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)