Warner Bros Set to Transform UK Studios: Unveiling Iconic Locations from Barbie to Harry Potter

Warner Bros. Discovery has revealed its intention to significantly enhance the UK studios where the record-breaking film "Barbie" was shot. This expansion project will enlarge the production capabilities of the Leavesden studios, situated on the periphery of London, by over 50%. The company announced on Friday that this investment is projected to generate approximately 4,000 employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, throughout the United Kingdom.

In a statement, it was announced that once the expansion is finished in 2027, the site will become the primary production hub for the DC Studios franchise.

"Barbie" has surpassed "The Dark Knight" as Warner Bros.' highest-grossing US release. This summer blockbuster has also become the biggest global release in the studio's 100-year history, surpassing "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" from 2011, earning over $1.36 billion by early September. It is important to note that these box office comparisons do not account for inflation.

The Leavesden studios were used for filming both the "Harry Potter" series and the "House of the Dragon" television show. Fans of "Harry Potter" have the opportunity to take tours of the studios and explore the sets used in the production.

Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is facing challenges in the United States due to ongoing strikes by actors and writers. These strikes have halted the production of numerous shows and movies, and the company estimates it will result in a loss of up to $500 million this year.

The walkouts have also impacted three other major Hollywood studios: Disney, Netflix, and NBCUniversal. The writers and executives of the four studios held extensive negotiations on Thursday evening, but were unable to reach a deal. Despite this, some progress was made, according to a source familiar with the situation, CNN reported.

According to the British Film Institute, the production of movies and high-end television shows in the United Kingdom saw a record expenditure of £6.27 billion ($7.67 billion) last year. This information was disclosed in February.

CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.