In addition to J's website update earlier today, the site's calendar had been update for March 1st to wish Ronald Weasley a happy birthday. Happy Birthday, Ron!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
No Facebook for Jo
J.K. Rowling has updated her website with a new Rumour entry, debunking any and all rumors that he has a MySpace, Bebo, Facebook or participates any other popular social networking sites
"like to imagine them partying with all my imaginary friends ('a close friend confided...') in some bright and shiny alternative universe. But meanwhile, on planet earth, the dull human J K Rowling hasn't got, and has never had, a profile on MySpace, Bebo or any similar site."
Prince Charles Tells Julie Walters He Loves the HP Films
Molly Weasley actress Julie Walters, was made “Commander of the British Empire” at Buckingham Palace in London, England, today. At the ceremony, upon presenting Walters with the award, Prince Charles told her that he loved the Harry Potter films.
"Then I told him I'm writing my memoirs at the moment and he said 'oh you must have the editors constantly on' and I said yes I know, 'constantly saying have you got it done, how much more have you written' - so he really got into that one."
JKR/WB File File Response in Lexicon Suit Before Hearing
J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers have filed a response to the latest filing by RDR Books in the lawsuit against the publication of a book version of the Harry Potter Lexicon. This is the last filing before the March 13th hearing. It won't be until after the hearing until we know what other legal steps will have to be taken.
In the respones JKR/WB say that they have proved likelihood of sucess and that further argue that the book in questions copies a large amount of the Harry Potter books verbatim, saying that the book is “nothing more than a recast of Ms. Rowling’s original text,” which differentiates it from the Ty Beanie Baby book cited by RDR because that book contained “critical and evaluative” elements.
According to Leaky:
The main complaint says that RDR cannot prove that it is likely to succeed on a fair use charge because it does not create “new information, new aesthetics, new insights and understandings.” It also says that attempts to cast it as a “serious book” filled with “scholarly commentary and analysis is merely an attempt to excuse blatant infringement.” It says “alphabetizing” does not render a work transformative and that reorganizing work does not alone render a work in concert with fair use. (It cites Video Pipeline, Inc., vs. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., on this claim.) It also argues against the notion that the book is similar in its fair use characteristics to Google’s thumbnail image search engine (as maintained by RDR in the last filing) and says there is no original commentary or analysis or “anything else rising to the level of scholarship.” It says RDR’s expert also agrees, citing the filing that says that the book’s chief point is not literary analysis.
It counts 2,034 entries out of the book’s 2,437 entries that lift text directly from Harry Potter, and says the remainder “merely [add] adverbs such as ‘unfortunately,’ ‘sadly,’ or ‘possibly’ to descriptions.
Also included in the response was J.K. Rowling's declaration, in which Jo states:
In my opinion 99% of fans are acting entirely in good faith, and as I have excellent relations with many members of the fan community, I find it devastating to contemplate the possibility of such a severe alteration of author-fan relations. I continue to believe that the online fandom has been a wonderful experience for thousands of people, myself included; that it has become, not only an enormous global book club, but engendered an explosion of creativity and communication rooted in a world we would all like to inhabit.
Jo reiterates that he intends to publish a definitive guide to the Harry Potter world and that the proceeds will be donated to charity. She also notes that she is already in the process of "assemblin and organizing materials from which I will work."
Further information, as there is plenty, concerning the response, is available at Leaky.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
JKR Continues Efforts to Help East European Orphans.
Fan will remember that back in 2006, J.K. Rowling launched the Children's High Level Group and visited Romania to help raise awareness of disabled and mentally handicapped children locked in cages in Eastern Europe.
According the The Herald Sun, Jo met with Prime Minister Gordon Brown's wife and the wife of visiting Romnian resident Calin Popescu-Tariceanu in London today.
The plan is to help tackle health care problems in the East European country that can lead to disabilities.Mr Brown also wants to support efforts to stop babies being abandoned at hospitals.A Downing Street insider said: “This is an issue which Sarah and JK are passionate about.“They’ve been grateful for the willingness of the Romanian government to engage in serious discussion about it.”
The British Embassy in Bucharest, Romania has since further elaborated with an online report, featuring a photo of Jo at the meeting. According to the report the an agreement was made on the impressive progress that Romania has since made and on the importance of future collaboration. It was also agreed that Bucharest will host a seminar gathering officials from child protection fora, NGOs and business representatives, later this year.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown commented: “I am delighted that this meeting has taken place today. Although there is still work to be done, Romania is helping to show the way on how to tackle the challenges faced by children with disabilities. Britain and Romania will continue to work together in this important area.”
Happy Birthday, Timothy Spall
Timothy Spall who portrays Peter Pettigrew, turns 51 today. Happy Birthday, Timothy!
And yes, it does appear to be birthday month.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Happy Birthday, James and Oliver Phelps
It's a double birthday today, as James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) turn 22. Happy Birthday, James and Oliver!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Happy Birthday, Julie Walters
Julie Walters who plays Molly Weasley in the Harry Potter films, turns 58 today. Happy Birthday, Molly!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Spanish DH Released
The Spanish translation of [i]Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows[/i] was released today in Spain, after what must have been an excruciatingly long wait. Have a fun read!
David Confirms New Additional HBP Scene
In a new interview with Australia's Herald Sun, producer David Barron confirmed that there will be a new "pivotal" scene added to the [i] Half-Blood Prince[/i] film “set at Ron Weasley’s family home (aka The Burrow), that wasn’t in the book.” While Barron didn't give away any specifics, he did say that the scene was added with J.K. Rowling's blessing.
“We don’t often have things that aren’t in the book. But this was brought in because Jo (Rowling) was able throughout the quite lengthy book to keep dropping little snippets of what was happening in the outside world-there’d be people reading newspapers and talking about how somebody’s parents had been killed or somebody had been withdrawn from school because their parents didn’t think it was safe. And we’re made aware that the Muggle world is also experiencing these disasters, but thinks they are disasters rather than the work of Voldemort. The book is peppered with those moments, but we couldn’t do that quite so easily in the film. So (the extra scene) comes in the middle of the film and it just reminds us the world is no longer a safe place. Even in what would normally be considered the safe haven of the Burrow, nobody’s safe. I think you’ll like it. It’s quite effective.”
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be released in theaters November 21, 2008.
Happy Birthday Alan Rickman
Alan Rickman, who brilliantly portrays Professor Severus Snape in the Potter films, celebrates his 62nd birthday today. Happy Birthday, Alan!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
OOTP Nominated for 9 Saturn Awards
Harry Potter and the ORder of the Phoenix picked up a total of nine nominations for the [url=]34th Annual Saturn Awards[/url]. The film has been nominated in the categories of Best Fantasy Film, Best Supporting Actress (Imelda Staunton as Umbridge), Best Performance by a Younger Actor (Daniel Radcliffe), Best Direction (David Yates), Best Writing (Michael Goldenberg), Best Music (Nicholas Hooper), Best Costume (Jany Temime), and Best Special Effects.
Also of note, Sweeney Todd, which starred several Potter actors, received 8 nominations. Specifically, Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix) was was nominated for Best Actress, Alan Rickman (Snape) for Best Supporting Actor. The film is ironically up against Phoenix in more than one category.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
David Yates to Direct Deathly Hallows
Lois Lowry, author of The Giver, has updated her blog with an interesting tidbit tonight. In the blog post Lowry states that she had hoped David Yates, director of the fifth and sixth HP films, would direct the movie adaptation ofThe Giver, but is now busy directing Half-Blood Prince and is set to direct [i]Deathly Hallows[/i]:
"David Yates, the director currently working on the next Harry Potter film, was supposed to begin The Giver film next. But he has just decided he wants to do the final Harry Potter first, thereby postponing The Giver by several years.
While this is not confirmed by Warner Brothers, this is a pretty reliable source. Recently, producers David Heyman and David Barron have said that a few directors were under consideration and that an announcement would be made in the not too distant future, along with news about whether or not the seventh Potter film will indeed be split in two.
We'll keep you posted as more of this story unfolds.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
ToyFair 2008 Update: New NECA Action Figures
We have some more news from Toy Fair 2008 in New York City. ]NECA unveiled five new action figures at the event. These new figurs include: Richard Harris as Dumbledore, Fred and George, Harry (Year 1), Lucius Malfoy, and Bellatrix Lestrange.
Fenrir Greyback and Amycus Carrow Cast for HBP
Several Half-Blood Prince casting reports have surfaced online tonight. First up, Dave Legeno has been cast as Fenrir Greyback. Secondly, Ralph Ineson, best known as Chris 'Finchy' Finch, has been cast as Amycus Carrow. Lastly, the SnitchSeeker has some glorified extra casting news (pictures included).
Please regard these castings as rumor until we receive official confirmation from Warner Brothers.
Radcliffe Debunks Spielberg/DH Rumors
Recently there have been rumors that Steven Spielberg was a possible director under consideration for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. A couple of days ago, Daniel Radcliffe was in attendence at this year's BAFTA awards. Dan was reportedly asked on the red carpet whether or not these rumors had any merit: "I have no idea how that rumor started or where it came from. It's not true. How's that for a definitive answer?"
Happy Birthday, Bonnie Wright
Bonnie Wright, who portrays Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films, turns 17 today. Happy Birthday, Bonnie!
Toy Fair 2008: New Gentle Giant Busts
It's that time of year again, Toy Fair 2008 is underway in New York City this weekend, and a few new Harry Potter items are
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
JKR Receives James Joyce Award in Dublin
As we reported a view days ago, J.K. Rowling was to receive a James Joyce award at University College in Dublin, Ireland. The award ceremony was held last night. According to the
While at the awards Jo was noted as saying that she still intended to write a Harry Potter encyclopedia, the proceeds of which would go to charity. Also, from the ten fan questions, Jo admitted that she had the thought of Harry dying in the early books, but had changed her mind. However, when the final book was finished it was "like saying goodbye to an old boyfriend".
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Jason Isaacs Hopes to Return for DH Film
In a new interview with
“I hope I’m coming back for seven,” Isaacs told [Rotten Tomatoes], “Dan’s going to Broadway to do his play for a long time, so I don’t know when or if I’m going to come back. But I’ll be even more bitter if I don’t get to return for seven!”
Monday, February 11, 2008
No Fleur in Half-Blood Prince
In a new interview with MTV, Fleur Delacour acrtress Clemence Poesy confirmed that she will not be appearing in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, however, no word on whether she'll be back for [i]Deathly Hallows[/i].
In the interview Poesy also revealed that she has only read the Potter books up to [i]Goblet of Fire[/i]. “Somebody already told me the end of ‘Order of the Phoenix,’ and I was like, ‘You’re ruining everything!’” She does plan to read the last three back to back on her next vacation. However, she couldn't resist asking for one spoiler: “Has Harry done some bad things?”
Concerning the possibility of returning for Deathly Hallows, Posey said, "It’d be a pleasure, to go back and pop in before it all finishes.”
In the rest of the interview, which you can read here, Posey discusses her recent role in "In Bruges", in which she co-stars alongside Breenden Gleeson (Mad-Eye) and Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort).
JKR To Receive James Joyce Award
J.K. Rowling will be presented with a James Joyce Award by the Literary and Historical Society at University College Dublin in Ireland. The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, February 12th. Congrats Jo!
We'll update once more information is available.
Watson Nominated for Glamour Award
Emma Watson's (Hermione) official website has been updated with some award news. Miss Watson has been nominated for the "Best UK TV Actress" Glamour Magazine award for her role as Pauline in the recently aired Ballet Shoes. Emma updated her blog with her reaction to the news.
J.K. Rowling was also nominated for "Best Writer" for Deathly Hallows, and Jany Temime was nominated for her work as costume designer for Order of the Phoenix.
To vote
Construction on Hogwarts Castle Begins for HP Theme Park
Construction has started on the Hogwarts Castle that will be featured in the "According to Universal insiders, this bare framework is just the start. In the weeks and months ahead, literally thousands of pieces of metal will be hoisted up & then bolted into place. As a full-sized recreation of Harry Potter's alma mater is built at the southwestern border of IOA's "Jurassic Park" section."
Hill also gives some information on why J.K. Rowling picked Universal for the theme park, as well as a story concerning Harry Potter production designer Stuart Craig, who will also design the theme park:“Mind you, that’s not to say that there weren’t a few bumps in the road before Rowling finally agreed to sign that contract. Like that time that Universal Security had to be told NOT to arrest the man who was climbing the hill behind IOA’s “Flying Unicorn” ride. You see, that man was Stuart Craig. The three-time Academy Award winner who has designed all of the sets for the “Harry Potter” films. And Stuart was just climbing that hill to see if he could find the proper spot to build Hagrid’s cottage.
Speaking of which … 'The Flying Unicorn' is expected to shut down sometime in September of this year. So that this IOA attraction can then be transformed into “The Flying Hippogriff.” More to the point, so that work can finally begin on Hagrid’s cottage."
DH Two Film Split Under Consideration; Filming to Start Next February
The Daily Telegraph has a new interview with Harry Potter producers David Heyman and David Barron, in which the two discuss the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Concerning the rumors that the final book will be split into two films, the Davids confirm the possibility, but state that the idea is still under consideration and not near final.
"We are still discussing it. The announcement will be made hopefully in the not-too-distant future, with regards to the way seven shapes up," said Barron. "The only negative of splitting the book into two films, says Barron, "is that people could possibly perceive it as being one last chance at cashing in. But the real positive, if we were to do that, would be that we wouldn't have quite the battle we always have of 'How do you compress all that book into just over two hours of screen time?' It would be brilliant not to have to cut anything. But at the same time, we have to think it through properly. We'd have to be very certain that there were two proper, stand-alone films that could be generated from the source material."
As for who will be directing the film (or two films):
"There are an awful lot of directors, luckily for us, who are very keen on finishing the franchise off," says Barron.
"A couple of people have expressed interest, people have gotten a few calls and a few emails, but it's still a year away," Heyman says. "We won't start filming 'til February next year. So it hasn't really gone bananas yet. We've got thoughts, and I'm sure something will be announced in the not-too-distant future."
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Jim Dale Wins Grammy for DH
US Harry Potter audiobook narrator Jim Dale
Daniel Radcliffe Attends BAFTAs
We told you that [i]Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix[/i] had been nominated for two awards at the
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) was in attendance at the events, and even presented an award. While at the event Dan was
"I'm very excited. I've never been to the Bafta's before. This is great, even better than the Oscars because it's British. I'm so excited about all these amazing people that turn up."
Videos of Dan at the BAFTAs can be viewed online thanks to [url=http://www.danradcliffe.com/news/fullnews.php?id=2259]DR.com[/url]; pictures can be viewed at
Saturday, February 9, 2008
JKR Talks Religion, Dursleys, and 2008 Presidential Election
Spanish newspaper El Pais has published a new
“I feel very drawn to religion, but at the same time I feel a lot of uncertainty. I live in a state of spiritual flux. I believe in the permanence of the soul.”
Concerning the Dursley family where she jokes that “I thought readers would imagine they were protected and later they left their hiding place. I will have to write a Book 8!”
Next, Jo comments on the upcoming 2008 US presidential election, noting she is “obsessed with United States elections, because it will have a deep affect felt worldwide.” She continues on this subject and comments briefly on the current Democratic party leading contenders, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton:
“The international political stance of United States has been wrong in previous years, for its own and for my country… I want a democrat in the White House. It’s sad Obama and Clinton are rivals because they are both great.”
Jo says this of Senator Clinton’s Time Magazine cover which shows the Presidential candidate with a small tear:
“She can cry often. Politics can be very hard for women. If you don’t cry, you are a bitch. And if you cry, you are weak. However, a man could cry.”
Thanks to
RDR Files Response to JKR/WB
RDR books has filed its reponse to WB and J.K. Rowling's full request for an injunction. The full legal documents are available at
In the response, RDR mainly argues that several other books have been released of the same nature of the Lexicion book in question, despite many of these books being no longer in print, available, or not similar to the Lexicon book's style. They go on to state that the book in question would have to be proven very similar to J.K. Rowing's books for it to be illegal.
Friday, February 8, 2008
More Gloucester Cathedral Set Pictures; Scene Information
We have more news on the current [i]Half-Blood Prince[/i] filming currently occurring at Gloucester Cathedral. The is Gloucester is reporting that Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron), Alan Rickman (Snape), Maggie Smith (McGonagall), and Tom Felton (Draco) were all in a part of the scenes filmed, in addition to the over one hundred extras playing Hogwarts students. Emma Watson (Hermione) was not in attendence for the filming.
"A quick look behind the scenes by our reporter revealed crew members apparently busy making magical potions ready for filming. The dark and deadly potions were actually made from "Covent Garden" brand soup into bowls, with different food colourings ready to be added.
Yesterday the main stars filmed the first scene and in the afternoon 174 local children, (appearing as extras), were brought onto the site."
Also, The Snitch has posted a few more shots from the set, which show some larger pictures of director David Yayes and James Phelps (Fred). There are also pictures of someone walking around as Hagrid, but they don't appear to be a body double.
Also A source from the set today revealed to me that the scene being shot was Professor McGonagall telling Ron and Harry that they can take Potions for their NEWTS.
This scene involved 200 extras, ranging from First Years to Seventh Years.
The wooden crutches that were seen being taken into Gloucester Cathedral were not there for Ron but in fact for two of the extras who were already on their plastic crutches.
That explains the lack of Emma, in case anyone was wondering (as I was), though not entirely sure why Draco and Snape needed to be there for that (or that could have been a separate scene).
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Gloucester Cathedral Set Pictures
Several photos from the [i]Half-Blood Prince[/i] set at Gloucester Cathedral have made their way online. High resolution photos of Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, Rupert Grint as Ron, and Alan Rickman as Snape can be viewed at Oclumencia. The BBC has also posted several pictures of director David Yates, Rickman, Rupert, the Phelps twins, and the many of the extras. Potterish has also posted a handful of pictures of the extras and crew.javascript:void(0)
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