Japanese DH Cover Art

The Japanese Harry Potter publishers, Say-zan-sha, have unveiled the cover art for the Japanese translation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which will hit bookshelves on July 23, 2008.

Happy Birthday , Robbie Coltrane.

Robbie Coltrane, who brilliantly portrays Rubeus Hagrid in the Potter films, celebrates his 58th birthday today. Happy Birthday, Robbie!

HP Wins at Kid's Choice Awards

The Harry Potters have once again taken home the orange blimp for Best Book at this year's annual Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards. Congrats!

Bloomsbury 2007 Profits Boosted by Deathly Hallows

This evening, the Sunday Herald is reporting that Bloomsbury, the UK publishers of the Harry Potter books, have seen increase in their annual profits for 2007 due mostly to the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Bloomsbury chief executive Nigel Newton is expect to announced that the publishing company profited an estimated £17 million (nearly $34 million) in 2007, up from 2006's profits of £5.2 million ($10 million). He is also expected to "claim that the Potter effect will continue for years ahead as the group dips into cash reserves of more than £40m, built up from past Potter sales, to promote new talent and to make further acquisitions."

New Official WB Photos of Emma Watson

Emma Watson's official website has been updated to announce that Warner Brothers will release new pictures of Emma exclusively through the website. The new photos come from a "recent Warner Brothers shoot," one of which will be featured in Emma's recent fan mail to all those who write to her.

No word yet on whether or not these pictures will be relatedto Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

UPDATE: Emma's website has since been updated with the first of the exclusive photos, the one that is being sent out in her fan mail. There will be three pictures total, which will released throughout the week.

Happy Birthday, Breendon Gleeson

Breendon Gleeson, the actor who portrays Auror Mad-Eye Moody in the Harry Potter films, turns 53 today. Happy Birthday, Breendon!

JKR Presents Reading Awards to Inmates

J.K. Rowling recently presented reading awards to inmates at Edinburgh Prison in Scotland, reports ITN. Jo attented the awards presentation after being invited by the Shannon Trust who "were delighted that JK Rowling was able to visit. She gave the prisoners a real boost."

Following her visit, Rowling said: "It was a very positive experience. Learning to read represents a significant turning point in anyone's life, and may be the one thing that makes a difference to help people in prison turn their lives around."

According to the Shannon Trust, 65 percent of all prisoners have a reading age of 11 years or younger. This prevents them from finding employment upon released, making them three times more likely to re-offend than those who do find employment.

"Some were just starting out on the scheme and this gave them a real incentive to continue learning," said a representative for the charity.

CBS Early Show Features Intercollegiate Muggle Qudditch

The rising popularity of Muggle Qudditch continues to rise as the intercollegiate teams continue to attract more media attention. This week the Middlebury College Quidditch club, which is leading the intercollegiate movement up in New England visited other schools and played games as part of their Spring Break tour.

The CBS Early Show caught up with the Middlebury team when they played at Princeton on Monday. A broadcast of the news network's coverage has since been broadcast and has been uploaded the the show's website.

You can watch the video coverage here and here. You can also watch videos of the Middlebury team via YouTube.

HBP Teaser Trailer Attached to Narnia?

The Leaky Cauldron is reporting that they have received information from a credible source that the first teaser trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will come in front of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, which hits theaters on May 16th. While this still should be treated a rumor, I'm gonna go out on a limb and trust Leaky on this one. Plus, most Potter fans will be flocking to the theaters that day anyways.

HBP Set Report: Slughorn's Party

A new Half-Blood Prince set report has surface online. The Chilean magazine Wikén had a chance to visit the set, where they talked with Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe, and witnessed the filming of Slughorn's Christmas party:

Wikén witnessed a scene during a filming day. In it, the new Potions Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Horace Slughorn (played by the British actor Jim Broadbent, known by supporting roles in classic movies such as "Brazil and "Richard the Third"), celebrates a Christmas party in his room for a selected group of students. Slughorn walks from one group to another chatting with his guests, trying to gain his favourite students' favour.

After a second take, the filming team watches the repetition of this scene through some monitors. As the director David Yates leaves the place, he gives some additional instructions. A few meters away, actors and actresses of other scenes wait very focused, seated in white plastic chairs outside the set where scenes are being filmed.

Once again the bell rings, and action continues.

You can read the full and translated set report here, thanks to DR.com.

OOTP Nominated for Hugo Award

The nomination list for the 2008 Hugo Awards has been released, and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for “Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form.” The film is up against Enchanted, Stardust, The Golden Compass, and the TV show Heros.

The science fiction and fantasy awards ceremony will take place at the 66th Annual World Science Fiction Convention on August 9th in Denver, Colorado.

JKR Nominated at Children's' Choice Book Awards

The School Library Journal is reporting that J.K. Rowling has been nominated for the 2007 Author of the Year at the Children's Choice Book Awards. Voting is currently open to students through May 4th.

The winners will be announced at a Children’s Book Week gala on May 13th.

J.K. Rowling Discusses Former Struggle With Depression

As previously mentioned, a student newspaper in Edinburgh conducted a lengthly interview with J.K. Rowling. The author of the article has hence released the audio to main stream media. The Times now has an article online discussing the part of the interview when Jo talked about her struggle with depression and “suicidal thoughts” before she sought Cognitive Behavioural therapy in her mid-twenties.

These quotes were not featured in the original published interview, but can be read in The Times article.

Happy Easter!

To the Christian visitors, we would like you wish you all a Happy Christmas, as we take this time to remember the Resurrection.

For the rest of you (well, everyone for that matter), I recommend taking advantage of the large number of peeps available at the moment and watching this video concerning them.

Mysterious Ticking Noises Wins at YouTube Awards

Potter Puppet Pals' infamous video "The Mysterious Ticking Noise," which we on OwlCast have been heard singing far too frequently, was named “Best Comedy” at the annual YouTube Awards.

I highly recommend you check the video out here if you haven't already.

Happy Birthday, Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman, the actor who portrays Sirius Black in the Potter films, turns to big 5 - 0, today. Happy Birthday, Gary!

Happy Birthday, David Thewlis

David Thewlis, better known as Remus Lupin in the Potter films, celebrates his 44th birthday today. Happy Birthday, David!

High Res HBP Still

Warner Brothers has released a high resolution version of the new Half-Blood Prince, which recently appeared in Nick Magazine. You can view this high-res photo over at Leaky.

HBP US Premiere in LA?

The other day we reported that Nick Magazine featured a preview if Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Apparently, the article was part of a new “Coming Attractions Sweepstakes” that Warner Bros is holding to win a trip to the premiere of the sixth Harry Potter film.

According to the magazine, the US premiere of Half-Blood Prince will take place in Los Angeles, California. The contest is open to US residents ages 6 to 14. The winner of the contest will walk the red carpet at the premiere of the film in November. This contest will open tomorrow, March 21, and run through May 1, 2008. To enter, click here.

We'll update more once Warner Brothers reveals more information.

King's Cross Bridge Used in Potter Films to be Destroyed From Station Expansion

ITN is reporting that the bridge at King's Cross that has been featured in many of the Potter films may be torn down as part of major expansion plans. A 100-year-old clock, also seen in shots from the films is expected to be demolished.

According to ITN, the Architect and TV presenter Ptolemy Dean is leading the campaign to stop the bridge being destroyed. Dean says, "King's Cross will lose its rather beautiful and lovely structure which characterises it's views. It's a a gateway to the north really and one feels very sad that it's going."

As, readers of the books will know King's Cross plays a important role in the chapter named after the station in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and is the last location we see in the books.

Natalia Tena Talks HP

The Swindon Advertiser has published a new interview with actress Natalia Tena, who plays Tonks in the Harry Potter films. In the interview Nat notes that she has recently been filming scenes for Half-Blood Prince.

In the interview, Nat talks about how she "loved" filming the flying sequences for Order of the Phoenix: “We are wrapped in green skin stuff and have this pole attachment. It moves like a buckaroo. They take a plaster cast of your bum so you get a proper seat on the broomstick. I love heights and these hot men (the technicians) blow air at me to make me look sexy – it was amazing,” she said.

New HBP Still in Nick Magazine

A new still from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has appeared in the April 2008 issue of Nickelodeon Magazine . The magazine features at preview of the film with the new, but tiny picture featured alongside. The new photo shows the trio sitting together in the Gryffindor common room with Harry showing Hermione what appears to be his Advanced Potions book.

You can view the preview here, thanks to Leaky.

Cheryl Klein and Tamora Pierce to Speak at Terminus

Terminus 2008 has announced their keynote lunch speakers for the Potter symposium that will be held in Chicago this summer. Harry Potter continuity Cheryl Klein and fantasy author Tamora Pierce will speak at the keynote events.

Cheryl Klein, who worked on the past three Potter books, will speak on Friday, August 8th in a speech entitled “Potter Past: Lessons from the Harry Potter Series." Fantasy writer Tamora Pierce will talk on “Potter Future: The Changng Face of Fantasy Literature,” on Sunday, August 10.

For those who have already registered, you can edit your registration to add on these extra events, which will require additional cost.

Maggie Smith Diagnosed With Breast Cancer; Prognosis "looks good"

Actress Dame Maggie Smith, better known as Professor McGonagall to Potter fans, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, according to a report from The Telegraph. She has since had a tumor removed and has undergone chemotherapy; the prognosis “looks good,” a her friend told the paper.

Accio 2008 Releases Programming Scedule

Accio 2008, the Harry Potter symposium at Magdalen College in Oxford, England from July 25 – 27, 2008, has released their full programming schedule for this summer's Potter event.

For further information about Accio 2008 and registration, click here.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

In good old Irish tradition I'd like to wish everyone a happy St. Patrick's day. Just remember that, that Leprechaun gold doesn't stick around forever.

Yay, for the Irish!

New HBP Set Pics: Large Scale Set Construction at Leavesden

The London Taxi Tour has posted new photos from the outside of Leavesden Studio. The pictures show construction on what appears to be a large scale set. No word on what it is yet, but expect at update once more information becomes available.

Greyback Actor Talks HBP

UK tabloid The Daily Star has an article quoting Dave Legeno about his upcoming role as werewolf Fenrir Greyback in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and working with Daniel Radcliffe.

In what is described as a “gruesome fight scene,” he says: “Daniel will be taking his own 17 stone monster in this film – me.” The fighter, known as The Legend Killer for his giant-slaying ways, added: “He is a lovely guy but let’s just say he will have his hands full when I get hold of him.”

Thanks to the Snitchseeker.

Happy Birthday, Sean Biggerstaff

Sean Biggerstaff, who portrayed Oliver Wood in the first two Potter films, celebrates his 25th birthday today. Happy Birthday, Sean!

HBP Final Sequence in IMAX 3D

It's official. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be released in IMAX, with the final sequence in 3D. The IMAX version of the film will be released on November 21, 2008, the same day that the film will open in the US and UK.

David Heyman Talks Split, Both Films Around 2 1/2 Hours Long

Empire magazine has a new interview with producer David Heyman on the recent news that Deathly Hallows will be split into two films.

Did you get as far as trying to put a script together that would get everything in to one film, or did it become obvious in discussions that it would work?

No, it all came down to discussions. We just thought how are we going to approach this? Is this going to be a four and a half hour film? That’s probably what it would have been. Would our audience really embrace that? In some way, I think they might. But I think the younger ones would have drifted. There’s always been difficulty making sure that the ones that are two hours, two and a half hours long – making sure that those are the right length. I think by having two films that are two and a half hours – although we’re not sure of the length – then it will be a richer experience. One of the challenges that faces us, which we’ve been discussing, is how to give each film its own identity. We want them to feel like one film, but they’ve got to be self-contained too. We feel now that we’ve got a really good angle on that. But we haven’t got a script yet on either part, so I don’t want to say too much.

So these films will be the same length as the ones that came before? We won’t see two films that clock in under two hours?

No. The idea is to get everything people want in there. I’m sure there’ll be parts that don’t make it, which we won’t know until the script is written. But that is the idea.

What do you think is the natural separation point in the books? Where can you end the first film in a satisfying way?

It depends what feeling you want [to end on]. I don’t want to answer that just yet because we don’t have the first script. We do have a point roughly where we want to end, but we haven’t got a draft to know if that works yet.

The interview goes on the provide further insight how we should expect things to proceed in the next few years, including that the filming for both parts will occur at the same time. I highly recommend reading the entire interview here.

Radcliffe Talks DH Split; Tom Felton: Little Cut From HBP

Earlier this evening E!'s The Daily 10 featured a new, but older, video of Daniel Radcliffe discussing his thoughts on splitting Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows from the Gloucester Cathedral set last month.

Also featured, were interviews with Dan, Rupert Grint, and Tom Felton concerning the sixth film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The video clip, which you can view here thanks to the ever wonderful hbpmoviepics.

Of interesting note, in the video Tom Felton, when asked about what's been cut, says, "Honestly, I couldn't tell you what's been cut, because I've read both the book and script and nothing sticks out in my mind, as an obvious cut."

Steve Kloves: More on DH Split and How GOF Was Almost Made Into Two

The Baltimore Sun has a new interview with Harry Potter screenwriter Steve Kloves, in which he futher discusses the big news that Deathly Hallows will be split into two films, as well as how Goblet of Fire was under consideration to be split: “Years ago, we briefly — and seriously — considered doing Goblet of Fire as two films. So this concept is not altogether new.”

Kloves, who will write all of the Potter screenplays, excluding Order of the Phoenix, says that shortly after the release of Deathly Hallows in July they began thinking about spliting the seventh and final film.

"As for Deathly Hallows, I intuited — almost from the first moments I began reading it and certainly once I’d finished — that to realize the story in a single film was going to be a tall order. Others in ‘the group’ felt similarly. So the idea of two films began to get kicked around as early as late summer of 2007. We didn’t take it lightly. But ultimately everyone felt that despite the challenges it would present, it was the most sound creative decision. I’m sure some will think we’re crazy. My wife looked at me cross-eyed when I first mentioned it. But I’m really excited about it because it should allow us to stretch a bit with the characters and give them the proper send-off. The story is highly emotional and those moments deserve time to breathe. And, personally, I feel we owe it to Jo — in order to preserve the integrity of the work — and the fans — for their loyalty all these years — to give them the best and most complete experience possible. I’d love to do it in three parts!” And for good measure, Kloves adds that working with Order of the Phoenix director David Yates on the currently filming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince “was a brilliant experience, so this should be a treat!”

Deathly Hallows, Part One and Two will be filmed at the same time, with filming starting in February of 2009; Part One will be release in November of 2010, with Part Two due to May 2011.

JKR/WB vs. RDR Books Trial Moved to April 14

J.K.Rowling/Warner Brothers vs. RDR Books has once again been rescheduled. The trial will now take place on April 14 today, with judge Hon. Robert Patterson, Jr. overseeing.

The trial had previously been rescheduled for March 24,25, and 26, and was taking the place of the hearing a preliminary injunction, which had been set for March 13.

For more information, make sure to check out Leaky.

Official Press Release on Two Part Deathly Hallows

Warner Brothers has now released their formal press release, after yesterdays big news that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be made into two films, with David Yates returning to direct. Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Brothers said

It has been an honor for our studio to be entrusted with bringing J.K. Rowling’s extraordinary book series to the screen, and we have always felt a great responsibility to be true to her vision. In concluding the film franchise, we recognized that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is packed with vital plot points that complete the story arcs of all of its beloved characters. That said, we feel that the best way to do the book, and its many fans, justice is to expand the screen adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and release the film in two parts. We could not imagine the final chapter of the film franchise being in better hands than those of David Yates.

Additional quotage from WB President Alan Horn:

This is a very special moment for us, as it is the final episode in the great journey that J.K. Rowling undertook more than a decade ago. It has been a journey for all of us at Warner Bros. as well, and we are confident that our filmmakers will finish our series of films as a fitting complement to Jo’s completion of Harry’s story on the page.”

Producer David Heyman:

Over ten years ago, we made a commitment to Jo Rowling that, above all else, we would be faithful and true to the spirit of her books, and ever since we have endeavored never to compromise on the creative ambitions of the films. The Deathly Hallows is so rich, the story so dense and there is so much that is resolved that after discussing it with Jo, we came to the conclusion that two parts were needed to do it justice. I am thrilled that David Yates is returning to direct ‘The Deathly Hallows.’ He is both inspired and inspiring and is a passionate fan of the remarkable world and characters Jo has created. I know he will lead our incomparable cast and crew—most of whom have been with us since the very beginning—in bringing the series to the unforgettable conclusion it deserves.”

And last but not least, David Yates:

I’ve had great pleasure working with a tremendous cast and crew thus far, on both ‘the Order of the Phoenix’ and ‘the Half-Blood Prince.’ It’s a wonderful world to work in and be part of and to create within, and I consider it a great privilege to continue to bring Jo’s extraordinary world to the screen, and to be the director to complete this epic and exhilarating journey.

As mentioned yesterday, Deathly Hallows, Part One and Two will be filmed at the same time, with filming starting in February of 2009; Part One will be release in November of 2010, with Part Two due to May 2011.

CONFIRMED: DH Will Be Split In Two; Yates to Direct

With Matt Lewis's slip of turn earlier today, it seems quite timely that in an exclusive report from the LA Times today that is has now, and finally been officially confirmed that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows WILL BE SPLIT INTO TWO (COUNT THEM TWO) FILMS: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II." Part One is due November 2010, with Part Two due for May 2011.

The exclusive also cites Harry Potter producer David Heyman confirming that David Yates will return two helm the final two films, along with Steve Kloves to write both screenplays. It goes on to quote Heyman discussing Jo's reaction to the decision:

Heyman said he approached Rowling with some trepidation about the strategy but found that she signed off on its logic rather quickly. "I went to Jo and she was cool with it," Heyman said, "and that was quite a relief."

...

Producer David Heyman said the decision was made with some anxiety and only after considerable deliberations. The producer joked that "while my wife and Warner Brothers were pleased" to hear that the Potter movie magic will continue into the next decade, he himself fretted that the cynical observers would see the decision as a purely mercenary move."I swear to you it was born out of purely creative reasons," Heyman said during an interview in a converted airplane factory outside London that has been home base to all of the "Potter" productions. "Unlike every other book, you cannot remove elements of this book. You can remove scenes of Ron playing quidditch from the fifth book, and you can remove Hermione and S.P.E.W. [Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare] and those subplots . . . but with the seventh, that can't be done."

The report even quotes Daniel Radcliffe as saying:

I think it's the only way you can do it without cutting out a huge portion of the book," Radcliffe said recently during a break on the set of "Half-Blood Prince. There have been compartmentalized subplots in the other books that have made them easier to cut - although those cuts were still to the horror of some fans- but the seventh book doesn't really have any subplots. It's one driving, pounding story from the word go.

UPDATE The LA Times now has published a second story, with comments from WB Chairman Alan Horn on the decision to split the seventh book into two films:

"This way, we have an extra hour and a half, at least, to celebrate what this franchise has been and do justice to all the words and ideas that Jo has put in the amazing story. This is the end of the story too. We want to celebrate it. We want to give a full meal."

Horn also addressed the issue of the Trio acting in the epilogue:

"Horn said that particular denouement has the filmmakers fretting about how to keep the young familiar stars on the screen just before it goes dark. "That," Horn said, "is something we will need to deal with. People have watched these kids grow up, and it's been very special to do so. That's important to us."

Matt Lewis: DH to be Split

Matt Lewis, better known as Neville Longbottom, was in attendance at Collectormania in the UK this weekend. According to the Snitchseeker, Matt and his brother Anthony (Torchwood), made numerous comments about Matt made several comments about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

He discussed Neville's dramatic moment with Nagini and the sword at the end of the book: “Oh yeah. It’ll be really cool but I’m going to have to have lots of training. We did with Order of the Phoenix and using the wands but this one is going to be much more extensive.” (His brother joked, ”There’d have to be for anyone to trust him with a sword.”)

But of particular interest, Matt said that Deathly Hallows would indeed be split into two parts. While Warner Brothers HASN'T officially confirmed this, I think it's a safe bet to say Matt's split the beans.

We'll update when WB sends official word of the split and director choice.

WB to Rerelease HP as Blue-ray "Book"

High-Def Digest is reporting tonight that Warner Brothers plans to release Blu-ray titles in "book"-like editions in the coming year. Harry Potter is expected to be one of these titles. The Blue-ray books will also contain "never-before-seen archival material," so hopefully this means we'll have some new Potter special features to geek over, but this may just apply to the older titles.

JKR/WB vs. RDR Books Trial Rescheduled

The trial for J.K. Rowling/Warner Brothers vs. RDR Books has been rescheduled from March 13th to March 24, 25 and 26, starting at 9:30 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Manhattan.

According to Leaky:

This will take the place of what was to be a March 13 hearing to determine whether to grant a preliminary injunction halting the book from publication while the case moved to trial. The judge on the case, Hon. Robert Patterson, Jr., ordered that the hearing and trial on copyright/trademark infringement be consolidated

David Yates Talks DH: "I'm Tempted"

In a new video interview with David Yates from the Empire Awards yesterday, the director discusses the possibility of return to direct Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. When asked about whether he will return to direct the final film, Yates said “I’m tempted” and that they talk about it everyday at Leavesden. He also mentions filming for Half-Blood Prince, saying that everyday of filming "is a joy."

You can watch this interview by clicking here and scrolling down to where it says “Best Director for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix David Yates.”

HBP Filming at Millennium Bridge

Filming for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is currently taking place at the Millennium Bridge in London. The scene does not involve main cast members, but does involve several extras walking on the bridge. Pictures and video have shown a helicopter flying over the bridge to film the extras.

News of this filming is throwing most for a loop. Leaky sheds a bit more light on the subject:

Reader Milo says they are using extras for a special effects scene in Half-Blood Prince that features the destruction of the bridge, “to be used in the movie as evidence of the war in the Wizarding world.” He writes “they used 120+ extra’s on the bridge plus stuntmen who fell off the bridge into the water. They had a helicopter which filmed the main parts swooping down very close to the water and bridge, and it flew length ways along the bridge. Filming could only be done every 30 mins as that was all that the government would allow them.”

So it seems that they're keeping the scene of the death eaters blowing up the bridge, as described in the first chapter of [i]Half-Blood Prince[/i].

Photos can be viewed here (1, 2, 3) and videos can be viewed here (1, 2, 3), thanks hbpmoviepics.

Jim Dale to Speak at Portus 2008

Jim Dale, narrator of the US Harry Potter audiobooks, will be a speaker at the upcoming Portus 2008 symposium that will be held in Dallas, Texas this summer. HPEF has announced that Mr. Dale will will give a special presentation on Saturday July 12, followed by a question and answer section, with autograph opportunities later that day. This marks the first time that an individual so involved with the series has attended a fan event. For more information on Portus 2008, click here.

Happy Birthday, Remus Lupin

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

Watson, Lynch, Leung, Isaacs, Broadbent Attend Empire Awards

The Empire Awards were held tonight in London, England. As we told you earlier Emma Watson was due to attend the awards and present an award at the ceremony. Also in attendance were Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Katie Leung (Cho Chang), Jason Isaacs (Lucus Malfoy), and Jim Broadbent (Slughorn. Pictures can be seen at WENN and Getty Images. Also a video from the awards, featuring Isaacs and Emma, can be viewed here.

Also, congratulations to David Yates who picked up the award for Best Director for his work on [i]Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix[/i].

JKR Discusses Encyclopedia, Future Books, Dumbledore, and More

J.K. Rowling has given a new interview with an Edinburgh Student newspaper, in which she discusses the Encyclopedia, future books, Dumbledore's sexuality, religious fundamentalists, and more.

In the interview Jo confirms that she has started compiling information for the Harry Potter Encyclopedia: "...I am working on it in fact. I just don't want to have to work to a deadline, but I am slowly piecing it together."

She also mentioned the children's book that she is currently working, saying it is still not finished. As for the other book she's writing for adults, it "may never see the light of day at all." Jo declined to elaborate further on these books noting "The minute I say anything, immediately my life becomes more complicated." She does go on to say that she "aways wanted to write a novel about a stand-up comedian. That is not what I am writing though, so if something comes out next week, that's not me, I'm not doing it! But for ages, I've had a real thing about it."

Jo also talked about the repeated attempts of Laura Mallory to have the Harry Potter books banned in Georgia:

"I can cope with a bad review. No one loves a bad review but a useful review is one that teaches you something. But to be honest the Christian Fundamentalist thing was bad. I would have been quite happy to sit there and debate with one of the critics who were taking on Harry Potter from a moral perspective. In a sense we have traded arguments through the media. I've tried to be rational about it. There's a woman in North Carolina or Alabama who's been trying to get the books banned-she's a mother of four and never read them. And then- I'm not lying, I'm not even making fun, this is the truth of what she said-quite recently she was asked [why] and she said 'Well I prayed whether or not I should read them, and God told me no.' Rowling pauses to reflect on the weight of that statement, and her expression one of utter disbelief.

"You see, that is where I absolutely part company with people on that side of the fence, because that is fundamentalism. Fundamentalism is, 'I will not open my mind to look on your side of the argument at all. I won't read it, I won't look at it, I'm too frightened.' That's what's dangerous about it, whether it be politically extreme, religiously extreme...In fact, fundamentalists across all the major religions, if you put them in a room, they'd have bags in common!" she laughs loudly before sobering. "They hate all the same things, it's such an ironic thing."

As for Dumbledore's sexuality:

"I had always seen Dumbledore as gay, but in a sense that's not a big deal. The book wasn't about Dumbledore being gay. It was just that from the outset obviously I knew he had this big, hidden secret, and that he flirted with the idea of exactly what Voldemort goes on to do, he flirted with the idea of racial domination, that he was going to subjugate the Muggles. So that was Dumbledore's big secret.

Why did did he flirt with that?" she asks. "He's an innately good man, what would make him do that. I didnt even think it through that way, it just seemed to come to me, I thought 'I know why he did it, he fell in love.' And whether they physically consummated this infatuation or not is not the issue. The issue is love. It's not about sex. So that's what I knew about Dumbledore. And it's relevant only in so much as he fell in love and was made an utter fool of by love. He lost his moral compass completely when he fell in love and I think subsequently became very mistrusting of his own judgment in those matters so became quite asexual. He led a celibate and bookish life."

Clearly some people didn't see it that way. How does she react to those who disagree with a homosexual character in a children's novel? "So what?" she retorts immediately "It is a very interesting question because I think homophobia is a fear of people loving, more than it is of the sexual act. There seems to be an innate distaste for the love involved, which I find absolutely extraordinary. There were people who thought, well why haven't we seen Dumbledore's angst about being gay?" Rowling is clearly amused by this and rightly so. "Where was that going to come in? And then the other thing was-and I had letters saying this-that, as a gay man, he would never be safe to teach in a school."

An air of incredulity descends on the room as if Rowling herself still can not believe this statement. She continues: "He's a very old single man. You have to ask: why is it so interesting? People have to examine their own attitudes. It's a shade of character. Is it the most important thing about him? No, it's Dumbledore for God's sake. There are 20 things that are relavant to the story before his sexuality." Bottom line then: he isn't a gay character; he's a character that just happens to be gay. Rowling concurs wholeheartedly.

Among all these things Jo also briefly addressed dealing with depression and the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ("I would recommend it highly"), her being approached by readers ("people coming up to me in Starbucks are always charming, Always"), and whether she reads her own books ("The only one I've gone back and re-read since publication is the seventh book which is my favorite.")

Emma Watson to Present at Empire Awards

Emma Watson has updated her official site with news that she will be presenting an award at his year's Empire Awards this Sunday. She also says that she hopes it will be "a good night for Potter." The fifth film in the series has been nominated for a total of six nominations, among which Emma Watson is up for Best Actress.

While the awards will be held on Sunday, they will not be broadcast until Monday, March 10th at 9pm on UK Channel ITV2.

2008 WRPCA Winners Announced

The Wizrocklopedia has announced the winners of their annual People's Choice Awards. You can check out this years list of winners here.

J.K. Rowling Listed as 2008 Forbes Billionaire List

J.K. Rowling has once again been listed on Forbe's annual billionaire list with a new worth of $1 billion. Jo is listed among the Celebrity Billionaires, and is the only author on the list.

Once a single mother living on welfare in a cold-water flat in Edinburgh, Scotland, Rowling is now the only billionaire author on our list. The seventh and last installment of her wildly successful Harry Potter series was released last July to throngs of rabid fans who made it the fastest-selling book of all time. More than 11 million copies were sold in the first 24 hours. Feeding the Potter hype machine: The film version of the fifth book came out the same month.

WB Debunks "Death Threat" Rumors

A rumor that started out in the UK tabloid The Sun, and has since made it's way to Yahoo! movies, has now been debunked by Warner Brothers. Apparently, Daniel Radcliffe was rumored to be receiving such serious death threats that SAS men have been using dummy cars to get the actor to and from the studio. WB says this is a “complete lie. There is no security problem. There have been no death threats.”

Helen McCrory Filming as Narcssa Malfoy This Week

Actress Helen McCrory is filming as Narcissa Malfoy this week on the Half-Blood Prince set. McCroy's husband, Damian Lewis, appeared on ITV's This Morning where he said his wife was "extremely excited" about the role and has "been on all the blogs, looking at how much more excited everyone else is" about this and the upcoming movie.

Ralph Fiennes Not in HBP; Not Signed on to DH Yet

In an new interview with Ralph Fiennes to promote his new film In Bruges, which co-stars Breendon Gleeson (Mad-Eye) and Clemence Posey (Fleur), Fiennes reveals that he is not appearing in the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and that he has not yet signed on for Deahtly Hallows.

Capone (of Aint It Cool): Are you even in THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE?
RF: The one they're shooting now, no, I'm not in it.

Capone: So it's just your nephew that's playing…
RF: My nephew is playing, I think just for a couple of scenes, the younger Voldemort [Tom Riddle]. I understand that the bulk of the bulk of the backstory of Voldemort is played by another, slightly older actor [Frank Dillane].

Capone: And have you signed on for the final film yet?
RF: I have not yet, no.

Streaking on the HBP Set?

The UK tabloid The Sun has posted an interesting story (Warning: nudity at link) from the set of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. According to the tabloid location filming for the film is currently taking place in Farnham, Surrey, England. During filming "two male streakers" stalled filming by "darting naked through undergrowth during a woodland scene Stars Daniel Radcliffe and Helena Bonham Carter retreated to their caravans while security chased the pair off.” They later “crept back and made monkey noises at the location shoot in Farnham, Surrey. A source reportedly said: “Seeing naked bodies was a laugh-but the joke wore thin.”

Please keep this story is the Rubbish bin where it belongs. In the slim chance that it is confirmed, if filming is indeed on location in Surrey, it may be over by time confirmation is received if it isn't already.

Wyrd Sisters Continue Lawsuit Against WB

The Toronto Star is reporting that Canadian folk band The Wyrd Sisters, are still at it. The group is once again seeking further legal action against Warner Brothers in a continuing $40 million lawsuit.

Fans will remember that the band sought compensation for the use of the Weird Sisters band from the Harry Potter books being used in the film adaptation of Goblet of Fire, despite the band never being named in the film or soundtrack.

The folk band is now seeking the “destruction of DVDs, compact discs, video games and other paraphernalia” which contain reference to the fictional “The Weird Sisters” band.

The lawsuit seeks the “delivery-up for destruction” of all visual performances, sound recordings and merchandise relating to the “Harry Potter Weird Sisters” band, which Baryluk claims includes the film’s soundtrack, video games such as “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and the “Harry Potter Scene-It” game, as well as trading cards.

The Wyrd Sisters originally filed a lawsuit back in 2005 to block the release of the Goblet of Fire film, but were clearly unsuccessful, and were further ordered to pay WB $140,000 for legal fees. According to the article, this fee apparently has not yet ben paid. The court has now ordered the two parties' lawyers to meet over the financial situation.

J.K. Rowling Spotted Writing New Children's Book in Cafes

J.K. Rowling has once again been spoted writing in cafes. As, the author as noted several times, she is currently working on two projects, one for adults and one for children. According to The Telegraph Jo has been writing the latter on the two in cafes. In a short interview, Jo said:

"I will continue writing for children because that’s what I enjoy,” reveals Jo, who greatly misses the child wizard. “It’s left me with the biggest emptiness in my life.” She will, however, leave behind the magical world of Hogwarts. “I believe that it’s good for me and good for my readers that I bring myself to work on something different,” she declares.

In a search for inspiration, Jo discloses that she has returned to the Edinburgh cafes where she completed her first novel while unemployed and living on benefits: "I am very good at finding a suitable cafe. I blend into the crowd and, of course, I don't sit in the middle of the bar staring all around me. In 90 per cent of cases, it's the cafe's staff who allow me to work without being bothered."