Hasbro gets hold of Harry Potter merch rights, which means an MTG set feels inevitable

(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Global toy giant Hasbro has now gained the rights to produce action figures, board games, and more for Harry Potter.

Revealed as a multi-year partnership starting in 2027, this deal makes Hasbro "global primary toy licensee" for Harry Potter movies, the Fantastic Beasts series, and HBO's upcoming show. Because Hasbro also owns one of the best card games alongside many of the best toys, Magic: The Gathering (to say nothing of D&D), this opens the door to a possible crossover set.

"The world of Harry Potter and its unforgettable characters align perfectly with our mission to deliver a lifetime of play to generations of fans,” says Hasbro's president of toys, games, licensing and entertainment, Tim Kilpin. Meanwhile, Robert Oberschelp – Warner Bros. president of global consumer products – notes that the partnership "will deliver fresh, innovative toys, collectibles and games."

We don't know for sure what this collaboration will look like yet, but I think we can guarantee Wizarding World-shaped interactive plushies, family board game tie-ins, and elementary school toys that Hasbro is known for. However, what's more interesting is what that means for the brands Hasbro owns. It's responsible for the best Nerf blasters, for example, so will we see wand-style dart shooters? I mean, probably. What about wizarding water pistols from Super Soaker, AKA one of the best water guns? I'd bet on it.

Legend-ary toys?

The Mandalorian Black Series action figure holding a blaster and looking off to one side, against a wooden background — (Image credit: Benjamin Abbott)

While it's still early days, I'd say there's a chance the Wizarding World will get a similar treatment to Hasbro Pulse's Star Wars Black Series and Marvel Legends action figures - e.g. highly detailed, very articulated toys that are made for display as well as play.

In much the same way, I'd be very surprised if Magic: The Gathering didn't get in on the action. Considering how crossover-happy it's been in recent years, there's no way it'll miss out on a Potter-shaped tie-in. There will be a Secret Lair winging its way to Hogwarts in the not-so-distant future, mark my words. It feels like a foregone conclusion that Hasbro studios such as Avalon Hill (which is responsible for some of the best board games) are going to be working on Potter-related products soon, too.

Does this mean other licensed Harry Potter products are going away? Some probably will, but not all – I'd assume the best-selling Noble Collection wand replicas will stick around. Equally, there's absolutely no chance that Lego's losing its ability to make Potter models. These sell absurdly well and arguably make up some of the best Lego sets, so I sincerely doubt Warner Bros. would let that cash cow go.

The upcoming HBO Harry Potter series, on which J.K. Rowling is an executive producer, has been the subject of criticism and debate due to the author's public stance on gender identity, which continues to challenge the inclusivity at the heart of the Harry Potter community. It was a similar situation with the Hogwarts Legacy launch, and you can read more about the Hogwarts Legacy controversy in our explainer.

For more collectibles from nerd-culture, don't miss the best Star Wars toys. As for an escape from the current chaos of the world, it's worth trying the best tabletop RPGs.