Latest news with #AlbusDumbledore
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Iconic Hollywood star tipped to play villainous Voldemort in HBO's much-anticipated Harry Potter series - after the actors playing Harry, Hermione and Ron were revealed
One iconic Hollywood actor has been tipped to play Voldemort in the upcoming HBO remake of JK Rowling 's Harry Potter. Film-lovers were sent into a frenzy earlier this week as the trio of child actors set to appear as Harry, Ron and Hermione were at last revealed after months of waiting. Directors of the much-anticipated series trawled through more than 32,000 audition tapes before deciding on the lucky three - Dominic Laughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The announcement came after other members of the cast were revealed months earlier, with Paapa Essiedu in-line to play Severus Snape and John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Now, with the cast edging closer to completion, Potter lovers are waiting patiently to find out who will play the remaining characters - including Voldemort, the franchise's dark wizard. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Ralph Fiennes was cast as the villain in the original eight Potter movies and played the dark lord sublimely. This time around however, a household name in the film industry is the bookies' favourite for the role. Leading early predictions is none other than British actor Tom Hiddleston, according to industry experts at OLBG (Online Betting Guide). The 44-year-old is currently placed at 1/1 in the guide's odds, ahead of Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy (6/4) in second and Paul Bettany (3/1) in third. While former Voldemort Ralph (5/1) sits in fourth just in front of Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch (6/1). However a return for any actor who featured in the original films seems increasingly unlikely given not a single one has yet been announced. While stars such as Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris, Dame Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman passed away since they starred in Potter, a very public feud between JK Rowling, 59, and the movie's three main stars made certain they would not be returning. Film-lovers' hopes of seeing Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint back at Hogwarts were all but crushed after the trio spoke out against the author over her views on trans rights in 2020. Rowling had stated her belief that women are defined by their biological sex and not their gender identity. The author later insisted she would never forgive the Harry Potter stars, with Rowling again taking aim at them just last month. Replying to a tweet asking: 'What actor/ actress instantly ruins a movie for you?', she wrote: 'Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible.' But while cast members of the films have publicly criticised the books' author, HBO have backed JK saying she has a 'right to express her personal views'. Earlier this week, the multi-millionaire author took to X to express her delight at the casting of her new Harry Potter (Dominic Laughlin), Hermione Granger (Arabella Stanton) and Ron Weasley (Alastair Stout). Responding to a fan on X asking how she felt about the appointments, she penned: 'All three wonderful. I couldn't be happier.' The three new leads are expected to start filming this summer after being chosen from more than 32,000 audition tapes from across the UK and Ireland. The new adaptation will be spread across seven seasons, equal to the number of books - although there were eight films with the final Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows split into two parts. The HBO TV show is said to be costing £75million per episode - and the three child actors taking the lead roles have been tipped to land themselves even bigger fortunes than the original stars. Producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod praised the 'wonderful' talent of the three newcomers, when making Tuesday's casting announcement. They said: 'After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. 'The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. 'We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.'
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Harry Potter TV series launches search for men with VERY unusual feature to play wizards - so could you fit the bill?
When casting prospective Harry Potter wizards many things might be taken into consideration - including a likeness to the source material or acting prowess. But for the producers of the new TV series adaptation, there's one particular and rather unusual feature they're looking for. Men with very long facial hair are needed for wizarding roles in the spin-off, according to The Sun. The beard has to be 'up to or beyond their waist' to fit the criteria. An insider told the publication: 'The Harry Potter TV show is literally the most sought-after project for actors, so this is an incredible opportunity. 'All the potential stars have to do is look like the members of ZZ Top, but there actually aren't that many people around who fit the bill. 'That's why the producers have now taken to advertising for applicants to come forward.' Those who manage to bag a role with their impressive beard could join an impressive cast. Set to be produced as an HBO Original, there have been countless reports recently over who will star in the new series, which is due to air in 2026. It was recently officially confirmed who exactly will be taking on the iconic roles and enter the magical wizard world as regular characters in the series. The highly acclaimed six-time Emmy, two-time Tony Award and BAFTA and Oscar nominee John Lithgow is confirmed to step into the shoes of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. John previously performed the voice over for Lord Farquaad in the 2001 Shrek movie. Rubeus Hagrid, who was the gamekeeper and groundskeeper of the school and known for his long hair and beard, is set to be portrayed by BIFA nominee Nick Frost. While Tony Award, Golden Globe, and Olivier winner, and Oscar and Emmy nominee Janet McTeer will be professor Minerva McGonagall, who was previously played by the late Dame Maggie Smith in the films. Emmy, Olivier, and BAFTA nominee Paapa Essiedu is set to play Severus Snape, who was portrayed by Alan Rickman in the films. The highly acclaimed six-time Emmy, two-time Tony Award, Olivier winner, and BAFTA and Oscar nominee John Lithgow (pictured) is confirmed to step into the shoes of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore The show will also feature guest appearances, including from comic Paul Whitehouse who previously starred on The Fast Show and will play Argus Filch. Luke Thallon will portray Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Quirinus Quirrell. Showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner said: 'We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch.'
The Advertiser
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
John Lithgow: Harry Potter will be my 'last major role'
John Lithgow has admitted playing Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter reboot series will likely be his final major role.
USA Today
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
First cast of HBO's ‘Harry Potter' series announced: Here's who plays Dumbledore, Snape
First cast of HBO's 'Harry Potter' series announced: Here's who plays Dumbledore, Snape Show Caption Hide Caption Super Mario, Harry Potter: An inside look of Universal Epic Universe Universal fans have new worlds to be fully immersed in as Epic Universe is unveiled with its five, unique worlds, ahead of its official opening. HBO has made its first casting announcement for its upcoming "Harry Potter" live-action series, filling fans in on who will be playing Hogwarts' most famous - and infamous - faculty. The identities of the six cast members playing Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Rubeus Hagrid, Professor Quirrell and Argus Filch were announced Monday as the series approaches its first planned filming date. 'We are happy to announce the casting of John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse to play Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Hagrid, Quirrell and Filch,' said Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer and Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer, in a statement. 'We're delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can't wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.' More: Harry Potter fans will be able to cast new magic with next-gen Universal Orlando feature Some of the newly announced casting was alluded to or leaked in advance, such as Lithgow as Dumbledore and Frost as Hagrid. While we don't yet know the rest of the cast, including the titular character and his group of friends, an open casting call was issued in September 2024 for the roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione. It called for actors who would be between the ages of 9 and 11 in April 2025, indicating that the decision may be made soon, if not already made. Filming is expected to begin in the summer of 2025. A release date is still forthcoming. Here's what we know about the series and cast so far. Six major cast members for 'Harry Potter' HBO series confirmed John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore as Albus Dumbledore Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall as Minerva McGonagall Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape as Severus Snape Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid as Rubeus Hagrid Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell as Professor Quirrell Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch What we know about the upcoming 'Harry Potter' HBO series The "Harry Potter" TV series will be released over the course of 10 years, with each season being an authentic adaptation of J.K. Rowling's original novels. Through a television series format as opposed to the films, the show will be able to "dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years,' according to Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO & Max Content. In a press event unveiling the show, Bloys added, "We truly have the time to tell more in-depth stories in ways the world has never seen before," noting that the series will "stand alongside" the films while reaching an "entirely new generation" of fans. The series is written and executive-produced by Francesca Gardiner, along with Mark Mylod, who will executive-produce and direct multiple episodes. The series is also executive produced by J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films.
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
OWN A PIECE OF MAGIC: RARE HARRY POTTER MEMORABILIA UP FOR AUCTION
Fans of the Wizarding World will have the rare opportunity to bid on some of the most beloved artifacts from the Harry Potter film series. LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2025 / / -- Propstore's highly anticipated Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, set to take place from March 26-28, 2025, in Los Angeles, will feature over 1,350 rare and screen-used props, costumes, and collectibles from some of cinema's most iconic franchises, with an estimated total value of $8 million. Among the extraordinary offerings, fans of the Wizarding World will have the rare opportunity to bid on some of the most beloved artifacts from the Harry Potter film series. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: - Fans of the beloved Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), will be able to get their hands on his Light-Up Elder Wand, from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) estimated between $35,000 and $70,000, as well as Dumbledore's hero robe from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), estimated at $30,000 to $60,000. - Fans of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) can bid on the Wax-Sealed Hero Hogwarts Acceptance Letter received by Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), with a pre-sale estimate of $10,000 to $20,000. This iconic letter is certainly one of the most recognizable artifacts from the franchise. - In addition to these major lots, the auction features an array of other magical items, including a Whomping Willow Maquette with Flying Weasley Car Miniatures from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) (est. $3,000 - $6,000) and a Mandrake from the same film (est. $5,000 - $10,000). - For collectors loyal to their Hogwarts house, the auction will also feature Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw scarves from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) that are also up for grabs, each with a pre-sale estimate of $1,200 to $2,400. The three-day Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction will begin at 10:30 AM PDT / 5:30 PM GMT each day, with in-person bidding available at The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Global online, absentee and telephone bids will be accepted throughout the event. Top Harry Potter lots to be sold at the Propstore auction (with estimated sale prices) include: • HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE (2005) / HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1 (2010) Albus Dumbledore's (Michael Gambon) Light-Up Elder Wand est. $35,000 - $70,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (2009) Dumbledore's (Michael Gambon) Hero Robe est. $30,000 - $60,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (2001) Wax-Sealed Hero Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) Hogwarts Acceptance Letter est. $10,000 - $20,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002) Mandrake est. $5,000 - $10,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002) Whomping Willow Maquette with Pair of Flying Weasley Car Maquettes est. $3,000 - $6,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (2001) / HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002) Hufflepuff Scarf est. $1,200 - $2,400 • HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (2009) Production-Made Dancing Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Tree Toy est. $1,500 - $3,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (2001) / HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002) Ravenclaw Scarf est. $1,200 - $2,400 • HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (2004) Remus Lupin (David Thewlis) Werewolf Transformation Maquette est. $1,500 - $3,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (2001) / HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002) Slytherin Scarf est. $1,200 - $2,400 # # # For further information, catalog images and expert interviews please contact: Beth Willetts at [email protected] Images are available in the following link: Credit: Propstore Notes to Editors: About Propstore In 1998, Propstore founder Stephen Lane's love for movies led him to hunt for the same props and costumes used to create his favorite films. He found that he could provide collectors with access to their most coveted pieces and establish archival standards for this new, pop-culture hybrid of fine art and memorabilia collecting - prop art. Since 2014, Propstore has regularly hosted live auctions featuring some of the world's greatest Entertainment Memorabilia treasures. Propstore specializes in film and television props and costumes, production materials, and artwork, as well as music memorabilia, posters, and collectible toys. Propstore also holds regular online auctions in association with many of the industry's major production materials and has over 5,000 items available for sale via Buy Now on Social Media: Facebook: @PropStore Twitter: @propstore_com Instagram/ Threads: prop_store YouTube: thepropstore TikTok: @.propstore Bethany Willetts Propstore +1 310-395-5050 X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer:
