Harry Potter: A Look Back

Harry Potter: It All Ends

Please see the video below for the touching ending to the 10 years of incredible work done by the
Harry Potter cast and crew.
IT ALL ENDS!

Harry Potter: It All Ends

Emotional Goodbyes

J.K. Rowling, Dan Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint Give Emotional Goodbye to 'Potter' Series

J.K. Rowling, Dan Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint Give Emotional Goodbye to 'Potter' Series

Thursday, August 30, 2007

OOTP DVD Cover Images Released

OotP DVD Cover Art
Thanks to The Movie Informer, we now have an image of the Order of the Phoenix DVD front and back cover.The cover shows the core Dumbledore's Army members in the Ministry of Magic on the front and Harry flying past Parliament on the back. Hermione is visible on the first disc, while Voldemort can be seen on the second. Check it out at the galleries!

On a side note,
WB France has announced that the OOTP DVD will hit shelves in January 2008 (subject to change). The US street date has yet to be announced.

(SOURCE:
VERITASERUM)

New Photos of Emma Watson at Chanel Salon before OotP Premiere

Emma Watson
Emma Watson updated her official website today with some exclusive photos taken of the actress before the premiere of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Emma, who portrays Hermione Granger in the Potter films, is photographed in the salon and private apartment belonging to legendary fashion icon Coco Chanel in Paris, France. You can see eight new photos of Emma sporting several of the gowns from Chanel that she wore to the premieres in London and Los Angeles, here.

On a related note, the tabloids have wasted no time in tracking down Emma as she is filming her new movie, "Ballet Shoes." You can see some photos of this filming,
here via Popsugar.com.

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Update: First Pictures of Emma from 'Ballet Shoes'

The first pictures of Emma Watson from her first non-Harry Potter role have hit the web. Emma will portray Pauline in the BBC's adaptation of Ballet Shoes, set to air around Christmas time in the UK.

Thanks to
UHP for the pictures which you can also see here.

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone for letting us know that Emma has updated her
official site with pictures taken of her at the Chanel house in Paris trying on outfits for the publicity tour of Order of the Phoenix.

(SOURCE:
HPANA)

'Order of the Phoenix' Second Most Successful Film in Franchise

OotP International PosterWith only 50 days in release Order of the Phoenix has become the second most successful film in the Harry Potter franchise.

The fifth movie in the franchise has
garnered $896,450,119 worldwide since it's release on July 21 surpassing the fourth movie Goblet of Fire by $437,083.

(SOURCE:
HPANA)

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Potter Actors Join Composer Patrick Doyle's Charity Concert

A myriad of actors from the Harry Potter films are scheduled to appear at the charity event in the UK supporting blood cancer charity, Leukemia Research. Film composer Patrick Doyle's 'Music From The Movies,' presented along with Kenneth Branagh (Professor Lockhart), is an exclusive concert by Mr. Doyle at Royal Albert Hall, which will feature performances from the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Chorus. Mr. Doyle is slated to conduct his "Goblet of Fire" score as well as premiere his new violin concerto in F.

Actors from the Potter films such as Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Emma Thompson (Professor Trelwaney), Gemma Jones (Madam Pomfrey), Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew) and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire director, Mike Newell are all scheduled to appear along side many others at the charitable event which is in support of the
Leukaemia Research Fund. Tickets are still available for the event will take place in London, England on October 28th.

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Emma Watson Photos Online from July Issue of Tatler Magazine

Emma Watson
Last June we first told you about Harry Potter actress Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) gracing the cover of UK fashion magazine Tatler, we now, thanks to our Order partner Emma-Watson.net, have new images online from the photo shoot. These new photos, not showcased in the July issue of the magazine, show Miss Watson in a number of new poses and outfits as well as a few outtakes. You can see the 29 new images here, courtesy of IHeartWatson.net.

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Extras on 'OotP' DVD Announced by BBFC

OotP International PosterSome news about the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD has been released by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) today. They have published a list of extras that will include:

00:02:31:17 "Trelawny eating"
00:00:13:08 "Neville speaks up for Harry"
00:00:26:02 "Steady cam around"
00:02:46:18 "Umbridge questions Trelawny"
00:00:17:21 "Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle bully a student"
00:00:21:06 "Filtch blows on Umbridge's hair"
00:01:47:14 "Harry, Hermione and Umbridge - extended"
00:00:37:22 "Harry enters"
00:01:07:23 "Harry and Ron packing"


Various reports on the web suggest that the DVD will be released the second week in November but others have pointed out a December release. As soon as we have official information on the DVD release date we will be sure to let you know.

(SOURCE:
HPANA)

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Dan, Emma Among Summer's Top Stars

Rupert, Dan, and Emma at Graman's Chinese Theater in Los AngelesIn a new eCrush/OTX study on teens' movie-watching habits, The Hollywood Reporter writes that Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson were voted as some of the summer's hottest stars:

The teens in the
survey chose Zac Efron as the hottest male movie star of the summer, followed by Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Shia LaBeouf and Daniel Radcliffe. The hottest female movie star of the summer was Jessica Alba, followed by Jessica Biel, Keira Knightley, Megan Fox and Emma Watson.

The teens in the survey chose Zac Efron as the hottest male movie star of the summer, followed by
Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Shia LaBeouf and Daniel Radcliffe. The hottest female movie star of the summer was Jessica Alba, followed by Jessica Biel, Keira Knightley, Megan Fox and Emma Watson.

Harry Potter was the second most popular movie teens wanted to see a sequel for, behind
Pirates of the Caribbean.

(SOURCE:
VERITASERUM)

Alan Rickman's Latest to Hit Theatres in December

Alan RickmanThe film adaptation of the Broadway musical Sweeney Todd, which stars Harry Potter actors Alan Rickman (Prof. Snape), Timothy Spall (Peter Pettigrew), and Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix), will hit theatres in the United States on Friday, December 21.

According to the
Playbill article, the Tim Burton movie "was originally scheduled to open in limited release and then go wide Jan. 11, 2008 because the powers that be felt the musical's dark storyline would be less commercial than previous movie musicals. However, after executives began seeing 'Sweeney' clips, they realized the film could have wider appeal than originally believed. The film is expected to receive an R rating."

(SOURCE:
VERITASERUM)

Fans Old and New Keep Harry's Popularity Flying

U.S. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows front cover artOnly dark wizards spoil books. The large black letters on the door of the Cambridge Public Library children's room are an ominous warning: Muggles who spoil the ending of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be sent to detention. "It's not over yet," said the Cambridge librarian. [full article]

(SOURCE:
WIZARD NEWS)

Monday, August 27, 2007

Harry Potter Films Help UK Tourism Business

Alnwick Castle
Hollywood is good for business, including the tourism business in the UK. In a new report released today, locations used in many films such as the Harry Potter series are a big draw, and have led to a boost for the tourism industry, with fans flocking to locations such as Alnwick Castle in large numbers. The beautiful castle, used as a setting for Hogwarts, "led to a 120% rise in visitors to Northumberland's Alnwick Castle, and had brought about £9m worth of tourism to the region," reports the BBC.

Other locations in Scotland and England are also very popular, such as the King's Cross train station in London (and popular with certain
PotterCasters who paid a visit there in July). At this station, reports the Independent, there is a plaque marking "Platform nine and three quarters" in response to the huge visitor demand to know where schoolchildren heading for the Hogwarts school depart." Settings used in not only the Harry Potter films, but others such as The Da Vinci Code, Braveheart, Pride and Prejudice (both the latest film version and the classic mini-series with Colin Firth), Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and hit tv series Monarch of the Glen have resulted in a boost to the UK economy "to the tune of £1.8bn," and the trend is likely to continue.

"There are countless examples of visitors flocking to locations they've seen in films or on TV and the effect can last for years. Margaret Hodge, the minister for film and tourism, said it was "terrific" that the locations of successful fims were "becoming destinations in their own right as people seek to relive their favourite movie moments".

You can learn more about traveling to these locations via the
VisitScotland and, Visit Britain websites.

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Potter Grabs Teen Choice Award

Teen Choice 2007 Logo
Earlier tonight at the 2007 Teen Choice Awards, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix walked away with the surfboard for Choice Summer Movie - Drama/Action Adventure. Other movies in the category included Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Live Free or Die Hard, Transformers and the Borne Ultimatum.

(SOURCE:
MUGGLENET)

OOTP Tops COS, GOF at Worldwide Box Office

OotP International PosterOver the weekend, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix grossed enough money to make it past the second film, Chamber of Secrets, at the worldwide box office. Its $877.3 million take is now only $15 million away from Goblet of Fire's.

UPDATE: Including this week's international gross for the movie, OOTP has now surpassed GOF with $896.6 million in worldwide sales, making it the second most successful film of the franchise.

(SOURCE:
VERITASERUM)

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Rupert and Timothy Discuss Adult Actors

As we reported last week, actors Rupert Grint and Timothy Spall (Ron Weasley and Peter Pettigrew, respectively), were on the BBC documentary British Film Forever, which focused on "Magic, Murder and Monsters." Although the interviews with both actors were brief, Rupert and Timothy discussed the balance of having adult actors in the Harry Potter movies with all the child actors. Timothy mused about how the adults were not interested in doing the movies but in secret really wanted to.

The video can be seen here, courtesy of RupertGrint.net.

(SOURCE: VERITASERUM)

"Order of the Phoenix" DVD Due for Release November 12?

OotP International PosterLast year we first told you that there were reports of a possible release of the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD during the lead up to the Christmas holidays, 2007. Then again this past June, there were further mentions that this release of the fifth Harry Potter film on DVD would take place sometime this fall, along with the release of the other Harry Potter films in a High Definition format. Today, Amazon U.K. has now placed the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD (2-disc edition) as available for pre-order, with a November 12, 2007 release date. So far, this pre-order for the OotP DVD is only available in the UK and we have no other information if this release date will hold true for the United States and elsewhere. We are trying to obtain official confirmation of this Order of the Phoenix DVD release date, and will update with more when we can.

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Friday, August 24, 2007

Entrepreneurs Ready for Harry Potter World in Florida

Harry Potter theme park artist renderingAbout 40 small business owners who lend their own wizardry to theme parks stand to benefit from the construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort. Expected to be completed in 2009, the park will contain a replica of the Gothic-style wizard academy Hogwarts. [full article]

(SOURCE:
WIZARD NEWS)

Scrimgeour May Not Be in HBP?

OotP Director David YatesIn an interview taken place in July with Wizard Entertainment, director David Yates discussed rumours about casting actor Bill Nighy to play Minister for Magic Rufus Scrimgeour in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. David had this to say on the matter:

You worked with
Bill Nighy in "Girl in the Café." Don’t you think he’d make a great addition to the Potter films?

Oh man, I’m already there. The only problem is, we’re looking at the next adaptation and Rufus Scrimgeour, who takes over the Ministry of Magic from Fudge, we’re not sure if he’s going to be in the finished screenplay yet. We’re struggling with it at the moment, and he’s in one moment and he’s out the next. But if he stays in, I’m going to be on the phone quick as a shot to Bill and say, "Bill, come on, you’ve got to do this, man."

Although the interview was conducted over a month ago, nothing further than this has been stated by the
filmmakers or Warner Bros., so we are not certain as to whether or not Rufus Scrimgeour is in the final cut of the sixth movie's script (though we are hoping he is). Hopefully we will hear more about the casting very soon.

(SOURCE:
VERITASERUM)

Emma Halfway Through Filming 'Ballet Shoes'

Emma WatsonEmma Watson's official website was updated today with news that she is now halfway through filming her new BBC1 film, Ballet Shoes, which she "is enjoying very much." It is "a very different experience" from the Harry Potter films, according to her site.

The film will air around Christmas of this year.

(SOURCE: VERITASERUM)

Phelps Twins Among Newest Nominees for Birmingham Walk of Stars Honor

James and Oliver Phelps
James and Oliver Phelps, who play Weasley twins Fred and George in the Harry Potter films, are among the latest nominees for a place on their home town's Birmingham Walk of Stars. Their local paper, The Sutton Observer, reports the actors have been chosen to possibly "follow in the footsteps of other Brummie stars and take their place on the Broad Street strip." Nominees for this honor must have given a 'significant contribution in the categories of music, television, film, radio, theatre, sport, business and literacy' and 'be originally from the area or have prominent links with Birmingham and the Midlands.'

The Phelps twins now join previously announced nominees, such as fellow Harry Potter actress Julie Walters (Mrs. Weasley), in online voting where fans can pick the next inductee on the Walk of Stars. To cast your vote,
go here and score your chosen nominees on a scale from 1 to 10. Congratulations to James, Oliver and Julie!

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Thursday, August 23, 2007

David Thewlis Reprises Role of Lupin in HBP

David Thewlis
In two separate interviews, one conducted on the set of his latest completed film, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, last month, actor David Thewlis stated that after doing a film called The Street, he would reprise his role as Remus Lupin in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Another interview with David that took place this past summer with UK Vogue, also mentioned that he will return for the "next Harry Potter instalment" after finishing The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, which he recently did.

Scans of the September 2007 issue of UK Vogue article can be seen
in the galleries. Thanks to Thewlis Rox for the news and scans.

(SOURCE:
VERITASERUM)

"December Boys" Television Appearances for Dan Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe
The theatrical release for actor Dan Radcliffe's latest project, the film "December Boys," isn't until September but our Order partner DanRadcliffe.com has an extensive list of the actors scheduled TV appearances and other press events. Here is a rundown on the US appearances Mr. Radcliffe is scheduled to make to promote his latest film:

Dan will begin to make the rounds on US talk shows starting September 5th with appearances on the
CBS Early Show, The Rachel Ray Show, CW11 and the Fuse network. The appearances continue on September 6th when the actor is scheduled to be interviewed on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC. Jimmy Kimmel Live, which airs on ABC, is also set to have Dan Radcliffe as a guest on September 7th. The following Monday, the 10th, Dan will appear as a guest on the Ellen program on NBC.

In Australia, Dan will make an appearance on the
Rove program Sunday, September 9th followed by further appearances on A Current Affair and The 7:30 Report on September 10th.

Be sure to check local TV listings for exact times and channels for all of these programs. Readers who have the means to record these television appearances please do so and send them to
staff@the-leaky-cauldron.org for inclusion in our Video Galleries.

"December Boys" will be in select theaters beginning September 14th.

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Night Scenes for "Half-Blood Prince" to be Filmed in October

HBP US Book CoverWith principal photography set to begin early next month on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince film, there is word today about some scenes that will be filmed in October at the cloisters of Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, England. The Wiltshire Times reports that villagers have given approval for crews from the sixth Harry Potter film to "to return to Lacock with many of the main characters to capture a series of spooky night scenes for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince."

Due to take place sometime in October, where they will film for four days in October and film scenes between 5pm and 5am. The paper reports that "High Street and Church Street will be closed and the bus stop outside the George Inn looks set to be relocated for the duration." Readers will remember that the Cloisters of this Abbey were used in "Chamber of Secrets," famously for the Dobby is Freeeee! scene (and where Dobby said 'You shall not harm Harry Potter!' and sent Jason Isaacs' Lucius flying backwards).

Actor Dan Radcliffe is reported to be among those who will be filming these sequences in October. We do not know the exact days of this filming for HBP, and will update with more when we can.

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Rupert Grint Talks "Half-Blood Prince" Script and More

Rupert Grint
Actor Rupert Grint has made a few public appearances lately, attending the popular V festival concert in the UK (photos here), as well as appearing on the Jo Whiley Radio Show. Thanks to our Order parter RupertGrint.net, we now know that during the radio interview which was broadcast on BBC Radio, Rupert spoke about the upcoming sixth Harry Potter film, which is due to begin filming next month. Rupert is quoted as saying:

We sort of read the script through. We got all the cast to come around to read the script and we'll be filming it for another year so.. Ron's got a girlfriend in this one. It's a little bit more intense for him! [laughs] So it should be fun!"

To listen to this interview, click here, select Monday under where it says "Listen Again." Rupert talks about the HBP film just after the 21:00 mark on the player. Also be sure to check out a very funny interview taped with Rupert at the V festival concert, where Rupert shows us a very cool jacket that has ...goggles (rather useful too for Quidditch). Enjoy!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Williams Might be Back for Last 'Potter' Film

John WilliamsAccording to a report from yesterday's lecture at the Berkshire Museum, when asked if he was hoping to score the last Harry Potter film, Williams "said with confidence that he thinks he will be back for the last Harry Potter movie, and then added that he hopes he is". The film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is expected to be released in 2010.

(SOURCE: JOHN WILLIAMS FAN NETWORK)

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Watson & Rowling Included in '100 Women in Hollywood' List

Elle Magazine Cover
JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter novels and actress Emma Watson are included in Premiere's '100 Women in Hollywood' for making an impact on film in 2007.

JK and Emma join such notables as Helen Mirren, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Elizabeth Gabler, President of Fox 2000 Pictures, Polly Cohen, President of Warner Independent Pictures, Barbara Broccoli and Nicole Kidman, to name a few.

WORD WIZARD
J.K. Rowling
The author behind the second highest-grossing film franchise in history after James Bond) cast a powerful spell with the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which broke Spider-Man 2's record for the best Wednesday opening in history. one week later, the final book in the series was released to riotous crowds who bought 8.3 million copies on the first oday in the U.S. alone - and Warner Brothers acknowledged that movie ticket sales for Phoenix actually fell because fans were too busy reading. What a novel idea!

HOGWARTS HOTTIE
Emma Watson
Whether or not the young actress can and will play anyone besides the Harry Potter film franchise's Hermione is irrelevant until 2010, when the series will reach its grand finale. Until then, she'll amass more and more fans while putting away $4 million per film into her college fund.

The site lists numbers 1 through 94, you can pick up the October 2007 issue of Elle magazine to see more Women in Hollywood — among them one of the hottest faces in Hollywood today.

(SOURCE:
HPANA)

Special Effects Lend Great Detail to "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"

OotP International PosterOver the years we have told you about the special effects used in the Harry Potter movies, and today we have more as there is an excellent new feature online which details at length the many processes and effects used in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This lengthy and very in depth feature spotlights many of the sequences in the fifth Harry Potter film, noting on details such as Grawp ("A team of nine animators worked on the character animation, making continuity and consistency a high priority"), certain effects in the film such as Ginny's Reducto spell in the Ministry ("Dynamite was used to drive the collapse and break-up of the shelves, along with the animation of the spheres and stands that crash to the floor in a myriad of splintered shards"), and even pivotal scenes such as the encounter between Bellatrix and Sirius at the Veil ("Bellatrix’s wand attack on Sirius used fluid dynamics and displacement effects to create a uniquely aggressive version of the Avada Kedavara spell with its characteristic green cast. To emphasise the dreadful effect on Sirius, Gary Oldman’s skin colour was progressively drained over several shots leaving him pale and ashen, clouding was added to his eyes imparting a blank, dead look.")

A fair number of companies were involved in creating the many various special effects seen in "Order of the Phoenix," and while we at TLC have previously posted portions of this article before, such as the feature on Kreacher from Framestore CFC, this fnew article from fxguide details the fine and meticulous work done by other companies such as Double Negative, Rising Sun Pictures, MPC, and Framestore CFC. One company summarizes their involvement with the Harry Potter films, with the following excerpt from the article:

Over a period of 19 months Double Negative fielded a team of well over 250 artists, developers and technicians to deliver approximately 950 finished VFX shots for the film, a record for any one vendor in the history of the Harry Potter film series. "This was a unique opportunity for us to get involved at a very early stage on one of the largest visual effects projects in the world," comments Paul Franklin. "It was a privilege to work so closely with the Harry Potter production team and I believe that the outstanding work produced by our artists will help raise our profile to the highest possible level."

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Friday, August 17, 2007

HP Movie Unit Photos Now on Sale

According to a new press release, for the first time ever, hundreds of pictures taken on the set of the Harry Potter movies are now available to buy, via MoviePrints.co.uk.

These pictures, known as "Unit Photography," have never previously been available to buy. Now, as a result of a deal between Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Comprints Ltd, a company specialising in Print on Demand (PoD) services, Harry Potter fans will be able to choose from over 300 pictures on-line and order them as prints and canvases in a variety of sizes.

(SOURCE:
MUGGLENET)

Emma Receives Movie Nomination; Aces Exams

Emma WatsonAccording to her official website, Emma Watson has been nominated for an award for her part in OOTP at the National Movie Awards. The ceremony will be aired on ITV1 on August 29th, the day after it occurs.

In other news, you may remember Emma Watson received all As on her GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) last year. Emma has now scored all As again in her AS-levels (advanced subsidiary) in the subjects of English, Geography, History of Art, and Art. Congratulations!

(SOURCE:
MUGGLENET)

Monday, August 13, 2007

Follow Up: Harry Potter Fan Escapes Criminal Charges in Illegal French "Deathly Hallows" Translation Case

U.S. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows front cover artA follow up today regarding the case of a teen Harry Potter fan who posted online an unofficial French translation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The BBC is reporting today that French Harry Potter publishers Gallimard, along with author J.K. Rowling, have decided not to sue a young fan from Aix-en-Provence, France for posting online his own translation of the final Harry Potter book in French. Earlier the youth was arrested for this translation which was discovered as part of a probe into "organised networks that post pirated book translations online," and then the 16 year old boy was later released. Police had commented previously on the "near-professional" quality of the boy's work," however upon further investigation it was discovered the youth was not seeking financial gain by posting this translation. The official French translation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be available on October 26.

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Harry Potter Actors on UK Film Council Power List

Rupert, Dan, and Emma at Graman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles
Several actors from the Harry Potter films are on a list from UK Film Council of the "most powerful British film stars and movie-makers in Hollywood today." The Telegraph reports that the trio, better known as Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), are ranked joint fourth on this list with £1.75 billion. This number is reflective of the first four films and "reveals the country's most successful actors in terms of box office earnings over the course of the past five years."

Ralph FiennesAlso on the list is acclaimed actor Ralph Fiennes, who portrays Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter films. He is listed at number ten with £713 million, including his performance in "Goblet of Fire" as well as such films as "Red Dragon," "Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit," and "Maid in Manhattan"

Finally film directors are included as well, mentioning Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire director Mike Newell who is ranked at the top spot with £442 million.

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Friday, August 10, 2007

Emma Watson Confirms New Role

Emma Watson
Word has come via her official website confirming the news that actress Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) will take on a new role in a television movie called "Ballet Shoes." The film, which will be broadcast on BBC One in the UK around Christmas this year, will feature Emma in the role of "Pauline, the eldest of 3 orphaned sisters who lead a sheltered life until they begin at the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training." This movie will co-star fellow Potter actors Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon) and Robert Hardy (Fudge), and is based upon the novel by Noel Streatfeild. Production on the film is set to begin this month.

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Stephen King Discusses Deathly Hallows

Stephen King
In a new article written by King for Entertainment Weekly, the author reveals his thoughts about Deathly Hallows and explains why a critic's review of the book simply isn't worth reading:

When you have only four days to read a 750-page book, then write an 1,100-word review on it, how much time do you have to really enjoy the book? To think about the book? Jo Rowling set out a sumptuous seven-course meal, carefully prepared, beautifully cooked, and lovingly served out. The kids and adults who fell in love with the series (I among them) savored every mouthful, from the appetizer (Sorcerer's Stone) to the dessert (the gorgeous epilogue of Deathly Hallows).

You may remember that Stephen hosted a charity reading with JK Rowling and John Irving
a year ago this month in New York City. He has said on numerous occasions that he's a huge fan of the Potter series.

Headmistress' Note: If you have not read Deathly Hallows, do not read this article. It may tell you HP storyline specifics that you don't want to know yet.


(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

Happy Birthday Ginny Weasley!

Ginny Weasley
J.K. Rowling updated her website calendar with a great big Happy Birthday to Ginny Weasley. Happy Birthday Ginny!

(SOURCE: J.K. ROWLING.COM)

Monday, August 06, 2007

Photos from New Dan Radcliffe Film "My Boy Jack"

Dan Radcliffe
Dan Radcliffe
Scores of readers let us know about new photos online of actor Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) filming his drama "My Boy Jack," with additional photos available here. Dan Radcliffe portrays the son of writer Rudyard Kipling in this new film for television, which is being produced by ITV in the UK, and is due to broadcast later this year.

(SOURCE:
THE LEAKY CAULDRON)


Scholastic to Print 2m More Copies of DH

U.S. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows front cover artAccording to Ganmag.com, Scholastic, the US HP publisher, plans to print 2 million additional copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In the US, the book sold a staggering 11.5 million copies of those 14 million printed in just 10 days. Sales for the novel elsewhere are currently quite vague, but we hope to have details soon.

(SOURCE:
MUGGLENET)

Thursday, August 02, 2007

DH Sells 11.5 Million Copies in 10 Days

U.S. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows front cover artScholastic announced today the record breaking sales of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, selling 11.5 million copies in 10 days. Scholastic was printing copies of DH up until the final hours of the release, and in total printed 14 million books.To date, all seven books in the series have sold a total of 350 million copies worldwide. Click the link below to read the press release.
Read more...

(SOURCE:
MUGGLENET)