Jason Isaacs Cameo as Lucius Malfoy in "Half-Blood Prince"

Actor Jason Isaacs has given a new interview to MTV where he confirms he took part in a one day filming in his role as Lucius Malfoy for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Jason says that as his character is off in Azkaban prison during the course of the HBP book, he did not think he would be in movie six ("It absolutely killed me" he said). However, now he has confirmed that "I’m not [really] in the film [but] I did one day. I went in for a day. “I’m a moving portrait on the wall.” character as Lucius appears as a moving portrait somewhere in the film. Reports of the recent test screenings of HBP which took place last week in Chicago, did not seem to be a mention of this detail, and we are uncertain where in the film his portrait might appear. As a reminder, earlier this year, Jason Isaacs confirmed his return as Lucius Malfoy for the final "Deathly Hallows" movies, which begin production next February.

On a related note, Jason continues work on his television series Brotherhood here in the States, and was recently at the Toronto Film Festival for the premiere of his new movie, "Good," which also stars Viggo Mortensen. You can see multiple new photos of Jason at the TFF here in our image galleries.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Harry Potter's Emma Watson Ponders Move to America

Harry Potter star Emma Watson may swap Hogwarts for Harvard.

The 18-year-old actress will take up a place in 2009 after a well-earned gap year and had been expected to secure a place at Cambridge. However she has revealed that she is also considering pursuing a course on the other side of the Atlantic.

"I've applied to a few universities for next year, including several American ones. If I do go there I will do a liberal arts degree, but if I stay in the UK I'll do English Literature," she told The Independent.

Watson scored straight As in her Geography, Art and English Literature A-levels last month, and recently completed a summer course at RADA

She has amassed a £10 million fortune from her role as Hermione Watson in the Harry Potter films.
The young actress is determined to live as normal a life as possible, and will juggle her career with university studies.

In a recent interview, she said: "I wouldn't want my childhood in showbusiness to have been any different. Some days I wish my life were simpler but the rest of the time I feel like the luckiest girl in the world."

Potter fans will have to wait until next summer for Watson's next big screen outing.

The release of the next film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, has been put back from November to next July - prompting some disgruntled fans to bombard movie studio Warner Bros with hate mail.

(SOURCE: TELEGRAPH UK [via WIZARD NEWS])

Scholastic Updates Site with New Video, Sorcerer's Stone Shipping Early

Previously we told you that Scholastic was issuing a special 10th Anniversary edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone that was due to be released on September 23. Today however, this TLC editor got word her copy her copy pre-ordered from Amazon.com had already been shipped (and due in next few days), and other readers have already received their copies of the book. At this point we do not know if how many (if any) other retailers are sending out copies of the book early as well, and will update with more on that when we can. As always, for those wishing to avoid spoilers, a caution that our comments may contain details about the new material.

On a related note, Scholastic has now uploaded this new video on their Harry Potter site, where fans remember reading the first book in the Harry Potter series all those years ago. A reminder that Scholastic will be holding a special Read-a-Thon of the book at the Scholastic Store in New York City on September 23. The reading is open to the public starting at 8:00am, with first 100 people to win a free copy of the 10th Anniversary Edition of Sorcerer's Stone, plus you will be reading the book sitting on the same throne chair that author J.K. Rowling used at the Carnegie Hall and Radio City Hall appearances. Scholastic will be preparing the space on September 15, and you can see a preview of the setting for the reading via this link. Be sure to check out the lovely new cover with artwork from Mary Grandpre here as well.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Emma Watson Comments on "Half-Blood Prince" Delay

At the recent National Movie Awards, actress Emma Watson made very brief comments to reporters on the red carpet regarding the delay of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." In this video via YouTube, Emma can be heard saying what while she feels they have done the right thing for the movie, she also appeared sympathetic as she noted it was terrible that fans don't get an installment in the series this year and that the suspense will make it even better once we get to see it. Emma has also updated her blog at her official website noting how much fun she had at the movie awards. You can see photos of Emma at the event here in our image galleries, new photos at her official site taken by her father, and additional videos of Emma at the awards ceremony via our Order parter Emma-Watson.net.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Watson: 'Next Potter is a Romantic Comedy'

Emma Watson has likened upcoming movie Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince to a romantic comedy.

Speaking at the National Movie Awards, Watson said fans can expect a funnier film than the previous instalments.

"It's got Ron's first kiss with Lavender in it, which is quite big news," she said. "It's much more of a romantic comedy, it's much funnier than any of the other ones. "It's a lot more fun. It's still dark but it's funnier."

Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release next July.

(SOURCE: DIGITAL SPY [via WIZARD NEWS])

Ralph Fiennes: "Indications that it'll happen" for Return in "Deathly Hallows"

Ralph Fiennes has given a new interview to Entertainment Weekly, where the actor reflects on his role as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series. He also speaks favorably regrading the question about his appearance in the final two Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows films by saying: “I’m not officially contracted to the last ones, but I think that’s in the cards,” he said. “I want to do it. It’s just that they haven’t got a script yet, so the deal side of it isn't in place. But the indications are that it'll happen."

In addition, Ralph Fiennes gives general comments on acting in the Harry Potter films, and the challenges of bringing levels and nuances to such a villainous character as Lord Voldemort. Quotage: “That’s actually the hardest to do because you have to personify evil, and there’s such a history of clichés and villains and monsters,” he said. “You’ve got to struggle not to play all the obvious notes. And with such extreme makeup, such an extreme look — that’s the challenge. Also, the style of the movies is so strong. The movie itself is its own machine, and you’ve got to fulfill a function of a bigger machine. It would be good to keep the sense of some kind of real psychology going on, even in all the special effects and everything.”

On a related note, you can see multiple new photos of Ralph Fiennes here in our image galleries, as his newest film, "The Duchess," screened recently at the Toronto Film Festival.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

HBP Pushback: Video Game Delayed, WSJ Article

When Warner Brothers announced that they'd be moving Half-Blood Prince to 2009, many wondered what would happen to the film's video game that was scheduled for a November release.

Today, EA officially announced that the game will be delayed until Summer '09. With the announcement came two sets of remarks; one of which belonging to film producer David Heyman:

"We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with EA in collaborating on the videogames for all of the Harry Potter films. The visual look of the game for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is incredibly authentic to the film and will provide a truly compelling experience for everyone who plays.”

Also today, the Wall Street Journal published an article detailing how fans reacted to the movie delay. This news poster was quoted in the article, as was Melissa from Leaky and several other fans.

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

Narnia and HP Stars at Festival

Stars from the Narnia and Harry Potter movies will be getting together this weekend.

They're going to the Thames Festival in London, to give fans a chance to find out more about their fave films.

Anna Popplewell who plays Susan Pevensie, will be chatting to festival-goers about the Chronicles of Narnia.

And Oliver and James Phelps - better known as the Weasley twins - will be giving people a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Harry Potter.

They'll be joined by the stars of the small screen too, including Daniel Anthony, who plays Clyde in The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Budding reporters and camera operators can also test their skills in the special Newsround studio, and find out more about how the programme is made.

Movies

The Mayor's Thames Festival takes place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September, and the CBBC Experience tent will be on Jubilee Gardens, next to the London Eye.

Movie-making sessions are free, and are taking place from 12 pm until 7 'o' clock, but you need to book a place to take part.

(SOURCE: CBBC NEWSROUND)

Breaking: Rowling wins in Lexicon case

Ruling that a proposed book form of the Harry Potter Lexicon would cause JK Rowling irreparable harm as a writer, U.S. District Judge Robert P. Patterson today ruled in favor of Rowling in her long-standing lawsuit against RDR Books and the Lexicon. Patterson permanently blocked publication of the book and awarded $6,750 in statutory damages to Rowling and Warner Bros.

Jo released a statement, saying, "I took no pleasure at all in bringing legal action and am delighted that this issue has been resolved favorably. I went to court to uphold the right of authors everywhere to protect their own original work. The court has upheld that right.

"The proposed book took an enormous amount of my work and added virtually no original commentary of its own... Many books have been published which offer original insights into the world of Harry Potter. The Lexicon just is not one of them."

While Patterson said that, in general, reference guides to books should be encouraged, in this instance, the "Lexicon appropriates too much of Rowling's creative work for its purposes as a reference guide."

(SOURCE: VERITASERUM)

Half-Blood Prince Screening Report Online

Last night I was able to unknowingly attend what turned out to be the secret test screening of Half-Blood Prince in Chicago, IL. My review, which contains mild spoilers and plot details, can be found right here.

Important things of note are that the movie was amazing, and that the purpose of the test screenings is for the filmmakers to gain feedback in time to possibly make some changes to the film based on an audience's concerns. In other words, the film is in great hands and the finished product will be even better.

UPDATE: For those of you who were interested in a little bit more from me. My girlfriend and I recently sat down with my friends at Hogwarts Radio and were interviewed, for their podcast, with an hour-long Question-and-Answer session! More is discussed on their seventh episode than in my review here, so take a look! You can listen from their site or subscribe to their podcast on iTunes. The Q&As are very insightful and it was a pleasure to be able to talk about the film in that medium. Please note that there are a bit more spoilers - discussion was partly in response to other write-ups done on the film and in response to some of the comments already on this newspost. Thanks!

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

New Interview with the Trio, Image of Harry at the Burrow, and More

Rupert Grint fan site, IceCreamMan, has scans from a new issue of Teen Magazine which features a brief interviews with actors Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) about working on the "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" film. We also get to see a new shot of Harry standing in what looks to be the shed at the Burrow as part of this article. In the interview, a scan of which can be viewed right here, Dan is first up and talks about the romantic turn "Half-Blood Prince" takes with his character and Ginny Weasley, played by Bonnie Wright. Dan says this of the romantic scenes compared to the more dark moments in the film:

"I prefer the dark stuff to be honest! The romance is fun and it's something people will really enjoy, but I personally like doing stuff in a cave where I am close to death. It's a lot easier than romance."

Dan also speaks of filming those romantic scenes and lighter moments with his fellow actors. Rupert continues on the subject of romance in a way when he discusses the audition process with actress Jessie Cave, who will be taking on the role of Lavender Brown. Rupert is quoted as saying:

Yeah, I went to some of the final stages of the auditions. It was really cool to be involved in that side of it, not that I really had any say. There were some good girls, but we didn’t do the kiss. We didn’t even talk about the kiss until the day we actually did it. But Jessie (Cave), who got the part of Lavender, is really cool.

Rupert then goes on to talk further about the filming and even a certain ping-pong competition he had with actress Emma Watson. Miss Watson is noted in the article as saying in regards to her ping-pong playing skills:

My parents played and they’re really competitive. They never user to let me win, so I got quite good at it. Dan and Rupert were quite taken aback that I could beat them. I think Rupert took it the worst.

In addition to this, there was a small mention of Emma Watson in the newest issue of Teen Vogue about her recent appearance at the Cartier International Polo Day Event. A scan of the this can be viewed right here. Larger scans of Dan Radcliffe in the October 2008 issue of Details magazine can also be found via this link. Finally, screen shots of the video accompanying the Details interview with Dan can be found here.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Snapes on a Plane

There is a fun and lighthearted new interview online today here via YouTube with actor Alec Hopkins, where he discusses his role as the Young Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. Confirming he will appear in two scenes in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for a few seconds (one in a 'moving painting'), he also says he had filmed a scene as Young Snape for "Order of the Phoenix" 'driving a car' but it was later cut for the final version of the film. Finally at the end, he jokes that he and Alan Rickman (who of course portrays the grown version of the Potions master in the film series) hope to be starring in a new film..."Snapes on a Plane." :)

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Interview with Trio on Half-Blood Prince Love

Note from Headmistress Denice: Beware of SPOILERS in this article about the Half-Blood Prince film. Especially about a certain romantic relationship that develops between two of the characters. If you don't know the story of HBP, you might want to pass on this story. If you want to be surprised that is. :-D

* * * *

Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson were all interviewed for the latest issue of Teen Vogue magazine, where they talk about romance in Half-Blood Prince and prior on-screen experiences:

TV: Did you give Rupert any advice on his kissing scenes?

[Dan:] I wasn't there because they filmed the actual kiss after I had gone home one day. I couldn't watch it and laugh at him, which was deeply annoying. I love watching the scenes where Lavender swoons over Ron. I think there's a little bit of Rupert looking embarrassed, which makes me really laugh.

You can read the rest of the interview and check out scans on SnitchSeeker. Thanks to them for the tip!

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

David Thewlis Attends Premiere of "Boy in the Striped Pajamas" in Dublin

Actor David Thewlis (Remus Lupin) attended the premiere of his new film "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" tonight in Dublin, Ireland. You can see new photos of the actor at this event here via Film Magic. "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" is based on the acclaimed novel by John Boyne and stars David Thewlis as a commandant of a Nazi concentration camp, with the trailer for the movie available for download here at Apple or viewing on the official film website. The movie, which is produced by Potter producer David Heyman, screened in Dublin, and was also a fund-raiser for Amnesty International. The IrishTimes reports that "A total of €8,750 was raised for Amnesty International Ireland through the premiere, as it was a partner organisation in the event. Over 780 guests attended and 250 of them paid €35 for tickets. Colm O'Gorman, executive director of Amnesty International Ireland, said the film should help people to recommit to the principles of human rights."

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Rupert Grint Cast in "Wild Target"

Actor Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) has been cast in a new film entitled "Wild Target" which will also star actor Bill Nighy and Harry Potter co-star Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange). Our Order partner RupertGrint.net is reporting today the comedy/drama is based on the 1993 French film called "Cible Emouvante," and will possibly film around "London and the Isle of Man" in the UK. Filming, according to our Order partner, is slated to being on September 16th. A brief synopsis of the upcoming film has also now been released and reads:

This dark comedy has a middle-aged hitman Victor Meynard (played by Bill Nighy) go on his last hit job before he retires. He ends up running into a delivery boy, Antoine (Rupert Grint). Unable to kill the adolescent, Meynard adopts him as his apprentice, in spite of Antoine's evident lack of enthusiasm for his new career. They are hired by a Corsican gangster to kill a con artist Renée Dandrieux (Helena Bonham Carter). Again, Meynard's luck is against him, and when he fails to kill Renée, with Antoine's help, the Corsican gangster sends another hitman to kill all three of them."

Readers will remember that recently Mr. Grint was cast in a new film, "Cherrybomb," which wrapped production this past August in Ireland. More information on this film is expected in the coming weeks and we will update you when further information is available.

Thanks to RupertGrint.net!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park Construction Photos

An update on the construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Orlando comes today via IOACentral, who has a batch of new images online revealing what looks to be one of the Hogsmeade Shops. The report notes these photos were taken "at a warehouse for one of the companies contracted to do work" on the theme park attraction. The report describes the detail on the shop as you get closer as "fantastic," and also reveals the shop is called "Spintwitches." You can view the full set of nine photos right here in our Image Galleries. At last word, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction is slated for a late 2009, early 2010 opening at Universal Resorts Orlando.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

October Issue of "Details" Magazine Features Dan Radcliffe

The October issue of Details magazine will contain a new feature on actor Dan Radcliffe. The magazine, who sent us the new cover photo of Dan, which you can see here in our image galleries, also has the article online. In the new piece, which you can read via this link, Dan discusses both Potter and his upcoming appearance in the Broadway production of "Equus" which begins previews later this month. Of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," which begins filming next February, Dan, who has appeared as Harry Potter in all of the Harry Potter films, reflects on what it was like for him when he read the final installment in the Harry Potter series:

Radcliffe faced it alone first, when he began reading Deathly Hallows on a plane trip. "It was very emotional, actually," he says. "In the front of the book I wrote something Anton Chekhov wrote to the woman he ended up spending the rest of his life with: 'Hello, the last page of my life.' Which I thought was very appropriate."

On the subject of the upcoming stage appearance in New York with "Equus" Dan notes:

Radcliffe isn't just different from his peers; it's like he's of another generation. As he walks along Fifth Avenue, he describes the rush of playing a character as thrillingly alive as Alan Strang. "It's because he's absolutely living in the present," he says. "He can only live in the moment, to use a horrible, clichéd, boring phrase. 'In the moment.' It's like 'carpe diem.' After Dead Poets Society, everyone was like, 'Oh, carpe diem.' Shut up!"

Note to parents: slight language caution for younger children.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Scans from 2009 HBP Calendar Include Attack on Burrow

New photos from the 2009 "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" calendar surfaced online today, and include this new look at the attack on the Burrow. The scene, which has been confirmed previously by the producers of the film, shows Arthur Weasley (Mark Williams), Remus Lupin (David Thewlis) and Harry (Dan Radcliffe), with a burning building and fire all around. Also of interest is this new photo of Draco (Tom Felton) and Bellatrix (Helena Bonham Carter), with the words "Unbreakable Vow" written in the corner, and some buildings behind them, possibly Spinner's End.

Additional new photos include a look at the staff of Hogwarts, including Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), Snape (Alan Rickman) and Professor McGonagall (Dame Maggie Smith) along with Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) who features in several other photos, including this one with what looks to be the ring that is the Horcrux, this with Harry and the cave in the background, and another with Harry and some vials for the Pensieve.

Actor Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy is featured in several other photos in this new calendar, including one with Snape here, one with Filch (David Bradley) here, and a photo where he is holding a bird. Finally, you can see the back of the calendar, and readers will note that two photos are shown including a lovelorn Ron, and one of Harry and Ginny, however these are not yet available online. We are hoping to obtain better scans of these and will update when we can.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)