime-ridden cityscapes.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) added a splash of colour and superhero spectacle to the mix. The film’s large sets and action sequences were built at Leavesden, making the most of the studio’s flexibility for both fantasy and blockbuster action.
Even Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), the Queen biopic starring Rami Malek, found a home at Leavesden. The film recreated concert stages and indoor locations, proving the studio isn’t just for fantasy and action. Malek’s performance as Freddie Mercury earned him an Oscar, and the film’s down-to-earth story stands out among the more fantastical productions on this list.