New HBP Stills in EW

The most recent issue of Entertainment Weekly features a new image of Dan Radclffe as Harry Potter on it's cover. As such, the issue features quite a few new articles about and images from Half-Blood Prince. Of note, the magazine features a still of Snape and Narcissa making the unbreakable vow. All these new images can be viewed at hbpmoviepics.

UPDATE: More pictures are online tonight. Thanks to hbpmoviepics via Pipoca Combo, you can view these pictures here.

Half-Blood Prince Released Pushed to July 2009

Warner Brothers announced today that the release date for the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince film has been pushed back from November 21, 2008 to July 17, 2009.

Concerning the release date change, Alan Horn, President and Chief Operating Officer, said:

Our reasons for shifting 'Half-Blood Prince' to summer are twofold: we know the summer season is an ideal window for a family tent pole release, as proven by the success of our last Harry Potter film, which is the second-highest grossing film in the franchise, behind only the first installment. Additionally, like every other studio, we are still feeling the repercussions of the writers' strike, which impacted the readiness of scripts for other films--changing the competitive landscape for 2009 and offering new windows of opportunity that we wanted to take advantage of. We agreed the best strategy was to move 'Half-Blood Prince' to July, where it perfectly fills the gap for a major tent pole release for mid-summer.

Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, confirmed:

The release date change does not alter the production schedule for this or future Harry Potter films. Post-production on 'Half-Blood Prince' was completed on time, and the studio's release plans for the two-part 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' will not be affected by this change. We know Harry Potter fans are eagerly anticipating seeing the final chapters unfold onscreen. In fact, the good news for them is that the gap will now be shortened between 'Half-Blood Prince' and the first part of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

David Heyman, the producer of all the Harry Potter films, added:

When Jeff Robinov explained the rationale behind moving the release date of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' to July 2009, it was immediately apparent that this offered us the potential to reach the widest possible audience. I am extremely proud of this latest film and of the work of David Yates and our incomparable cast; I believe we have developed and pushed the series further still. We are all looking forward to sharing it with Harry Potter fans around the world, even if we have to wait just a bit longer.

David Yates, the director:

It has been a joy to work on 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.' Dan, Rupert and Emma and all our returning young cast continue to blossom, and our new cast members bring fresh color and life to Hogwarts. Even as we put the finishing touches on this latest film, we are already beginning preparations on the final two films--we start filming in February--and I am excited to bring this remarkable series to the exciting and moving conclusion its loyal fans deserve.

HBP Game to be Designed With Wii In Mind; New Trailer

IGN has more news concerning the Half-Blood Prince video game today. The first big news is that the game is being developed with Wii controls in mind first, and then ported to other systems. The preview goes on to discuss the Wii controls, in more detail than we've seen previously. You can read the full article here.

In addition, the preview include a new trailer for the video game, which you can watch (scroll down).

IGN Previews HBP for Nintendo DS

IGN has another new review of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game. This review focuses on the Nintendo DS version of the game.

Since Potions Class is a major part of the storyline for the game, players will have to attend class and learn to make various concoctions. Unlike the Wii version, players can use the potions they make, usually in the Wizarding Duel portions of the game. The potions class is a pretty straightforward design. There's a cauldron and some ingredients, and players follow the on screen instructions. Grab an ingredient with the stylus, pour the specified amount into the cauldron. Stir. Pour some more. Fan the flames. It's all stylus controlled and measures players on accuracy and speed. There seemed to be a large amount of available potions to make, from pretty mundane health potions to more interesting things like shrinking potions.

The full and lengthy review can be viewed here.

Watson Recognized for Fashion and Style

Emma Watson's official is reporting that Emma Watson has been featured in Harper's Bazaar magazine. Scans can be viewed here

The website also reports that the Hermione Granger actress was listed as one of Vogue's best dressed celebrities, at number 8, for the outfit she wore at to the Cartier International Polo Tournament in Windsor a few weeks back.

Lily Potter Actress to Finish Series

Geraldine Somerville, in an interview with Manchester Evening News, confirmed that she will reprise her role as Lily Potter in the final Potter films: “I’ll just come in and do my little, ‘I am Lily Potter,’ and go quietly.”

When asked if she ever gets recognized by fans, she replied, "Occasionally a bit, I suppose. I’m not surprised when it happens – I am in it!”

New HP Candy

MTV has a new article online that discusses some of the new and upcoming food products we can expect in the coming months. Among the listed candies, MTV tried Acid Pops, Crystallized Pineapple, Cockroach Clusters, Cinnamon Pixies, Every Flavor Chocolates, Sugar Quills, Peppermint toads, Dementor Kisses, Unicorn Droppings, Coconut Ice, Floo Poder, and Chocolate wands.

Several of these new candies have been released and can be purchased through Whimsic Alley.

Happy Birthday, Ginny Weasley

J.K. Rowling's official website has been updated to wish Ginny Weasley a happy birthday.

Trailer Reaction and Terminus

The staff has been spread out since the release of the Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer reaction, and, as such, we have been unable to record our collective reactions. I'll be in Chicago for Terminus this week; I'll be at the airport at 5 in the morning tomorrow. Once in Chicago I'll attempt to record an mini-OwlCast, along with video interviews with conference attendees.

Until then, you guys can watch my youtube reaction to the trailer below:

New HBP Set Report from ACED Magazine

DR.com's ACED Magazine has a published a new set report from the set of Half-Blood Prince, which includes a new picture of Daniel Radcliffe on set.

Whether touring around the Great Hall, flopping on the chair in Dumbledore's office, or tinkering about in the Weasleys' kitchen -- there is always something to feast your eyes and fingers upon. If that's not enough, there are giant spiders and creepy-crawly hairy things awaiting you in the creature shack out back. Lets just say, they look real enough to freak any unsuspecting passer by to death past twilight.

After viewing some of the photography mounted on the press walls, I can definitely say Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) walks through fire in this upcoming installment of Harry lore. And after chatting with him, one definitely gets the notion that this release will make its predecessor look like a whisper in the wind by comparison.

New HBP Promos on Merchandise Covers

A couple new promo shots of some of the actors from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince have appeared on calendar, poster book, and sticker book covers. You can view these new images here, here, andhere.

Beedle of the Bard to Include Intro by Dumbledore

Scholastic, the US Harry Potter publishers, has updated their website with information concerning the content that will be included in the Tales of the Beedle of the Bard, mainly an introduction by Dumbledore:

Professor Dumbledore’s commentary—apparently written some eighteen months before his death—reveals not just his vast knowledge of Wizarding lore, but also more of his personal qualities: his sense of humor, his courage, his pride in his abilities, and his hard-won wisdom. Names familiar from the Harry Potter novels sprinkle the pages, including Aberforth Dumbledore, Lucius Malfoy and his forebears, and Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington (or “Nearly Headless Nick”), as well as other professors at Hogwarts and the past owners of the Elder Wand. Dumbledore tells us of incidents unique to the Wizarding world, like hilariously troubled theatrical productions at Hogwarts or the dangers of having a “hairy heart.” But he also reveals aspects of the Wizarding world that his Muggle readers might find all too familiar, like censorship, intolerance, and questions about the deepest mysteries in life.

Also, you can view the US cover art, illustrated by Mary Grandpre, here, and the UK cover art here.

All proceeds from the book will go to the Children's High Level Group (Jo's Charity). You can pre-order your copy of the standard ($7.59) or collector's ($100) edition of the book at Amazon.

Three Broomsticks Included in HP Theme Park

Universal just announced through email that The Three Broomsticks will be a part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park in Orlando, Florida. For months the theme park's website has had a poll asking visitors what restaurant they'd prefer to have at the park, and The Three Broomsticks won.

In addition, Universal has released early concept art of what the restaurant might look like, which you can view here.

The theme park's website now has a new poll up asking: "If you could order a drink at The Three Broomsticks, what would it be?" You can choose between Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice (sorry, no option for both), here.

Beedle the Bard to be Published This December

J.K. Rowling announced in the news section of her official website today that The Tales of Beedle the Bard will be published on December 4, 2008. All proceeds will go towards Jo's charity, the Children's High Level Group.

There was understandable disappointment among Harry Potter fans when only one copy of "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" was offered to the public last December. I am therefore delighted to announce that, thanks to the generous support of Bloomsbury, Scholastic and Amazon (who bought the handwritten copy at auction) - and with the blessing of the wonderful people who own the other six original books - "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" will now be widely available to all Harry Potter fans.

This new edition of Beedle will not only feature the five tales and Jo's illustrations, but "notes by Professor Albus Dumbledore, which appear by generous permission of the Hogwarts Headmasters' Archive.' 'Dumbledore's commentary on the Tales, which was discovered among his papers after his death, includes some historical notes, personal reminiscences, and insights into that most mysterious branch of magic: wandlore."

A special collector's edition will also be available to the public. Available exclusively through Amazon, the collector's edition is designed to look like the original handcrafted Beedle:

includes a reproduction of J.K. Rowling's handwritten introduction, as well as 10 additional illustrations not found in the Standard Edition. Opening the cover of the case reveals a velvet bag embroidered with J.K. Rowling's signature, in which sits the piece de resistance: your very own copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, complete with metal skull, corners, and clasp; replica gemstones; and emerald ribbon.

You can pre-order your copy of the standard ($7.59) or collector's ($100) edition of the book at Amazon.

Rupert Talks Teaser Trailer With MTV

MTV has a new interview with actor Rupert Grint, in which he talks about the recently released Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer.

When asked about some of the negative fan reactions to the trailer (a.k.a. too-much-Riddle-not-enough-everything-else complaints), Rupert said: "It’s only a teaser, just to get people excited."

Despite being Riddle-centric (no complaints here), the teaser trailer did show us a glimpse of Rupert's character, Ron, who is shown on the ground after being poisoned.

“He gets poisoned quite a bit in this film,” Grint laughed, referring to Romilda Vane’s chocolate cauldrons and Slughorn's tainted firewhisky. “That was a really fun scene,” Grint said.

Half-Blood Prince Teaser Trailer Online

UPDATE #2:
MTV has posted a shot by shot breakdown of the trailer, which you can read here

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UPDATE:
AOL Moviefone now has the trailer in three High Definition formats:
480pp
720pp
1080pp

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It's finally here! The long awaited Half-Blood Prince teaser is online and can be viewed exclusively at AOL Video.

Two New Teaser Trailer Stills

In addition to yesterday's two stills from the Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer, which will be released online at 9pm EST tonight, USA Today has posted two additional photos. The first of the new photos shows Harry looking at the container of Riddle's memory, while the second shows Dumbledore looking into a cabinet with memory in "little tubes".

UPDATE: Another still from the trailer (another Dumbledore office pic) is now online and can be viewed over at Portus.

First Look at Young Tom Riddle (In Costume) And Other Important HBP News

A few weeks back we had out first look at young Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who will portray an 11-year-old Tom Riddle. Tonight we have our first look at the actor in costume (minus the long flowing Lucius hair). USA Today has a new sneak peek at the upcoming sixth Potter film, which not only includes a still of young Riddle (check out young Dumbledore in background), but a still of Dumbledore surrounded his magical rings of fire (UK cover art moment).

These images ARE from the teaser trailer, that AOL will debut online tomorrow. The article further confirms that the trailer is indeed attached to the Mummy 3 and that film editing is complete for Half-Blood Prince, with test screenings begining next month.

UPDATE: A leak of the trailer is now online!

New HBP Potter Products at Comic-Con

It's that time of year, Comic-Con! As such, photos of some new Harry Potter merchandise being showcased on Comic-Con's show floor have surfaced online. You can see photos of new Half-Blood Prince NECA action figures (1, 2, 3) and board game (1, 2), thanks to MN. Gentle Giants is also showcasing some new Potter busts; unfortunately, they are prohibiting photography.

UPDATE: Further photos from the show floor can be viewed, thanks to Leaky, starting here.

HBP Teaser Trailer to Debut Online Tuesday

Yesterday, we reported that the Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer would broadcast via satellite on on Tuesday, July 29th from 9:00pm – 9:15pm EST (6:00pm – 6:15pm PST) and Wednesday, July 30th from 6:00am – 6:15am EST (3:00am -3:15am PST).

Our friends over at BlogHogwarts have let us know that Warner Brothers has confirmed that the teaser trailer will also become available online the same day, Tuesday, exclusively on AOL.

IGN Previews HBP Wii Demo at Comic-Con

As many of you already know, Comic-Con 2008 is being held in San Diego this weekend. IGN now has a report online from the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game demo on the show floor.

You can take an easy potions course or an advanced potions course, play a Seeker mini-game, or face off in a wand duel. Now, don't panic; the segments of the today's demo will just be integrated into the story mode. Half-Blood Prince is going to stick with the gigantic, living Hogwarts that you wander around to get missions. The game's even adding changing times of day so it won't perpetually be noon outside and different student moods to accompany those times -- i.e. a kid who is super-energized in the morning might be rundown by the evening.

The preview goes on to talk of the Potions and Seeker mini games in detail (including discussion of Wii flight controls). It also talks about how the game has improved it's combat sequences for the Wii, which were one of the biggest complaints about the Order of the Phoenix Wii game.

Thankfully, those complaints have been addressed in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Not only will you be able to move while you cast spells, but you can also tap the A button for quick dodge. When I raised my wand to go up against Draco Malfoy on the famed dueling platform, I got a crash course in a few of the spells available to me. Pushing the Wiimote down and then raising it up cast the Stupefy spell, lifting both the nunchuk and Wiimote into the air called for Wingardium Leviosa, and slashing both controllers in a diagonal line cast a protective spell. Expelliarmus and Petrificus Totalus were also part of my Potter arsenal, but my bout came down to me running from side to side while firing off energy orbs.

Speaking of the HBP video game, a larger shot of the game cover art is now online, and can be viewed over at hbpmoviepics.

HBP Sticker Book Scans

A handful of new sticker book scans and promotional banners, featuring new shots from Half-Blood Prince, have made their way online. These new images can be seen here, here, and here, thanks to hbpmoviepics.

WB Confirms HBP Teaser Trailer to Air Via Satellite Tuesday

Warner Brothers confirmed today (FINALLY!) that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer will air via satellite on Tuesday, July 29th from 9:00pm – 9:15pm EST (6:00pm – 6:15pm PST). The trailer will air a second time on Wednesday, July 30th from 6:00am – 6:15am EST (3:00am -3:15am PST) as well.

I most undoubtedly believe that the trailer become available online shortly after (if not at the same simultaneously) it becomes available via satellite.

Also included in the press release was the below film description:

Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

OwlCast Episode 51: Scar!

It's out late this week (this is what I get for trying to earn some credits in the summer), but OwlCast Episode 51 is here. This episode marks the end of the Deathly Hallows chapter discussion, which ties in quite nicely with the one year anniversary of the book's release.

- Stuart Craig and the split.
- Real teaser trailer, please.
- Felix Felicies.
- Nineteen Years Later...
- LOSTies.
- The Malfoys.
- Ron's extremely famous.
- Book 8.

You can download this episode via iTunes or directly (Right Click..., Save As).

Happy Birthday,Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe, who portrays Harry in the Potter films, turns 19 today. Happy Birthday, Dan!

The J.K. Rowling Suite

The hotel where J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is now reopening the room the author stayed in as the "J.K. Rowling Suite" (aka room 552). The room will run you around £1,000 per night, but several wealthy fans have already checked in to the room, which features the signed bust of Hermes that Jo signed during her stay.

An unnamed worker at the hotel said: "As JK Rowling finished her book in this suite, we thought it would be a nice way to honour this. The room is exactly the same as when Miss Rowling finished her book there."

...

The only other changes are a brass plaque that has been fixed to the front door and the door knocker being replaced by a brass owl in homage to those featured in the books.

Potter Actors Attend Lonond Dark Knight Premiere

A number of Harry Potter actors were in attendance at the London Dark Knight premiere this evening. Among the many celebrities were James & Olive Phelps (Fed & George Weasley), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Jessie Cave (Lavendar Brown), and Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy).

You can view pictures of the actors at the premiere over at Getty Images, WireImage, and Rex Features.

Happy Birthday, Jamie Waylett

A happy birthday to Jamie Waylett (aka Crabbe) who celebrates his 19th birthday today.

15 IMAX HBP Teaser Trailer and High-Res Harry & Slughorn Picture

Okay first up, the 15 second long teaser trailer that debuted in front of Batman: Dark Knight IMAX is now up on youtube. While it only shows the logo, the trailer does have a one-liner from Dumbledore:



Secondly, Warner Brothers has released a high resolution version of the new photo of Harry and Slughorn that was featured in Entertainment Weekly. You can view it over at hbpmoviepics.

New HBP Image of Harry and Slughorn

Entertainment Weekly published a new still from Half-Blood Prince in their issue for this week, which coincidentally features Robert Patterson (Cedric Diggory) as Edward Cullen (a highly photoshoped Edward Cullen) on the cover. The new still shows Harry and Slughorn in the potions classroom, and can be viewed here.

In other photo news, several new promotional shots from Order of the Phoenix have cropped up online, which can be viewed here, here, here, and here. Also, some new sticker book covers have cropped up as well; however, the shots of Hermione, Snape, and Voldemort are from Order of the Phoenix.

HBP Teaser Trailer to Release With Mummy 3?

Our friends at BlogHogwarts is reporting today that Warner Brothers Mexico has sent them an email confirming the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer will be attached to The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, which will hit theaters on August 1, 2008. The trailer will be released online the same day.

This news has also been sent out through Warner Brother Brazil, according to Oclumencia. No official word from Warner Brothers US or UK has yet been heard of.

While this all seems like an official and final announcement about the trailer. I can't help but say to take it with just a tiny tiny grain of salt; there has just been so many trailer rumors over the weeks. Hopefully we will hear more in the next few days.

New HBP Video Game Screenshots from E3

As many of you already know, the big gaming conference E3 is being held this week. A few new screenshots from the game are now avaiable to view over at IGN from E3.

Also, being the nerd that I am, I have spotted the Harry Potter logo in the background in the background of some of the video footage that has been airing on G4. If anyone has any information on a possible booth or demo, please contact us at theowlery dot org at gmail dot com.

Picture of the Cave Scene?

Potterish discovered an image at Mega Calendars of the cover of a 2009 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince calendar. We've already seen the picture of Harry featured on the cover; however, the background shows a new picture of Dumbledore and Harry in the cave. However, the background image, which can be seen here, seems a bit illustrated and may not be an actual still from the film. Treat the image as a rumor until we find out more.

15 Second HBP Trailer With Dark Knight IMAX

As we've previously mentioned, there is a lot of speculation that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince trailer debut with Batman: The Dark Knight. ComingSoon.net is now reporting that the trailer will not appear with the film, but a short 15 second trailer will appear along side the Dark Knight IMAX.

There's been much speculation that we'll be seeing the first trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, but it looks like Harry Potter fans will have to wait a bit longer for the first footage. Our guess is it will be shown with the studio's Star Wars: The Clone Wars on August 15, but that's not confirmed.

It looks like moviegoers who go see it in IMAX, however, might just get a super brief glimpse at the sixth installment. Scooper 'Renata' contacted IMAX who told her that there will be a 15 second teaser for "Half-Blood Prince." Our guess is that it's just announcing that the movie is coming to IMAX as well.

This 15 second trailer may not show any new footage. It is possible that it might just be a title screen advertising HBP IMAX. As always, we will continue to update as we learn more.

OwlCast Episode 50: Voldemort Is A Freak

Mary and I are back this week for our landmark 50th episode of OwlCast. This week we talk about all the exciting Half-Blood Prince news and chapter 36 of Deathly Hallows

- HBP Footage and Conventions.
- The code of silence has been broken.
- Republicans for Voldemort.
- First looks at Slughorn, Romilda Vane, and Lavender.
- How is Neville in Advanced Potions and not a single Ravenclaw?
- Much HBP Talk.
- Where is the trailer?
- Magical pockets?
- The importance of Narcissa.
- What Harry died for.
- Voldemort's victory.
- Many things happen at once.
- The final battle.
- After the credits.

You can download this episode via iTune or directly (Right Click..., Save As).

DH Split at Ron's Return?

Our friend Megan, over at the Magical Menagerie has posted scans from the latest Movie Magic Magazine, which features some new interviews with the cast and crew of the Potter films. While she is not allowed to post all the scans concerning Potter from the magazine she did manage to scan a page with an interesting tidbit concerning Deathly Hallows. In an interview with Stuart Craig, the set designer was asked what he thought about the last film being split in two:

I think we were all curious where the break between films will take place. Would the first movie end with a slightly anti-climactic ending? Of course we don't know. I've heard it suggested that the first film ends with the return of Ron Weasley. Ron has a falling out with Harry and leaves his friends, so is return is an emotional high. I guess that could provide a very satisfactory ending. I don't know if Steve Kloves, the writer, agrees, but we'll find out when we receive that first script.

This DOES NOT mean the film will be split with the return of Ron. It is just one of crew member's (the set designer not the writer) opinion. We will update, of course, the moment we know where the split will be.

Additional scans can be viewed here.

Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice to be Served at Harry Potter Theme Park

The Theme Park Insider has a new interview today with Universal Orlando's Head Chef, Steve Jayson who currently overseas operations at Mythos restaurant at Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida, which won Theme Park Insider's award as the world's best theme park restaurant. In the interview Jayson was asked about the possible menu line-up for the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park that will open in Orlando in 2010:

I couldn't resist the chance to ask Jayson about Universal Orlando's next big project: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Forget Quidditch, the "Harry Potter" experience I most want to have is a Hogwarts feast. Jayson confirmed that he and his staff are working on new food service concepts for Universal's Harry Potter land.

"We've visited Scotland to get a real close, personal look at the cuisine that they eat," Jayson said. "We're going to have one restaurant that's going to have a nice selection of items that you would probably expect to see in that vein of cooking, and I think it is going to be great."

But what about pumpkin juice? They've got to have pumpkin juice, right?

"Pumpkin juice, butterbeer," Jayson laughed. "All those great beverages, we are working on a lot of different things."

Old HBP Stills in High Res

Warner Brothers has released some gigantic high resolution versions of some of the Half-Blood Prince pictures that were released last week. In addition a brand new still (very similar to the recent Harry and Ginny still) from the film is online showing Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint in the Burrow with David Yates. You can view all of these here.

J.K. Rowling Signs Petition to Prevent Book Age Banding

J.K. Rowling has joined along side several other famous authors against publisher's plans to label children's books with "appropriate" age bands. Jo, along with authors Anthony Horowitz, Terry Pratchett and Alan Garner, have signed the online petition No to Age Banding. The petition argues that age banding books is "ill-conceived, damaging to the interests of young readers and highly unlikely to make the slightest difference to sales."

The initiative comes after research commissioned by the Children's Book Group of the Publishers' Association two years ago suggested that 86% of consumers were in favour of age guidance. While some have questioned the research, the scheme has attracted the support of major children's imprints including Random House, Penguin and Scholastic. From this autumn, book covers of participating publishers will bear a logo indicating they are suitable for readers aged 5+, 7+, 9+, 11+ and 13+/teen.

Market leaders such as Philip Pullman, who launched the notoagebanding.com site, have secured exemption from these plans, and Macmillan books is promising to consult all their authors. But some lesser known names, such as Keith Gray, whose Ostrich Boys has just been published by Random House, are already seeing the brand introduced on their books against their wishes.

Rowling's publisher Bloomsbury currently has no plans to introduce the label for any of its authors, although it has not ruled out the idea. Opposition from Rowling may make them - and other publishers - think again.

HBP Video Game Due November 14th?

The officially Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game website launched today. Of note, the website lists the game's release date as November 14, 2008, rather than the previous November 21st release date. We'll update when we learn more.

HBP Video Game Trailer Released

In addition to all the Half-Blood Prince movie news, there is some Half-Blood Prince video game news today as well. Electronic Arts had released a trailer for the HBP video game, which you can view via this link (new stills from the trailer, also included).

An new interview with the developers of the game is also now online.

Y!: Have any of the cast been involved in the game's production? Are they providing voices?

CR: Yes. Many of the movie cast lend their voices to the game (including Rupert Grint - who plays Ron Weasley, Tom Felton - who plays Draco Malfoy, and Evanna Lynch - who plays Luna Lovegood).

Y!: Which locations from the movie or book will we be able to visit?

CR: We are really pleased to confirm that as a player you will have the opportunity to explore all of Hogwarts, from the Boathouse right through to the brand new Astronomy Tower, plus key locations such as The Burrow and The Horcrux Cave.

Y!: Romance is a big theme in Half-Blood Prince. Are you planning to capture those elements in the game?

CR: Yes we are. We are focusing on the trials and tribulations of Ron Weasley, and also the developing relationship between Harry and Ginny Weasley.

Y!: Will we be able to roam freely around the game, like we could in Order of the Phoenix?

CR: Yes. Hogwarts is even bigger than last time -- you can find lots of new areas in the castle grounds -- and you can roam at will.

Y!: When will the game be out -- and on what platforms?

CR:Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be released around the same time as the movie and will be available on the following platforms: Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft X360, Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, PC, Macintosh and Mobile.

The Half-Blood Prince video game website will launch tomorrow.

USA Today High Res HBP Pics

Warner Brothers has released high resolution versions of the new Half-Blood Prince USA Today photos. You can view the pictures in their high res glory over at SnitchSeeker.

Also, two additional stills have cropped up online. The first of Ron at the Qudditch tryouts and the second of Draco in a corner all alone.

Two New HBP Pics: Luna Wearing Spectrespecs

More pictures! AOL Moviefone has two more stills from Half-Blood Prince. The first picture shows Daniel Radcliffe and Professor McGonagall in Dumbledore's office, possibly near the end of the film. The second picture shows the ever wonderful Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood in her Quibbler 3D spectrespecs.

Empire Scans Online

DR.com has scans of the Half-Blood Prince feature form Empire magazine. Besides the pictures we've saw last night and this morning, there is also a nice picture of the Gryffindor Quidditch team in the Great Hall that spans two pages.

As for the article itself, there are several interesting tidbits. Firstly, David Yates quotes concerning the film opening with a big attack are true. The article also officially confirms that Fenir Greyback will be included in the film:

Greyback's look is neither man nor beast, with a downy facial pelt that, despite feeling pleasantly like a mildly damp kitten, makes his appearance markedly more horrific.

The Inferi are also brought up. "They're horrible," said Dan, "They made me think of bodies in graves in concentration camps. It's that terrible look of a body that's wasted away, nut not a skeleton. There are a couple of child Inferi too."

New HBP Photos: First Look at Slughorn

In addition to the spree of Half-Blood PRince news last night, there is even more news this morning. USA Today has posted six stills from the film along with a higher resolution and color version of the set photo of Dan, Bonnie and David Yates. These photos also feature our first look at Jim Broadbent as Slughorn. You can view all these new images here.

Also, hbpmoviepics has a better shot of Slughorn (as opposed to the other picture where he is wearing a mask) from Empire magazine, which you can view here.

USA Today's 'First Look' at Half-Blood Prince

It seems like tonight is the night Warner Brothers has broken their code of silence concerning all things Half-Blood Prince, well almost (no word on the trailer yet). USA Today has published their "first look" at the sixth Potter installment. The online article doesn't feature much new news, but does feature some nice quotes from David Yates:

Do Harry and Ginny share a magical snog?

"They're about to kiss," director David Yates says. "Then the bloody Death Eaters turn up and cause all sorts of anarchy.

Hbpmoviepics has posted a scan of a printed article from the periodical, focusing on the Harry/Ginny romance in the film. The article features a small, but new, set picture of David Yates, Daniel Radcliffe, and Bonnie Wright . Of note, the set appears to be covered in Christmas decor. Also included is a new image of Emma Watson as Hermione with what appears to be our first look at Romilda Vane in costume in the background.

Julie Walters to Return as Mrs. Weasley for Deathly Hallows

In a new interview with The Times, Julie Walters confirms that not only is she in Half-Blood Prince but that she will also reprise her role as Molly Weasley in the both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows films.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is due out this year, and the next two, both based on the final book, are yet to be filmed. “I'm in them loads!” says Walters, and her eyes narrow. Then she does a new accent, which is basically herself, but evil. “I think I have to kill Helena Bonham Carter,” she says. Then she cackles again, like your favourite witchy aunt.

New HBP Photo Graces Empire Cover

Yesterday we told you about a possible interview with Daniel Radcliffe and David Yates by Empire magazine. Today Empire has updated their official website with a preview of their new issue, which features a new photo of Dan as Harry from Half-Blood Prince smack dab on the cover. At the same link you will find a picture we've already seen before of Harry in a corridor, but it's official now (enjoy the officalness).

HBP to Open With "Big Attack" Scene?

A new interview with Daniel Radcliffe and Half-Blood Prince director David Yates is online tonight. The Sun has posted excerpts from an interview supposedly conducted with Empire magazine. These excerpts feature David Yates saying: “We’re opening with a big attack. We’ll bring a major London landmark crashing down.”

A few months back, fans will remember, that films crews were in London on the Millennium bridge. It was theorized that the filming was for the destruction of the bridge mentioned in the first chapter of Half-Blood Prince. It is possible that this quote is referring to a scene based of this event from the book.

Hopefully, Empire will publish the full interview soon to confirm this.

HBP Casting News: First Hero Tiffin Fiennes Pictures

SnitchSeeker has posted several new photos, and our first look, of Hero Tiffin Fiennes (Ralph Fiennes's (Voldemort) nephew), who portrays 11 year-old Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The photos are stills from the actor's film, Bigga Than Ben, which recently screened at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

In other news, casting website SpotligtCD.com is listing actor Rod Hunt as the Death Eater Rowle for Half-Blood Prince. It should be noted that while we have received many casting reports from casting websites over the past several months, very few of them have been officially confirmed, and even if they have been cast there is a chance they may not make the final cut.

HBP Rumors: Teaser Trailer to Screen With Dark Knight? HBP Footage at Comic-Con?

There are several tidbits floating the web today regarding the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince film.

First up, Leaky is reporting that they have received several emails from US theaters, including Regal Ciniemas, saying that the long-awaited Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer, will be attached to the beginning of the new Batman film, The Dark Knight, which hits theaters on July 18. While Dark Knight is a Warner Brothers film and WB is running out of films to screen the trailer, please keep this is in the rumor bin until we receive some official confirmation.

Next, there are rumors that some HBP footage will be shown during the WB panel at this year's Comic-Con in San Diego the weekend of July 24-27. This may be a repeat of the footage apparently aired at Cinema Expo last week. Once again, regard this bit of news as a rumor; Comic-Con is expected to post a detailed list of the event's programming within the next coming weeks.

On a related note, Sky Magazine recently featured a HBP set teaser. Though the brief article says very little on the film itself, it does feature a new picture of Rupert Grint as Ron in the film, which you can view here.

Update: Edinburgh to Honor JKR

Last Fall we reported that the city of Edinburgh has plans to honor J.K. Rowing, as it was where she started and finished writing the Harry Potter books. The Scotsman is now reporting that Jo will be “immortalised in a Hollywood-style “walk of fame” in the quadrangle outside the City Chambers, where she will leave her handprints.”

Scotland's leading literary figures are expected to attend a gala dinner that will be held for the occasion.

A source at the city council said: "It should be a fantastic occasion. We're trying to ensure as many other Edinburgh people who have won major awards over the year will be there so they can share in the occasion."

HBP Wii Video Game Preview Online

Electronic Arts has met up with Kotaku to preview for the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game that's due out later this year. The article describes how some of Wii controls work in the game:

Actually, the first part of the demo let me try out the potion-mixing minigame; you've got a bubbling cauldron and a desk full of ingredients like little vials, bottles, leeches and caterpillars, and symbol-based instructions for each step of the potion-making scroll up in a little wheel to the screen's right. A potion-making sim was a first for me, and I exploded the thing a few times, but it was mostly pretty fun, especially when you can tilt the Wii remote to spill a beaker's contents into the cauldron and then make a stirring motion to whirl it up until the color changes. It's all timed and ranks your precision, which was pretty fun.

Then, Bunney and I went at it with a Wii remote wand duel. He was playing Draco Malfoy and I was Harry. We faced off at either end of a long room, and you hold up the Wii remote to charge your wand for a powerful attack (leaving you undefended), or simply shake the remote in your opponent's direction to fire off a series of quick bursts.

You use the Nunchuk to move side to side, and swinging both Wii remote and Nunchuk across your body causes you to produce a deflection shield that can send your opponent's projectiles right back at him. Shaking both produces a special attack that can knock your opponent down or stun him.

Happy Birthday, Dobby

J.K. Rowling's official website has been updated to wish Dobby a happy birthday. Here's to Dobby!

Happy Birthday, Matthew Lewis

Matt Lewis, who plays the role of Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter films, is celebrating his 19th birthday today. Happy Birthday, Matt.

Kate Mulgrew Joins Cast of "Equus"

Playbill is reporting tonight that Kate Mulgrew will join the cast of the Broadway revival of Equus, which co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths. Mulgrew (best known for her role as Captain Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager) will play Hesther Saloman.

"Equus" will begin previews in New York on September 25. The play will run 22 weeks, ending in February 2009. Tickets are available here.

WB Airs HBP Montage at Cinema Expo 2008

The other day we told you about the "teaser" poster for Half-Blood Prince that was spotted at Cinema Expo 2008. The Hollywood Reporter is now reporting that a bit more than a disappointing poster was present at the event. Warner Brothers also showcased a brief montage of clips from the sixth film that included Daniel Radcliffe who "introduced a 'Harry' retrospective."

Isaacs Will Be Back for Deathly Hallows

Jason Isaacs has confirmed in an interview with ComingSoon that he will indeed return as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows films.

CS: Are you excited to reprise the role?
Isaacs: I am very excited. Also, the woman who is playing my wife I've been a fan of for a very long time. In fact, one of the great things about going to do "Harry Potter" at all is that a lot of people who are my acting idols I see sitting in make-up chairs beside me. To get to do scenes with Gary Oldman and Richard Harris, Michael Gambon and now Helen McCrory, who I'm a big fan of – it's fabulous.

CS: What was it like to pick up the final "Harry Potter" book when it came out and not know what was in there, especially for you?
Isaacs: I'm not quite strong enough to pick up a book of that weight. I had a couple of people to help me, and a winch. The secret can be out now. Before it came out I wasn't quite sure – there was a point where I wasn't sure I was going to do anymore because there wasn't much for me to do in number five and I wasn't in number six. I met Jo Rowling for the first time at a big awards dinner. I went over and basically fell to my knees and said "Get me out of prison, I beg you." She looked over her shoulder and looked back at me mouthing "You're out. Chapter One." And that was it, that's all I had to know, and I signed up immediately.

Owlcast Episode 49: Siriusly

Our episode this week was cut short due to technical diffculties, but this week Mary and I talk about the latest Potter news.

- Still no trailer.
- Potter Prequel.
- Terminus stalking.
- Wizard Rock the Vote.

You can download this episode via iTune or directly (Right Click..., Save As).

HBP Teaser Poster?

This year's Cinema Expo featured a showcase of posters for a number of upcoming movies, including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Now before you get too excited, the poster simply features the title logo for the film. We do not know if this is the official teaser poster. We will keep you posted. Until then you can check out a photo of the poster over at hbpmoviepics via film1.nl.

Wizard Rock the Vote

The Associated Press has an article online today highlighting the growth of Wizard Rock, specifically covering the recent Wrockstock 2008.

On a related note, The HP Alliance has launched their Wizard Rock the Vote campaign, where they will provide information about registering to vote for the upcoming US Presidential Election at select Wizard Rock concerts.

A video with information about the campaign, put together by Wrock band Harry and the Potters, can be viewed below:

Potter Prequel Receives 70,000 in First 20 Hours

Fan will remember a 800-word Potter prequel by J.K. Rowling was sold at a charity auction in London last week. The prequel has since been available to read online here and here (non-flash version). Utalkmarketing.com is now reporting that the website received more than 70,000 visitors in the first 20 hours after posting the prequel.

The prequel was among 13 submitted story cards donated by various authors, including Neil Gaiman. All 13 cards will be published along with the winners of the Waterstone’s “What’s Your Story?” competition on August 7th in a special charity book, which can be pre-ordered here. Proceeds will go to the English Pen and Dyslexia Action charities in the UK.

WB Says Special HP Theme Park Movie is FALSE

Some rumors regarding the Trio starring in a mini-Harry Potter film for the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park have been floating around the internet. Warner Brothers has since debunked these rumors:

“J.K. Rowling continues to be very supportive and involved with the plans underway for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. Contrary to recent press reports, she has not written scripts for any films based on the Harry Potter ‘prequel’ (recently written and sold for charity) or otherwise, as part of the theme park or any other purpose.

We are working hard to make The Wizarding World of Harry Potter an exciting and authentic experience for all fans and guests. For more information about the park, please visit unversalorlando.com/harrypotter/.“

Potter Books Exceed 400 Million Sales Worldwide

The BookSeller.com is reporting today that the Harry Potter books have officially sold over 400 million copies worldwide. The books have also been translated in 67 languages.

The paperback version of Deathly Hallows will be released on July 10th in the UK. Still, no word yet on the US release date.

New HBP Video Game Still; August Release Date False

Electronic Arts has updated the Russian version of their website with a new video game still (no doubt from a cut scene) from the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game.

The website also notes that the came may be released in early August despite former announcements that the game would be released closer to the film's release in November. However, EA has since announced that this release date is false and that the game is still set for a November release.

Radcliffe and Griffiths Present at Tony Awards

Both Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths were in attendance at this year's Tony Awards in New York City. The pair, who acted together in the West End production of "Equus", presented the award for Best Play, a video of which can be viewed via YouTube.

Pictures of Radcliffe and Griffiths at the awards can be viewed over at Getty Images.

Both actors are set to reprise their roles in the play “Equus” this September on Broadway.

HBP Stills and Promos

Quite a few new Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince images has surfaced this evening. First up, SnitchSeeker had a chance to visit the Licensing International Expo 2008 where previews for promotional photos were displayed, including new promos for Half-Blood Prince, which you can view here. There were also several displays of Order of the Phoenix merchandise, which ou can view here.

Next, Potterish has unearthed a new shot of Harry and Ginny hugging.

Lastly, we have an image that I'll admit I've known about for awhile now but was rather selective about posting. At SuperCon earlier this month actor Dean Mitchell was giving out promos of a character he'll be playing in Half-Blood Prince, woho'll appear as a guest at Slughorn's party. The first photo of the actor in costume can be viewed here, while the newer photo can be viewed .

The BlogHogwarts also has an interview with Mitchell about his role in the sixth film. However, due to "production companies confidentiality" the interview doesn't reveal much.

Potter Prequel Online; More on Buyer

The 800 word Harry Potter prequel that J.K. Rowling wrote for charity can now be viewed online here or here.

Also, this morning Bloomsberg has some more information on the bidder who one Jo's card last night at the charity auction in London. The card sold to Hira Digpal, president of Tokyo-based investment-banking consulting company Red-33.

Digpal, who originally had a closed bid of 50,000 pounds before halving his offer, said he faxed a letter to Rowling's publisher asking for the author's cooperation to use the story in a way that would raise more money for charity. He declined to give details of the proposal.

``Here I am, owning a piece of literary history,'' said Digpal in a phone interview from Tokyo. ``I think I got a bargain. Hopefully, we can raise much more than the sale.''

Potter Prequel Sells For 25,000 Pounds

This evening, the 800 word Potter Prequel that J.K. Rowling wrote on a small storycard for charity was auctioned off for 25,000 pounds ($48,855). The short story, written on a sheet of A5 paper, was one of 13 submissions made by various authors, and was was sold to "an absentee bidder."

As for the story itself, which can be viewed online via this link tomorrow, AFP is reporting that story is set three years before Harry's birth, in which James Potter and Sirius Black are "confronted by two policemen after a high-speed motorcycle chase, and evade the authorities using their broomsticks and magic."

Furthermore, the BBC has a video of Lizo covering the auction and reading an excerpt from the card.

Not only will copies of the 13 storycards be available online and on display in Waterstone's across the UK, but a book featuring the stories can be preordered here.

Warwick Davis Speaks Up About DH Split

MTV has a new interview with Warwick Davis, who plays Professor Flitwick in the Potter films. In the interview, Davis talks about the decision to split the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:

“I think that’s a good idea because when you try and squeeze these quite lengthy novels into a two-hour movie, a two-and a half hour film there is gonna be stuff that’s left out. There’s so much in the last book, I think it’ll make two really good films. It’s worthy of that.”

Also, when asked about what scene he looks forward to seeing played out in the final film (two films that is), Davis replied, “I very much like the scenes with Griphook. I think that’s a great character to have involved more in the film.”

Concerning, Davis's character Flitwick, the Ravenclaw Head of House continues to act as the “light relief” in Half-Blood Prince:

“My character seems to get involved in fun stuff now. I’ve had an immensely enjoyable time again. It’s a real honor to be a part of number 6.”

Owlcast Episode 48: Rated Diabolical

This week me and Amu talk about chapter 35 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, among other things.

- More extra interviews.
- Bellatrix's marriage.
- King's Cross.
- I need clothes, lots of clothes.
- Not dead, he is.
- Wands.
- Did Dumbledore wait?
- Ghosts?
- Dumbledore deceived by the Marauders.
- More on uniting the Hallows.
- Adult Actors.
- Posters.

You can download this episode via iTune or directly (Right Click..., Save As).

Fake HBP Still of Slughorn

Earlier today, a supposed still of Jim Broadbent as Professor Horace with the Warner Brothers logo surface online. However, the photo was a fake. The image was really two images of Jim Broadbent, from his other films, put together on photoshop.

Happy Birthday, Jason Isaacs

Jason Isaacs who magnificently portrays Lucius Malfoy in the Potter films turns 45 today. Happy Birthday, Jason!

Full Text and Video of JKR Commencement Speech

Full text and video of yesterday's commencement speech given by J.K. Rowling at Harvard is now online and can be viewed here.

Happy Birthday, Draco Malfoy

J.K. Rowling's official website has been updated to wish Draco Malfoy a happy birthday. Happy Birthday, Draco!

Live Feed of JKR Harvard Commencement Speech on June 5

A couple of months back, we told you that J.K. Rowling would be this year's Harvard Commencement speaker on Thursday, June 5th. There is news today that the ceremonies will be broadcast live via this link, allowing fans everywhere to watch our favorite author. Jo will be speaking sometime between 2:15 and 4:00pm. Afterwards, full test and video of the speech will be available here for all those who can't catch the live feed.

On a related note, "Hedwig's Theme," has been being played on the Lowell House bells at Harvard in anticipation of Jo's visit. Jeremy Lin, a Harvard senior and resident bell-ringer states:

"We do a ring every year for Halloween, and one of the things that started after Halloween is that somebody figured out how to play the Harry Potter theme. That person has since graduated, but we knew that it was possible, so we kind of worked up our own version and we thought that it would be nice to play for her."

The bells will ring one last time after this year's commencement, upon which they will be dismantled and returned to their original owner's, the Danilov Monastery in Moscow, which is the residence of the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church.

You can hear the bells play "Hedwig's Theme" here.

Thanks, TLC.

Owlcast Episode 47: Page 5

It's one of our sorter episodes, but Me, Mary, and Amber are back for another week of OwlCast, in which we talk about chapter 34 of Deathly Hallows.

- 800 word prequel.
- Snape and Draco dance.
- Lord Dawlish.
- To the Forest Again.
- Neville's instructions.
- The resurrection stone.
- The Marauders as they should have been.
- Poor Hagrid.
- A flash of green light and everything was gone.

You can download this episode via iTune or directly (Right Click..., Save As).

New Interview With Tom Riddle Classmate

The BlogHogwarts has an exclusive new interview with actor Guy Mannerings, who has been cast as one of Tom Riddle's classmate's and member of the Slug Club.

BH: Have you already shot scenes of Half-Blood Prince? In which scenes are you present?
GM: I have shot some scenes in Half-Blood Prince, all of which were a joy to do. Each scene in Harry Potter is very different to film; some take days, some take only hours, but they are all always fun to do, and it's great to see how a big-budget film is put together. I play a character from the 1940s/1950s in a young Tom Riddle era, and did scenes surrounding this.

...

BH: Which members of the cast did you met?
GM: I was lucky enough to work with Jim Broadbent, which included doing a small improvisation with him and some other actors. He was fantastic, and his voice could be heard on the other side of the studio! I have met a number of actos and actresses on the Harry Potter sets, for example, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Maggie Smith, Jim Boradbent, Shefali Chowdhury, etc. They were all very different characters in themselves, but all charming and great to work with. I was also lucky enough to work with some of my close friends, who are great actors, such as Tommy Chambers and Jon Overton.

Radcliffe and Griffiths to PResent at 2008 Tony Awards

Actors Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths, who both appeared in "Equus" together, will be among the presenters at the 62nd Annual Tony Awards, according to Playbill.com. The Tony Awards will broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 15th at 8 p.m. EST on CBS in the US.

Helen McCrory Talks Narcissa Malfoy

Helen McCrory recently appeared on BBC Radio's "Woman Hour" where she briefly discussed her role as Narcissa Malfoy in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Although she does state in the interview that she can say "practically nothing" about the film she does talk about Narcissa's wand:

"I get a wand. And somebody comes up to you on the set with a wand in a box. You literally use the wand and then it’s put back into the box and it’s taken away… and put in a safe. So, using a wand is no light thing.”

McCrory goes on to discuss her character's wardrobe:

"There is a fantastic designer called Jany who is Parisian and, of course, has more style in her little finger than most of us will have in our entire life. And she has designed… it’s very high couture, what I am wearing, which is wonderful. It’s all 50s and very hourglass and pencil skirts and very, very chic.”

New Trio and Snape & Draco HBP Stills

A handful of new, and a bit bigger, Half-Blood Prince stills are online this morning. The Portkey has posted four stills from the film, one being a larger version of one we've already seen (Harry next to file cabinet). The other three stills show a different angle of the Walnut shot, the trio in Ron's bedroom, and Draco and Snape in a corridor.

It should be noted that all of these news stills feature the Warner Brothers and Half-Blood Prince logos, as opposed to the previously unmarked stills.

JKR Hosts MS Charity Ball

Last night, J.K. Rowling hosted a MS (Multiple Sclerosis) charity ball at Harburn House, West Lothian. According to the Sunday Mail, the event earned £320,436 for Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland, which Jo is patron over. Of interest, one item included in the featured charity auction " was the chance to be immortalised as a wizard or witch in a portrait at the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Florida."

New HBP Still: Harry in Hallway

Yet another one of those tiny but new stills from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has been posted by Oclumencia. This time around, the still features Harry leaning against a wall in a corridor, either wearing a jacket or dress robes.

New HBP Still: Snape and Draco

Another new still from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has surfaced online. This new image is similar to the others that have surfaced this month in the sense that it is very small and not directly from Warner Brothers.

This new still shows Snape and Draco in a crowded and decorated room, which can be assumed to be the room in which Slughorn's Christmas party occurs.

Thanks to Potterish via Oclumencia.

Grandpre Talks New Sorcerer's Stone Cover Art

Time magazine has a new interview with American edition Harry Potter illustrator Mary Granpre, focusing mainly on the new cover art for the 10th year anniversary edition of Sorcerer's Stone.

What was it like to go back and draw Harry as an 11-year-old [for the upcoming anniversary edition] now that his story has finished unfolding?

It was really a nice opportunity. As Harry grew, I always wished I could go back and make a new piece for each book. So when the anniversary cover idea came up, I was really excited to do that. It's like getting to do a new portrait of this old soul you really know.

What did you try to do differently, given what you've learned about him as he traveled through the saga?

The first cover was a designed cover, with a certain trendy feel to it. As you got to know him, it was more about depicting Harry as a real person. By the fifth cover, I was more interested in Harry on an emotional, personal level rather than creating a graphically designed, compositionally correct cover. I tried to bring that emotional and personal feeling to this anniversary cover.

The book will be released on September 23, 2008.

JKR Updates About Potter Prequel

J.K. Rowling has updated her official website about the 800-word Harry Potter prequel that she wrote for charity:

A few months ago a number of authors were invited to handwrite cards for auction by Waterstones, on June 10, all proceeds to go to English PEN, the writers' association, and the Dyslexia Society.

After playing around with a number of different ideas I decided to write a short (for me!) excerpt from a prequel to the Potter series. It is about 800 words long and the action takes place around 3 years before Harry is born.

Although I did feel a bit like a relapsing addict as I sat down to write - the words poured from my pen with frightening ease - I am NOT working on a prequel. Indeed, I've written that clearly at the bottom of the card itself. I just thought that this was the best way to make money for two extremely worthwhile charities.

The good news for Potter fans who will not be able to bid at the auction is that you will be able to read the short story (along with amazing contributions from Doris Lessing, Margaret Atwood, Tom Stoppard, Irvine Welsh, Sebastian Faulks, Axel Scheffler, Lauren Child, Nick Hornby, Neil Gaiman, Lisa Appignanesi, Richard Ford, and Michael Rosen) by purchasing a book of facsimiles, which will be available in August. The proceeds from this book, too, will go to the charities.

Remember that story will also be available to read online on June 11th.

More on Potter Prequel

A followup on yesterday's big news that J.K. Rowling has written an 800-word prequel to the Harry Potter series for charity. The Guardian is now reporting that the prequel is about James and Sirius in their younger years.

CBBC Newsround also has a photo of the part of the card with Jo's previously released quote about the prequel: "From the prequel I am not working on - but that was fun!"

JKR Writes Potter Prequel for Charity

Earlier this month this we reported that J.K. Rowling was to write original work on a blank “storycard” for a charity auction in the UK. MSNBC is reporting tonight that J.K. Rowling wrote a 800-word, writing on both sides of the card, "prequel to her seven-book Harry Potter saga."

The article goes on to say: "Organizers refused to comment on the content of Rowling's Harry Potter prequel, but Hogwarts fans hoping for another book to add to their collection may be disappointed by her signoff."

"From the prequel I am not working on — but that was fun!'' Rowling wrote.

In the past Jo has stated that she does not plan on writing a full prequel or sequel for the Potter series, excluding Beedle of the Bard and the much anticipated encyclopedia.

Jo's prequel will be published along with the 12 other authors' who contributed in a book that will go on sale in August. The cards will be posted online June 11th, so expect to be able to read the short prequel soon.

OwlCast 46: Towel Day

After a long hiatus due to last weeks technical difficulties, OwlCast Episode 46 is finally here. Me, Mary, and Amber spend this week talking about the latest news and chapter 33 of Deathly Hallows: "The Prince's Tale."

- The OOTP high-res keep on coming.
- Finales.
- Half-Blood Prince talk.
- Addicted to YouTube.
- The Prince's Tale.
- Petunia.
- More Snape.
- Happy Birthday, Mary!

You can download this episode via iTune or directly (Right Click..., Save As).

Happy Birthday, Mary

Semi-long time staff member and OwlCast host Mary celebrates her 16th birthday today. Happy sweet sixteen, Mary!!!

Happy Birthday, Helena Boham Carter

Helena Boham Carter, who brilliantly portrays Bellatrix Lestrange in the Potter films, turns 42 (conveniently right after Towel Day) today. Happy Birthday, Helena!

Marcus Belby Actor Killed in Stabbing

The Telegraph is reporting some sad news today. Robert Knox, who plays the part of Ravenclaw student Marcus Belby, was killed in an incident that took place in London last night. Knox, 18, was killed after intervening on behalf of his younger brother Jamie Knox, 16, when two men with knives started a fight in a London bar next to Sidcup train station.

A police spokesman said: "A man aged 21 has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He is being held in custody."

CBBC Newsround has since quoted a Warner Brother representative saying: "We are all shocked and saddened by this news and at this time our sympathies are with his family."

Happy Birthday, Jim Broadbent

Jim Broadbent, who will portray Professor Horace Slughorn in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, celebrates his 59th birthday today. Happy Birthday, Mr. Broadbent!

Another New HBP Still; More OOTP High Res

Oclumencia has added more new high resolution Order of the Phoenix promos and stills to their galleries. The Potter site has also thrown another new still from Half-Blood Prince into the batch. As before, the image is tiny and seems cropped. This new still, which you can view here, is very similar to the high-res still of the Trio in the Gryffindor common room that WB released but at a different angle.

John Hurt to Return as Ollivander in DH?

While promoting his new film, Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, John Hurt was quoted by UK tabloid the Sun regarding the possibility of the actor reprising his role as Ollivander in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

“I didn’t spend a lot of time on the Harry Potter film but I might be spending more time there next time,” he smiled. “We’ll see."

We'll update when we learn more, but for now keep this in the rumor pile.

Half-Blood Prince Filming Complete

Emma Watson's official website has been updated to announce that, as of Saturday May 17th, filming for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has finished. The blog also notes that promotional pictures and trailers will be posted on Emma's website when Warner Brothers releases them.

Another High Res OOTP Lucius

You just got to love Oclumencia this month. This evening they have once again posted more high-res promo photos for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Today's promo of interest is another great shot of Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy, which you can view here (but why dogs and not albino peacocks).

Special Edition Sorcerer's Stone; New Cover Art

Scholastic has announced that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone will be released in a special anniversary edition on September 23, 2008 and sell for $30.00. Not only does the book feature new artwork from Mary Grandpré, the illustrator for al the past US Potter books, but the book will feature bonus material from J.K. Rowling herself.

The new cover art shows Harry looking into the Mirror of Erised, and can be viewed here. “It's a real treat for me to get another chance to visually bring Harry back to his fans in not only a new scene, but in a new light,” said Mary Grandpré. “Going back to draw the first cover for the anniversary edition was an opportunity for me to show another side of Harry... a vulnerable side. Having come to know and love Harry the way we all have, after experiencing the whole series, I think we can appreciate him even more on an emotional level.”

OwlCast Malfunction

The show was recorded. Everything was just about ready for editing. Then it happened. The dreaded "Program Not Responding." The chances of recovery: slim. I'll try my best to search the inner depths of my mac to find some sort of temporary file, but don't expect an episode this week (and we had such a good Snape discussion too). Sorry guys.

Ben Shepherd to Cameo in HBP

This is Nottingham is reporting that British television personality Ben Shepherd will make a cameo in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The GMTV presenter will appear in one of the background shots during the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezies scene. Concerning his cameo Shepherd was quoted:

"My lack of puberty says I can't have beards. I've got a part in the new Harry Potter film and when they did my costume fitting I said 'Is there any chance I could have some sideburns?' So they stuck some sideburns on me and I said 'I couldn't have a cheeky moustache could I?' They've given me a moustache, they've given me sideburns - I'm loving it. Harry Potter is great but more excitingly I've got facial hair for the first time in my life aged 33."

John Williams to Score HBP?

The Boston Globe has posted a new article covering a special concert series starting this Tuesday, which will feature new pieces from John William's score for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The article notes that the composer is busy as ever:

Williams, now 76, was conductor of the Pops from 1980 to 1993. According to industry reports, he remains a busy man, with soundtracks for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," "Jurassic Park IV," and "Superman: Man of Steel" all scheduled for his touch.

Several months back, Warner Brothers officially announced that Order of the Phoenix composer Nicolas Hooper was set to score HBP. It should also be noted that both of the other two before mentioned films have not officially confirmed Williams either. The fourth Jurassic Park has been in pre-production since early 2002 and Superman Returns, which Man of Steel is a direct sequel too, wasn't scored by Williams. Keep this news very much in the rumor bin for now.

No HBP Teaser Attached With Narnia

I went to see The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian last night, hoping that the rumors over the last few months were true; that the Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer would be attached to this movie. But alas, there was no hint of Harry Potter last night, unless you count my Harry and the Potters T-shirt that I happened to be wearing. Hopefully we will receive official word from Warner Brothers about the trailer soon (they've been quiet ever since they announced that Deathly Hallows would be two movies).

New HBP Still

The pictures just keep coming from Oclumencia this week. The difference this time is that the new picture isn't from Order of the Phoenix nor is it high res. This new picture is a small, but new, still from Half-Blood Prince. It's the basic Harry hanging out shot, and can be viewed here

More New OOTP High Res Stills

The Order of the Phoenix photos just keep coming. A few additional high resolution stills for the fifth Potter film have surfaced online. Thanks once again to Oclumencia, you can view these photos here (3 new images total; all Trio).

JKR Named Author of the Year at Children's Choice Book Awards

A couple of months ago we reported that J.K. Rowling was nominated for the 2007 Author of the Year at the Children's Choice Book Awards. The awards were presented yesterday in New York City, and Jo was named “Author of the Year,” for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Congrats, Jo!

Amazon Announces Beedle the Bard Finalists

The two finalists (one for each age category) for Amazon's Beedle of the Bard contest, to spend a weekend with the $4 million dollar companion book in London, have been announced and voting for the grand prize winner is now open. Voting will be open for the nest week. To view the two entries and to vote click here.

Happy Birthday, Professor Sprout

As it is already the 15th in the UK, J.K. Rowling's official website has been updated to wish Head of Hufflepuff House Professor Pomona Sprout a happy birthday. Happy Birthday, Professor!

DH Filming in Scottish Highlands 'Later This Year'

With filming still well underway for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (due to wrap up in the next few weeks), some news concerning early production for Deathly Hallows has surfaced online. The Scotsman is reporting tonight that scouting in the Scottish Highlands will begin later this month, with filming in Lochaber expected later this year according to the Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission.

Earlier this year fans will remember that producer David Heyman said that production for both Part 1 and Part 2 of Deathly Hallows will occur a the same time, starting in February 2009. So if this filming news is true, it is likely that the filming will composed mainly of scenic shots with limited cast members.

New HBP Set Report: Burrow Attack, WWW, Sectumsempra

A new report from the set of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has surfaced online, after a fan had a chance to tour Leavesden. In the set report, which surfaced at the Leaky Lounge, is quite lengthy, and as such includes a number of interesting tidbits.

Of note, the scenes of Hagrid's Hut burning have already been filmed, along with the attack on the Burrow (the outside of the Burrow had been burnt too). The fan also had a chance to visit the Diagon Alley set, which included Weasley's Wizarding Whizzes, where filming was taking place ('U-no-poo' signs included). The report also notes that the Sectumsempra Scene with Draco was filmed last week, and she was able to see several pictures of Tom felton lying in a pool of fake blood.

Hagrid's hut was a short bus ride away, it had been burned, even saw Hagrid's pumpkin patch though there were no pumpkins. They filmed it burning with a load of cameras (I forget how many they said) because they only got one chance to film it burn. A lot of the outdoor sets have camouflage nets around them. This is because the neighbours complained that the light was reflecting off them and that they were ugly.

I saw The Burrow both the inside and outside sets; the outside set had been burnt out in a Death Eater attack. The inside of The Burrow was amazing, the attention to detail. I climbed up the stairs to Ron's room, the bedrooms aren't there but the corridors have doors coming off them with pictures and ornaments. One of the doors had a picture of mushroom on it. Downstairs there were two clocks, one with the whole family's names on and scissors for hands, the other was smaller with a list of jobs to do. There were even postcards to Ron on the bookcase, howlers (or just letters like paper aeroplanes), a wizarding newspaper on a coffee table and children's painting of magical creatures framed on the walls. The guy showing us around said that it was the hardest set to build because nothing was straight or regular sized.

...

But WWW stood out in bright orange with a curved front door. It was the most wonderful place. It was like every dream you had as a kid. There were skiving snack boxes, puking pastels, U-no-poo, sweets from floor to ceiling. It had a set of stairs winding up the middle and was three floors high. The detail was amazing; the shelves were crooked with brightly coloured goods on every surface. It was truly breath taking. At the end of our tour we watched them filming a scene there. When you see the scene where Fred and George are talking to Ron on the stairs, he asks how much for an item, they say '5 galleons', Ron says 'but I'm your brother' and they say '10 galleons'. Well I am standing behind the stairs (out of sight) by the door! It took eight takes just for that few seconds and I was told they only complete 2 minutes of film a day.

...

We couldn't get into moaning Myrtle's bathroom because it was locked. They filmed the Sectumsempra scene there last week. They told me Tom had to lie in the fake blood and water for hours. He had a prosthetic chest on which pumped out fake blood and for each new take he had to get cleaned up and dry his hair before starting again. There are some pictures floating about of the scene and they look like Tom is lying dead in a pool of blood, very freaky for his friends to see!

Also included in the report were the Orphanage, a paralyzed Katie Bell, and more on the mysterious filming occurred at Millineum Bridge:

They were filming a stunt on green screen that will take place on the millennium bridge. I saw Bellatrix's stunt double in place but they were waiting for more cloud by the time we got there and everyone had stopped for ice creams! There was a woman with black hair with a white streak through it and I was told she was the double for Narcissa (can't confirm that though).

I highly highly highly HIGHLY suggest that everyone check out the full set report here; it really gives one the sense of how much work is put into the films, even if it doesn't all come across on camera.

Happy Birthday, Robert Pattinson and Zoë Wanamaker

Cedric Diggory actor Robert Pattinson celebrates his 22nd birthday today, along with Zoë Wanamaker, Madame Hooch, who turns 59. Happy Birthday, Robert and Zoe!

Lucius in Azkaban

Over the past week, Occlumencia has been posting several new high resolution promos for Order of the Phoenix. As of yesterday, a picture of Lucius Malfoy in his Azkaban cell went up online.

I'll admit, I was unsure about posting this news at first, since this scene does not exist in Order of the Phoenix, and it is unlikely that it is from Half-Blood Prince. However, it was apparently rumored ages ago that the scene was shot, so here it is for your viewing pleasure.

JKR/WB vs. RDR Books: Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law

The Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law documents from both Plaintiffs JKR/WB and Defendant RDR Books are now online. These documents show each side’s analysis of the trial and opinion on how it should conclude. Once again, the ever wonderful Leaky has proveded summaries of the lengthy legal documents, which you can view here (JKR/WB) and here (RDR).

You can view the full legal documents here (JKR/WB) and here (RDR).

New High Res OOTP Promos and Stills

Order of the Phoenix may be old news now, but over the past week several new high resolution promo photos have leaked online. Oclumencia has posted several new studio promos, which you can view here, along with some high res stills from the film.

Thanks ootpmoviepics.

JKR Donates 'Storycard' for Charity Auction

Bloomberg is reporting tonight that J.K. Rowling has donated a special “storycard” for a charity auction in the UK. J.K. Rowling among the likes of of authors Richard Ford, Nick Hornby, Doris Lessing, Tom Stoppard and Sebastian Faulks have all written an original piece on a “blank A5 sheet."

The auction will be held in London, England on June 10th at a branch of Waterstone’s; it “will be restricted to an invited audience and bidders.” Proceeds from the auction will be donated to English PEN and Dyslexia Action.

New HBP Yarn Promos

Remember all those new Half-Blood Prince promos featured on that unofficial yarn (unofficial according to WB, who at the time said the poster featured alongside the yarn was a fake). Well, Opal Stock Yarn has since updated their website with newer and bigger photos of the Potter yarn, revealing new HBP promos. You can view the yarn pics here.

Character Cast for HBP Opening Scene

A small, but interesting, bit of Half-Blood Prince casting news today. Actress Teresa Mahoney has been cast as "Sofie (Boardroom -Opening Scene) Film (Feature)." This character doesn't exist in the book, and it is unsure what role she will be playing in the film.

It was assumed that the first chapter of HBP would be cut from the film, based on cuts made in past films, but this casting does hint at the possibility that scene wasn't cut. We'll just have to wait and see.

OwlCast Episode 45: Ostracized Tower

Opps! Forgot to tell you guys this week's episode of OwlCast was on the feed last night. This week me and Mary talk about the news and chapter 32 of Deathly Hallows.

- Young Lucius? A time traveler?
- Tonks and Lupin.
- Bill, where are you!?! Le Bill!
- The problem with the HP video games.
- HBP teaser trailer?
- The end of a 10 year run.
- The Elder Wand.
- Bill the new Chuck Norris.
- It's aaaaa Snaaaaaaake..... Snaaaaaape.
- Trevor the Half-Blood Prince.
- Snape and Voldie have a chat.
- Look at me...
- Iron Man!

You can download this episode via iTune or directly (Right Click..., Save As).