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harry potter - Does the exterior appearance of Hogwarts really change throughout the series?


The exterior appearance of Hogwarts castle has a unique and easily recognisable look. This article is about the incredible detailed model of the castel, that has been used for every film in the series.


Hogwarts caststle model


While most of it stays the same over the series, there are changes between the movies. Most obvious are the changes between the second and the third movie (a bell tower, a bridge, and more is added). These changes can (maybe) be rationalised by the explanation that in the first parts no scene is taking place near the areas added in later parts.


Is it theoretically possible, that Hogwarts Castle never changed it's exterior appearance during the movie series?


I'm not asking about behind the scenes material, as I'm sure they have made changes there. I'm wondering about the audiences point of view. Example: Throughout the series we see Hogwarts from a lot of different angles. Let's say in part 4 a new tower appears. The absence of this tower in older movies can be explained by it beeing hidden behind a wall. In this case there was no "real" change. The tower could have existed before, we've just never had a chance to see it.



Answer




There can be no denying that it has changed, regardless of perspective.


Compare this early design:


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To this later design which is more recognisable:


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To this one which has the added Astronomy Tower:


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The difference between the first one (Philosopher's Stone) and the last (Half Blood Prince) could definitely not be put down to perspective or any other thing other than magic transformations or film-makers having license with the castle (which I do not judge by the way). Even between the 'with and without the Astronomy Tower' castles, I don't see how any angle would shield a tower taller than any other and very recognisable.


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