A magical Harry Potter expansion is running into very real problems.
For more than a decade, the Harry Potter franchise has remained one of the most powerful brands in themed entertainment. Universal’s Wizarding World lands helped redefine modern theme parks, transforming immersive attractions into global tourism anchors and driving massive attendance growth across multiple resorts.
Universal Orlando Resort built much of that momentum through attractions including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the ever-popular Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. Similar lands later opened in Hollywood, Japan, and Beijing.
Outside the parks, Warner Bros. expanded the franchise through live entertainment experiences. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter continues drawing international crowds eager to explore recreated Hogwarts sets and original props from the films.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience was designed to bring that same atmosphere to cities without major theme parks. The touring nighttime attraction combines illuminated woodland trails, wand interactions, projections, and creatures inspired by the Forbidden Forest featured throughout the film series.
The franchise is also entering a new chapter onscreen. HBO is currently developing its long-awaited Harry Potter television reboot, which will adapt each of JK Rowling’s novels – starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – across multiple seasons.
The project has already sparked intense online debate surrounding casting decisions, franchise fatigue, and continued backlash tied to Rowling.
Now, one upcoming Harry Potter attraction is facing mounting controversy of its own.
Asbestos Investigation Adds to ‘Harry Potter’ Backlash
Harry Potter – A Forbidden Forest Experience is set to open at Jorgensen Park, but the event has encountered fierce local opposition before welcoming a single guest.
Residents previously raised concerns about the attraction’s potential impact on native wildlife and protected woodland areas surrounding the public reserve.
According to local reports, tensions surrounding the project have escalated in recent weeks. Staff connected to the event have allegedly faced abuse from members of the public, while temporary fencing around part of the reserve has reportedly been vandalized and covered with bags of dog waste.
The latest issue, however, could prove even more serious.
As per The Sydney Morning Herald, the City of Kalamunda is investigating reports that asbestos was discovered in fill soil used on pathways at the park hosting the attraction.
Documents released under Freedom of Information laws also reportedly revealed friction between organizers and local authorities over development requirements connected to the event.
In an email sent to Lands Minister John Carey and Tourism Minister Reece Whitby, Fever executive Phil Mallet warned the attraction was “at major risk of not proceeding” because of “arguably excessive” red tape.
The organizer, Fever, has rapidly expanded its portfolio of immersive entertainment events in recent years, partnering with major studios and brands on touring experiences around the world.
Australia Has Already Seen ‘Forbidden Forest’ Pushback
The controversy surrounding the Kalamunda event follows a similar dispute tied to Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in 2024.
Plans to stage the attraction inside The Briars wildlife sanctuary near Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula sparked heavy backlash from environmental groups, local residents, and some Harry Potter fans.
Critics argued that nighttime lighting, sound effects, and increased visitor traffic could disrupt protected wildlife, including threatened powerful owls living within the sanctuary.
More than 20,000 people reportedly signed petitions opposing the original proposal. Organizers ultimately relocated the attraction away from the sanctuary itself and into a nearby dog park area.
Internal council documents later revealed concerns over possible breaches of wildlife protections and the risk of “irreversible damage” to ongoing conservation efforts.
Despite the repeated controversy, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience remains commercially successful internationally. The attraction has reportedly welcomed more than 2 million visitors through runs in Texas, Singapore, Chicago, and Vancouver.
Its newest expansion, however, is increasingly being defined less by magic and more by environmental disputes, political backlash, and now an asbestos investigation threatening to overshadow the attraction before opening night arrives.
What are your thoughts on the backlash against Harry Potter – A Forbidden Forest Experience?
