'I planned on being there for all seven' Potter films, says Chris Columbus

While promoting his new film, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Chris Columbus discussed his feelings about the Harry Potter franchise now that he is no longer involved, in an interview with Ed Gross from Earth's Mightiest Fansites.

"Originally, in a naive way, I planned on being there for all seven," he said.

He also explained why he stayed with the franchise through Prisoner of Azkaban:

"One thing we did know is that we wanted to start the series with an almost golden, romantic, old-fashioned storybook quality, and as the films progressed they would get darker and darker, and as Harry's age progressed the films would get edgier and more mature and deal with more adult things," he said. "So we knew this was going to happen and that's why I stayed on through Azkaban as a producer, because I wanted to make sure we were moving in that direction. By the time we'd finished Azkaban I thought, 'Okay, we are at a point now where I know subsequent films will continue to follow everything we had set into motion.'"

Listen to the whole interview here. He talks most about Harry Potter in the fourth segment.
 
(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

Bill Nighy to be Next Doctor Who/Harry Potter Crossover

Bill Nighy, who is set to appear in the final Harry Potter film as new Minister of Magic Rufus Scrimgeour, is also expected to appear in an episode of Doctor Who's fifth series. The other latest Dr. Who/Harry Potter connection, is of course the next to latest Dr. Who, was played by David Tennant, who was also Barty Crouch Jr. in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

(SOURCE: BEYOND HOGWARTS)

Harry Potter Super Bowl Commercial Can Be Seen Here

Blend Television has posted the Harry Potter Theme Park commercial that was seen on the Super Bowl last night. If you want to check it out, you can see it here.

(SOURCE: BLEND TELEVISION)

New Aerial Shots of Wizarding World Theme Park Online

Some remarkable new aerial photos of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park have made their way online via Orlando United, which show a birds-eye sneak peek at the sprawling attraction. The photos, over sixty in all, come courtesy of a recent helicopter tour over the Islands of Adventure which was able to capture images of the castle, streets of Hogsmeade, Hagrid's Hut, more of the roller coaster rides in the park, the store fronts, as well as the continued construction at the site. The full series of photos can be found right here.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park is set to open at Universal Orlando this spring.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Emma Watson Talks Epilogue Filming, Life as as University Student and More in New Interview

*****SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!*****

*****SPOILER ALERT!*****

Actress Emma Watson has given a new interview to the Daiy Express newspaper in the UK in which the Hermione Granger actress discusses her life as a university student, a desire for a normal life, her experience working on the Harry Potter films, and the Epilogue scenes. On the subject of the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" films, Miss Watson relates that ultimately wrapping filming will be an "uncontrollable" experience, saying: "It's been half of our lives. It's made us, it's formed us. It's such a bit part of my life so it will be really sad." She goes on to note the following in regards to the much talked about Epilogue scene, which shows the Trio sending their own children off to Hogwarts: "We will look like 40-year-olds... I can't wait to see that."

The interview continues with Emma Watson relating her life outside of her Harry Potter experience, as a "normal" university student. The paper reports:

“I probably sound like a paranoid nut but I’m doing this because I want to be normal,” says the actress who gave up childhood friends, sleep- overs, clubs and boozing for fame. “I really want anonymity.”

In London last year she left her family home and moved into a flat in a terraced house she shares with a friend and she sought out a similar experience in the US. Her Potter co-star Daniel ­Radcliffe warned her not to live in a university dormitory with an un known room-mate but she ignored his advice and moved in with a girl named Sophie. “I want to do it properly, like everyone else,” she says. “As long as I don’t walk in and see Harry Potter posters everywhere I’ll be fine.”

“You’re encouraged to be broad and choose many different subjects,” she says. “For someone who has missed as much school as I have I want to go back and discover what else there is. I always loved school. I was a proper, proper nerd. I just want that back again.”

The full interview may be read at the link above, while a scan of the article can be found here.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Harry Potter Trio on Top Hollywood Earners of 2009 List

Actors Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) are among the forty top earners in Hollywood in 2009, according to a new list published by Vanity Fair. Miss Watson, ranked in 14th place, is the top female earner on the list, as well as also the youngest person to be included, says an article in the Telegraph. Harry Potter costars Dan Radcliffe, who is the highest paid actor, and Rupert Grint also made the list in 6th and 14th place, respectively. The trio, who are next slated to star together in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Parts One & Two," join such other big Hollywood names as director James Cameron, actor Ben Stiller, producer J. J. Abrams, and actor Denzel Washington on the Vanity Fair list.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

LEGO Harry Potter Video Game News Roundup

As you may remember, earlier this week we let you know about a new trailer that has been released for the upcoming LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 video game. A high definition version of this trailer is now available in our video galleries via this link.

In related news, a number of reviews and previews of the LEGO Harry Potter video game have surfaced online. Gamespot have posted their first impressions of the game complete with a number of screencaps. Their review goes into great detail about the game and they comment:

There's no limit to the kind of whimsical things that can happen in this rich magical world, and it looks like Traveller's Tales is taking full advantage of it.

The review also notes, "a level editor similar to the one in Lego Indiana Jones 2 will also be included" and that "the music has been borrowed from the movies as well, so the trademark tunes and themes will easily invoke memories from the films." The full review and screencaps can be found at this link.

Destructoid also has a detailed preview of the game on their website. The preview stresses the ability to play as 140 different characters as a particular strength of the game:

Subtle nods from the first four books are throughout the game, and with 140 playable characters, fans of the series will surely find some odd combinations to play with.

The preview also comments on the character specialisation in the game:

[M]any of the characters have personalization with the Riddikulus spell on hand to deal with Boggarts, and many will also be able to unleash a Patronus, which, like the books, will be character-specific. When given a broom, Harry can fly around, while Hermione is utterly incapable, flopping around as she flies. Ron is better than her, but very slow.

Destructoid's preview and additional screencaps can be found by following this link.

The LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 video game will be out in May this year.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Confirmed: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One" to be Released in 3D

Word has come directly from WB today, that the first part of the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" film will be released in 3D come its arrival in theaters this November. The release of a 3D "Deathly Hallows" will appear along side a standard 2D version in theaters as well. This confirmation came after many rumors circulating around the internet about a possible 3D release for both films. In a press release, WB noted, in part:

In making the announcement, Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, said, “We are experienced and have been successful in the conversion of 2D to 3D going back to such hits as ‘The Polar Express,’ select scenes in ‘Superman Returns’ and the last two Harry Potter films.”

Fellman continued, “We are confident in the constantly evolving 3D technology, and the results for ‘Clash of the Titans’ will be presented onscreen with the highest-quality images available today. Based on our track record, we know that audiences are embracing the RealD and IMAX experiences, and we see many opportunities on our film slate to provide moviegoers with these great options at the multiplex.”

Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Picture Group, said, “We’re excited about 3D and look forward to bringing a rich, involving visual experience to audiences around the world.”

Additional titles on Warner Bros. Pictures’ 2010 film slate that will be released in 3D (in addition to 2D) include “Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” (July), “Guardians of Ga’Hoole” (September) and “Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows, Part 1” (November).

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One" is set for release on November 19, 2010.



(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Wizarding World of Harry Potter Website Open (Updated with Video)

Thanks to Universal Orlando Resort, there is news of a new website for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter now online featuring a number of new interactive features. Included among these features are:

A first-person perspective, photo-realistic video of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle.

The Wizarding World News, which will provide guests with information about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Visuals and details about the various shops, attractions and the eating establishment in the land.
Owl Post e-cards for friends and family.

As part of this update, expanded descriptions and new looks at the various elements of the Harry Potter park are also online. This includes descriptions of Honeydukes, Dervish and Bangs, Ollivanders, Zonko's, the Owl Post, and the Three Broomsticks. A stunning flying tour of the entire attraction has also been added to the site, which walks you through the shops of Hogsmeade and through the gates to the Hogwarts Castle.

Update: We now have video of the new flight through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park mentioned above available right here for your viewing pleasure.

The website is set to be continually updated with even more fun features and news in the coming months.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

JK Rowling Barbie doll to be displayed at upcoming German toy fair

Sky News is reporting that Mattel has created a special JK Rowling Barbie doll - which, sadly, won't see mass production:

Harry Potter author JK Rowling, tennis champion Kim Clijsters and Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria have all been given the ultimate plastic accolade: being turned into a Barbie doll.

The JK Rowling doll, meanwhile, is dressed in the black wool suit and hot pink top combination she wore at the 2009 Monsters and Critics Award Banquet.

The three one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls, which will not go on general sale, are being showcased in Mattel’s showroom at the world's largest toy fair in Nuremberg, Germany.

Exhibitors from around the world are meeting to show off the trends that will fill this year's Christmas stockings.

See another photo of the JK Rowling Barbie at this link. We wish we could buy one!

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)