Leaky News Archives for HP References
"We Are Wizards" Documentary Screening at Film Festivals in April
As some of you may know, there is a new documentary focusing on the Harry Potter fandom called “We Are Wizards.” This documentary has been described by the film makers as a piece that “tracks... MORE
College Quidditch Gains Media Coverage (Updated)
Over the past several years we’ve reported on the rise in popularity of Quidditch being played at various Harry Potter gatherings and especially now at US universities. This week, the Middlebury College Quidditch club is taking the... MORE
CNN Features Harry Potter in Academia
While many readers and fans of the Harry Potter novels have long delved into the deeper meaning and context of the books in broader relation to other subjects, it would seem college universities here in the US are now following... MORE
Tick Tock, PotterPuppetPals Top at YouTube Awards
Snape, Snape, Severus Snape has people singing along, and singing praises as the popular Potter Puppet Pals video was named a winner at the recent YouTube Awards. The video was a winner for... MORE
Bridge Used in Potter Filming for Platform 9 3/4 to be destroyed by Muggles?
It would seem a landmark for Wizards and Muggles alike is under threat, as a new report says a bridge and clock at King’s Cross station in London, England may be removed as part of an expansion project. Update:... MORE
Regulus Rises
This isn’t a piece of Harry Potter news per se, but just as we heard from the mysterious R.A.B (now known as Regulus Black) in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, so too will... MORE
Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger Named Among EW's Favorite Fictional Lovers
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Entertainment Weekly has released a list of Pop Culture’s Best Couples, a ranking of 26 of our favorite true (fictional) lovers. The fictional pairing of characters Ron Weasley and Hermione... MORE
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park to Open December, 2009?
As reported previously, there is a new Harry Potter theme park attraction being built that will be part of the Universal Orlando park complex in Orlando, Florida. While previously it had been stated that
USA Today: "Harry Potter" prevails, wands down
The USA Today has published a Books Year in Review special, and selected “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” as their number one book of the year. In an article titled “Harry Potter prevails,... MORE
Gringotts and Lucius Malfoy Worth Billions Says Muggle Magazine Forbes
Forbes has now published their annual list of the wealthiest fictional characters, and coming in at number 14 is a Wizard of wealth and taste: Lucius Malfoy. In this very funny (and spoiler filled) writeup... MORE
Luke, I am Not Harry's Father
Gotta love fandoms…especially when they collide, for the official Star Wars.com website now has a fun list online, comparing the Star Wars series with Harry Potter. Long debated here in our own fandom as well,
"Lord of the Rings" Tops "Harry Potter" in New Book to Film Poll
There was yet another poll released in the UK asking people to vote for their favorite film adaptation of a beloved book series. The winner of the poll was Peter Jackson's adaptation of "The Lord of... MORE
A League of their Own: Quidditch and US Colleges
We have a fun bit of news for you, as the USA Today has a lengthy feature on the rise in popularity of Quidditch at colleges here in the States. Focusing on the team at Middlebury... MORE
The Magical Effect of Harry Potter and Education
In news that surely would make Hermione proud, the Daily Mail is reporting today about a school in the UK that has experienced a significant turnaround in the academic performance of their students after introducing a Harry Potter curriculum... MORE
Rumor Squashed: No Official James Potter Site, Movie or Spin-off Series
Scores of readers have emailed regarding a news story about a website promoting something known as “James Potter and the Hall of Elders’ Crossing.” Replete with the familiar Hedwig’s Theme music, familiar animation, and the tradition fonts used... MORE
Stephen King on the Importance of J.K.Rowling
In a new and lengthy piece, author Stephen King has written a column for Entertainment Weekly, reflecting on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and in particular what J.K. Rowling has brought to children and reading. This article, which... MORE
Ten Years of Harry Potter: A Poster, and a Scottish Reporter Looks Back at Interviews with Jo
To celebrate ten years since the first publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the Globe and Mail newspaper in Canada is due to carry a full-page advertisement this weekend commemorating the occasion. Anyone with scans please send them... MORE
Baddabing! It's Tony and Harry and the Final Curtain Call
Newsweek has a very interesting article now online comparing the (fictional) lives of Harry Potter and mob boss Tony Soprano of HBO's award-winning and long running show "The Sopranos." As both series are coming to an end... MORE
More on Harry Potter Theme Park Rumor
Previously we have reported about a long rumored proposal for a Harry Potter theme park, possibly in Orlando, Florida. The Scotsman is reporting tonight some additional news about this possible project and says that "Universal Studios... MORE
Associated Press Feature on Harry Potter Fansites
Harry Potter fan sites are the subject of a new feature by the Associated Press. In the new article which describes the rise and development of various fansites such as the Sugar Quill,... MORE
USA Today: "Sorcerer's Stone" Most Memorable Book of Past 25 Years
The USA Today newspaper has a feature on the 25 Books that leave a legacy, spotlighting the most memorable reads of the past 25 years. The number one spot on this list is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's... MORE
Dr. Who, Harry Potter Fan
Barty Crouch Junior is Harry Potter fan...well of sorts. Many readers emailed to say that over the weekend in a new episode of the hit UK television program "Doctor Who," there were quite a few mentions of the magical... MORE
Bloomsbury Updates with "Deathly Hallows" Poster and More on 21 Great Reads
U.K. publishers Bloomsbury have updated their Harry Potter section with a poster that we told you about previously, but is now sporting the new children's cover art for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. If you would like... MORE
A Half Full "Goblet of Fire" for Readers in the UK
A new survey reveals that some readers in the UK left their Goblet half full, or own a partially read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire book that is. In a new study 4,000 Britons were asked about books... MORE
A Crafty Harry Potter Fan in the News
As we get closer to the release date of both Deathly Hallows and the Order of the Phoenix movie, the press is starting to pay closer attention to all things Harry Potter including the fans. One such great fan is... MORE
"Equus" Director Talks Dan Radcliffe and Harry Potter
The Independent newspaper has a new interview with, Thea Sharrock, the director of the play "Equus," which stars Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon). The paper notes that that there has been "£1m in advance... MORE
A Fuzzy Voldemort
Many readers let us know that Harry Potter was the subject of this Get Fuzzy cartoon today.
Thanks guys!
Yahoo to Create "Harry Potter" Brand Universe Site
The New York Times is reporting today that Yahoo has announced plans to build a special "Harry Potter" website as part of a giant "Brand Universe" for fans. The newspaper reports these sites are being created as "... MORE
Truth and Myth According to Laura Mallory
Laura Mallory, the woman from the state of Georgia who has repeatedly tried to have the Harry Potter books removed from school shelves, has written an opinion piece in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, where she states what she calls "myths" and... MORE
CBBC to Launch New "Sorcerer’s Apprentice" Show
Well it's not quite Hogwarts, the Reality Series, but CBBC Newsround is set to air a new program where children will compete using magic. The Stage reports this new program, which is called "The Sorcerer's Apprentice,"... MORE
I Shall Not Tell Lies about Reading Harry Potter
Apparently residents in the UK haven't been listening to Professor Umbridge when it comes to lying, as a new survey reveals up to a third of British adults have fibbed about reading some well known novels including Harry Potter and... MORE
Lucky Number Seven and the Harry Potter Series
As this year winds to an end and we now have a title for the last Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, there are several news articles online tonight all focusing on a potential... MORE
Video of Giant Squid
Here is a fun bit of unusual news for you. Researchers in Japan caught the rare Giant Squid, and for the first time ever, there is video of this mysterious creature. The Gryffindor red sea creature was caught off the... MORE
Bookies Already Making Odds on Demise of Harry Potter in "Deathly Hallows"
Not ones to let any sense of sentimental holiday spirit stand in the way, bookies are already making odds on the demise of Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The BBC reports... MORE
Author Terry Pratchett Comments on J.K.Rowling and Fantasy Elements
In a new interview with The Sunday Times, Discworld series author Terry Pratchett remarks on the Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling and the subject of the similarity of elements found in both series. Mr. Pratchett... MORE
IGN: Harry Potter #14 Movie Franchise of All Time
Entertainment website powerhouse IGN is running a "Top 25 Movie Franchises of All Time" list, and the Harry Potter movies are now ranked at number fourteen. Factoring in items such as "commercial and artistic successes, as well as... MORE
Lucius Malfoy: Billionaire Bad Boy
Forbes magazine has released their annual list of top fictional characters, and once again Lucius Malfoy makes this cut in their Fictional 15 list, moving up a few spots to number 12. Says the magazine of... MORE
Albus Dumbledore, Top Movie Magician
As a sidebar to their review of the new film The Prestige, "Entertainment Weekly" has a short blurb in their October 27 issue with a list of their Top Five Movie Magicians. Hogwart's own Albus Dumbledore is ranked... MORE
Lemony Snicket Author Talks Harry Potter
As the last and 13th installment of the popular A Series of Unfortunate Events books is due to be published on friday October 13, there are new interviews now online with the Lemony Snicket author Daniel Handler. In... MORE
Georgia Woman Continues Fight to Ban Potter Books
A followup for you now on the case of the Gwinnett County, Georgia woman who is continuing her attempt to have the Harry Potter books removed from elementary school libraries. Having been denied by the local... MORE
Child Magazine: J.K.Rowling One of 20 Who Changed Childhood
Child Magazine has a special feature out now about 20 innovators "in the fields of education, entertainment, medicine, and more who forever altered what it means to be young in America." In a list which includes Walt Disney,... MORE
MSNBC Commentary on "Harry Potter Dead Pool"
There is a new article online continuing the media coverage on the possible deaths of characters in Book Seven; this one coming now from MSNBC. Along with a discussion on some precedents for writing off a main character... MORE
British Literature Professor Says Harry Won't Die
There has been another entry in the continuing debate over whether Harry will live or die in Book Seven; this time from a British Victorian Literature expert. Professor James Krasner of the University of New Hampshire states "There's... MORE
Ron and Hermione Make the EW List of Sidekicks
Entertainment Weekly magazine has created a list of the top 50 Greatest Sidekicks, and two beloved characters from the Harry Potter series made the list. Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, sidekicks to our Harry are listed at number... MORE
Potter "Prada" Prop Book Up for Auction
A prop relating to Harry Potter that was used in the film "The Devil Wears Prada" is included in a new charity auction on Ebay. In the film version of the hit book by MORE
Melissa is "The Most" Today on MSNBC
With all the recent press coverage stemming from Jo's new interview on the "Richard & Judy" show, Harry Potter is back in the spotlight. Today, our own Melissa Anelli will be appearing on MSNBC's "MORE
Sophie Dahl Talks Potter and JKR
In celebration of the Queen's 80th birthday, there will be a large children's party in London tomorrow, highlighting many of the famous figures in children's literature. Along with such authors as Philip Pullman, Eric Hill, and Raymond Briggs, J.K. Rowling... MORE
Jurassic Hogwarts
A recently discovered species of dinosaurs will bear a name given in honor of the Harry Potter novels. Approved by J.K. Rowling, "Dracorex Hogwartsia" is being unveiled this morning at The Children's Museum in Indianapolis. This... MORE
USA Weekend Article on NBA Star and <em>Goblet</em> DVD
The April 16 edition of USA Weekend, a magazine found in many Sunday newspapers here in the States, will feature the fourth Harry Potter film in their DVD Insider column. This column has celebrity opinions about... MORE
West Ham Football Manager Cites <em>Harry Potter</em> as Influence
Alan Pardew, manager of the West Ham United Football Club says that the Harry Potter series, especially Prisoner of Azkaban has been a strong influence on him and on his team's success this season.
"'I surround myself with... MORE
Mirror of Erised Inspires Prize-Winning Classical Music Composition
The world premiere of Mirror, Mirror, a classical wind ensemble composition will be held at the University of Connecticut on Saturday, March 19. The piece, written by composer Stacy Garrop, winner of the Raymond and Beverly Sackler Music Composition Prize,... MORE
Harry Potter and the Science Festival
The Daily Record reports that Harry Potter will be one of the main themes of the annual science festival organized by Cambridge University. During the festival, which will run from March 15-26, "experts will examine weighty topics such... MORE
Even More New Noble Collection Potter Products
A few days ago, we told you about some wonderful new additions to the Harry Potter line at the Noble Collection. They have added even more beautiful new products, including this impressive new Hogwarts Houses Quidditch... MORE
HP "Get Fuzzy" Comic
Today's "Get Fuzzy" comic has a bit of an HP chuckle for you. Thanks to everyone who wrote!
MORE
Marilyn Manson Takes Swipe at Potter
Marilyn Manson took a shot at Harry Potter when he accepted a "Kerrang!" award, the Sun reports.
He said: "I get blamed for being bad but this kid is practicing witchcraft from a very early age which is totally... MORE
"FoxTrot" Cartoon Features HP
Bill Amend's "FoxTrot" will give HP fans a chuckle this morning! Thanks to all who sent this in!
MORE
Joss Whedon, Veronica Mars and...HP
Buffy, Angel, Firefly and Serenity mastermind Joss Whedon - who has been a very vocal supporter of HP in the past - waxes poetic about his love for the TV show Veronica Mars in... MORE
Harry Potter in the post-9/11 and 7/7 World
Slate Magazine this week features an article exploring how the series resonates in the post-9/11 and post-7/7 world. The article contains some spoilers for the plot of HBP, and the reporter notes:
In 1998, when the first Harry... MORE
<em>Harry Potter </em>by Charles Dickens
The Star-Telegram has a very cute story today by writer Jeff Guinn who supposes what it would be like if the Harry Potter stories were written by an author other than J.K. Rowling. For fun, he... MORE
'Potter' Parody Poses Trouble for US Army
An issue of a training manual published by the U.S. Army containing a cartoon parody is turning out to be no laughing matter for J.K.Rowling and her attorneys. The Times of London reports that in a recent issue of... MORE
Fuzzy Harry
Harry's in today's Get Fuzzy comic. Thanks everyone who emailed!
MORE
"Lie Detector": JKR's Cousin to Make TV Show Appearance
Several media outlets today, including the L.A. Times, had this story about a new television program called "Lie Detector", which will feature a cousin of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. Based on information confirmed to them by NBC/PAX-TV... MORE
Fans Pay Homage at Graveside of Soldier
Here's a bit of an unusual piece of news today. A grave of a young British soldier killed in Hebron, Israel at the age of 19 has gained quite a bit of notoriety. It's become so popular with tourists... MORE
Restaurant Story Debunked
(This was pulled from our original post to demarcate it as separate news.)
A representative from Jo Rowling's agency has informed TLC that plans to make an HP restaurant are false, and that there has been no contact between... MORE
Dinner for Two at a Harry Potter Restaurant ?
Would you like to go out to dinner at a Harry Potter themed restaurant? Well, according to the Business Journal, you might be able to make those reservations in the future. This article says that a new Harry... MORE
Entertainment Weekly Preview on <em>Goblet of Fire</em>
Entertainment Weekly has their new 2005 preview issue out. In the magazine there is a short preview of the upcoming Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire film, due to be released on November 18th. Says the magazine:
Followup: Marko-Grinch Responds
A few weeks ago, we posted a story about a columnist for the Tribune Review named Jack Markowitz, who wrote a rather unflattering column about the popularity of the Harry Potter books, calling them "the most over-praised, over-publicized and... MORE
<em>Half-Blood Prince </em>Plot Speculation Continues
With the new Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince book due to be released this year, the speculation grows on what the plot will be, and which character may die. The Star-Telegram newspaper has an article that says possible... MORE
2004: The Year in HP: A Leaky Cauldron Review
Happy New Year everyone! Because 2005 is going to be such a big year for Harry
Potter fans, we thought now was a good time to look back at 2004, which
wasn't too shabby either where we're concerned.... MORE
Stephen King: <em>Azkaban </em>One of Year's Best Films
Many readers have let us know in the December 24th issue of Entertainment Weekly author Stephen King, in his Pop of King column, lists his top ten movies of the year. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban... MORE
"Unfortunate Events" actor Liam Aiken once a Harry Potter Contender
There is a good interview in New York Metro with actor Liam Aiken, who stars as Klaus Baudelaire in the new film "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events " based upon the children's book series... MORE
'Fuzzy' Harry
Harry Potter was mentioned in the comic Get Fuzzy today. Thanks to all the readers who emailed!
MORE
Variety: J.K. Rowling Has a "Wand-erful Life"
As a preview to tonight's British Independent Film Awards, Variety has a feature on J.K.Rowling and the Harry Potter films. J.K.Rowling is due to receive recognition as the "UK Personality of the Year" at these awards, and
Brief Harry Mentions in Psychology Today Magazine
Harry Potter was referenced twice in the October 2004 issue of Psychology Today:
1. "Taking Liberties"
A wheelchair-bound soccer referee. A blind woman who can teach home
economics. A disabled woman who can't dial the phone, but... MORE
Another Harry Potter Comic Mention
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.
Potter Mention in Stephen King's Latest
Loads of TLC readers have informed us that Mr. King, who has repeatedly praised the Potter series, has (once again) referenced Harry in his recent book, The Dark Tower (book 7) (click to read):
"Check out the... MORE