Entertainment Weekly to Feature Trio on Three Different Covers

Despite all the excitement of the new book covers, we do have other news today involving the Harry Potter films. TLC reader Christina let us know that the new issue of Entertainment Weekly will focus on the Harry Potter movies and books, and have three different covers featuring actors from the films. The "Pop Culture" issue of the magazine will be available with three different covers of the main trio, one for Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger). According to The Insider:

The new issue includes a Harry Potter Pop Culture Quiz with 50 questions that will challenge even faithful muggles, and a six-page Potter feature revealing an exclusive peek at the new movie's main players. Teasers about J.K. ROWLING's seventh and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, are also inside.

This issue of Entertainment Weekly is due out Friday.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Twelve New Order Images, Portraits from Entertainment Weekly

Warner Bros. has released 12 high-resolution images from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, including stunning shots of Ginny, Cho, Luna, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Umbridge, Lucius, Harry with Sirius, the kids in the Ministry, Harry on trial, and a lot more. Links below!

Harry, Luna, Hermione, Ron, Neville and Ginny in the Ministry, with the ProphecyLuna
Harry and Sirius
Harry
Harry on trial
Ginny
Ron
Cho
Lucius
Umbridge
Trio in the forest
Hermione
Umbridge, Trelawney, McGonagall (not new, but bigger)

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Deathly Hallows Cover Art and Summaries Released! Brit Page Count Confirmed!

Update: We've updated our PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast with a cover release show (called "Cover Art, or, Whose Soul Is It Anyway?"), going over all the new theories. Click here for details or just update your iTunes or press play on a Flash player!

Here it is, in gorgeous hi-res, the cover art for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This post will continue to be updated with links to the art and the text of the summaries. Bloomsbury has also confirmed that the book is 608 pages in their edition. (Digg this news!)

Click here to see the reveal on The Today Show, including Arthur Levine talking about how he "sobbed" at the end.

We've also got new PotterCast artwork on PotterCast.com, to celebrate.

Hi-Res images! Click here for all the artwork!
Individual images:
US: Front and Back
US: Front Only
UK: Front and Back
UK Adult: Front and Back
UK: Front Only
UK Adult: Front Only

Scholastic has put up a interactive image here!

The UK editions have summaries; the inside flap reads: "Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety , and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him…

In this final, seventh installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling unveils in spectactular fashion the answers to the many questions that have been so eagerly awaited. The spellbinding, richly woven narrative, which plunges, twists and turns at a breathtaking pace, confirms the author as a mistress of storytelling, whose books will be read, reread and read again."

And on the back of the adult edition: "Harry is waiting in Privet Drive. The Order of the Phoenix is coming to escort him safely away without Voldemort and his supporters knowing – if they can. But what will Harry do then? How can he fulfil the momentous and seemingly impossible task that Professor Dumbledore has left him with?"

Arthur Levine, editor of the American editions of the Harry Potter books, was on The Today Show briefly this morning to discuss the cover. He said that this art is, for the first time, a wrap-around cover, and has more art on it than ever before. He also said DH is a "very emotional" book, and that he didn't just cry but "sobbed" when he read it. This is also the first time Voldemort has been on the jacket. A lot more on the way!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Jason Isaacs Talks Lucius Malfoy Costume and More in New Video Interview

While in London recently for his play "The Dumb Waiter," actor Jason Isaacs was asked about his role as Lucius Malfoy in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix film. In a new (and very funny) short video interview Jason gives some tidbits about Lucius and his appearance in the upcoming movie, some possible scenes for the DVD, and to the great delight of this editor, answers a question about his costume... and leather. To watch the the two part interview (spoiler caution), click here and here. Enjoy!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

"Order of the Phoenix" Soundtrack Due July 10

Amazon.com now has the soundtrack for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix available for pre-order. According to the site, the soundtrack will be released on July 10. As announced previously the score for the fifth Harry Potter film will be composed by Nicholas Hooper. Please note there is no other information available at this time, such as a track list or length. We will update you with more on this as soon as possible. If you would like, you can pre-order this item via our Cauldron Shop, where proceeds benefit the entire Floo Network.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be released in theatres on July 13, 2007.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Video Online of Dan Radcliffe Appearance on Jonathan Ross Show

Previously we told you actor Dan Radcliffe would be appearing on the Friday Night with Jonathan Ross program. This aired last night on the BBC, and we now have video of this new interview for you (along with an iPod friendly version as well) here in our galleries. In this interview, Dan mentions how much he loves being part of the Harry Potter films, and why he chose as an actor to take on his new role in the play "Equus." A caution to parents as this interview does contain some mature language and discussion not suitable for younger children.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Potter Stars Stay for Final Films

Harry Potter actors Emma Watson and Rupert Grint WILL join Daniel Radcliffe in the final two films, say producers.

Daniel, Rupert, and Emma made their screen debuts as the young Harry, Ron and Hermione in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2001.

Warner Brothers boss Jeff Robinov said it would be "inconceivable" to get anybody else to play the roles.

Daniel's role was confirmed earlier this month, but there had been rumours that Emma would not return.

The trio have already appeared in four movies together, and will star in the fifth Potter film, The Order of the Phoenix, in July.

Now fans can relax in the knowledge that they will also return for The Half-Blood Prince, scheduled for release in November 2008, and The Deathly Hallows.

Mr Robinov said: "Through the years we have watched them grown into extraordinary young adults, as well as remarkable actors.

"It would be inconceivable to imagine anyone else in the roles with which they have become so identified, so we are thrilled and proud that Daniel, Rupert and Emma have chosen to complete the arc of their characters in the final two films."

(SOURCE: CBBC NEWSROUND)

'OotP' Video Game Due Out Before Movie; New Screenshots

Electronic Arts (EA), the makers of the Harry Potter video games, announced over the weekend that the Order of the Phoenix video game will be released a week before the movie in July.

According to Chris Roberts, senior designer of the game the game is designed to give players the freedom to do whatever they want, with no prescribed way to complete the game:

You're going to see all of Hogwarts based on the blueprints from the movie. It's all there and it streams without loading.

We're showing some places that have never been seen before like Grimmauld Place where Sirius Black lives.

We've got a school full of kids - it's a living breathing world the player can mooch around in - they're not absolutely forced to play this level, then this level, then this level.

The game is completely free-form: Harry can go to class, play gobstones or wizard chess, all of the things from the film.

Also some new screenshots from the game are available online, whick have been captured directly from the game at a specific resolution. We will try to obtain better versions of these images shortly.

(SOURCE: HPANA)

John Williams Conducts the Chicago Symphony

Uber-composer John Williams is coming to Chicago in November to conduct movie music with our great Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Williams' concerts will be on the following dates:

Saturday, November 24, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 25, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.

The Sunday and Tuesday concerts will present Mr. Williams conducting movie music. There is no program listing of the music he will conduct or prices for the concerts as of yet. There will be more information available closer to the concert dates.

When more information becomes available, you will be able to find it at the CSO website. When you get to the website, click the link that reads "Events Calendar" and then pick the month of November from the drop-down menu. If you would like to attend one of the concerts, keep your eyes on the CSO website. John Williams' performances always sell out. So you'll have to be on the ball in order to get tickets.

UPDATE: Tickets are on sale now for CSO subscribers only. Tickets for non-subscribers go on sale Friday, August 17th. The estimated cost of a single ticket will be somewhere between $30 and $109.

Headmistress Denice's Note: I will definitely be going to either the Sunday or Tuesday concert. I have had the pleasure of seeing John Williams in person three times over the last seven years and he is awesome! John Williams is my favorite movie music composer. Nothing beats hearing the music from some of the greatest movies ever made such as Star Wars, Jaws, Close Encounters, and Harry Potter played live by an orchestra. And to be able to see the man himself conduct his own music is a great gift! At the end of every concert I've attended, he ends with the theme from Star Wars. The crowd goes wild!! Last time he was here in November of 2005, we didn't want to let him leave the stage. I think he did about 3 or 4 encores for us! So if you love John Williams' music (even if you only love his opening theme from NBC's Evening News which he does play at his concerts!), you should do yourself a great favor and go to see John Williams at the CSO. You won't regret it! I guarantee it!! Denice :-D

Radcliffe Scared to Reveal All to Potter Cast

HARRY POTTER star Daniel Radcliffe has begged his castmates to avoid his hit play EQUUS because he's terrified of them seeing him in the nude.

Radcliffe, 17, has been hailed by critics for his performance in the provocative Peter Shaffer-written show, but urged his friends to keep clear of the West End production - much to their relief.

Potter co-star Rupert Grint says, "He told us he didn't want us at the play."I was glad because it would be a little weird and uncomfortable to see."

(SOURCE: PR-INSIDE)

"Deathly Hallows" and the Not So Happy Campers

The arrival of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows may result in a few not-so-happy campers this year, campers at summer resident camps that is. Newsweek magazine has a new article online discussing how summer camps are going to handle the release of the last Harry Potter novel, and their campers who want to go out at midnight to get their copy of this book. One camp is organizing a field trip to get the books, while others are refusing to let the campers out at such a late hour.

Jill Kleinman closed her children's bookstore to operate a summer camp, so she thought her days of catering to young bibliophiles and their parents were over. But last month "I got a call from a parent who wants to pull his child out of camp at midnight to get the new 'Harry Potter' book," says Kleinman, who runs Camp Taconic in Massachusetts. "I had to tell him no. It sets a bad precedent."

However things may not be all grim, for the camp leader has a compromise for her campers that may make everyone happy in the end.

"Kleinman is ordering dozens of books for counselors to read aloud to campers, and they'll be using the book for clout. "Getting them to bed is always a challenge, but we're going to tell them we aren't reading until they get in bed."

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

First Review of Order of the Phoenix, from Chicago Screening

We have for you the first complete review and set of details from an early screening of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix that took place in Chicago. (There is also a review at Ain't It Cool News here.) A review is below, followed by a VERY long and VERY detailed set of answers to questions that our reviewer has been giving in the comments. They are very spoiler-heavy.

Another reader noted that the movie looked like it had about 70 percent of special effects finished, and called it by far her favorite HP film. Reader Carlos's review is below, and he's been answering questions in the comments (and we'll keep adding his answers to this massive list of details). He gives the movie 3.5 stars and notes it's currently about 2:30; highlights, he says, include Evanna Lynch's turn as Luna and Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix. (If you went to the screening and want to share, email us!)

Please be reminded that SPOILERS abound in this description (not too many, actually, but we warn you just in case)...if you don't mind that, continue reading... (and if you're on the text only site, better close the window now).

Headmistress Denice's Note: If you want to read the reviews, please click here.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Maggie Smith on Prof. McGonagall : "Miss Jean Brodie in a Wizard's Hat"

There is a new interview online today with Dame Maggie Smith, where she briefly mentions her role in the Harry Potter films. In this feature from The Evening Standard, the Academy Award winning actress quipped that the role is "Miss Jean Brodie in a wizard's hat," and says that Sorcerer's Stone is her favorite of the movies. Quotage:

"Her characteristic blend of piercing wit leavened with sudden shafts of sadness has made her a prime exponent of Alan Bennett, but film roles no longer challenge her. Which of the Harry Potter films, in which she plays Professor McGonagall - "Miss Jean Brodie in a wizard's hat" - does she like most? "Is it five, now? I seem to be doing less and less. I liked the first one when I changed from a cat. The thing is, as I get older, the film roles seem to get smaller."

Dame Maggie Smith will be seen again as Professor McGonagall in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. She is also set to open in a play in London, but that has been delayed by a few days, while she recovers from a bout of the flu.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

More on Independent Bookstores and the Selling of "Deathly Hallows"

There are several articles now online highlighting again the challenges independent booksellers are facing in regards to pricing for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. As we reported previously some retailers in the UK were not going to stock the last Harry Potter book due to concerns about being unable to compete and match the discounting larger retailers can offer. Publishers Weekly reports that while all the independent sellers they contacted here in the States were going to stock the book, there were still concerns about the pricing of the book.

"We're haven't quite figured out what we're going to do," said Josie Leavitt, co-owner of the Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne, Vt. "We're probably going to treat it like an adult hardcover and give it a 25% discount. No kid can afford $35."

Several booksellers will offer discounts in the 20% to 25% range on pre-orders. And many booksellers said they will order cautiously. "We'll order carefully, and if we run out we'll end up going to Sam's to restock," said Ellen Scott, children's book buyer at the Bookworm in Omaha, Neb. "It's cheaper there than ordering from Scholastic. That's what we did last time."

In a related piece, The Guardian reports how several UK independent sellers are trying a different strategy this time, and planning to win customers with loyalty programs and incentives.

"At the vanguard of the battle for the boy wizard's fans is Dulwich Books, an independent in south London which is hoping to win customers with a Harry Potter loyalty scheme. Every purchase of children's books worth £10 or more before June will win earn a point and when the card is full with 10 points, customers will be entitled to a free copy of the new Harry Potter.

"We believe in rewarding our loyal customers as well as promoting other children's books," explained Sheila O'Reilly, the owner of Dulwich Books. "The ultimate reward for children who read will be a free copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Independent bookselling is not about competing on discount; we must offer more than the chains and supermarkets."

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Variety: OotP Due on "over 10,000" Screens This Summer

Variety Magazine has a new article online about the hopes major Hollywood studios have for big box-office results this summer, in particular from the international screenings of films such as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The article contains an interview with Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, Warner's international president of distribution, who discusses the wide global opening of the fifth Harry Potter film in July.

"The opening date is not an obvious choice on the domestic side, but it really does put our best foot forward internationally," she says. "With 'Harry Potter,' we're going day and date everywhere except in the Middle East and a few minor markets, because most are going to be in holidays at that point, so this date really maximizes our opportunity."

With so many tentpoles, the battle for screens will be intense.

"We'll have between 6,000 and 7,000 on 'Ocean's' and over 10,000 on 'Harry' but that's going to be a challenge because there are so many incredible films coming," Kwan-Rubinek admits.

On a related note, earlier this week OotP director David Yates was interviewed for an article about the length of movies, and the piece says that Mr. Yates "expects his "Harry Potter" film to run about as long as its predecessors." Mr. Yates continued: "You just have to let things go, sometimes. It's amazing how you think you could never live without a scene or a moment, yet frankly, the movie's better off without it."

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

"Potter" Puts Model Trains Back on Track

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sales of model trains are picking up steam again thanks to deals linking them to the "Harry Potter" and "The Polar Express" movies, along with a new approach to marketing the old-fashioned toys.

Lionel, one of the big names in model trains in the 1950s, has watched as its business had to focus less on selling toys to kids than serving an older but much smaller hobbyist market. Folk-rock singer Neil Young, 61, is so passionate about trains that he bought a fifth of the company in 1995.

Now, the company is bringing trains back to young people, and sales are up 40 percent in the last two years.

Lionel signed deals to bring out "Harry Potter" and "The Polar Express" trains, and filled shelves at department stores such as Macy's and Target, instead of just hobby shops.

"We're a resurgent brand based on nostalgic appeal," said Jerry Calabrese, chief executive of Lionel.

Headmistress Denice's Note: To read the rest of the article, click here. And if you want to see an awesome Hogwarts Express model train and track set, click here.

(SOURCE: REUTERS)

Dan Radcliffe to Return for Harry Potter Films Six and Seven

Laying speculation to rest about the future of his role in the Harry Potter films, actor Dan Radcliffe will be returning for films six and seven. Confirmed by reps for the young actor today to Leaky, Dan Radcliffe will be seen in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, as well as a film version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. While Dan has said in many many interviews he was interested in doing these two films, he has now signed formally for his role in the last two Harry Potter films.As reported previously here on TLC, the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince film is due Thanksgiving weekend next year, on November 21, 2008. TLC first told you back in August as well, that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is tenatively set for 2010, although this has yet to be made official.

UPDATE: Another confirmation report, this time from the BBC which notes that Dan is "very much looking forward to starting filming" the sixth film in September.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Harry Potter Books Rank Fourth This World Book Day

Today is World Book Day, and to mark the occasion, a survey was conducted asking readers to nominate "The ten books you can't live without." The Harry Potter books came in fourth place, with 12 percent of the votes. The top spot went to Pride and Prejudice, the great classic novel by Jane Austen; others on the list include works by Harper Lee, Emily Bronte and J.R.R. Tolkien. The top ten list is as follows:

1) Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen 20%
2) Lord of the Rings – JRR Tolkein 17%
3) Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte 14%
4) Harry Potter books – J K Rowling 12%
5) To Kill A Mockingbird – Harper Lee 9.5%
6) The Bible 9%
7) Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte 8.5%
8) 1984 – George Orwell 6%
9) His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman 6%
10) Great Expectations – Charles Dickens .55%

You can read more about the voting via this link (pdf). Also, as we draw closer to the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, readers will remember that Jo took part in a World Book Day online Chat several years ago. If you missed that chat before, be sure to read the transcript here, and watch a post chat interview with Jo here in our video galleries.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Rupert Grint, Phelps Twins Attend NME Awards

Actors Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), and James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) attended the NME Awards tonight in London. You can see some new photos of the actors at these music awards, here in our galleries.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)