Tag Archives: harry potter

New Deathly Hallows Photos; Trailer to be Released Tonight

22 Wednesday Sep 2010

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Yes, I’m well aware that I’m supposed to be in bed now, but my body obviously knew that something good was coming up, because it wouldn’t let me sleep. I was irritated at first, but after seeing what was posted to Facebook about 15 minutes ago, I’m a happy fangirl because we have new photos from Deathly Hallows!!!

In accordance with their “Join the Final Battle” promotion on Facebook, Warner Bros. has released four new photos from the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. There are separate shots of each of the trio, and one other that looks to be Snatchers bringing in “suspects” to the Ministry of Magic.

In addition, Warner Bros. announced via Twitter that a brand new, full-length theatrical trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 will be released online tonight at 9PM EST/6PM PST. USA Today had a small preview on their site about the trailer, which included a photo of Harry and Hermione at Godric’s Hollow.

You know I’ll be watching – possible crying – and will post it as soon as it’s available.

Less than two months to go now!!!

UPDATE: A sixth photo has also made it’s way online, courtesy of the official Harry Potter Film Twitter page. It features Umbridge and others addressing a crowd at the Ministry of Magic, the “Magic is Might” sign prominently displayed.

Harry & Hermione at Godric's Hollow, USA Today

Harry, from the official Harry Potter Facebook page

Hermione, from the official Harry Potter Facebook page

Ron, from the official Harry Potter Facebook page

Snatchers, from the official Harry Potter Facebook page

New TV Spot for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” (SPOILERS)

09 Thursday Sep 2010

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Voldemort's followers are gathered at Malfoy Manor

I have yet to watch the season premiere of “The Vampire Diaries” (don’t fuss, I had an exam for school!), but that didn’t stop me from finding the new Harry Potter footage that aired during the show. With about 70 days left until the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I, I am going berserk waiting for new trailers, commercials, leaks, anything I can find! What’s a fangirl to do?

Luckily the CW gave us this unexpected little gem during the show:

WARNING: THERE BE SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON!!!

There are several new scenes featured in this footage; let’s break them down:

* The commercial begins with Voldemort’s whispery voice, making an ominous statement: “Harry Potter, I have seen your heart, and it is mine.”

* Voldemort casting a bolt of lightening towards the sky while standing on top on Dumbledore’s grave; according to a fan account of the early screening that was held in Chicago last month, this is the point at which DH Part I will end.

* An image of a Death Eater flying away from a house, which looks like it could be the Lovegood house, based on a scene that appears later in the spot

* Ron backing away from the image casted by the locket Horcrux; quick shot of the chase during the “7 Potters” scene; the trio after fleeing from the Burrow

* Shot of Harry, another scene during the air chase, and a house crumbling to the ground (again, possibly the Lovegood house)

* Flashes of scenes from previous featurettes: Voldemort, Harry, the Death Eater stopping the Hogwarts Express; Ron fleeing inside the Ministry of Magic, Harry and Hagrid during the “7 Potters” chase, Bellatrix waving her wand.

* A new scene showing Nagini going in for an attack at Malfoy Manor; possibly during the scene where Charity Burbage meets her death?

* Quick flashes of Harry, then Hermione; a burst of light, and then Harry again before cutting to the Harry Potter storyboard.

And yes, I’m bouncing around in my seat as I watch the video and type this blog post. November 19 can’t come soon enough for me!!

Daniel Radcliffe Appears at Movie Con III in London (SPOILERS)

19 Thursday Aug 2010

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Daniel Radcliffe made a surprise guest appearance at this past weekend’s Movie Con III in London, and Empire Online has posted a few short videos from the event.

In the first video, Daniel talks about how emotional he was at the end of filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and briefly mentions how excited he is to work on his new project, “The Woman in Black”.

In the second video, he compares the difference between both of the films; he says that part 1 is more like a “road movie”, and is the one where the friendships between the characters are “tested like they’ve never been tested before”, and how the absence of Hogwarts gives the film a different feel. He also talks about how awkward it is to watch himself in the earlier films.

The third clip finds Daniel talking about how much he admires the work of David Yates and why he feels it was important for David to direct Deathly Hallows; and which characters he would like to play if he were asked to come back and do a re-make in the future (he says if it’s 30 years down the line, Sirius; if it’s 50 years, Dumbledore). He mentions that working with Gary Oldman was like working with the “man of his dreams” (he has frequently mentioned Oldman as a role model/mentor) and how he could never play Snape because Alan Rickman is too “indelibly imprinted in his mind” to ever try to play the part. He then introduces the same clip that was played recently at San Diego Comic-Con (but which WB has not released publicly).

New Promo Photos from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (SPOILERS)

19 Thursday Aug 2010

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New promo photos from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows have made their way online, courtesy of Warner Bros. The shots were included in the recent issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine, and show an array of major scenes from the book that should make a majority of HP fans extremely happy to see. There are also two additional photos that were released online after and separate from the EW photos.

You can view the new photos below, and just in case you missed it in the title, there are SPOILERS in this post!!! And of course – since no one has seen the movie yet – the descriptions under the photos are all speculation at this point, based on my knowledge of what happened in the books.

Harry and Hermione with a copy of "The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore"

Xenophilius Lovegood

Hermione, casting a spell after escaping from the Ministry of Magic

Harry, reaching out for something

Harry and Ron doing recon at the Ministry of Magic

A Harry/Ginny moment

Harry and Hagrid escape from Privet Drive

Harry says goodbye to Hedwig *sniff*

Voldemort's followers are gathered at Malfoy Manor

The trio enter Grimmauld Place

The Quibbler headlines the MoM's declaration that Harry is "Undesirable No. 1"

For those of you who somehow don’t know, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released in two parts, with the first on November 19, and the final film arriving in theaters July 15, 2011.

Details on “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in Entertainment Weekly

18 Wednesday Aug 2010

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Entertainment Weekly’s Fall Movie Preview issue arrived on newsstands last Friday, and anticipation is already high, due to a certain wizard gracing the cover.

That’s right folks. With less than 100 days until the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1), Harry Potter once again is leading the way for this fall’s most anticipated movies. (Many readers may recall that Harry was also on the cover of the Fall Movie Preview issue for 2008, which had the unfortunate timing of being released days prior to Warner Bros.’ shocking announcement that they would be moving the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to summer of 2009). Considering that part 2 of DH will be released in July 2011, I don’t think we have to worry about this year – I really think the fans would revolt.

Anyway, EW’s coverage includes interviews conducted with Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson towards the end of filming the last two films; new promo photos from the films – which includes a scene from the first chapter of the book (when Voldemort is holding court at Malfoy Manor), and an intro to the newest members of the Harry Potter cast. Full scans of the feature can be found here, courtesy of RupertGrint.net, but you can check out who’s new below:

The article also reveals for the first time exactly where the Part 1/Part 2 split will take place: I won’t reveal the spoiler, but click and drag your mouse over the following section if you would like to find out where the split is.

Start here: “Part I, by the way, will end at about Chapter 24 of the book, with Voldemort gaining possession of the Elder Wand, one of the three Deathly Hallows that allow the bearer to conquer death.”

I. CAN. NOT. WAIT. FOR. THIS. MOVIE!!!! CAN NOVEMBER 19 JUST GET HERE ALREADY?????

James & Oliver Phelps Will Appear at Dragon*Con

10 Tuesday Aug 2010

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Finally!!! Dragon*con finally got some wizardly goodness coming in, in the form of James & Oliver Phelps, the twins who play the fun and naughty Weasley twins Fred and George in the films. The guys were confirmed this morning on Dragon*con’s website, which is a relief to this Potter fan!!

I got to meet the guys at my first Dragon*Con in 2007, and they were very humble, charismatic, and fun to listen too. I’m looking forward to seeing them again, and hopefully no one spills any water during their Q&A panel! :)

If you’d like to see videos from their 2007 appearance at Dragon*Con (and of the aforementioned water spill), please visit my YouTube page.

Dragon*Con takes place in downtown Atlanta every Labor Day weekend; this year’s will be held Sept. 3 – 6.

Photo credit: Hanako M. Ricks (hmrpotter). Do not use without permission or credit.

Want to Win a Free Trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

02 Monday Aug 2010

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Yes, I said FREE.

The International Confederation of Wizards is the brainchild of Keith Cardin, the organizer for the Orlando area Harry Potter meetup group. His goal is simple: to send two deserving Harry Potter fans – who could not afford the trip on their own – on an all-expense paid trip to Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The trip would include round-trip airfare for the winners (applicants must reside in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom or South America), 4 night/3 day hotel accomodations at the Loews Royal Pacific Hotel, 3-day park-to-park access tickets, and $400 in spending money, each. Estimated retail cost is up to $4000.00.

In the spirit of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, the motto of the International Confederation of Wizards is this famous quote from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets:  ”Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who need it the most.” Keith and his co-staffer Tiffany are both long-time, die-hard Harry Potter fans who have already had a chance to experience the ultimate of Harry Potter experiences: to see Hogsmeade village come to life, to have a meal in The Three Broomsticks; to visit the shops and sip Butterbeer, and to walk through the halls of Hogwarts. There are thousands of Harry Potter fans who’ve been able to share in that experience (the Grown-Up Fangirl included), but how many simply can’t afford to do so? It is with this thought in mind that Keith decided to try to help make this dream a reality for someone, but he can’t do it alone.

So, how is the ICW planning to accomplish all of this? With the help of the fandom, and any other donors who wish to contribute. One of the things I’ve always admired about the Harry Potter fandom family is that in times of need, we have always rallied around each other to assist in whatever ways possible. Whether it’s helping someone who has lost their job to pay bills or groceries, or contributing to a fund so someone could attend the funeral of another fandom friend, we’ve always had that helpful spirit that Dumbledore spoke of. Now, if we can come together in times of hardship, can’t we come together for fun as well?

The fandom needs your help to make this happen! If you would like to find out if you qualify, or would like to apply, submissions guidelines can be found here.

For those of you who would like to donate, please click this link.

For those who would like to find out how they can help, the volunteer openings are listed here.

My Dragon*Con Countdown Has Officially Begun

01 Sunday Aug 2010

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In about a month’s time, I will be participating in my annual geekout weekend when Dragon*Con returns Labor Day weekend. For those of you who don’t know, Dragon*Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film. Every Labor Day weekend, about 40,000 people crowd the streets and take over the hotels of downtown Atlanta to meet friends, celebrities, cosplay and totally geek out. I first attended in 2007 and it has now become a must-attend event for me.

This year will also include some firsts for me, as I have been asked to sit on two panels for the Young Adult (YA) Literature track. The first panel, “Minorities in YA Lit” will focus on the role that minorities play in Young Adult Literature, and what trends are popular in regard to race, gender, religion, etc. So far, I am the only panelist listed (no pressure, right?)

The second panel is the one I’m most excited about, “Freaks and Geeks in Harry Potter”, where we discuss the “oddballs” in the HP universe, such as Neville and Luna. My co-panelists include Racheline Maltese (author of The Book of Harry Potter Trifles, Trivias and Particularities), Todd McCaffrey (who co-writes the Dragonriders of Pern series with his mother, novelist Anne McCaffrey), Davey Beauchamp (Writers for Relief anthologies), and M.B. Weston (author of The Elysian Chronicles series).  How the hell I was able to get on such a distinguished panel confuses the hell out of me, and I will try not to feel intimidated. Try being the operative word.

But you guys want to know about the guests, don’t you? You can view the complete Dragon*Con guest list here, but this is the list of the people I’m excited to see and the movie/books/shows I loved them in (the ones in red are musts for autograph/photos).

  • Lee Arenberg (you know, the “Ello, Poppet!” pirate on Jack Sparrow’s crew in the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy)
  • Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy)
  • Rene Auberjonois (Odo from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”)
  • Morena Baccarin (Anna on the ABC Series “V” and Adria/the Orici on” Stargate SG-1″)
  • Kristin Bauer (Pam from “True Blood”)
  • Robert Beltran (Chakotay on “Star Trek: Voyager”)
  • Avery Brooks (Benjamin Sisko in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”)
  • Ben Browder (Col. Cameron Mitchell in “Stargate SG-1″)
  • Chris Bruno (Sheriff Bannerman on “The Dead Zone”)
  • LeVar Burton (READING RAINBOW!!! Oh yeah, and he played Geordi in “Star Trek: The Next Generation”)
  • Jim Butcher (author of The Dresden Files books)
  • Denise Crosby (Tasha Yar in “Star Trek: The Next Generation”)
  • Daniel Cudmore (Felix in the Twilight movies, and Colossus in X2 and X-Men 3)
  • Lexa Doig (Rommie in the series “Andromeda”)
  • Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette in “True Blood”) THIS IS A MUST!!!!
  • Michelle Forbes (Maryann in “True Blood”)
  • Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte in “True Blood”)
  • Jonathan Frakes (Commander Riker in “Star Trek: The Next Generation”)
  • Joel Gretsch (Father Landry in “V”; Tom Baldwin in “The 4400)
  • Larry Hagman (J.R. Ewing in “Dallas”)
  • David Hewlett (Rodney McKay in “Stargate SG-1″, “Stargate: Atlantis”)
  • Christopher Judge (Teal’c in “Stargate SG-1″)
  • Sherrilyn Kenyon (author of the Dark-Hunter series)
  • Martin Klebba (Marty from the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy)
  • Stan Lee (do you really need an explanation of who he is?)
  • Paul McGillion (Carson Beckett on “Stargate: Atlantis”)
  • Alex Meraz (Paul in the Twilight movies)
  • Corin Nemec (Parker Lewis in “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose” and Jonas Quinn in “Stargate SG-1″)
  • Michael Shanks (Daniel Jackson in “Stargate SG-1″ and “Stargate: Atlantis”)
  • Mark Sheppard (demon Crowley in “Supernatural”)
  • Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi in “Star Trek: The Next Generation”)
  • Chaske Spencer (Sam Uley in Twilight: New Moon and Twilight: Eclipse)
  • Brent Spiner (Data in “Star Trek: Te Next Generation”)
  • Laura Vandervoort (Kara/Supergirl in “Smallville” and Lisa in “V”)
  • Garrett Wang (Harry Kim on “Star Trek: Voyager”)
  • Paul Wesley (Stefan in “The Vampire Diaries”)

I believe that the guest list for Dragon*Con has been capped this year at 400, so I don’t think anyone else will be added to the list. It would be nice, however, if they could add some more stars from “The Vampire Diaries” (especially since they film the show here in Atlanta). Some Harry Potter stars would be nice as well, as they were the main reasons I’ve been there the past three years.

Catching Up With The Grown-Up Fangirl

24 Saturday Jul 2010

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I know it’s been a while since I’ve done a proper Fangirl post here, and I apologize. Things have been so hectic for me in real life that I had been behind on a lot of stuff. With my Harry Potter assignments over at Hollywood News, along with the summer hiatus of several of the shows I fangirl over, I’ve been neglecting most of my fandoms that aren’t HP related. However, I am desperately trying to catch up with everything. Here’s what I’ve been up to:

Harry Potter: Last weekend I attended Infinitus 2010 in Orlando, and got a chance to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I have yet to sit down and gather my thoughts about the convention, but I did manage to do a write-up about the park, which can be found at my Hollywood News blog here. I will say that it was one of the best experiences I’ve had, as I’ve gotten to meet a lot of “online” friends and they’ve now become real life friends, which is great. I can always use more Harry Potter fanatics in my life. :)

True Blood: With the frenzy I’ve faced over the last two weeks preparing for Infinitus, I had completely missed the two most recent episodes of True Blood. I finally got a chance to watch them last night and WOW. I don’t even know where to start!!! I am loving the additions of Alcide and Jesus (OMG his scenes with Lafayette!!), and the casting for Debbie Pelt was perfect! Batshit crazy doesn’t even begin to cover it!! And I’m loving James Frain’s version of Franklin Mott; he’s creepy but so pathetic at the same time, while being scary. There’s just a lot going on in this show so far, and we’re only what, four episodes into this season? Speaking of which, a new trailer for the second half of season 3 premiered at Comic-Con and holy hell!! This season is about to get even more intense!!

The Tudors: After getting completely hooked onto this series this past February, I wasn’t ready for it to end. This was a series brilliantly done, and has some of the best casting I’ve seen. The series ended on a very classy note, although I was sad to see the death of one of my favorite characters, Charles Brandon. I would really like for Showtime to re-visit this series and cast, possibly showing the reign of Mary Tudor, especially with Sarah Bolger as Mary. Would be a very good show, indeed.

The Vampire Diaries returns to the CW for its second season on Thursday, September 9 at 8pm. Supernatural follows two weeks later when its new Friday night schedule premieres on September 24. Both of these dates seem so far away, but at least it’s not January, which is when Caprica is scheduled to return.

So for awhile, at least, I may have to find a few new shows to watch/catch up on, and believe me, there has been no shortage of suggestions. I’ll do my best to keep up this blog a bit better, but don’t forget, for all of my Harry Potter related news, check me out on Hollywood News.

Gentle Giant Releases Images of New Busts From Star Wars, Pan’s Labyrinth and Harry Potter for Comic-Con

12 Monday Jul 2010

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New mini-busts from Star Wars, Pan’s Labyrinth and Harry Potter have made their way into the Gentle Giant collection, and will be unveiled at this year’s Comic-Con, taking place July 22-25. The 5 figures are SDCC (San Diego Comic Con) exclusives, and the following are available for preorder:

Star Wars Darth Vader (McQuarry concept) mini-bust, Limited Edition: 2500 pieces $75.00, available exclusively at Comic-Con

Darth Vader (McQuarrie Concept)

Limited Edition, 2500 pieces

$75.00, available exclusively at Comic-Con

Star Wars Stormtrooper – 12″ Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figure

Limited Edition: 1500 pieces

$85.00, available exclusively at Comic-Con

Azkaban Lucius Malfoy

Limited Edition: 550 pieces

$65.00, available exclusively at Comic-Con

The Pan’s Labyrinth busts will be available at the Gentle Giant beginning on Wednesday (Preview Night) through Saturday; purchasers can also have these busts signed by Guillermo del Toro and Doug Jones on Saturday, July 24. More information on the signings can be found on the Gentle Giant website.

New “Deathly Hallows” Teaser Poster Released

02 Friday Jul 2010

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In a week that began with excitement over the release of the trailer, now there is a teaser poster for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The poster depicts a war-torn Hogwarts, and has already begun to break the hearts of Potter fans everywhere, who while excited for the movies to be released, are not as ready to say goodbye.

So here’s the newly released poster; what do you think?

And Still More Photos from Deathly Hallows! (UPDATED)

28 Monday Jun 2010

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I am a very bouncy Grown-Up Fangirl this morning, because all of this “Deathly Hallows” material popping up all over the web has me very EXCITED!!!! A few more stills have appeared online courtesy of The Telegraph, and one of them is my very beloved Weasley!!!

Bellatrix still looks crazy

Wandmaker Gregorovitch

Ron being tortured by the Horcrux :(

The trio escape from Death Eater attack at Bill's wedding

Are you excited?

Filch walking the corridors of Hogwarts

Harry in profile

Wide-screen shot of Harry

More Deathly Hallows Photos (Spoilers)

28 Monday Jun 2010

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While I understand that spoiler warning should be over and done with three years after the fact, my warning was not intended for people who have yet to read the books, but for those fans who are staying away from promo images in anticipation of the film.

With that being said, USA Today has me staying up a lot later than I should be, because they just posted some awesome photos from the Deathly Hallows trailer that is due tomorrow. Wanna see? :)

This is – of course – the infamous breakout scene from Gringott’s.

This scene takes place during the battle at Hogwarts, and is a visual embellishment created specifically for the movie.

Hermione, possibly casting the spell that hid the trio from sight of any Death Eaters

Harry and Hagrid on Sirius’ motorbike, during the Seven Potters scene

Harry, after escaping the clutches of Death Eaters at the Ministry and at Grimmauld Place

Ron, in one of his most heroic moments ever, destroying the Horcrux (you guys know how I love my Ron!!)

Voldemort and his Death Eaters

Harry and Voldemort, probably during the penultimate scene of the movie

The last two photos, courtesy of Snitchseeker, show close-ups of Harry and Voldemort during the final battle scene, where their wands are locked.

So now, after seeing these photos, do you think Warner Bros. has stayed closer to the book in this  the final adaptation? Do you think that they are revealing too much, too soon? Or do you think IT’S ABOUT TIME!!

I think tomorrow, we can officially begin the countdown.

“Deathly Hallows” Images Online; Trailer Due Tomorrow

27 Sunday Jun 2010

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Ron and Hermione at Shell Cottage

Images have appeared online from the new trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which is scheduled to be released online tomorrow. The trailer, which will also be shown during previews for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, was screened last week at Cinema Expo and a reviewer had this to say on Twitter:

New Harry Potter teaser will play with Twilight’s #Eclipse next week and includes footage of both part I & II. Best trailer of year so far! Based on the FANTASTIC teaser at CinemaExpo, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 2D looks amazing in itself– no need for 3D

I will be posting the trailer tomorrow at my HollywoodNews Harry Potter blog, but in the meantime, I’ll leave you with these photos…

Harry's confrontation with Voldemort

Hogwarts under attack

Videos from “Inside The Magic” on Wizarding World Grand Opening

19 Saturday Jun 2010

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Inside The Magic has posted a great video summary released by Universal of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Grand Opening events that took place on June 16 and 18. The video includes a small clip of an interview with Harry Potter creator and author J.K. Rowling, who was present for both events and seems to be in as much awe of the park as her most loyal fans.

The following video is from the actual Grand Opening event on Friday, June 18; the event was scheduled to stream live, but there were technical difficulties that prevented many online viewers from seeing the event. Dan Radcliffe welcomes the class from Wilderness Oak Elementary School, who won a contest on The TODAY Show to attend the grand opening. They were the first guests allowed into the park, and were ushered in by all of the Potter cast members on hand for the celebration.

More videos from the event can be found on ITM’s YouTube page.

TODAY Show videos from Live Coverage of Wizarding World of Harry Potter Opening

18 Friday Jun 2010

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The Today Show has some fun (if sometimes erroneous) videos of their live coverage of the Grand Opening of WWoHP. In the first video, Ann Curry and Al Roker speak to the cast members about their experiences growing up in the films and their reactions to the theme park. Unfortunately, it is a bit obvious that the journalists are not fans, as they are unsure of several well-known facts about the series (Al Roker calls Sir Michael Gambon’s character “Aldis” instead of “Albus” and mentions that the Weasley Twins “supposedly” open up a joke shop), but the interaction between the cast members is magical as usual, and very fun to watch.

The next video in the sequence features the first-grade class from Wilderness Oak Elementary in San Antonio, TX, who were the winners in a “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” contest on the show last month. The students raised $9472.17 as part of their “Hearts for Haiti” fundraiser, in which they sold stick-on art for Valentine’s Day to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. The video details their goal, the moment they were announced as winners, and their journey and sneak peek visit into the park.

These students were personally greeted by all of the attending HP cast members and the first “Muggles” to be ushered into the park during the Grand Opening celebration. Their guide? None other than Harry Potter himself, Mr. Daniel Radcliffe.

Video #3 gives a little bit of background history on the series, and the making of some aspects of the park. I think this was the most talked about video amongst Potter fans, because Al Roker and Ann Curry cast a “stupefy” spell which turned Matt Lauer and Natalie Morales in frogs, and we know that’s not a proper spell!

Other videos are also available of Al Roker visiting the shops, tasting Butterbeer and being chosen by a wand at Ollivander’s. All of these videos can be seen on the TODAY Show website at this link.

Official Grand Opening of Wizarding World of Harry Potter today!!

18 Friday Jun 2010

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Today is the day all Potter fans have been waiting for since 2006, when it was announced that Universal Studios and Warner Bros. were collaborating to bring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to life: the official grand opening for the public takes place at 9:00am EST.

NBC’s TODAY Show began broadcasting live from the park at 7am this morning, conducting interviews with the cast in attendance: Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, James & Oliver Phelps, Tom Felton, Bonnie Wright, Matthew Lewis, Michael Gambon and Warwick Davis. The event will also be broadcast LIVE at www.grandopeningwebevent.com at 9am, so get ready for the excitement!!

Meet the new “Harry Potter” blogger for HollywoodNews.com: ME!!

18 Friday Jun 2010

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A little over a year ago, I began a personal “fangirl” blog, with the hopes that one day I would be able to blog about one of the things I love the most – Harry Potter – and get paid for it. I mean, for a Potterhead, that would be a dream position, right?

Well, I’m proud to announce that I am now, officially, the “Harry Potter” blogger for HollywoodNews.com. I will continue bringing Harry Potter news here on my blog, only in a limited capacity. I will still talk about all of my other fangirls loves here :) . For a more detailed and HP-specific blog, please check me out on HollywoodNews. I will have the link to my official blog there as soon as it’s available.

Here is the link to the official announcement: http://www.hollywoodnews.com/2010/06/17/meet-your-harry-potter-fan-blogger-hanako-m-ricks/

Images and video from Wizarding World of Harry Potter Celebrity event

16 Wednesday Jun 2010

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Photo courtesy of MuggleNetLive via Twitter

WOW.

That’s probably the only coherent word I could think of while watching the Celebrity Preview ceremony of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I’m sure the video, while beautiful, didn’t hold a candle to the experience of watching the event live.

The event included wonderful highlights, including Warwick Davis conducting the Hogwarts Frog Choir in a vocal rendition of “The Hogwarts March” (from the Yule Ball in Goblet of Fire) and “Double Trouble” (which was featured in Prisoner of Azkaban).

World renown composer John Williams conducted the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra:

The Knight Bus drove in with stars Sir Michael Gambon, Matthew Lewis, James & Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, and Tom Felton; they were quickly followed by the arrival of Dan Radcliffe and Rupert Grint in a Ford Anglia. Dan Radcliffe spoke to the crowd, and then led them in lighting up Hogwarts castle with the chant of  ”Lumos Maxima!”.

More photos and video can be found at Mugglenet, The Leaky Cauldron, and Inside the Magic.

UPDATE: Photos of J.K. Rowling are available via Getty Images.

I will not hesitate to say this, but I bawled like a baby through much of the entire event, but most especially when Hogwarts Castle was illuminated. And I’m sure I’ll cry even harder once I step through those doors a month from now. It literally will be a dream come true for me.

Reminder: Live Streaming of WWoHP events to begin tonight

16 Wednesday Jun 2010

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This is just a reminder that tonight is the first night of Grand Opening events for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Tonight’s event is the Celebrity Preview, where Potter cast members Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, James & Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, Warwick Davis, Michael Gambon and others will be in attendance. Composer extraordinaire John Williams is scheduled to conduct a symphony orchestra, and there are also rumors that Emma Watson and J.K. Rowling are in Orlando for the events, although this information has not been yet confirmed.

Muggles everywhere can follow the events live at the following links:

Universal Orlando: www.universalorlando.com/harrypotternews or www.grandopeningwebevent.com

You can also follow the popular Potter fansites Mugglenet, The Leaky Cauldron, HPANA, and Snitchseeker, who are all represented down in Orlando and will be providing live updates via Twitter all this week. Here are the Twitter accounts to follow:

MuggleNet: www.twitter.com/MuggleNetLive

The Leaky Cauldron: www.twitter.com/leaky

SnitchSeeker: www.twitter.com/SnitchSeeker

HPANA: www.twitter.com/hpana

UPDATE: It is being reported that guests in the park have been given light-up wands that will be used to “light up” Hogwarts Castle when Dan Radcliffe leads the crowd in casting a “lumos” spell.

Also, HPANA has tweeted that due to rain, the opening has been delayed by 30-minutes.

Grand Opening of Wizarding World of Harry Potter to be Streamed Live

15 Tuesday Jun 2010

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Can’t make it down for the opening day? No fear! Universal Orlando will stream not one, but two live opening events for the much-anticipated Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The Celebration Events will begin tomorrow night, June 16th with the Celebrity Preview. This event is a private event, and guests will be driven to the park by the actual Knight Bus that was used in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The live broadcast will be streamed from 9:30-10:30pm EST.

The public Grand Opening event will take place on Friday, June 18th at 9:00am EST, where several of the stars ( Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, and James & Oliver Phelps, among others) have been confirmed to be in attendance.

Both events can be viewed at www.universalorlando.com/harrypotternews, just click on the LIVE FEED button at the top left of the page.

Harry Happy streaming!

Photo courtesy of Taiesha Amica

Night of a Thousand Wizards (updated) (via Infinitus 2010)

14 Monday Jun 2010

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Specific details about the “Night of a Thousand Wizards” event taking place after hours on July 16, 2010, at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and as part of the Infinitus 2010 convention being held in Orlando, FL .

Welcome to Night of a Thousand Wizards, a special event on July 16, 2010 just for Infinitus registrants, at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ exclusively at Universal’s Islands of Adventure® at Universal Orlando® Resort. Your exclusive voyage into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter begins any time after 2 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2010; you can enjoy the rides, restaurants, shows and activities at Universal’s Islands of Adventure® all afternoo … Read More

via Infinitus 2010

Potter Stars Confirmed to Attend Next Week’s Opening of Theme Park

12 Saturday Jun 2010

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In news that has me crying like a baby this morning (since I can’t be there), Snitchseeker.com has reported that Harry Potter stars Dan Radcliffe and Rupert Grint have been confirmed to attend next Friday’s opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The two join previously confirmed stars James & Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, and Tom Felton; there have also been rumors that J.K. Rowling herself will attend the opening, although I don’t think it has been officially announced or confirmed anywhere on the internet.

“Weasley Is Our King” Flock meetup for Infinitus

11 Friday Jun 2010

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Calling all Weasley lovers!!! I will be co-hosting a “Weasley Is Our King” meetup group at Infinitus!! The purpose is to connect with other fans of my beloved Ron Weasley, as well as fans of the rest of the Weasleys.

Now, the only thing I need to know is how many people are interested in coming and what day/time would be better for you? There are three slots that are available, please vote on what day/time you would prefer!!

Click here to take survey

“The Making of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” video now available online

07 Monday Jun 2010

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Video of yesterday’s NBC special on “The Making of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is now available online at Hulu. This special includes some behind-the-scenes action, plus interviews with many of the people who were involved at bring the well-imagined wizarding world to life.

Please click the link below to be taken to the video:
www.hulu.com/watch/154415/the-making-of-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter

Twilight stars the big winners at the MTV Movie Awards; Tom Felton wins for Harry Potter

06 Sunday Jun 2010

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The MTV Movie Awards are over, and The Twilight Saga: New Moon was the big winner tonight, winning the following categories:

  • Best Female Performance – Kristen Stewart
  • Best Kiss – Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson
  • Best Male Performance – Robert Pattinson
  • Global Superstar – Robert Pattinson
  • Best Movie – The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Twilight‘s Anna Kendrick also won an award, for Best Breakthrough Performance for her role in Up in the Air.

And in Harry Potter news, Tom Felton won the award for Best Villain for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Congratulations!

MTV Movie Awards

06 Sunday Jun 2010

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Just a reminder for your folks that tonight is the night of the MTV Movie Awards. Several favorites are nominated, including Harry Potter and Twilight, and exclusive clips from both movies will be show tonight.

The awards show begins at 9m on MTV, and for those who are interested, I’ll be talking about the show on my Twitter account. Come join me!

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