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Hogwarts Express Popcorn Bucket Unveiled at Comic-Con Ahead of Harry Potter 25th Anniversary

AMC is bringing a detailed collectible locomotive to theaters in August when all eight Harry Potter films return to celebrate 25 years since Sorcerer's Stone.

By Jeanpierre Florent · FirstDrop News TeamJul 24, 20263 min read

AMC Theatres revealed a new Hogwarts Express collectible popcorn bucket at San Diego Comic-Con this week, giving Harry Potter fans a first look at the detailed replica ahead of the franchise's 25th anniversary theatrical re-release. The red locomotive recreates the iconic train that carries Hogwarts students from Platform 9¾, complete with gold accents and the engine's recognizable silhouette.

The collectible arrives as all eight Harry Potter films return to theaters from August 27 through September 3. Participating chains include AMC, Regal and Cinemark. Tickets go on sale July 31.

AMC has not yet announced pricing or an exact on-sale date for the Hogwarts Express bucket. The company also hasn't confirmed whether the item will actually contain popcorn, which would be unusual for a concession stand collectible.

Photo Credit: Phillip Hernandez
Photo Credit: Phillip Hernandez

More Wizarding World Collectibles on Display

The Hogwarts Express wasn't the only Harry Potter item on display at the AMC booth. Fans at Comic-Con also spotted what appears to be a broom displayed behind the locomotive. A visible seam near the broom's bristles prompted speculation that it could be another concession item, possibly a beverage container like the massive He-Man sword that appeared in theaters earlier this summer.

Steven Weintraub confirmed in a video posted on X that the broom is indeed a popcorn bucket. The video also revealed a traditional popcorn bucket featuring Harry Potter graphics for each of the Hogwarts houses. A Gryffindor cup with robe, fabric scarf and striped straw was also shown.

According to Weintraub, the AMC booth at Comic-Con had tons of sold out items for sale alongside the new Harry Potter collectibles. The display gave attendees a chance to see items that had previously disappeared from regular theater locations.

Celebrating 25 Years of Harry Potter

The collectibles launch as Warner Bros. celebrates the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The theatrical re-release gives fans a chance to experience all eight films on the big screen again, spanning the complete journey from Harry's first year at Hogwarts through the final battle with Voldemort.

The popcorn buckets are part of a larger resurgence for the Wizarding World beyond just the movie theater. Gaylord Texan Resort will debut an all-new Harry Potter ICE! experience during this year's holiday season. The installation marks the first time the beloved holiday attraction has been themed to the Wizarding World, expanding the ways fans can celebrate the franchise.

The timing puts multiple Harry Potter celebrations in motion simultaneously. The theatrical re-release runs through early September, while the ICE! experience will launch later in the year during the holiday season. That creates an extended celebration window stretching from late summer through winter.

AMC's popcorn bucket strategy has become increasingly elaborate over the past few years, with collectibles ranging from simple cups to detailed sculptures. The Hogwarts Express joins a lineup that has included everything from movie-specific designs to crossover collectibles from major franchises. The train's detailed recreation suggests AMC is treating the Harry Potter anniversary as a premium release rather than a standard re-release event.

Written by Jeanpierre Florent, part of the FirstDrop News Team

Jeanpierre is the Southern California based creator behind JPLAND21, a theme park community of more than one million subscribers across YouTube and Instagram. Our reporting is grounded in regular firsthand park visits. More about us

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