Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:38:34 -0400 Documentary Video: Rowling Reveals Regrets and Frustrations

During an interview for a BBC Scotland documentary, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowing revealed that she regretted not telling her mother about Harry Potter prior to her mother's death. Her mother died of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) six months after Jo began writing about Harry Potter.

"I started writing Harry six months before she died. That's obviously a real regret, because I never told her I was even writing it. She knew I wanted to write - I'm not sure how seriously she took it. She never knew anything about Harry Potter at all."

Jo also expressed her frustration for funding of MS research and her pain at watching her mother's decline from the disease.

Because of her experience with her mother's disease, Jo is a patron of the VOLANT Charitable Trust, which supports MS research and issues dealing with social deprivation, with a particular emphasis on women’s and children’s issues.

You can see a video of her interview here. You can read the entire article here. The documentary is scheduled to air tomorrow.

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:38:52 -0400 Daniel Radcliffe Says Hello To A Fan In Kendal

The Westmorland Gazette reported the story of how a local woman recognized Daniel Radcliffe who portrays “Harry Potter” in the film adaptations of the book series by J.K. Rowling. Deb Parry, an English teacher at The Queen Katherine School in Kendal, saw the young actor while she was out with friends at Paulo Gianni’s restaurant.

“My daughter, four, has a Harry Potter obsession. I knew I’d always regret it if I didn’t get his autograph for her.”

Not only did Mr. Radcliffe give Ms. Parry an autograph, he also posed with her for a picture which can be seen here.

Awww, wasn’t that nice of him? smile

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:10:52 -0400 Scholastic: Wish Harry Potter a Happy Birthday

As many of you know, July 31st is Harry Potter's birthday and Scholastic, the US publisher of the Harry Potter books, wants you to send a birthday wish to him. You can input your name and your birthday wish here.

Thanks to Blog Hogwarts.

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:01:37 -0400 Watson & Tennant: Nominated For Disney’s Greenest Star

Metro.co.uk posted an article of the names on the shortlist of celebrity nominees for the Greenest Star Award at Playhouse Disney's Playing for the Planet Awards. Emma Watson, known as “Hermione Granger” in the Harry Potter films, was nominated for her efforts to support the Wild Trout Trust. David Tennant, who had the role of "Barty Crouch, Jr." in Goblet of Fire and is now known for his title role in the BBC series Doctor Who, was nominated for his endorsement of hybrid cars.

Click here to read more.

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:32:59 -0400 Happy Birthday to Jamie Waylett!

Happy Birthday, Jamie Waylett!
Jamie Waylett, who has the role of Draco Malfoy's Slytherin sidekick Vincent Crabbe in the Harry Potter films, is 19 years old today. He was born in London, England and is the youngest of four children.

According to his official website, Mr. Waylett was first considered for the role of Dudley Dursley after a casting agent came to his school and took pictures for the Harry Potter films. Instead, he was asked to go to Leavesden Studios to audition for Crabbe.

Per his website, Mr. Waylett likes to draw, watch DVDs, play his Playstation games, paint and ride his bike when he is not filming.

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 21:16:03 -0400 New Half-Blood Prince Set Report

French magazine Studio had the chance to visit the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince set at Leavesden Studios and have posted their report. The visit was done during the filming of when Professor Slughorn (Jim Broadbent) invites Harry (Dan Radcliffe) to his Christmas party. It includes small descriptions of some of the sets at Leavesden and discusses the trio. You can see translated version of the report here.

Thanks to the Daily Snitcher and PotterParodies.

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:02:45 -0400 Signs of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

As the construction at Universal Studios Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter continues to grow, signs of the theme park are appearing. IOACentral have some new photos of some of the construction, including some signs that show a castle for Hogwarts, owls, and a logo for Hogsmeade. You can see them here.

The theme park is expected to open some time at the end of 2009 or the beginning of 2010.

Thanks to MuggleNet.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:45:42 -0400 Another Real Woman Role For Julie Walters

We previously reported about Julie Walters’ portrayal of Mary Whitehouse, the woman who challenged the BBC during the 1960’s, in a movie for BBC2. According to an article in MailOnline, the actress, known as “Molly Weasley” in the Harry Potter films, has accepted the role of Dr. Anne Turner for a BBC1 TV film. Dr. Turner was a medical practitioner from Bath who became publicly known in 2006 for announcing her intention to end her life by means of assisted suicide after being diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a neurological degenerative disease.

A Short Stay In Switzerland will be directed by Simon Curtis. Mr. Curtis also directed the mini-series Cranford which starred Dame Judi Dench and Dame Eileen Atkins. He was quoted to have said that Ms. Walters has “that extra ingredient the public responds to; Dame Judi has that, too. The audience love to go on the journey she takes them on”.

Click here to read the complete article.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:27:27 -0400 Future Theater Projects For Fiennes and Griffiths

We have previously reported that Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon Dursley) will appear in the Broadway production of Equus with Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter). We have also reported that Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort) is performing in Gate/Beckett for New York’s Lincoln Center Festival which started two days ago on July 16.

Now according to an article posted on MailOnline, Griffiths and Fiennes have committed to future theatrical projects after the run of their current productions.

Click here to read more.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:32:55 -0400 Video Interview: Oldman Speaks Well Of Radcliffe

For his "The Lyons Den" at ET online, Ben Lyon spoke to Gary Oldman who will be appearing as "Commissioner Gordon" in The Dark Knight. Mr. Oldman, who also portrayed “Sirius Black” in the Harry Potter films, briefly mentions his high regard for Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and how well the younger actor seems to be handling his fame and millions.

Click here to see the video.

Thanks Snitchseeker

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Harry Potter Rumormonger

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:47:27 +0000 Support HarryPotter.ca Hogwarts & Order Deathly Hallows from Us

We finally have our shop up and running at HarryPotter.ca Hogwarts. It’s about time, yes I know. We inked a relationship with Amazon.ca to sell all the Harry Potter books, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows through Hogwarts. View Hogwarts Book Shop here. By purchasing your books through us, not only do you receive some [...]

By purchasing your books through us, not only do you receive some awesome discounts, but you help support the site tremendously. After chatting with some of you, you’re well aware I’m a one person team, working hard to make this the best Harry Potter site around. By purchasing the books through HarryPotter.ca Hogwarts, you’re supporting the site by helping me use that money to further build and enhance Hogwarts into an even better site.

So tell all your friends and family about HarryPotter.ca Hogwarts. Got a website, love to see a link to us….and we’ll do the same. Rock on Harry Potter and I look forward to seing you all in your Common Rooms!

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:40:22 +0000 The Defenders of Severus Snape

As fans prepare for the release of That Book Whose Ending Must Not Be Spoiled, we’ve noticed that one particular group of readers is waiting, hoping, and worrying about the fellow they love. “I have to admit I was NEVER this nervous,” confesses one devoted webmistress. Concerned over the fate of Harry James Potter? Well, sure, they’re curious about whether Harry lives or dies, but the hearts of these fans pound with another question: What becomes of their beloved Severus Snape? Will the Half-Blood Prince turn out to be evil or good?

Fan site “itrustsnape.com” has inspired a robust search attendance and boasts a Trust List nearly 2,000 names strong. These fans believe in their man, despite the fact that he was the reason behind Book 6 search spikes like “snape kills dumbledore.” Queries these days are more along the lines of “the great snape debate,” “snape friend or foe,” and “is snape good or evil?”

Good, evil, or a little bit of both, the Professor is definitely charismatic. Witness the many Snape fan sites in the Yahoo! Directory. The SnapeCast podcast even celebrates Snape’s “fabulous fashion sense.” This could have a bit to do with Snape’s onscreen incarnation; ladies between 35-54 are particularly inclined to seek out “alan rickman.”

Some searchers invoke Professor Snape’s tormented youth and seek out “snape’s worst memory,” “young severus snape,” and—how could you not feel a stab of sympathy over this one?— “snape and unrequited love.”

Come July 21, will Snape fans also have their hearts broken? Or will the Order of the Trust List stand vindicated and proud? And remember, support Hogwarts and get your Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book through HarryPotter.ca. Order book 7, and all the other Harry Potter books today.

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