Issue 55; Vol. 2; June 3, 2007

Owl Post: Bringing you the best in Harry Potter

The Official Newsletter of LeakyNews.com!
Theme Park

New "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" Theme Park Announced for Universal Studios

There is an exciting turn of events as Universal Studios and the people behind Harry Potter announced that there will in fact be a Hogwarts type theme park at Universal Studios (Islands of Adventure) in Orlando, Florida called "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter." You can now see some gorgeous high res concept art for this new theme park, including an overview of the theme park, Hogsmeade Village square and the very cool Hogwarts castle. This announcement confirms the rumors that have persisted for some time; now this is to be fact with the park due to open in early 2010. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling said "The plans I’ve seen look incredibly exciting, and I don’t think fans of the books or films will be disappointed."

Hosted by Harry Potter movie production designer Stuart Craig in a special webcast from Dumbledore's Office set at Leavesden Studios in England for various sites including TLC, you can now see video of this announcement on our YouTube channel. Part 1 is here, Part 2 via this link, and now Part 3 (where they answer our questions), here. Hosted by Harry Potter movie production designer Stuart Craig in a special webcast from Dumbledore's Office set at Leavesden Studios in England for various sites including TLC, you can now see video of this announcement on our YouTube channel. Part 1 is here, Part 2 via this link, and now Part 3 (where they answer our questions),here.

In a press release about this new theme park, many executives reveal their enthusiasm for this project:

"We have a profound sense of responsibility for the Harry Potter franchise at Warner Bros. Bringing the magic of J.K. Rowling’s written word to the motion picture screen was the first step in expanding this amazing and imaginative world. Working with Universal Orlando Resort to bring it to life in a physical environment that you can walk through, relax in and ride on is the natural next step for fans to experience and enjoy," said Alan Horn, president and COO, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

You can read about more of the specific details and about the many attractions they have planned for the park including a Hogsmeade section, the Forbidden Forest, Hogwarts Castle and more here.

More Big News...

Beep, Beep! The Scholastic Knight Bus Tour Launches
"Order of the Phoenix" to Screen at Film Festival in Italy
New OotP Set Visit Reports
Confirmed: Change to US "Order of the Phoenix" Release Date, Now July 11

What's HOT in the Leaky Lounge

The Contest Corner on the Leaky Lounge is the perfect place to brainstorm, discuss and read about Leaky's newest contests. Here you can find all the information about our June contest, which involves writing a 2,000 words or less chapter of "Deathly Hallows" where Harry encounters his loving Aunt, Uncle and cousin Dudley at their home on Privet Drive. You can also see who won the previous contests and tell us the sort of task you'd like to see us hold in the future. Be sure to check it out today!

New from PotterCast

PotterCast 91 is online and with the latest on the announcement of the Harry Potter Theme Park to be built at Universal Studios, Florida. Also, in this weeks Cannon Conundrums, Steve Vander Ark joins us as we look back on some of the many conundrums we've had thus far, and as we look to what's ahead, post "Deathly Hallows."

The latest in HP essays!

Exploring the characters of author J. K. Rowling's creation is the theme of the June issue of Leaky's essay project, Scribbulus. This month includes Character Analyses for Ron Weasley, Remus Lupin and Draco Malfoy as well as a comparison of Harry and Tom Riddle. Along with that, we have an essays regarding the Chamber of Secrets, the origin of the "Hog" in Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and the Hog's Head Inn and the book to film adaptation process. Finally, there is a personal piece about our forum, the Leaky Lounge. This issue will have you thinking and discussing long into next month, so be sure to check it out today.

New and featured items

NECA revealed a number of new Harry Potter products, soon to be available in a shop near you. However, thanks to Leaky's own Cauldron Shop, you do not have to go far to purchase the latest Potter product. The Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Series 1 collection is available for pre-order here along with all of the previously released NECA action figures. Included in this set are a Death Eater Dummy Figure, Sirius Black, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter action figures. Be sure to check out the Cauldron Shop for this product and everything else for your Harry Potter collection today.

 

This Week At The Leaky Cauldron

Countdown Our Image and Video Galleries are forever expanding with new content being added every day. Images and videos featuring everyone from Rupert Grint to Sean Biggerstaff are at the click of a mouse! Don't forget the Fan Art Galleries as well. They feature original artwork from fans all over the world; be sure to stop over and explore! Much is the same with the Crafts section on Leaky. They have projects for every medium, every skill level and for every occasion just waiting to be tried. If in the mood to chat, stop by one of our many Corner Booth text chats; there is sure to be a topic you are itching to discuss with fellow Loungers. For an expanded discussion on the subject that brought us all here to begin with, our Reading Groups will provide you with a platform to discuss Harry Potter in a wonderful environment. Also, the more public Leaky Book Club, lets participants discuss the books from all angles as well. To test your Potter knowledge, click on over to our Quiz section. Finally, the Leaky Lounge has a forum made specifically for every feature we have here today, so for more info on everything mentioned here today, check the Lounge for more details.

 
  New Pictures
JKR at the Raisa Gorbachev Foundation Charity Gala

Knight Bus Launch
Reader E-mails

Dear Leaky Cauldron,

I'm confused - I've been trying to figure up how many students attend Hogwarts, and I'm stuck! Can you help?

A Devoted Reader



Dear Devoted Reader,

We turned to the HP Lexicon, which has an essay the subject, and their best guess is that Hogwarts has about 300 students - click the link to see how they arrived at that tally.

-Kristin for TLC