The Leaky Cauldron - News

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!

November Crafter of the Month: Ofenjen

2009-11-01T22:35:23Z

The month of November is now here and our Crafty Witches and Wizard have for you our latest Crafty Witch of the Month: Ofenjen. A crafter in most every medium, Ofenjen has showcased her skill and creativity creating such crafty creations as the My Magical Lens Harry Potter Quilt, House Unity Banner, a Bookcase Mural, and much more. The Crafty Crew conducted a short interview with our November Crafter; this interview can be seen right here:

Information about many of Ofenjen's other projects and creations can be found via this link.

On a related note, nominations are now being accepted through the November 15th for December's Featured Crafter of the Month. To submit a crafter who you would like to see be featured next month, simply email crafts@the-leaky-cauldron.org with the crafters name, as well as links to their work. Full details about the nomination process can be found via this link.

Many congratulations, Ofenjen!

Harry Potter Theme Song a Classic FM Favorite

2009-11-02T22:50:34Z

Radio listeners in the UK have selected Hedwig's Theme by John Williams as the all time favorite in a new poll of children's classics for station Classic FM. The PA reports the iconic main theme song for the Harry Potter films was the winner,"with youngsters choosing it ahead of other movie scores such as Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean and E.T. But more traditional classical tunes by Pachelbel and Tchaikovsky figure highly in the list unveiled on the station."

The article says that "Classic FM has almost half a million listeners under the age of 18 and is releasing an album of Children's Classics to tie in with the countdown on November 23. Darren Henley, Classic FM managing director, said: "This poll shows that age is no barrier to enjoying the world's greatest music. Classical music is as relevant a part of people's lives in the 21st century, whether they're aged eight or 88."

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!

UK Sky Viewers to Have Chance for Half-Blood Prince Viewing Party in December

2009-11-02T22:51:13Z

Thanks to David and SKY for letting us about an opportunity for UK Harry Potter fans to take part in a Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince viewing party on Sky Box Office High Definition the same week the DVD is released next month. To participate, high definition customers in the UK can go to this link and use their Sky & HD account number to sign up. Sky subscribers must set up this viewing party and get 3 or more friends to accept their invitation before 5pm on November 17th. As noted before, the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince DVD will be released in the UK on December 7th, one day before here in the US on December 8th.

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!

PotterCast 208: Grim Grinning Hosts

2009-11-01T00:12:50Z

The spookiness of tonight continues, for the PotterCasters are here to bring you the Halloween edition of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast. In the 208th episode, Sue gives us news on the Boston, MA leg of the Harry Potter Exhibition, an interview with actor Matt Lewis (Neville Longbottom), Deathly Hallows spoiler report from the Weasley Wedding filming, 42 cast members on the set for filming, and more talk of the filming for the final film. Next, Potter Pundits returns with the second half of their last discussion on Gothic elements of literature in the Harry Potter series, with a bit of a Halloween theme. Finally, the wrap up brings the discussion to the the significance of the date, the LeakyCon Live CD, Jingle Spells 3 CD, the PotterCasters' Halloween plans, World of Warcraft Ravenclaws, and much more!

As a reminder, the LeakyCon DVD, which will be available to pre-order soon, will also include all wizard rock performances from our conference. If you like live wizard rock, be sure to reserve your copy of the upcoming LeakyCon Live Album of the wizard rock live shows at our LeakyCon 2009 conference. To listen, just hit the "Play" button on the right side of the page (->), or use iTunes, or direct download.

"Grim Grinning Hosts"

Halloween spooky PotterCast!
Interview with Matt Lewis from the opening of the Harry Potter Exhibition in Boston, MA.
Dawlish is PWN'd once again.
"Now we're going to talk about House Elves."
Spoiler Warning!
Potter Pundits on Gothic elements in Harry Potter!
Leaky CD Shipping Information!
"Such a bad role model!"
Ravenclaw Zombies...
Follow our LeakyCon 2011 Twitter and become a fan on Facebook!
Reserve your copy of the LeakyCon Live Album now!

RT: 81:49
Producer: John Noe

Also, special thanks to our ever-vigilant UStream Mods for monitoring the live PotterCast recordings.

LeakyCon 2011: A Harry Potter Conference in Orlando!
“Harry, A History” Website
Jingle Spells 2
PotterCast Vlogs
Podcast Alley
Digg

Direct download.

Low-band Direct download.

Remember you don't need an iPod to listen. Listen easily on iTunes, which you can download and install here, by clicking here to listen, or you can just use the streaming Flash player at PotterCast.com or just on the right side of this page. Discussion of the PotterCast is right here. Enjoy!

Stroll Through the Haunted Pumpkin Patch on the Leaky Lounge

2009-11-01T01:39:22Z

The ghosts and ghouls of Halloween are out and about over on our Leaky Lounge forum which is now celebrating this holiday with fun and games at the Haunted Pumpkin Patch. Join in with your fellow Lounge members and your favorite Harry Potter characters for this spooky event of Halloween fun. Check out the special forum on our Leaky Lounge and take part in Harry Potter Halloween discussions, share in spooky fan art, meet a few Jack-o-Lanterns, and so much more. Do not delay in joining your fellow Loungers, for the Halloween celebrations are already in full swing. Have a ghoulish good time! ;)

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!

Master Class for Harry Potter Cast Today from Ralph Fiennes

2009-10-31T07:48:37Z

There was another thrill- inspiring twitter today, this from actor Matt Lewis (Neville) regarding the ongoing filming for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. While we knew that 43 principals are currently involved, and the calibre of the actors in the movies has long been established, the cast are clearly enjoying and reveling in the moment, witness the following: "Ralph Fiennes is cool as. Lovely bloke too. Gave us quite the acting masterclass today. What a performance!" Matt's castmate and friend Tom Felton (Draco) agreed with the following "Had a great day on set. This film will be EPIC! @Mattdavelewis was throwing jokes....I was catching them. He's a complete gent x"

While not officially announced, TLC believes these sequences are indeed for the battle of Hogwarts, with the award winning Ralph Fiennes of course portraying Lord Voldemort. Production on Deathly Hallows continues at Leavesden studios, with part one due a little over a year from now in November, 2010.

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!

Happy Birthday, Molly Weasley

2009-10-30T08:51:56Z

When fierce comes to shove, you can not beat a mother's love. As noted on JKRowling.com today, today is a day to celebrate the life of one very fiery, sometimes flawed, sometimes fantastic, always fascinating and occasionally flat out wonderful mother, Molly Weasley. Cheers to you Molly, Happy Birthday!

Dan Radcliffe Narrates Short Film for 2010 Holocaust Memorial Day

2009-10-29T21:44:50Z

Harry Potter actor Dan Radcliffe has lent his voice as narrator to a short film entitled The Legacy of Hope for the 2010 Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. Our Order Partner DanRadcliffe.com reports that the film focuses on the survivors of the Holocaust during World War II and their stories. This film can be viewed online via the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website right here.

In a press release, Mr. Radcliffe explains his involvement in the short film by saying:

"When I was approached to narrate this short film, The Legacy of Hope, I felt very privileged. I felt that in a very small way I was contributing to the remembrance of these tragic and horrendous events, whilst also commemorating all those people who refused to let the horrors they had lived through dictate the tone of the rest of their lives.

"The surest shield we have against future atrocities is our knowledge and our emotional understanding of what has happened in the past. The chance to help the vital work done by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust could not be turned down."

The press release goes on to quote Carly Whyborn, Chief Executive Officer of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, who says, "With this year's theme - The Legacy of Hope – it is entirely fitting that Daniel, who is so well known amongst younger audiences, has narrated our film, which will be shown at HMD events across the UK. Through the film, people will have the opportunity to listen to the memories of survivors like Ben, Lily and Iby and think about what action they can take after HMD which will have a positive impact on their community.”

The 2010 Holocaust Memorial Day will mark the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. With their efforts the HMD Trust aims to offer "an opportunity to listen to the voices from the Holocaust and Nazi persecution, and to make the lessons of hope for a safer, inclusive society where the differences between us are respected a reality today and in the future." For more information, please click here.

Thanks to our Order Partner, DanRadcliffe.com

Tomy to Make Toys, Games, More for Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows

2009-10-30T04:09:11Z

Harry Potter product watch continues today as we now have confirmation there will be new toys games and more for the upcoming two films of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Toy news Magazine reports that TOMY is the new European regional master toy licensee, and the three year deal "will see the company launch a range of action figures, games, electronic toys and role play items for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - the two-part movie finale due for release in November 2010 and July 2011 respectively." The piece continues:

"The agreement, which covers the UK and EMEA, also allows Tomy Europe access to the entire World of Harry Potter back catalogue. This includes all the style guides and artwork developed for all eight films, representing the most comprehensive asset library ever available for licensing...Pilar Zulueta, senior VP and general manager, WBCP EMEA, added: "We're delighted to be welcoming Tomy Europe on board as the regional master toy licensee for Harry Potter at the most exciting point in the history of the licensing programme.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows may mark the conclusion of the story, but from a merchandise point of view it is the start of a new chapter as it's the first time that the entire propery artwork collection will be available to our Harry Potter partners. "Tomy Europe has a global reputation for creativity and innovation and we are confident that they have the expertise and vision to provide Harry Potter fans with a range of products representative of this global franchise."

At last word, NECA still holds the US incense, with EA due to release the LEGO Harry Potter video game early next year, however no confirmation yet on the Deathly Hallows game.

43 Principal Cast Members Due on Set of Deathly Hallows Tomorrow

2009-10-29T10:47:31Z

and it comes to us, the great battle of Hogwarts...Check out this eye popping Twitter update from actor Chris Rankin (Percy) regarding the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: "in the hotel, excited for filming in the morrow, but not excited for the 5am wake-up call... 43 principal cast on set tomorrow...!

Wow.

Thanks Thiego!

PotterCast 207: The Fourth Hallow

2009-10-29T09:50:27Z

Our 207th episode of PotterCast, our Harry Potter podcast, is online for your audible enjoyment. This episode features the latest in Potter news, including distribution news for Rupert Grint's Cherrybomb film, Dan Radcliffe's next possible Broadway show, Ralph Finnees now filming as Lord Voldemort for Deathly Hallows film, J. K. Rowling's future project, the latest on actor Michael Gambon, and a most candid interview with actress Dame Maggie Smith. We also bring you information about a joint Harry Potter site charitable organization supporting BeMitt; more information can be found via www.bemitt.com/leaky. Next, Bit-by-Bit continues with the PotterCasters discussing "The Deathly Hallows" chapter of the Seventh Book. Listener email then sparks a discussion about the Hallows, and leads into a multi-layered discussion about wizarding genealogy. The show wraps up with news about our Jingle Bells 3 and LeakyCon Live Albums, Darren Criss of a Very Potter Musical on ABC's Eastwood, Melissa's appearance schedule, and much more!

As a reminder, the LeakyCon DVD, which will be available to pre-order soon, will also include all wizard rock performances from our conference. If you like live wizard rock, be sure to reserve your copy of the upcoming LeakyCon Live Album of the wizard rock live shows at our LeakyCon 2009 conference. To listen, just hit the "Play" button on the right side of the page (->), or use iTunes, or direct download.

"The Fourth Hallow"

Book by Book. "Harry wins!"
We love Rupert!
Free Dawlish!
The truth about Ian Rankin.
BeMitt.
Bit-by-Bit talks the Deathly Hallows.
Frankie is the Cat Whisperer.
Drums wrap up the show.
Frankie's Sketch Book!
AVON Walk for the Breast Cancer Cure! DONATE HERE!
Follow our LeakyCon 2011 Twitter and become a fan on Facebook!
Reserve your copy of the LeakyCon Live Album now!

RT: 66:14
Producer: John Noe

Also, special thanks to our ever-vigilant UStream Mods for monitoring the live PotterCast recordings.

LeakyCon 2011: A Harry Potter Conference in Orlando!
“Harry, A History” Website
Jingle Spells 2
PotterCast Vlogs
Podcast Alley
Digg

Direct download.

Low-band Direct download.

The Harry Potter Alliance and America's Giving Challenge

2009-10-29T06:07:04Z

Calling all members of Dumbledore's Army! The Harry Potter Alliance is reaching out today, asking for your help with a contest that will also do good for others. The HPA has entered a contest where they can win $1,000 to help continue their charitable good works when you donate to others, all within a 24 hour period. Andrew Slack of the HPA says of this new effort:

"Here is the deal: the HPA has entered a contest that lasts 24 hours. America's Giving Challenge gives $1000 to the organization that can get the most amount of people giving in a single day. The minimum donation is 10 dollars. And it has to be given through this cause. Plus if you donate, we'll send you a certificate designed by Frak of PotterCast. We have 24 hours (3pm EST Wed to 3pm EST Thursday) to get as many ten dollar (or more) donations in for the HPA through this Facebook Cause.
This contest is not about the amount raised but about the number of people who give. If we can get about 400 people to donate 10 dollars today, we are more than likely to win the $1000 prize from America's Giving Challenge. Can we do it?!"

For more, click here to the HP Alliance, and be sure to listen in to a live meeting tonight on Livestream.com/pottercast at 8:30pm (Eastern)

Happy Birthday, Devon Murray

2009-10-28T09:19:47Z

Cheers and good wishes are the rule for today, as actor Devon Murray (Seamus Finnigan) is celebrating his 21st birthday! Sláinte Devon, Happy Birthday!