New casting rumors abound, courtesy of Hollywood Reporter and Corona. Apparently, legendary actor Richard Harris is in the running for Dumbledore, while Alan Rickman may play Professor Snape. Tim Roth, who was earlier rumored as Snape, has opted for Tim Burton’s Apes instead.

CNN discusses the Gloucester cathedral “casting.”

It turns out that there is to be more than one location for Hogwarts in the movie. Warner Bros comfirmed today that they are using Gloucester Cathedral as one of the locations. They are refusing to confirm anyothers – so the earlier rumour of Alnwick Castle is not yet confirmed.

The New York Times compares Rowling’s Quidditch tales to the Chip Hilton books of yesteryear (Spoiler warning: end of Goblet mentioned.)

A collection of Harry Potter political cartoons, including a special section on Harry Potter and Al Gore.

Today was the day for some lucky children in Durham in England. Durham Cathedral was the location for extras audtions for the movie. Local children between 11 and 16 years of age turned up to have their photo and measurements taken. Successful children will be notified soon. (as seen on BBC 6 O’clock News)

Warner Brothers opens up its Harry Potter store. Selected merchandise for adults includes Gryffindor shirts, Quidditch Hats, and a Hogwarts Mug (sent in courtesy of Considered Harmful.)

Ever wanted to visit Hogwarts? Now you can – sort of. Alnwick Castle in the north of England is to be the location for Hogwarts in the movie.

Reader Linzi Cottrell sends in this interesting info from the Sunday Mail (UK) and was kind enough to scan the accompanying pic: Tomorrow (Mon 31 July) 11 year old Sean Flynn will read for the part of Harry. Sean is an American actor who can apparently do a good English accent, having spent every summer …read more!

Happy Birthday, Harry! More.com celebrates with a free Potter book for every $25 purchase. (Nope, I had never heard of them either.)