The Leaky Cauldron - J.K. Rowling

ABC to Broadcast A Year in the Life Documentary on JK Rowling July 16th

Fri Apr 24 15:53:00 -0400 2009

The ABC Television Network has announced will be broadcasting the special "A Year in the Life" documentary on Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling this summer. The network will be airing the documentary on Thursday, July 16 from 8-9pm (ET) the weekend of the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. While this documentary by James Runcie has been broadcast previously in the UK and elsewher...

PotterCast 191: The Magic Castle

Fri Apr 17 09:00:00 -0400 2009

The 191st episode of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast, is online with the latest in Harry Potter and our first replacement Melissa! To start off the show, Sue gives us the latest in Harry Potter news including new Jason Isaacs interviews, Half-Blood Prince character posters, LeakyCon Keynote Speakers John and Hank Green (get your tickets here), TotalFilm feature on Half-Blood Prince, Jo R...

New Cover Art for Fantastic Beasts, Quidditch Through the Ages Due July 31, 2009

Tue Apr 14 16:43:00 -0400 2009

Bloomsbury, the UK publishers of the Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling, has announced they are re-releasing two of the companion books this summer: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages. Due to be released July 31, 2009, you can see here in our galleries the new artwork for Fantastic Beasts, and the new Quidditch cover art here.

The Bookseller cites a spokesper...

Statement from J.K. Rowling Regarding Resignation from MS Society Scotland

Wed Apr 08 18:11:00 -0400 2009

An update now regarding the story from earlier today, involving Harry Potter author J.K.Rowling and her resignation as Patron of MS Society Scotland, the charity she has long and very publicly supported on her website, in her many charitable contributions, and gala fund raising events. Scottish Television now has a lengthy statement from JKR on this matter as follows:

"I have now reluctantly dec...

PotterCast 190: The Answer to Global Warming!

Wed Apr 08 17:54:00 -0400 2009

The latest episode of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast, has now been released and includes all your latest Harry Potter news, discussion, and fun. Our 190th episode starts off with Sue's News, which goes into detail about Harry Potter artist Mary Grand Pre's charitable art donation, a recent interview from Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), new Half-Blood Prince posters, more DH filming news, and...

JK Rowling Steps Down from MS Society Scotland?

Wed Apr 08 17:08:00 -0400 2009

There is a new report tonight stating J.K. Rowling has resigned her role as Patron of MS Society Scotland, an organization she has long supported. The Press Association is reporting tonight that JKR is stepping aside from her involvement in the charity due to internal conflicts, and has this quote from the Harry Potter author:

"I have now reluctantly decided that I cannot, in good conscience, co...

Muggle Students Play Quidditch in Wales

Mon Apr 06 16:08:00 -0400 2009

Students of the Ferndale Comprehensive School in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales have the added benefit of a little magic to their physical education program with the inclusion of a muggle form of Quidditch into their sports activities. The Guardian is reporting that a version of the game is being played at the school with the "absence of broomsticks and bewitched balls, [as well as a] 'seeker,...

Join the "Fellowship" in Jo's Book Nook

Sat Apr 04 15:15:00 -0400 2009

Jo's Book Nook, the home of our non-Harry Potter Book Club, has now opened the communal reading of the first novel in J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring. Located in our Leaky Lounge forum, Jo's Book Nook offers all registered Lounge members the opportunity to join in with their fellow Book Clubbers to discuss the many details of this most lush and laye...

JK Rowling To Give Reading at Royal Opera House in London, Attends Dinner at 10 Downing Street

Thu Apr 02 00:11:00 -0400 2009

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling will continue her visit with Michelle Obama, wife of the President of the United States Barack Obama, as they are scheduled to attend a performance at the Royal Opera House in London, England tomorrow. The Independent reports that during this outing there will be "a programme of operatic and ballet extracts. JK Rowling will give a reading during the performance,...

PotterCast 189: An Abysmal Failure

Tue Mar 31 22:44:00 -0400 2009

Episode 189 of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast, is now online for your audible enjoyment. This episode starts off with the latest Harry Potter news from our own Sue, who gives us the latest on the Lego Harry Potter game, Matt Lewis on Twitter, Deathly Hallows filming in Wales, Toby Jones' clues on Dobby in DH, and reminds you to stay tuned for more DH casting news soon! Up next, five ca...

J.K. Rowling to Attend Special Dinner with Mrs. Obama in London

Tue Mar 31 18:38:00 -0400 2009

The President of the United States Barack Obama is making a diplomatic visit to the United Kingdom, and there will be a special dinner held for the spouses of those attending the G20 summit, which will take place this week. Sarah Brown, wife of the UK Prime Minister, is hosting the event tomorrow night for Michele Obama, wife of the President, at 10 Downing Street, and among the guests will be ...

Harry Potter Book Notes: Illegal Copies of Half-Blood Prince on Scribd, More

Sun Mar 29 18:05:00 -0400 2009

Several pieces of news tonight relating to the Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling. The Times is reporting that free copies of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince were available on Scribd.com, a literary website where thousands of books and manuscripts are available for download online, often times without the consent or permission of the author. The Times spoke with legal representatives f...

Harry Potter Among All-Time Coolest Pop Culture Heroes from Entertainment Weekly

Fri Mar 27 14:30:00 -0400 2009

UPDATE: You can see the cover of the EW magazine, which features a newer photo of Dan Radcliffe as Harry and an old photo of Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort here in our galleries.

Entertainment Weekly has released a new list which ranks their Twenty All-Time Coolest Heroes in Pop Culture. Among the list of Pop Culture Heroes is none other than The Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter, who is ranked in fourth...

J.K. Rowling's The Tales of Beedle the Bard on Shortlist for British Book Award

Tue Mar 10 07:08:00 -0400 2009

The Tales of Beedle the Bard written by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling have been nominated this year at the Galaxy British Book Awards. Beedle the Bard is on the shortlist for "Children's Book of the Year," along with a few others including: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer, Captain Underpants & the Preposterous Plight by Dav Pilkey, Artemis Foul & The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer, <>Horrid He...

Followup: First Editon Copy of Harry Potter and Sorcerer's Stone Sells at Record Price

Tue Mar 10 06:58:00 -0400 2009

A quick followup this morning regarding this story from last month involving an auction of a rare First Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Scores of you owled to let us know the auction was completed, with the book selling for a record $19,120. The AP reports that "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was one of only 200 copies from the first printing issued with illustra...