The Leaky Cauldron - News

Happy Birthday, Chris Rankin

2009-11-08T07:47:19Z

Happy Birthday wishes go out today to actor Chris Rankin, who portrays the character of Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter films. Please join all of us here at TLC in wishing Mr. Rankin a fantastic 26th birthday. Cheers to you, Chris!

Winners of the Harry Potter Pumpkin Carving Contest Announced

2009-11-08T11:38:45Z

Congratulations are in order for the winners of the October Pumpkin Carving Contest, who have been chosen by our Contest Crew. As readers will recall, this contest challenged you to create a Harry Potter themed pumpkin. After receiving many splendid entries, here are the winners:

Overall Winner

Emma Fee - Harry

Original Pumpkin Carving

First Place: Nicole Verhey - Ron Theme
Second Place: KateKintail - Marauders, Marauders Unlit
Third Place: keedokes - Nagini, Nagini in Cage

Template Pumpkin Carving

First Place: Chris Cangialosi - Harry
Second Place: Paint it Black - The Cave, The Cave Unlit
Third Place: Jamie - Dark Mark, Unlit, Back

The Overall Winner of this contest will receive a custom made wand donated by Wizard Wood Wands and 200 MyLeaky points.

Many congratulations to all!

New from Noble Collection: Crystal Goblet from Cave, Dumbledore's Knife, Narcissa Malfoy Wand

2009-11-08T07:38:08Z

The latest catalog from the Noble Collection is arriving in mail boxes, and reveals a few new Harry Potter products for this holiday. New are Dumbledore's Knife, and the crystal goblet used in the cave scene from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Seen in this scan are the most recent wands these belonging to Narcissa Malfoy's and Professor Slughorn; older wands from the collection can be seen here. We will update when these become available online.

All Aboard! The Hogwarts Express Arrives at Wizarding World Theme Park

2009-11-08T02:58:50Z

Last month, many details on the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park attraction being built in Florida were confirmed at a press event, including word that indeed fans would see the Hogwarts Express. The train has now arrived in Orlando, which you can see in this photo right here. As revealed in this high res map and in the video (also here in our galleries) released last month by Universal Orlando, the train will be one of many very cool items from the world of Harry Potter contained at the park. There are new construction photos courtesy of OrlandoUnited, including those of the giant Hogwarts castle (look at all the glass for the windows) and other buildings really beginning to take shape, notably this which might be Ollivanders or Honeydukes.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is set to open at Universal Orlando sometime in the Spring of 2010. Thanks Felipe!

Early Holiday Sale at WBShop.com plus a Look at the 2010 Harry Potter Calendars

2009-11-08T02:26:59Z

To help get the holiday shopping off on the right foot, Warner Bros let us know about a special sale they are holding on Harry Potter merchandise all this weekend. At this link, fans can take advantage of discounts saving up to 50 % off on a vast assortment of Potter items including many Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince pieces including the new mini film cells, Noble Collection items, Tonner Dolls, Totebags, Tshirts, Waterglobes, action figures, and much more.

Some of the pieces on sale are the new 2010 Harry Potter calenders. Thanks to longtime publishers Andrews McMeel, this editor had a closer look at three of the new calendars which feature scenes from all six Harry Potter films. A Dan Radcliffe as Harry Potter- centric item, the traditional wall calendar features lovely art enhanced photos from each of the films, and would be ideal for fans of the Trio (including Emma Watson as Hermione and Rupert Grint as Ron) as you can see them over the years with the previously released artwork now contained in one single calendar.

As you might guess, the theme of these calendars reflects the entire world of Harry Potter on film, and this is also the case with the World of Harry Potter 2010 Desk Calendar. The finest in quality of the three, this calendar features a gorgeous embossed cover and back. Inside are still shots in decent quality from each of the films on one side, with the facing side containing each week and plenty of space on each day to jot down reminders of your activities. Sturdy and well made, it's a good piece to keep on your desk or take with you to school or work.

It was noticeable (or so it seemed to this editor ) the nice variety of the scene selections used in the 2010 Day to Day calendar. This calendar has always been a fan favorite over the years; this should prove no different as the photos marking each day of the year are indeed varied and fairly encompassing. There have been plenty of memorable moments and a whole host of characters over the years in the Harry Potter series, and many are indeed found in this newest calendar. While frankly it would have been very easy to focus just solely on the Trio, instead you find a decent balance of them over the years from all the film, along with photos of all of the Weasleys (yes even Percy), the Dursleys, Snape, Lucius, Draco, Dumbledore (both), McGongagall even others such as Lavender, Fleur, Cedric, Lockhart, Wormtail, Arabella Figg, Filch (boo! ;) , Umbridge, Slughorn and even several of Cormac McLaggen. Always a great stocking stuffer gift each year, this is a lightweight, varied and good reflection of the Harry Potter films, not perfect but still a good piece.

Video of Ace of Cake's Hogwarts Express Cake Creation for HBP Premiere Online

2009-11-06T14:19:37Z

As readers will recall, the special Hogwarts Express cake created by master baker Duff for the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince premiere last July was featured on his Ace of Cakes program on the Food Network. We have for you, care of our Video Galleries, the creation of the cake by the Charm City Cakes crew in this nice image quality video right here.

This episode of the Ace of Cakes will be rebroadcast on the Food Network this Sunday, November 8th at 5 pm (EST).

Another Revamp for Official Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Website

2009-11-05T13:31:11Z

The US official WB Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince website has gotten a slight makeover into a DVD theme, with links to info on the live screening event December 12th with Dan Radcliffe and David Yates. Please note too that it says of the special sneak peek at Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows "Get an exclusive, first-look on the set of the next Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1"

Play a Demo of New Harry Potter Wizarding World DVD Game

2009-11-06T04:55:36Z

Check it out! Due out the first of December is the new Harry Potter Wizarding World DVD game, with a demo now available to play online at this link. Enjoy! As a reminder, you can see the trailer for the game here in our video galleries, with many more details on the game in this news post.

Pre-orders for the game are available right here.

Deals on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince DVDs

2009-11-06T04:50:39Z

As the days draw nearer to the release of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince DVD, many retailers are slashing prices on the disc. Of note was news today that retail giant Walmart was offering pre-orders on the standard DVD at very low prices. Reuters reports that store is "offering its top 10 pre-order DVD movie titles at just $10 and free home delivery on its entire assortment of DVD and Blu-ray titles in another move to win holiday sales," including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince available here.

Amazon.com is offering a great discount today for the Blu-ray special two disc set (including the download) for Half-Blood Prince which will contain the special sneak peek at Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. At more than half-off ($16.99), you can pre-order here, with the UK option here. Fans will recall of course the news that if you purchase the Blu-ray you can take part in the special live screening December 12 with Dan Radcliffe and David Yates via

Harry Potter Bookmark Contest Now Open

2009-11-04T22:27:13Z

The Contest Crew has for you our November Contest, which asks you to design a Harry Potter themed bookmark. Originality and creativity rule the day for this contest, for your bookmark may be hand drawn, computer generated, or consist of original photos. Only one original entry will be accepted per person; collaborations or team efforts will not be accepted for this contest. Any person over the age of 13 and not involved in the judging process may submit one original entry to contests@the-leaky-cauldron.org by 11:59pm EST on November 30, 2009 with "Bookmark" in the subject line of the email. The first place winner will receive a custom made wand donated by Wizard Wood Wands.

Complete rules and additional submission information about this contest can be found on the Contest Page, while Lounge discussion of all of our contests is located via this link.

Good luck to all!

New Edition of The Quibbler Now Online

2009-11-04T17:05:50Z

We have for you today the latest issue of The Quibbler, Leaky's publication which contains "all the news you won't find anywhere else." This issue, which you can download in PDF format right here, is Halloween themed and includes a myriad of spooky stories ranging from the Headless Hunt festivities of 2009, to the latest in tantalizingly traumatic Tentacula trimmings for the holiday. Our Halloween Quibbler also brings you information regarding the great Niffler escape, advancements in Mermaid relations, and a particularity alarming report about acromantulas. In addition to this, we have for you a new batch of letters from Luna, Aberforth's latest page three girl, recipes, games, and loads more. The cover of the Halloween issue of The Quibbler can be found right here, while the full paper can be downloaded in PDF format via this link.

Those interested in contributing to future issues of The Quibbler can do so by emailing quibbler@leakylounge.com. You can also join in on The Quibbler discussion over on our Leaky Lounge forums, and check out all previously published issues right here.

Many thanks, as always, go out to our most creative team behind The Quibbler: DorisTLC, Dragonsinger, Dreamteam, Evreka, Harry’s Horntail, Iheartprofessorsnape, Janemarple9, Lirene, Rudius Hagrid, SeverineSnape, Snapes-Sister, wordsaremagic. This issue’s guest contributors include Clare Fogarty, Fred Thorsen, and Jeni Parkenson.

Note: A case of particularity nasty nargles this week prohibited the publication of this edition of The Quibbler magazine along with the rest of our Halloween festivities.

Enjoy!

Leaky's Harry Potter Twitter list is the most exhaustive collection of news and official Harry Potter information in the world. Be sure to follow it today!

The Prodigal Son Returns: Chris Rankin Filming as Percy Weasley for Deathly Hallows

2009-11-05T22:43:51Z

In the wait before the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, our fandom debated...and debated...and debated on many topics, one being the possible return and redemption of Percy Weasley. When we learned the news that actor Chris Rankin was to return as Percy for the final Harry Potter movie, we were all delighted; today it is perhaps bittersweet news that we learn he is indeed filming, for we know those scenes do involve the return of the prodigal son if you will, following some very dramatic, and very emotional moments for the beloved Weasley family. Yesterday, Chris said via his official Twitter: "morning all! back in the trailer... learnt how to use my wand yesterday afternoon. I now know how to attack and defend in 5 different ways!" Today the weather is a factor for all as he stated "back at hotel after an enjoyable afternoon's filming (if a little cold)."

TLC has gotten some reports over the past week that filming is ongoing this weekend on the outside lot at Leavesden Studios, where there are many green screens and various buildings that are thought to be used for the battle portion of the final movie. On a related note too, another photo from the set of Deathly Hallows has surfaced online on HP4U, this showing the inside of the Weasley home, and the kitchen.

Leaky's Harry Potter Twitter list is the most exhaustive collection of news and official Harry Potter information in the world. Be sure to follow it today!

John Hurt to Film again as Ollivander this Month for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2009-11-04T12:58:25Z

Actor John Hurt has made some new comments regarding his role as the mysterious wandmaker Mr. Ollivander for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Confirming his character will be in both films, John Hurt spoke to Rotten Tomatoes about filming again this month on the movie, as well as some frank comments on the studios in Britain, large franchises and more. Quotage:

JH: I've filmed one, which actually is the last one, and now I've got the penultimate one to do which is in November, and that wraps it all up. It's a big loss for Britain in terms of having a big studio movie here, but it's not representative of our culture in terms of the films that we make. I am convinced that though Pinewood and Shepperton -- the big studios -- playing host to big movies is very important, our film business is in the independent world. Of that I'm convinced...
Do you think the big franchise movies shooting in the UK give a false impression of the health of our industry? All these productions move in and hire local talent, but they aren't British films.

JH: No, they're not British films. Even Harry Potter isn't a British [franchise]. We gave it to Warners, we just sit and collect. That always infuriates me. I do think huge areas of the industry are being neglected and we've lost the ability for middle-budget films. When we did have a stronger industry -- and not just a business -- we did have room for middle-budget films. They've gone out of the window, as they've done in America as well, but a $20m picture would be wonderful to make every now and then. We could do a lot for that.

But it's like any country, if you don't have a lot of money to spend. And it's interesting seeing how much money gets spent on Harry Potter. It's quite absurd, really. I watch it and think it's just the same as Hollywood. I look around and you've got three costumes there, none of which are likely to be worn, and they're all replicas of each other. It's a vacuous waste of money and it drives me insane."

Thanks so much Joe!

Leaky's Harry Potter Twitter list is the most exhaustive collection of news and official Harry Potter information in the world. Be sure to follow it today!

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Construction Photos Update

2009-11-04T08:27:00Z

UPDATE: Thanks to an TLC reader who wished to remain anonymous, we now have some gorgeous high res photos showing earlier off-site construction for the park, including this of the walls and windows of the great hall, others such as this which reveals the icicles formed on buildings in Hogsmeade, and a photo detailing the base of one of the towers, with the rest found here.

Construction continues at a rapid pace now for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park attraction at Universal Orlando. Thanks to OrlandoNews, Orlando United and now the Orlando Sentinel, there are now quite a few new photos online from the construction, including this large size photo of the many towers of Hogwarts castle, this photo of the workers on the scaffold way at the top of the main tower, as well as this one of some very oddly curved chimneys, with another look seen here. Be sure to check out our extensive collection of construction photos, with the latest starting here in our image galleries. The theme park is set to open sometime in Spring, 2010.

One final related note: The Orlando Sentinel also reports that the Wizarding World will use eco-friendly products throughout the park, noting "Universal's agreement with Advanced Eco Designs of Ocala calls for "furnishings" that will be used as part of the Wizarding World project. Though the public documents aren't more specific, the company's website shows that it builds furniture such as picnic benches made from recycled plastic and theme-park props made with synthetic lumber."

Dan Radcliffe as Harry Potter: An Icon of the Decade Cover for Empire Magazine

2009-11-03T21:18:23Z

The December issue of Empire magazine will see ten different covers featuring ten different film "icons" including Dan Radcliffe as Harry Potter. The UK film magazine says this issue will contain a feature that has "Ten years of the boy wizard. Ten years of Daniel Radcliffe - by Olly Richards" Other covers include those of Viggo Mortensen as Aragon from Lord of the Rings, Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates series, Daniel Craig as James Bond, with the rest of the covers seen here. UPDATE: Thanks to Snitchseeker who mailed about scans they have here, here and here.

The December issue of Empire will be on newsstands soon. Thanks much Radcakesfan!

Leaky's Harry Potter Twitter list is the most exhaustive collection of news and official Harry Potter information in the world. Be sure to follow it today!