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).

New Video of HBP Footage:

The BBC has posted a new video showing an aerial view of Leavesden Studio, the location of the Half-Blood Prince set. The video shows part of the new Burrow set, Privet Drive, what looks like the base of the Astronomey tower, what looks like part of the Forbidden Forest, a train station, and, of course, Hagrid's Hut. You can the video out by clicking here.

Voting Now Open for Amazon 'Beedle The Bard' Contest

We reported earlier last month that Amazon had launched a contest, in which the winner would win a trip to London to spend the weekend with the 4 million dollar copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard that the companty won at an auction back in December. The semi-finalist entries are now up and voting has commenced.

The entries for Ages 13-17 can be read here, while the entries for Ages 18+ can be read here. Voting will last until May 13th. The two finalists will be announced near the end of the month.

Natalia Tena Talks HBP at Collectormania

Natalia Tena attended Collectormania 13 in Milton Keynes, England this weekend. SnitchSeeker managed to catch up with the actress and ask her about both Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows.

When interviewed Nat revealed that she has only filmed one scene for the sixth Potter film: the scene where Death Eaters attack the Burrow at Christmas, where Harry & the Weasleys are present (this is an additional scene added to the movies, which does not appear in the book). She also said that none of the angst between Tonks and Lupin is in the film; they are just suddenly a couple when they meet there.

As for Deathly Hallows, Nat was disappointed that Tonks and Lupin were married, due to her own personal preference towards the institution, but said she would love to ride a broom with a pregnant belly.

More HBP Teaser Trailer Rumors

Some more rumors, concerning the soon to be released Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer, are online tonight. Leaky has been sent reports that the trailer is still expected to be attached to Prince Caspian.

The report says again that the trailer is still tentatively attached to Prince Caspian/Narnia on the 16th, and that the trailer will clearly show the darkening tone of the series, “with footage of the attack on the Burrow” as evidence of this. Reportedly, trailer shots will include a taunting Bellatrix, Draco on the train, Slughorn, Snape in a pivotal moment, Dumbledore in the cave, and clear evidence of the developing Harry/Ginny relationship. There are also quick glimpses of Quidditch, the Trio, and a bit of humor from Ron.

Treat this as a rumor until we receive official news from Warner Brothers.

Young Lucius Malfoy Cast for HBP

The castings announcements for Half-Blood Prince continue to come, even as end of filming approaches. The BlogHogwarts has emailed us to tell us of an exclusive new interview with the actor, Tony Coburn, who has been cast as a Young Lucius Malfoy.

BlogHogwarts: Have you read any of the Harry Potter books before getting the role?
Tony Coburn: I hadn't seen any films before or read any books UNTIL i got the role and thought I should watch how Malfoy is and I saw Order of the Phoenix to get an idea of his character. I didnt even need to audition cos they said i looked very much like Jason Isaacs when he was younger so i was picked immediately for Young Lucius Malfoy.

BH: Have you filmed your scenes for 'Half-Blood Prince'? In which escenes are you involved?
TC: The scenes have been shot and was at a dinner scene with Professor slughorn. I have aslo been an extra in Dumbledores death scene which was a night shoot.

BH: Who did you work with? Who did you meet?
TC: I acted with Jim Broadbent and was in the death scene with Micheal Gambon, Daniel Radcliffe, Maggie Smith and Robbie Coltrane.

BH: How did you feel participating in a Harry Potter movie?
TC: Its amazing to be in the film and would never have imagined that I would feature in one, even though the part is small, it's still fantastic fun.

BH: In which other projects have you been involved?
TC: I have played Scrooge on stage before and featured on 'Totally Doctor Who'.

Potter Ends Ten Year Run on NY Times Best-Seller List

After over nine and a half years, and less than a year since the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the Harry Potter books have ended their reign on the New York Times Best-Seller list. Sorcerer's Stone first appeared on the list back on December 27, 1998. Within a year and a half, the top three places on the hardcover fiction list were held by the only three books Potter books in publication.

With Goblet of Fire on the way, the best-seller list was split into adult and children's categories in order to make room for new titles, which the Potter books were overshadowing.

After the release of Order of the Phoenix the list underwent another change. A category for children’s “series” books was added, ignoring the sales of individual titles and instead tracked each series as a whole. The Potter books were shifted to this category.

With the release of the paperback edition of Deathly Hallows and the release of three more movies, it can be expected that the books will creep back up onto the list, but this is just another sign of the end of an era.