A gigantic animatronic dragon, instantly recognisable to fans of the Harry Potter series, astonished Londoners as it prowled through the city streets in a spectacle unlike any other. The formidable beast, stretching an impressive 25 feet, thundered past such iconic locations as Westminster Bridge and King’s Cross Station on its way to its temporary home at the Warner Bros. Studio in London. This unmissable sight marked a special occasion – the 20th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
The appearance of the dragon was part of a highly-anticipated launch, unveiling the new ‘Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions’ exhibition at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. The event created a palpable buzz, drawing large crowds and reigniting the magic that has gripped audiences for decades. The dragon, identified as a Hungarian Horntail from the films, was seen dramatically ‘emerging’ from a shipping crate, echoing its ferocious debut during the Triwizard Tournament in the film.
An engineering marvel in its own right, the animatronic replica weighs an extraordinary 1.3 tonnes. Its meticulously detailed construction includes a 3D-printed head and a fibreglass body, with more than 100 individually attached spikes to recreate the beast’s menacing look. The creature’s mouth is lined with sharp resin teeth—38 in total—designed to capture every terrifying detail familiar to millions of filmgoers.
The mastermind behind this life-like automaton is Joe Scott, an esteemed animatronic designer who previously worked on the Harry Potter films. Reflecting on his involvement in bringing the dragon back to life, Scott remarked that the process was “magical”, highlighting the collaborative efforts of engineers, designers, and special effects artists. He drew upon a variety of sources, including original sketches, computer-generated imagery, and even scans of the original film prop, to ensure the replica’s impressive accuracy and realism.
The dragon’s public journey through London served as both an eye-catching promotional event and a heartfelt tribute to the craftsmanship behind film-making wizardry. While the city’s residents captured the moment in photos and videos, many could not help but marvel at the sheer scale of creativity and technical skill required for such an undertaking. The animatronic dragon not only stoked nostalgia among seasoned fans but also introduced the Harry Potter universe to a fresh audience.
The new ‘Triwizard Tournament – Making of Champions’ exhibition, which officially opens on 15th May and runs through to early September, promises to immerse visitors in the fantastical world of the fourth Harry Potter film. Enthusiasts are invited to delve behind the scenes of the epic Triwizard Tournament, discovering firsthand the secrets behind some of cinema’s most thrilling magical challenges.
One of the standout features will be a brand new Backlot Stage. This innovative area combines digital screens, tiered seating, and live demonstrations to reveal how filmmakers brought the enchantment and danger of the wizarding world to the big screen. From underwater stunts to the dramatic entrances of the Beauxbaton and Durmstrang students, the exhibit intends to transport audiences straight into the heart of the movie-making process.
Geoff Spooner, senior vice president at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, expressed his delight at the launch: “We’re thrilled to present our new summer feature. This is a rare opportunity for visitors to experience filmmaking magic up close and understand the secrets behind one of the saga’s most memorable films.” As the colossal Hungarian Horntail made its mark in the capital, it also reignited the wonder and thrill that has made Harry Potter a global phenomenon for over two decades.
With the dragon now settled at its new home, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the summer’s most enchanting attractions, further cementing London’s reputation as a city where the magic of storytelling comes alive.