JKR Updates Website: Third Book Seven Title Being Considered; Spell Definitions Clarified

JKRowling.com has been updated! In her new diary entry, Jo says that she is now considering a THIRD title for book seven, but that this doesn't concern her, as some of the previous books have had several titles in the offing before one was settled on. Quotage:

"Title three currently ahead by a short nose, or perhaps that should be a vowel and two consonants."

Jo also says that she has had "a great writing week" and talks about the satisfaction that brings:

I've just had a great writing week. There are few feelings more joyous than reading back over the week's work and thinking 'that's not bad at all'', as opposed to the all-too-frequent, 'it's rubbish, I've wasted a week and I'll have to re-write the lot.' And if you think that's an exaggeration or false modesty, you are very, very wrong. It's perfectly possible to put in eight hour days and have nothing to show for them but a single idea that, if reworked completely, might be passable.

Finally, Jo congratulates the latest group of W.O.M.B.A.T. test-takers, saying, "You're getting pretty good."

Happy Halloween Everyone!

UPDATE: Eagle-eyed readers have reminded us that there is another update on Jo's site -- the "Extras" section now contains an entry differentiating spells, charms, hexes and curses. Thanks, everyone!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Yates Comments on 'Phoenix' Running Time

Some news about Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has appeared in the latest edition of Empire magazine. In the article, director David Yates states that he has filmed "a movie that's probably over three hours, so I'll have to lose 45 minutes in the edit."

David Heyman mentions a call from JKRowling on the casting of Luna Lovegood and Imelda Stauton states that she is amazed that it took so long for her to be cast in the franchise.

You can see scans of the article here.

(SOURCE: HPANA)

BIFA News for Frances de la Tour, Jason Isaacs

Actress Frances de la Tour (Madame Maxime) has been nominated as "Best Actress" for her role in the film "The History Boys" at the British Independent Film Awards. Readers will remember that earlier this year, Ms. de la Tour won the Tony Award for her performance in the theatrical production of The History Boys.

In a related note, the BIFAs will present a special Jury Prize given by a select panel. This panel, which features various actors and celebrities, will include actor Jason Isaacs who will be seen again in the role of Lucius Malfoy in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

The BIFA awards will be presented on November 29, in London, England. Congratulations Frances!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Strike! Rupert Grint Gives New Video Interview in Dallas

Continuing the media blitz in Dallas, Texas to promote his current film "Driving Lessons," Rupert Grint has appeared in another new video interview, this time featuring the actor...bowling. While this interview with the Star-Telegram does not really contain much new information (aside from his enjoyment of bowling), Rupert does reiterate that he will be back in the role of Ron Weasley for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and the film version of Book Seven. Noting he is due back in England soon to finish filming on OotP, Rupert says that he may take on some smaller budget films in between filming the Potter movies. To watch this fun new video with Rupert, at this link, click under the photo of Rupert where it says "video."

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Helena Bonham Carter Remarks on Bad Bella

The Daily Record has a new interview with actress Helena Bonham Carter where she briefly mentions her part in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. While most of the article focuses on her past career, Ms. Bonham Carter refers to the new Potter movie, calling author J.K. Rowling "a genius." The actress also goes on to refer to her new role as the deatheater Bellatrix Lestrange who causes so much havoc at the Ministry of Magic.

"And Bella," says Helena with undisguised delight, "is a very bad, bad, bad witch."

Indeed!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Win Tickets to the U.S. Premiere of 'OotP' Courtesy of HBO

American fans of Harry Potter have a chance to win 4 tickets to the U.S. premiere of Order of the Phoenix next year courtesy of the cable station HBO. Just go here and fill in the required information. The contest runs till the end of December and entries are limited to one per person, per day. You must be a U.S. resident who is 18 years of age or older and the winners will be announced on January 10, 2007. Good luck everyone.

First prize:
A 3-day/2-night trip for winner and 3 guests to attend the premiere of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Prize includes round-trip coach air transportation from major airport nearest winner's home, hotel accommodations (2 rooms, double occupancy), ground transportation to/from gateway airport nearest winner's home, to/from hotel and to/from premiere event and $500 spending money for winner.

Additional prizes include a Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire gift set; a Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire DVD; a Harry Potter t-shirt; a Harry Potter Goblet of Fire.

Please note that the date, time or location for the U.S. premiere has not been announced and if you are lucky enough to win please drop us a line.

(SOURCE: HPANA)

HP Fan Trips Announces 2007 Tours, VIP 'Phoenix' Screening

This past July fans of Harry Potter from around the world participated in the third annual HP Fan Trips, enjoying a trip on the Hogwarts Express and participating in an exclusive gala event at Edinburgh Castle. Next year's itinerary has just been announced and will include new locations where scenes from Order of the Phoenix were filmed. There will also be a VIP screening of the movie the week it is released in Edinburgh.

(SOURCE: HPANA)

Albus Dumbledore, Top Movie Magician

As a sidebar to their review of the new film The Prestige, "Entertainment Weekly" has a short blurb in their October 27 issue with a list of their Top Five Movie Magicians. Hogwart's own Albus Dumbledore is ranked at number three, with the magazine saying "Don't let the school administrator guise fool you-he's the wizard bad wizards are afraid of."

The top five are:
1. Yoda
2. The Wicked Witch of the West
3. Albus Dumbledore
4. Gandalf
5. Merlin

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Newsweek Interviews Dan Radcliffe on "Phoenix," Fame and More

Newsweek magazine has a brand new interview with actor Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) where, in two different articles, they discuss a variety of topics including fame, dating (yes to dating, but no one at the moment), and working on the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Addressing the question of his future involvement in the Potter fims, Dan says if the script for Half-Blood Prince "does justice" to the book, then it would "be foolish not to do the sixth[film], because I think the book is so incredible and the part is so brilliant." Dan Radcliffe also speaks about working on the fifth Harry Potter movie, which is currently wrapping up principle production in London.

This film has been the most fun I’ve had, definitely, partly because of Imelda Staunton [who plays Harry’s nemesis, Professor Dolores Umbridge], and partly because of David Yates, our wonderful director, who I have had absolutely the time of my life working with. He pushes me farther and more often than I ever have been before. This is not being detrimental to any of the previous directors because I wouldn’t have been able to do this before, but David has caught me at just the right moment.

Dan also mentions working with Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, saying of their friendship "we've got a great mix" at the moment. Dan also gives his thoughts on his role in the upcoming stage production of Equus and address the more mature role he is about to take on.

Your character in “Equus” is a far cry from Harry. It’s a very adult role. You even have a nude scene. Do you feel you want to shake off Harry a bit?

I don’t want to shake him off, no. Part of me wants to shake up people’s perception of me, just shove me in a blender. If I’d gone into the theater and done something light and fluffy, everyone would have just gone, “Oh, that’s not particularly challenging. It doesn’t prove anything.” But this is a really challenging play, and if I can pull it off - we don’t know if I can yet - I hope people will actually stop and think, “Maybe he can something other than Harry.” Also, it’s just a pretty fabulous play.

Do you think acting is going to be your career?

Yeah. You meet so many interesting people from so many different backgrounds. You get a chance to find out new things about yourself. Acting is just like reading a book, in that you experience something through the eyes of someone else. You’re finding out about this character through playing him, and his beliefs make you stop and question your own. It’s quite revelatory sometimes. So, yeah, I definitely want to be an actor; I love it so much. But I want to write as well. I’d love to direct a short film, just to see what that’s like. But I don’t know anything about the technical side of things. At all. I’ve been here for six years, you’d think I’d have picked up a couple of things. [Laughs]

Equus begins rehearsals in London in early January. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be released in theatres here in the US on July 13, 2007.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Dial 62442 for First Look at Arthur Weasley in Order of the Phoenix

RealMovieNews.com has the first look at Arthur Weasley (Mark Williams) with new photos taken at the filming for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Filming took place earlier today at a phone box near Scotland Yard in London for the scene when Harry (Dan Radcliffe) and Arthur Weasley go to town for the hearing before the Wizengamot, and they have to enter a magical number in a phone box to gain entry into the Ministry of Magic. To see photos of Dan Radcliffe and Mark Williams in full costume for this scene, click here.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Order of the Phoenix Teaser Trailer Not Online Until Nov. 20 at the Earliest

Contrary to the rumors floating online, TLC can now confirm to you that the new teaser trailer for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will debut in US theaters before the film Happy Feet on November 17, and will NOT be released on the internet that same day. Official sources tell us that the trailer will not be streamed online until November 20 at the earliest. This holds true on the international front as well, as the teaser trailer will debut in theaters no earlier than November 17 overseas. Finally, the purported date of November 12 for the launch of a new Order of the Phoenix website and teaser poster is incorrect (and too early.) We will update with more should this information change.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New OotP Set Report Featuring Thestrals

HP4U.co.uk has posted a new Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix set report, this time featuring the Thestrals and Carriages. This report comes from filming at Black Park in Buckinghamshire, England, and involved the Hogwarts Express, the newly built Hogsmeade Station, and the magical horses. A caution is given as there are movie spoilers at this link.

Thanks to HP4U.co.uk!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Rupert Grint Mentions Rumors of Chris Columbus Returning to Direct Potter Films Six and Seven

While in LA recently to promote the release of his new film "Driving Lessons" actor Rupert Grint gave several new interviews, including this new video interview with Jewreview.net where Rupert also discussed working on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He says they have about a month yet to go on the film, and the Weasley family has a nice Christmas scene in Phoenix where they give presents out, but the film as a whole is a lot darker. Rupert also briefly touches on Book Seven and what may happen to his character, noting he doesn't know if Ron and Hermione will get together. The conversation then turned to the film version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and the topic of a new director came up, with Rupert saying he has heard rumors that Alfonso Cuaron might come back, as well as Chris Columbus.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)