Latest news with #DeathlyHallows
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Everdeen, everlasting
My first and only vacation abroad with my parents was special, and I was determined to round off the memorable trip by getting matching souvenirs for my friends back home. Little Me knew it had to be something related to the books the five of us had read, given that this was a time when Young Adult (YA) fiction was all anyone talked about. Only problem was, I wasn't big on Harry Potter like the rest of them. That's how I ended up purchasing four Deathly Hallows necklaces and a single Mockingjay one. Because, hey, we've all got to live up to the main-character dream at some point in our lives (no offence to the school buddies reading this; the gifts were still just as heartfelt). The Mockingjay pendant proved to be a worthwhile investment because next year, over a decade later, it accompanies me to the theatre for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Expectations for the Haymitch Abernathy prequel have risen to an all-time high, and one can credit the cast announcements for that. It's not everyday that you see the cast for a film adaptation meet the fans' standards. But between book-accurate features and striking resemblances, Sunrise on the Reaping continues to impress. It's as if we can watch the film unfold while it's still in production. I mean, Kieran Culkin taking over Stanley Tucci's legacy? Name a better pick. Of course, there are always exceptions, but this isn't the first time The Hunger Games franchise has hit the mark with its cast. The previous batch belonged to the President Snow prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which stunned audiences by bringing Tom Blyth onboard as Donald Sutherland's young counterpart among other top-tier casting choices. And while the crews for each feature deserve every bit of the praise they rack up, it's hard to imagine a world where The Hunger Games films would be able generate this much fanfare without the enduring glory of the books. Dystopian yardstick The original Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins became a worldwide sensation during the 2010s, leading the way for YA dystopian novels that tailed the genre's success. The most prominent example that comes to mind is Divergent and its subsequent novels, which set up a world divided into five factions - like the 12 districts from The Hunger Games. In similar fashion as the latter, Divergent, too, has a young female protagonist, Tris, who finds herself in the centre of a budding revolution. The amount of similarities might have you squinting to find the differences between the universes, and that's true not just for Divergent but for the many novel series published after The Hunger Games. This is not an attempt to incite plagiarism debates, but to understand Collins' cultural impact and the formula it inspired. A teenage huntress entangled in an uprising much larger than her unsophisticated existence (and possibly, simultaneously a love triangle) because she is the chosen one destined to lead the people. How many stories come to mind? Except, the thing about Katniss Everdeen is that she's neither the ideal pick for the 'chosen one' archetype, nor is she qualified to lead anyone. Katniss is not a warrior but an underprivileged girl who is forced to match pace with her circumstances. She earns no medals because nobody wins in a war. Because even if you make it out of the arena alive, the Games never truly leave you. What Katniss represents Katniss is not, as the kids say, a girlboss. That's what drew Little Me and like-minded readers to her more than traditional heroes. She never sets out to be one. She doesn't aspire for greatness. She just wants to be left alone, safe and sound. But grief propels her actions, leading her to spark a blood-soaked revolution. She is a symbol by condition, not by choice. In a meta extension, the Girl on Fire also unintentionally shaped what readers now seek in female protagonists, just as in the books she's reluctantly coaxed into becoming the Mockingjay despite being just a kid reacting to life-or-death stakes. Even after all these years, as critics pick apart other franchises for relying on ambience over coherent plots, Katniss's flame still burns. Thanks to the position she's assigned in the story, she becomes a gateway for a deeper exploration of characters she inspired, even those she came in conflict with, allowing the author to effectively revisit the gruesome world of death trials. Coriolanus Snow's side of the story would not have seen the light of day, a decade after Mockingjay, were it not for the impact his nemesis had on the world. Here, too, Katniss went unknowingly meta by sparking a revolution of sorts, one motivated entirely by grief and no larger purpose. The impact of many other protagonists, who tried to emulate Katniss' charm, didn't land because this archer didn't set out to be charming. Or a standout. Because the real world is home to many Katniss Everdeens. Real-world implications Maturing with The Hunger Games is effective in making one realise that the dystopia we read about isn't situated too far into the future - that is, if it's not already here. In a world infused with humanitarian issues, growing up upset at endless conflict is still a privileged position to be in compared to what someone else your age might be going through. The world raises Katniss Everdeens, individuals who are morally compelled to take a stand if they desire safety, but it also has Coriolanus Snows, opportunists who have seen hardship only to chain it down with an unrelenting power-grab. The world also births Haymitch Abernathys, who pay a lifelong price for stepping out of line in hopes of putting an end to prejudice. While at the same time, it nurtures politically distant yet somehow well-meaning souls like Effie Trinket, who rectify their ways the older they get. That's why The Hunger Games has secured a mural in literary history. Because it's not merely a cautionary tale, but a community-focused narrative; not a story of one, but a story of many — prisoners of war, martyrs, dead-weight expendables, and people who are tragically buried in statistics. It is a story of people who fight the good fight versus people who don't. People who exploit their odds to reign on top versus people who don't. It's a cycle of heroes, villains, and everyone caught in between. It's a tale of unceasing collateral damage. And just as the arena of the Games doesn't let you escape once you're inside, The Hunger Games has seeped into every crevice of culture and conflict to the point that it has become difficult to ignore. And it will stay relevant as long as the flames of resistance burn, as long as the odds are ever in favour of change.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I relate to Hermione Granger the most in Harry Potter films: Aarohi
Aarohi Patel, a Potterhead Ask Aarohi if she is still a Potterhead and she quips, "Always" (like Professor Severus Snape). On International Harry Potter Day , the Udan Chhoo actor tells us why she loves Harry Potter films , how she is trying to turn her husband (actor Tatsat Munshi) into a Potterhead and more. 'I saw the first Harry Potter film in 2008 and the rest is history' Aarohi turned into a Potterhead in 2008, thanks to her younger sister Sanjanaa. She says, 'Sanjanaa is a big Potterhead, and she insisted that I must watch the movies. In 2008, I saw the first film and the rest is history. Usually, I prefer reading a book before watching a film based on it. However, I watched the Harry Potter movies first and read the books later. I love everything about it, but I still feel reading the books before watching the movies would have been better, as it would have allowed me to build my own Hogwarts or looks of the characters.' Aarohi's favourite book and movie is Deathly Hallows She adds, 'Every year, my sister and I have a Harry Potter marathon during winter, with cups of hot chocolate. It is like a tradition for us.' 'Hermione Granger is my favourite character' While she loves all the characters, Aarohi relates to Hermione Granger the most. She says, 'She is my favourite character because I relate to her completely. In school, I was a first bencher too, who memorised all the answers and raised my hand all the time to answer questions (laughs). Also, I like Emma Watson (who played Hermione Granger).' Aarohi believes every character in the series has their own amazing journey. She says, 'I feel the books and the films are brilliant. We enjoyed them as children and continue doing so even today. Every character from the first part to the last one has its own journey, and each of them stays with us.' She adds, "I don't have high expectations from the reboot series, reports say it will follow the books closely, so I have my fingers crossed. But nothing will ever match the charm of the original movies." 'I told Tatsat he has to watch Harry Potter films, it's non-negotiable' Aarohi, who married Tatsat Munshi last year, says not knowing anything about the Harry Potter world was 'not acceptable to me.' She laughs, 'I told Tatsat that to be 'happily married' to me, he has to watch the films, it is non-negotiable. I am glad he is watching them and enjoying it too. We are going to London in June for my sister's convocation and we will visit the Harry Potter World ( Harry Potter Studio Tour ) and places like Elephant House café in Edinburgh, where JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book. I am preparing him for that too (smiles). I really want to try Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans , apart from Butterbeer, pumpkin pasties and treacle tarts' Accio Rapid Fire Round! · Favourite book/movie? Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows · Favourite spell? Alohomora (spell to unlock doors and open locks) · The Hogwarts House you belong to? Gryffindor, in every manner · Which D-Town actors will play these characters best? - Harry Potter: Pratik Gandhi - Hermione Granger: Obviously, me! - Ron Weasley: Mallhar or Mitra Gadhvi - Albus Dumbledore: Siddharth Randeria - Professor Snape: Abhinay Banker or Jayesh More - Professor McGonagall: Gopi Desai - Hagrid: Deven Bhojani
The Sun
29-04-2025
- The Sun
Popular UK holiday park near miniature railway & Lord Of The Rings attraction has £95k ‘glow-up' for summer
WHITEMEAD Forest Park has made major upgrades to its glamping pods in time for summer. The holiday park in Gloucestershire has undergone a £95,000 transformation to improve its popular pod accommodation from decoration to new flooring and facilities. 7 7 In holiday park, four Megapod Deluxes and 11 Megapod Premiers in The Hollow have been updated. The Megapod Deluxes now have improved en suite facilities, new flooring, beds, soft furnishings and headboards. The Mega Pod Deluxe accommodation, which sleeps up to four, also boasts custom-built woodwork with integrated lighting and cubby holes around the double beds. Lauren Bynon, revenue and reservations manager at Whitemead Forest Park, said: 'Our newly renovated glamping pods offer a luxurious alternative to traditional camping, combining the charm of the great outdoors with the comfort of home." There's lots to explore on Whitemead Forest Park that first opened as a caravan park in 1971. The on-site leisure facilities include a heated swimming pool, spa pools, sauna, steam room and gym. Activities at Whitemead Forest Park include archery and a variety of crafts like slime making - which all come at an additional price. There is also a woodland-themed golf course which is made of 12 themed holes. Like many holiday parks, there is a plethora of entertainment from quiz nights to Bingo, tributes and theme nights to children's parties. The refurbishments coincides with the launch of Whitemead's spring into summer sale. The Haven holiday park in the 'Lakeland Riviera' 7 7 You can save 20 per cent on selected breaks taken between April 28 – July 28 when booked by May 5 - this includes during May half term. Alongside the upgraded pods, guests can choose from a variety of additional glamping options, including B&B Pods for two and standard Mega Pods for four. There's also pet-friendly and pet-free glamping accommodation. For anyone wanting to venture out of the park, there are two popular attractions nearby. Perrygrove Railway is a five-minute drive away and has a miniature steam train, which takes a half-hour trip around the site. It stops at various other mini attractions including a tree-top adventure, den building, playground and picnic area. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £8.50 for children and allow access all day - and you can go on as many train rides as you want. 7 7 There's also Puzzlewood park, a forest that's spread across 14-acres and was said to be one of Tolkien's inspirations for Middle-earth in The Lord Of The Rings. The location was then used in the final Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie. Here are some completely normal holiday parks that celebrities love to visit from coastal escapes to Butlin's resorts. And the holiday park Josie Gibson loves to visit with her son that has an adventure playground and beach.
The Independent
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Harry Potter actor Nick Moran rushed to hospital with ‘life-threatening' illness
Harry Potter actor Nick Moran has been rushed to hospital with a 'life-threatening' condition. The actor's friend Terry Stone revealed the news on Friday (11 April), asking fans of the franchise to send prayers after Moran, who played Scabior in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, underwent 'life-saving' spinal surgery. Stone said that Moran's health concerns began when he started feeling a pain in his neck, which his girlfriend urged him to get checked out. 'But, as a bloke, he said, 'No I'll put some deep heat on it' – then he went to the doctors and got sent to A&E and told, 'We need to take you in for an emergency operation because this is life threatening',' he told MailOnline. Stone originally said Moran 'may never talk or walk again' but, in a new update, he said his friend was 'giving the thumbs up' while 'recovering in the ICU' – and revealed 'he's speaking now' and is 'shuffling around like a 100-year-old'. He added: 'He still needs your support, prayers & love. Let's pray he fully recovers and is back to normal soon.' Stone said he will provide Moran's fans with an update on Sunday (13 April) – but is now believed to be recovering at home. Moran's rep said: 'Nick had urgent spinal surgery over a week ago, which carries the usual risks of such procedures. 'All went well – he is now back home on his way to a full recovery after a short stay in hospital. He would like to thank any well wishers for their concerns.' Moran's Harry Potter character was a member of the gang led by Fenrir Greyback (Dave Legeno) and appears in the final two Harry Potter films, released in 2010 and 2011. Moran, whose debut screen appearance was in the film Buddy's Song (1990), also had a role in Guy Ritchie's 1998 film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The actor is also a singer who fronts his own Frank Sinatra tribute band.
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Harry Potter star joins OnlyFans to ‘get out of debt'
Harry Potter cast member Jessie Cave has announced she has launched an OnlyFans account where she'll share 'sensual' videos of her hair. The actor, 37, appeared as Hogwarts student and Ron Weasley 's brief girlfriend Lavender Brown in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as well as both Deathly Hallows films. Cave, who clarified her OnlyFans is 'not a sexual one' explained that she plans to stay on the platform for a year to 'get out of debt' and refurbish her house. Speaking on her Before We Break Up Again podcast, Cave said: 'I'm launching an OnlyFans, it's not a sexual one. It's a fetish. Fetish doesn't necessarily mean sexual.' The actor explained in an Instagram video that she'll be offering subscribers 'the best quality hair sounds' and sharing 'very sensual stuff' on her account. On her Substack, Brown further explained her need to start an OnlyFans account, writing: 'One year. I'll try for one year. My aim? To get the house safe, cover the arsenic/lead wallpaper, build a new roof etc. 'My aim? To get out of debt. My aim? To empower myself? To prove to those in the past who have misjudged me that I'm not so sweet? To put time into something I never invested in before: self-love. 'Were my years of Harry Potter conventions in fact research?' Cave added. '[It feels] like I'm doing something naughty, something a little f***ed up. I like that. Ripping up the good little actress rule book.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by JeSsIe CaVE (@jessiecave) OnlyFans has proved a popular social media platform for celebrities to boost their income. Last year, Lily Allen revealed she makes more money sharing foot pictures on the site than from Spotify music streams. 'Imagine being an artist and having nearly 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify but earning more money from having 1000 people subscribe to pictures of your feet,' Allen shared online. 'Don't hate the player, hate the game.' Celebrities such as Iggy Azalea, Tana Mongeau and Tyga also all post content on the site for their fee-paying subscribers. Last year, John Cena surprised fans by announcing he had joined OnlyFans. However, the account was not what it seemed as was in fact promoting his comedy film Ricky Stanicky. On the account, Cena appeared to be keeping up the publicity stunt by posting sexually suggestive captions to lure in subscribers. 'Anyone want to hit this one more time?' read one caption. 'How deep can it go?' asked another.
