The Hollywood Reporter reports today that HP director and producer Chris Columbus has signed on with WB to develop and direct Slanted and Enchanted, which is based on a script by Ben Queen. Mark Radcliffe and Michael Barnathan, partners from 1492 (Colmbus’ production company), will also produce, along with Bonnie Curtis and Jim Lemley. Slanted, …read more!

MuggleNet has posted a collection of shots from Robert Pattinson’s new movie, Kingdom of Twilight. Pattinson will play Cedric Diggory in the film version of Goblet of Fire.

HPANA has a short report, along with photos, from Harry Potter fan Alex, who got to be an extra on the Hogwarts Express in a scene recently filmed for Goblet of Fire. Thanks to both Alex for the report and HPANA for the link!

From the London Times: The Cool Brandleaders Council panel of experts, tasked with identifying all things hip, has noted that author Jo Rowling is 2004’s Coolest Author. Other people, places, and things as cool as Jo? Coolest fashion brands 1. Diesel 2. Agent Provocateur 3. Chanel 4. Puma 5. Topshop Coolest motors 1. Audi 2. …read more!

As the American readers of this site no doubt know, on November 2 the country will go to the polls to decide who is elected president of the United States for the next four years. We are taking a rare aberrance from our HP-related focus to encourage our eligible readers to register to vote and …read more!

Japan’s English magazine Metropolis has an interview with Yuko Matsuoka, the Japanese translator of the Potter series. Order of the Phoenix went on sale in Japan earlier this month. Thanks to Wizard News for the link!

Several TLC readers let us know that Harry Potter was the subject of a recent Pardon My Planet. Thanks to everyone who emailed, and especially Katie for the link.

Several TLC readers have asked why they aren’t seeing updates on our full graphics page. That page is our default, and can be viewed at http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org. Of course, if you prefer the low-graphics version with the Hogwarts house color schemes, that’s available as well at /indextext.html.

In a effort to raise money for the homeless, author J.K. Rowling has donated a special original miniature book for auction. Charity organization 999club will hold the reception and auction on November 1st at Sotheby’s in London, England. From the information that we received, this is a signed, leather bound manuscript by J.K. Rowling. It …read more!

The Sunday Mail reports that weekend trippers had to go by bus when ScotRail closed down the last train from Mallaig to Fort William for filming of Goblet of Fire. Riders were given rail vouchers and Harry Potter memorabilia in exchange for the inconvenience. Thanks to B. and Wizard News for the link!