Stories from the set

Live bats flew around Hagrid's house, simply trained.

The Whomping Willow and Hagrid's hut are in the wrong places compared to the first and second parts.

The film is based on J.K. Rowling's novel Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999).

There were rumors that Steven Spielberg himself might take the director's chair, but the rumors remained rumors.

Ewan McGregor could have appeared in the film as Professor Lupin.

Illusionist Paul Kieve was used on the set as a consultant. He shared some tricks from his repertoire with the main characters, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson (Harry and Hermione). Paul became the first illusionist brought in to work on the Harry Potter films. Moreover, he also made a cameo appearance in the scene set in the Three Broomsticks.

In this film, Dudley does not say a single word.

Filming for the third Harry Potter film began on July 30, 2003.

The film's trailer appeared in cinemas on 20 May 2004 in England.

Filming of the third part was suspended due to vandals' attack on the Hogwarts Express. Recall that the vintage steam locomotive, rented by the film company Warner Bros., was painted with graffiti in September 2003. The total damage amounted to over 3000 pounds.