Pottermore Announcement: Details on J. K. Rowling's Next Harry Potter Project; Video, Pictures, Press Conference Quotes

Update: J. K. Rowling's Pottermore announcement video released: WATCH HERE or below. Pottermore screenshots and publicity photos here. Info as we get it:

• Pottermore is an interactive new Web site and reading experience with more than 18,000 new words from J.K. Rowling: Much more to come.
• JKR behind the scenes filming the video picture.
• An online experience to read, interact with and share the Harry Potter stories. Exclusive writing from J.K. Rowling and more.
• Pottermore will feature information J.K. Rowling has been "hoarding" for years about Harry Potter.
• Pottermore will be the exclusive place to purchase the digital audio books and, at last, eBooks of the Harry Potter series.
• Pottermore was developed in association with the leading digital company, @th_nktweets
• Pottermore was also created in partnership with @sony!
• One million fans will get access to a beta on July 31, Harry's birthday. It will be open for all in October 2011.
• The launch of Pottermore will have more than 18,000 words from J.K. Rowling, but that is only a third of what she has written so far.
• J.K. Rowling said this morning that there is a lot more content to come for the Pottermore site, and she will develop it as it grows.
• This morning J.K. Rowling said that she and Harry have a "casual relationship," instead of the serious kind they once had.
• "I've never cried over a man as much as I've cried over Harry." - JKR 
• The idea came from a conv. with her agent about how to help Harry live on in today's digital age.
• JKR downloaded eBooks for the 1st time this year and loved it - "a thousand books in your pocket" - tho she loves paper.
• You will follow the story, get sorted into a house and get a wand (one of 33,000 possible combinations) - all crafted by JKR.
• JKR is excited to include a long backstory on McGonagall - her childhood, ministry career, early heartbreak...
• A lot of the Pottermore team is Hufflepuff, which JKR said is what "you want in a team - they're workers!"
• JKR said if you're not sorted into Gryffindor you get even more exclusive content about your house.
• Chamber of Secrets story to debut in 2012. 
• Also shown this morning, there will be info on Minerva McGonagall's long friendship with Dumbledore
• A lot of the Pottermore team is Hufflepuff, which JKR said is what "you want in a team - they're workers!"
• A physical encyclopedia may come one day, JKR said, but she is not positive.
• Also mentioned that Vernon ad Petunia met at work, backstory also on Pottermore.
• JKR on Pottermore: "I've worked with the most incredible team at TH_NK to make it come alive."

Update 2: Scholastic, the US publishers of the Harry Potter books, has issued a press release, they say:

Scholastic is proud to be a key partner in the Pottermore project, including connecting teachers and parents from our school and online channels directly to ebook sales via Pottermore and providing marketing and promotion support. We’re excited about the new content from J.K. Rowling to go along with the books. This will surely inspire more interest in the series and bring a whole new generation of readers to Harry Potter. We’re pleased to support Pottermore because we know the power of the Harry Potter books to turn kids into lifelong readers, and we believe every child should experience Harry Potter – whether in ebooks or in print. In addition, Scholastic will receive a royalty on sales of the U.S. editions of the ebooks.

Update 3: JKRowling.com, the author's official website, has been updated to note the announcement of Pottermore.  The update, posted in the News section, reads:

You may have recently noticed a number of owls on various websites leading you to a YouTube film, where I have announced my latest, exciting piece of news.

POTTERMORE is a new web site, where you can enjoy an online experience based around the Harry Potter books, which includes exclusive new information from me. If you would like to see the announcement film please click here.

Whilst you'll hear more from me on pottermore.com at the moment, jkrowling.com remains my own personal website for various content such as updated biography and bibliography, and links to relevant organisations, including the charities I support.

The AP was on hand at the press conference this morning. Photos can be seen here.

The owls continue to gather as the countdown ticks closer to the release of Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling's anticipated announcement on Pottermore, her latest Harry Potter project.  As we reported yesterday, press conference is said to be set for Victoria and Albert Museum this afternoon (UK time) regarding Ms. Rowling's announcement.  Leaky will have up to the minute updates on Pottermore so stay close!

Full press release below:

J.K. Rowling today, Thursday 23rd June, answered mounting speculation about the nature of her new project and announced Pottermore, a unique and free-to-use website which builds an exciting online experience around the reading of her hugely successful Harry Potter books, and is partnered by Sony.  

The announcement today was heralded by the revealing of the website’s name via an online search for its letters, and a ‘coming soon’ holding page which received over a million visits within 36 hours of launching.

For this groundbreaking collaborative project, J.K. Rowling has written extensive new material about the characters, places and objects in the much-loved stories, which will inform, inspire and entertain readers as they journey through the storylines of the books. Pottermore will later incorporate an online shop where people can purchase exclusively the long-awaited Harry Potter eBooks, in partnership with J.K. Rowling’s publishers worldwide, and is ultimately intended to become an online reading experience, extending the relevance of Harry Potter to new generations of readers, while still appealing to existing fans. As the Pottermore Shop develops, it is intended that it should include further products designed specifically for Harry Potter fans, offering a potential outlet for Sony products and services related to Pottermore. In keeping with Harry Potter’s international appeal, the site will launch in English, French, Italian, German and Spanish, with more languages to follow.

In the new website, the storyline will be brought to life with sumptuous newly-commissioned illustrations and interactive ‘Moments’ through which you can navigate, starting with the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone. On entering, you choose a magic username and begin your experience.  As you move through the chapters, you can read and share exclusive writing from J.K. Rowling, and, just as Harry joins Hogwarts, so can you. You visit Diagon Alley, get sorted into a house, cast spells and mix potions to help your house compete for the House Cup.

At a press conference at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Rowling revealed some key features of the website. In an announcement which will thrill fans, she described how she has brought to life both the Sorting Hat and Ollivanders experiences from her books for the first time on Pottermore, by revealing the questions asked by the Sorting Hat - which places newcomers into their Hogwarts houses according to their characteristics -  and the magic behind the Wand Chooser – which finds the right wand for each user from over 33,000 possible combinations. She also revealed glimpses of the new information she has provided on some of the best-loved characters.

J.K. Rowling’s announcement on YouTube and sony.com today revealed that Pottermore (along with the Pottermore Shop) will be open to all users in October 2011.  From today, 23rd June, fans can submit their email addresses on Pottermore.com in order to be contacted by the site following the opening of registration on 31st July, Harry’s birthday.  Also on that date, an online challenge will be launched, whereby the first million people to complete their registration will gain early entry into the website, and help put final touches to the experience.

J.K. Rowling commented,

“I wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new digital generation.  I hope fans and those new to Harry will have as much fun helping to shape Pottermore as I have. Just as I have contributed to the website, everyone else will be able to join in by submitting their own comments, drawings and other content in a safe and friendly environment – Pottermore has been designed as a place to share the stories with your friends as you journey through the site.”

Pottermore has been made possible with the support and partnership of Sony.  

Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Sony Corporation, commented:

“Sony's association with J.K. Rowling's Pottermore brings together one of the world’s most innovative brands with the most successful book series in history, in a pioneering partnership that will help shape the future of story-telling. We are proud to be a part of it, both at this momentous announcement, and as we collaborate on its development over the coming years.”

On Sony’s partnership of Pottermore, J.K. Rowling commented:

“As I think people know, I am very protective of Harry and have always been very selective with any new initiatives, but I am totally committed to making this partnership with Sony and this wonderful new website a success. There are many companies I could have worked with on this ultimate digital expression of Harry Potter’s universe, but it is Sony’s unique philosophy of creativity in harmony with technology that made them my first choice as main partner. The spirit behind Sony’s make.believe philosophy is one that rings true with Pottermore’s own values.”

The detailed creative execution has been led by TH_NK, a leading UK digital agency, under the supervision of J.K. Rowling and the Pottermore management team, in co-operation with Sony. J.K. Rowling’s publishers, Bloomsbury in the UK and Scholastic in the USA, as well as her international publishers worldwide, have been active supporters in the creation of pottermore.com and the Pottermore Shop. Warner Bros, the makers of the hugely successful Harry Potter film franchise, is also one of the partners who have worked to support the launch of Pottermore through a variety of marketing, promotional and other efforts, and will continue to collaborate as the project grows.

The storyline of the second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, will go live on the site in early 2012. The Pottermore Shop opens when the site opens to all in October, selling complete ranges of the eBooks and digital audiobooks in a selection of languages, exclusively.

Designed for fans of all ages, the website has been created with child safety in mind, employing best practice and compliance with internet codes of practice in the UK, Europe and USA, and elsewhere.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

More New Harry Potter Character Posters

Warner Brothers has released 15 new character posters for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2. You can see all 15 in the graphic below. You can also see really large versions of all the posters released for Deathly Hallows at the Imp Awards website.

JK Rowling Launches New Secret Harry Potter Project

It looks like there could be more magic on the way for Harry Potter fans!

A mysterious new website has popped up promoting a top secret project by author JK Rowling, called Pottermore.

It seems the owls are gathering for a big announcement at 12 noon on 23 June 2011, when JK will let us all in on the secrets behind Pottermore.

Fans are already VERY excited about what it all means. We have no idea, but we can tell you that it's NOT a new Potter book.

A spokeswoman for JK also said it's not directly related to the final film in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, which is being released in July.

(SOURCE: CBBC NEWSROUND)

JK Rowling Reveals Pottermore! (JK Rowling's Secret Street View)

Update: Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling has revealed that the title of the mysterious project we've been following this afternoon is called POTTERMORE. Confirmation came via the projects Twitter account,@Pottermore. This news also completes the speculation of what the last letter of the project would be. Updates coming! Stay close and be sure to follow Pottermore!

The Twitter account has been updated to link to this website: www.Pottermore.com.

Update 2: As a follow up, I was lucky enough to get a preview of @Pottermore recently and it is breathtaking. More details will arrive shortly, so do stay close for the latest on Pottermore.

Following the completion of the seven Harry Potter books and eight films, J.K. Rowling has something new to announce. Even though this is not a new book, we have been informed it is something equally exciting.

As a teaser before the official announcement, ten letters have been hidden on the website below for you to find. To locate them you need to find ten sets of coordinates, enter them into the search box one set at a time, and take a look around.

This is the first coordinate: 42.523356,-70.890698

The rest will be revealed among nine other Harry Potter fan sites at intervals throughout the 15th and 16th of June 2011. Find the coordinates, enter them on the site below and you could be one of the first to piece the word together.

(Please note - These letters are magic, therefore do not exist in the real world...) Good luck to you all.

www.secretstreetview.com

If you're having trouble finding the clue, simply zoom in on the map so you enter the street view!

Other sites with coordinates: MuggleNet, Harry Potter Xperts,
Hpana, Bloghogwarts.com, Snitchseeker.com, Portkey.it, Universharrypotter.com, Clubedoslugue.com.
We now have a fill listing of coordinates from the sites. The letters are: T E O R P E T R O.

Many people are suggesting both "MORE POTTER" AND "POTTERMORE."

What do you think?

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Pottermore Speculation Continues

Last night, ten map coordinates were scattered across nine fan sites and one official Twitter account, revealing letters that spelled out P-O-T-T-E-R-M-O-R-E. The speculation started here with the first letter revealed on Leaky, leading to confirmation that Pottermore is actually J.K. Rowling's newest project. So here is all the latest:

-Leaky has seen a preview of Pottermore and it is, in a word, breathtaking. That is all we are permitted to say at the moment.

-There is an Twitter account, @pottermore as well as a live domain: pottermore.com, which only features J.K. Rowling's signature and a "coming soon" notice.

-Sites overnight have been speculating on images that were posted on the fan site Clubedoslugue.com: These are old images that have been going around for months, and are not Pottermore.

-There has also been a lot of discussion around the trademark information on the word Pottermore. The info, which was registered in 2009, says that Pottermore is trademarked for, among other things, multiple-user networks, online boards, digital audio, printed books, toys, retail stores, and more, and more, and more - in short, pretty much everything. We don't feel this gives much direction one way or the other.

-Stay tuned to Leaky here or at our twitter, @Leaky for all the info!

 (SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

'Deathly Hallows - Part 2' Soundtrack Track List Revealed

THIS IS A SPOILER HEAVY STORY! IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOKS AND DON'T WANT ANY HINTS AS TO THE END OF THE STORY, PASS THIS POSTING BY!

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We're now getting a look at the track list for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2. It has appeared on a few soundtrack sites that we believe are credible.

1. Lily’s Theme
2. The Tunnel
3. Underworld
4. Gringotts
5. Dragon Flight
6. Neville
7. A New Headmaster
8. Panic Inside Hogwarts
9. Statues
10. The Grey Lady
11. In the Chamber of Secrets
12. Battlefield
13. The Diadem
14. Broomsticks and Fire
15. Courtyard Apocalypse
16. Snape’s Demise
17. Severus and Lily
18. Harry’s Sacrifice
19. The Resurrection Stone
20. Harry Surrenders
21. Procession
22. Neville the Hero
23. Showdown
24. Voldemort’s End
25. A New Beginning

The soundtrack will be released on July 12th!

(SOURCE: MUGGELNET)

Tickets For 'Deathly Hallows - Part 2' Now Available In All Theaters

Tickets for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 are now available in all theaters, and we highly recommend grabbing them ASAP before the screening you want runs out!

Simply click here to purchase via Fandango.

All theaters which offer online ticketing now have tickets available.

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

Helena Barlow Cast in 'Deathly Hallows - Part 2'

THIS IS A SPOILER STORY FOR ANYONE WHO HAS NOT READ THE BOOKS. IF YOU DON'T WANT THE ENDING OF THE LAST FILM RUINED FOR YOU, YOU SHOULD SKIP THIS STORY.

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One final bit of casting news has been released today. According to her agency's website, Helena Barlow has been cast as Rose Weasley in Deathly Hallows - Part 2.

Rose is the daughter of Ron and Hermione and appears in the Epilogue scene.
For all we have on the movie check out our Deathly Hallows - Part 2 section.

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

Previewing 'LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7': A Game By Potter Fans For Potter Fans

After attending E3 2011 last week, GamingUnion.net has posted a preview of LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 and it is overwhelmingly positive.

"Hogwarts is now a much more expansive place as you're able to just wander around and attend lessons. You can even walk out the front door and visit other places in the Harry Potter universe, such as King's Cross station."

The game will be based on the films from Order of the Phoenix through Deathly Hallows - Part 2, with six levels to complete per film.

"Aside from the campaign levels, there will be plenty of other things to occupy players, with around 16 extra lessons to undertake in order to learn some extra stuff. There will also be plenty of side-missions and hidden tasks to get Gold Bricks."

You also get the chance to play as the bad guys this time. For everything we have on LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7, check out our Video Games section.

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

Director David Yates Talks 'Potter' Series, Rowling And More In New Interview

In a new interview, Harry Potter director David Yates talks about bringing the series to a close.

He discusses the final day of filming, how he has survived directing four massive blockbusters in a row, J.K. Rowling's involvement, including her role as producer on Deathly Hallows - Part 2.

"You know, it hasn't really changed from the other movies, honestly. She's just always our biggest supporter. And always very graceful and kind and I think, because she's been there throughout, it was time her name was up there. She wants to be up there with us; it's a real privilege."

On realize the magnitude of the fan base:

"It was probably a phase in the cycle around about this stage when you do your interviews and you meet the press and walk up the red carpet. Obviously, you notice the fact that it’s globally popular, but it’s just when the fans come from Mexico or Argentina and camp out all night, you realize what it means to them. And it’s a huge responsibility, actually. Also, there are massive expectations on every movie, and in a curious way, you do your very best with the film. And I’m very proud of this film.".

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

'Harry Potter' Adventures to Get All-Nighter at BFI IMAX

Warner Bros. and BFI IMAX team to unspool movies across
two nights.

LONDON – Harry Potter fans will be wide-eyed in wonderment as the BFI IMAX theater and Warner Bros. Pictures team up for plans to unspool all seven adventures to date across two nights for audiences here.

The BFI IMAX complex in central London will play host to all seven pictures over two nights on two weekends with the same program repeated over the second weekend.

The program kicks off Friday June 17 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005).

Then on Saturday, June 18 it resumes with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010).

Fans will get the chance to do it all again on June 24, 25.

BFI IMAX said it plans to serve free tea and coffee during the 30-minute intervals between each film “to help everyone stay awake all night long.”

And fans are invited to dress up in their most imaginative wizarding outfits, as each night prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

BFI IMAX head of operations Justin Johnson noted that should theatergoers plump for all seven installments, they’d spend “almost 20 hours in the company of all their favorite characters! “

Tickets are priced up to £29.50 ($48) (adults) but brave bookers for both screenings are being offered a joint ticket, saving £10 ($16) on the full price adult ticket.

The move comes ahead of the world rollout of the eighth and final installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, from July 15.

(SOURCE: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER)

First LEGO Harry Potter Y5-7 Video Game Promos of Harry, Ron, Hermione at Hogwarts

The first stills from the upcoming LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7 video game, the sequel to the successful Y1-4 game, were released at this week's E3 gaming convention. The images, featuring Harry, Ron, and Hermione lurking about Hogwarts in the wee hours, as well as Ron in the rubble-strewen courtyard in Deathly Hallows, and Harry and Hermione at the Hogsmeade station, can be found, courtesy of GameSpot, in our galleries.

LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7 video game will be released this holiday season. The full press release issued with the announcement of the game, which included numerous facts about the installment, can be read here.

(SOURCE: SNITCHSEEKER.COM)

Deathly Hallows: Part II NYC Premiere Confirmed for July 11, 2011; New Sweepstakes

Harry Potter fans in the U.S. who own Time Warner Cable can win a chance to attend the New York City premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II, which is set to take place on Monday, July 11, 2011 - four days before the release of the final film - as confirmed by Time Warner to SnitchSeeker. For more information on how to participate, head to Time Warner's official Facebook.

Time Warner Cable digital customers can now enter the Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM – Part 2 Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in New York City. Be the first of your friends to witness the final chapter in the Harry Potter Series!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a two-day, one night trip for two to New York City including airfare and hotel accommodations; as well as two tickets to the premiere screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 on July 15th.

Customers can enter the sweepstakes now through June 19th by completing and submitting the online registration form on the Time Warner Cable Facebook page. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected on June 20th.

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/timewarnercable.

(SOURCE: SNITCHSEEKER.COM)

Pre-Order "Dear Mr. Potter" and Enter for a Chance to Win Amazing Prizes

A few weeks ago, we reported that pre-orders were open for "Dear Mr. Potter: Letters of Love, Loss, and Magic." The book will feature hundreds of letters and pictures from fans and notable fandom figures who have been impacted and inspired by Harry Potter.

As an added bonus for those who have pre-ordered before the book's release, fans will automatically be entered into a draw to win a signed copy from actor Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley)! Between 15 to 20 winners will be selected.

Additionally, 50 fans that pre-order will also be randomly chosen to receive a customized Hogwarts letter with their copy of the book.

"Dear Mr. Potter" goes on sale July 1, 2011. All proceeds from the book will benefit the Harry Potter Alliance.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRDON)

Daniel Radcliffe to Sing at the Tony Awards

Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) is set to sing at the 2011 Tony Awards this Sunday, 12th June, according to both AP and the official Tony Awards website. The actor will perform "Brotherhood of Man" from "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying", the Broadway musical in which he stars in a leading role. Announcing his performance at the Tony Awards, Radcliffe commented, "I think we're one of the first, if not the first." The awards ceremony begins at 8/7c on CBS, so tune in early to make sure you catch the performance!

Adds AP:

Radcliffe was passed over for a Tony nomination, but says he's pulling for co-stars John Larroquette and Tammy Blanchard, who are up for awards. "If John won it would be just amazing," he says. "Only because I have a lot of scenes with him."

Find out more about the Tony Awards here on the official website.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Emma Watson: 'I Wanted To Pretend I Wasn't As Famous As I Was'

Here's a short interview with Emma Watson from OMG! on Yahoo! Emma discusses how fame has been hitting her lately and why she temporarily left Brown University. Thanks so much to our Hogwarts mate Sylvia for the heads up! :-D

The recent widespread reports that "Harry Potter" star Emma Watson left Brown University due to bullying were a bit hard to take. The 21-year-old seems pretty well-adjusted and easy-going and it seemed sad to think that mean-spirited taunts would derail her entire life.

So we feel relieved to find out that this was, in fact, not what led to Emma's departure.

"It made me so sad when all this stuff came out that I left Brown because I was being bullied. It made no sense at all. Brown has been the opposite. I've never even been asked for an autograph on campus. I threw a party for nearly 100 students and not a single person put a photo on Facebook," she told the Sunday Times Style Magazine.

She did indicate, though, that there may have been a few foolish Brown students who occasionally gave her a hard time.

"Anyway, even if I was being given a hard time, I wasn't going to wuss out of university because someone said 'Wingardium leviosa' to me in a corridor, or 'Ten points for Gryffindor,'" she said. "I've been dealing with the media since I was nine. If I can't stand up to a few people giving me a hard time, it's a bit pathetic, really. I've had so much worse."

Watson admitted that she may have miscalculated how easily she'd be able to have a "normal" college existence.

"I was in denial," she told the magazine. "I wanted to pretend I wasn't as famous as I was. I was trying to seek out normality, but I kind of have to accept who I am, the position I'm in and what happened."

And if you imagine that the beautiful Watson is overrun with suitors and dates, it turns out that, surprisingly, that is not the case.

"I say to my friends, 'Why hasn't X called me? Why doesn't anyone ever pursue me?' They're like, 'Probably because they're intimidated.' It must be the fame wall," she said. "It must be the circus that goes around me. Me, as a person, I find it hard to believe I would be intimidating... Sometimes, maybe because they feel intimidated, they feel they have to knock me down. They know perfectly well who I am, but they'll ask me, 'How are the Narnia films going?'... I'm single at the minute."

Somehow we find ourselves feeling bad for Watson now. Will some nice, normal, non-wisecracking guy please ask her out?

(SOURCE: OMG! from YAHOO!)

Voting Now Open for ITV's "50 Greatest Harry Potter Moments"

The U.K. network ITV is preparing a show about the "50 Greatest Harry Potter Moments" which they plan to air in July to coincide with the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2."

Fans are encouraged to vote for some of their favorite moments via the Harry Potter UK Facebook page. Included in the list are scenes like the destruction of the Millennium Bridge in "Half-Blood Prince," the Seven Harrys in "Deathly Hallows - Part 1," and Hagrid telling Harry he's a wizard in the"Sorcerer's Stone."

Voting ends at midnight GMT on June 15th, and fans are able to vote for up to 25 moments. Stay tuned to Leaky - we'll report again when ITV announces a broadcast date for the program!

"Deathly Hallows: Part 2" arrives in theaters on July 15, 2011.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Review: 'Dear Mr. Potter' Is A Must-Read As We Near The Final Potter Film Release

The following is a review of Dear Mr. Potter, a book of letters written by Harry Potter fans who reflect on what the series has done for them.

Dear Mr. Potter is a Chicken Soup for the Harry Potter fan's soul. It's a recollection of the fandom over the years and makes you realize how many fans were impacted by the series. The stories are all quite personal, which makes for an emotional read. There's no doubt in my mind that fans will be pleasantly surprised by the truthful stories and powerful messages found on every page!

I happily contributed to the book and a couple other friends did as well. Evanna Lynch wrote an adorable letter to Luna, and it makes you realize how alike the two people really are. She is a true fan of the series just like everyone who reads this book, and it was fantastic seeing her being a part of this compilation.

Melissa Anelli, who I've worked with over the years, shares a very touching story that I'm glad she shared. By reading stories like Melissa's you'll see how everyone has a personal reason why Harry Potter has meant so much to them, and it's truly heartwarming to hear each one.

It's a must-read at this interesting time in the Potter fandom where we're about to experience our final movie release.

You can learn more about Dear Mr. Potter at this link. The book is available for pre-order, and proceeds benefit the Harry Potter Alliance.

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

WB Release New Harry Potter Featurette: Screen Test, Brand New Interviews and Clips from All Eight Films (Updated)

Warner Bros. have this evening released a brand new Harry Potter featurette with clips from all eight films, including slightly extended footage from the trailer for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2". You can watch the featurette and download it in the Leaky Video Galleries or here on iTunes' Movie Trailers website. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Director David Yates and Producer David Heyman are amongst those to appear in this new video, speaking briefly about the end of the series. The featurette opens with a segment from the first screen test with Dan, Rupert and Emma and includes many behind-the-scenes glances at directors, cast and crew alike.

Watch at this link. Please note that this featurette contains clips from the final installment in the Harry Potter series.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

MTV Movie Awards Premiers New "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" Clip; Tom Felton Wins for Best Villain (Updated with Video Clip)

Moments ago, Harry Potter actress Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) debuted an exclusive new clip from the forthcoming "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" film at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards. The 75 second clip features a slightly longer look at the moment where Harry enters the forest to meet face to face with Lord Voldemort. The clip then rolls into previously seen footage from the previously released first trailer from the film. We expect the full video to appear online shortly, and will update here when we have it.

Update: You can now find the rather spoilery video clip at this link in our galleries, where you can also download it in .wmv and iPod compatible format.

On a related note, actor Tom Felton went home with the golden popcorn statue for best villain as Draco Malfoy in "Deathly Hallows: Part 1." Many congratulations, Tom!

Stick close for further updates and video!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Evanna Lynch to Appear at LeakyCon 2011!

Leaky and LeakyCon are what can only be described as totally-freakin'-thrilled to announce that Evanna Lynch, who plays Luna Lovegood, will be joning the festivities at LeakyCon 2011, our conference in Orlando, Fl, next month.

In 2006 Evanna Lynch answered an open casting call for the role of Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films, and her life was changed forever. She went from being one of the series' most ardent fans to the cinematic personification of one of the fans' favorite characters. She was 14, and had only acted in school plays before; she took to the role with a level of passion and spirit only a true fan can apply. She has played Luna in the final half of the Potter films to acclaim by fans and critics alike, and remains one of Harry Potter's most enthusiastic supporters.

Evanna has also turned her creativity to fashion, bringing to life Luna's famous radish earrings as well as designing the lion hat worn by Luna in the sixth film. She has actively supported charity efforts such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland and the HP Alliance, speaking out on issues of self-esteem and body image. She is currently finishing her studies and is excited to continue her acting career after Harry Potter.

LeakyCon 2011 is honored to call Evanna Lynch a friend, and yet even prouder to add her to the roster of special guests this July.

Evanna will be doing signings (for which there will be no charge) and photo sessions, which are available (but not guaranteed) for all registered attendees. (We are arranging a system that assures our best efforts.) Access to the photos and signings will be prioritized by level of registration.

You can now register for a new keynote featuring Evanna and all the attending actors. This will be SATURDAY, JULY 16, at 1pm. (This does not interfere with any other keynote - in fact it is on the same stage as StarKid and more than an hour after that is over. :)

This keynote is available to add to your registration from inside your LeakyCon.com account. Please login at LeakyCon.com, go to the My Registration page and look for this keynote to add to your events. Attendees of this event will be given priority access to photos and signings with Evanna as well.

This is the fourth and last of our keynote annoncements. We will be announcing and highlighting more special events over the next week, and releasing a full schedule soon.

Main registration for LeakyCon 2011 is now sold out, but you can add your name to a waiting list here. Our park event, "Open at the Close," is also sold out, and you may add your name to the waiting list here. Two of our previously announced keynotes - Arthur Levine and StarKid Potter - are also sold out, but this one as well as our EA Games are available. However we anticipate they will both sell out as well, so please be speedy.

Help us celebrate Evanna's presence by sending an excited tweet to @evy_lynch. :)

Less than 40 days to go! See you SOON!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

JK Rowling Dicusses Life-Changing Books, eBooks and More in New Interview

The June 2011 issue of the literary magazine Words with Jam recently published an exclusive interview with Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

Ms. Rowling talks about some of her favorite books to read as a child, the challenge of balancing a family and writing, her (messy!) work space, and her opinion on the eBook debate.

The interview is available to read for free online beginning on page 6.

Some excerpts from the interview:

What was your favourite childhood book, or books?

The Little White Horse, by Elizabeth Goudge. The tone is perfect; a seamless mix of the fairy-tale and the real. It also has a plain heroine, which delighted me beyond words as a child, because I was a very plain little girl and I hadn’t met many literary heroines who weren’t breathtakingly pretty. The opening paragraphs of The Little White Horse have stayed with me all my life. Goudge says that there are three kinds of people in this world: those who find consolation in food, those who find consolation in literature, and those who find consolation in personal adornment.

I know I read Little Women when I was eight, because we moved house shortly afterwards, when I was nine. Naturally, I whole-heartedly identified with Jo March, she of the burning literary ambition and short temper. My mother had everything Georgette Heyer ever wrote, so I whipped through those, too, when I was a pre-teen, and I FINALLY found a plain heroine there, too (Phoebe, in ‘Sylvester’, who also – hooray! - happened to be a writer).

Basically, I lived for books, and was sustained by literary characters with whom I could identify – I was your basic, common-or-garden bookworm, complete with freckles and National Health spectacles.

Ebooks - Nemesis or Genesis?

Genesis. There’s no point trying to hold back progress, but print will never die; there’s no substitute for the feel of an actual book. I adore physically turning pages, and being able to underline passages and not worrying about dropping them in the bath or running out of power. I also find print books objects of beauty, and I don’t speak as a precious, first-edition-mustn’t-crack-the-spine-type collector, but as somebody who loves a shiny new paperback, and the smell of second-hand books.

However, there are times when e-books are a Godsend. We forgot to pack my youngest a bedtime book when we were away last year, and I truly appreciated the magic of being able to download one in seconds! This summer will be the first time that I take away fifty e-books to read while we’re on holiday, rather than filling up my suitcase with print books.

Which word or phrase do you overuse – in writing or in life?

I’m not proud to say that it’s probably swearwords in every day life. Writing the Harry Potter books, I got sick to death of the words ‘passage’, ‘corridor’ and all others relating to my heroes’ endless movement around Hogwarts castle.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

'Potter' Producer David Heyman to Receive 'Producer of the Decade' Honor

The producer of all eight Harry Potter films will be receiving a prestigious honor later this month at CineEurope!

He will receive the 'Producer of the Decade' award for his work on the franchise.

Says organizers:

“It is a great pleasure for CineEurope to be able to acknowledge and pay tribute to a very prolific international producer who produced the wildly successful Harry Potter franchise as well as many other blockbuster films and an array of independent films.”

Heyman will also be screening Deathly Hallows - Part 2 for attendees (not open to the public) the same day.

(SOURCE: MUGGELNET)

Rupert Grint Introduces Second "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" Video Game Trailer (Updated with Screencaps)

EA Games has released a brand new trailer for the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" video game, which comes out this summer. Ron Weasley actor Rupert Grint introduces the trailer, which you can watch on YouTube, embedded below and in our video galleries. Update: You can find screencaps from the trailer here in our galleries.

Describing the character-based trailer, EA writes:

This new trailer introduces the characters that players will be able to play to assist Harry Potter as he battles to save Hogwarts. With Hogwarts under siege from Voldemort’s dark forces, players can not only play as Harry, but also step into the shoes of 8 iconic Wizard heroes as each plays their part to defeat the Dark Lord. Joining Harry Potter on this most urgent quest are Ron, Hermione, Neville, Seamus, Ginny, Molly and the powerful Professor McGonagall. The fate of the Wizarding world rests in their individual triumph or failure!

The game is due to be released on the 12th July this year.






(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Eighth 'Deathly Hallows - Part 2' Poster Released Featuring Bellatrix

Hey Bellatrix, call us! You're lookin' good in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.

Check out the poster for the evil witch at this link.

And see the other posters released so far:

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Voldemort, Draco, Snape

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)