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Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The New Harry Potter Is Blowing Up the Internet
'You're a wizard, Harry!' HBO just announced that its new Harry Potter series is officially in production, unveiling the first look at Dominic McLaughlin in costume as the Boy Who Lived. The series is the first television adaptation of J.K. Rowling's beloved children's fantasy book series. Filming began at the Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K—the same location where the original franchise filmed. There has been a lot of reactions online to the 'first look photo,' running the gamut of mocking the photo because of its likeness to news anchors to firm approval of McLaughlin as the new Harry. Along with the photo reveal, producers announced new casting: Rory Wilmot will play Neville Longbottom, Harry's awkward and well-meaning classmate and Amos Kitson will play Dudley Dursley, Harry's spoiled cousin. Rounding out the adult cast is Louise Brealey, known for her work on Sherlock, who joins the series as Madam Rolanda Hooch, the Quidditch coach. Finally, Anton Lesser will portray Garrick Ollivander, the wandmaker. This latest casting news follows another major announcement in May, when HBO introduced its new trio of leads. Alongside McLaughlin as the protagonist, Arabella Stanton will play Hermione Granger, the intelligent and bookish heroine originally portrayed by Emma Watson. And Alastair Stout will portray Ron Weasley, the loyal, red-haired best friend once brought to life by Rupert Grint. The trio of child actors were chosen over 30,000 other children who auditioned for the series. HBO's Harry Potter series marks the first return to the original Wizarding World since the film franchise concluded in 2011 with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. The first Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie, which is a prequel to the Harry Potter films, came out in 2016, but isn't primarily set in Hogwarts like the film series. Currently, the show is slated for release in 2027.


Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Johnny Depp finally breaks his silence on his exit from Fantastic Beasts: 'They wanted me to retire'
Johnny Depp finally addressed his controversial departure from the 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise. While filming the third installment, 'The Secrets of Dumbledore,' Depp was asked to resign following his loss in a UK libel case against 'The Sun,' which had labeled him a 'wife beater' amid allegations from ex-wife Amber Heard . 'It stopped in a millisecond, like, while I was doing the movie. They said they would like you to resign. But what was really in my head was they wanted me to retire.' 'F**k you. There are far too many of me to kill' Depp's response to the studio's request was unapologetically defiant, 'F**k you. There are far too many of me to kill. If you think you can hurt me more than I've already been hurt, you're gravely mistaken.' said Depp via Variety He described the experience as being 'shunned, dumped, booted, deep-sixed, cancelled,' and felt the industry was trying to erase him entirely. Grindelwald's legacy and franchise fallout Depp first appeared as Gellert Grindelwald in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' with a full-fledged role in 'The Crimes of Grindelwald'. He had reportedly filmed just one scene for the third film before being replaced by Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen . Mikkelsen later acknowledged the challenge of stepping into Depp's shoes, 'I'm a big fan of Johnny. I think he did a fantastic job… There was no way I could just copy it. It would be creative suicide.' Said Mikkelsen via MSN Despite Mikkelsen's performance, 'The Secrets of Dumbledore' underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews, prompting Warner Bros. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ditch the cinema with boAt Boat Buy Now Undo to pause the franchise and pivot toward a new Harry Potter series for HBO. Legal battles and public scrutiny Depp's exit came amid intense legal drama. Although he lost the UK libel case, he later won a defamation suit in the U.S. against Heard in 2022. The trials exposed deeply personal details, but Depp remained resolute: 'If I don't try to represent the truth, it will be like I've actually committed the acts I am accused of. And my kids will have to live with it.' A new chapter: Directing and redemption Since his departure, Depp has shifted focus to directing and independent projects. He helmed Modì, a biopic about artist Amedeo Modigliani, and is set to star in Day Drinker alongside Jason Momoa and Penélope Cruz. 'I'll fight until the bitter f***ing end. And if I end up pumping gas? That's all right. I've done that before.'


The South African
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Johnny Depp reveals shocking truth behind ‘Fantastic Beasts' exit
Johnny Depp has finally opened up about his sudden exit from the Fantastic Beasts film series. The actor revealed that Warner Bros. essentially wanted him to retire from the role of Gellert Grindelwald. He recalled the moment he was asked to step down during filming. 'It literally stopped in a millisecond, like, while I was doing the movie. They said we'd like you to resign. But what was really in my head was they wanted me to retire'. Johnny Depp's departure came in November 2020, following his highly publicised legal battle with The Sun newspaper, according to Deadline. The tabloid had labelled him a 'wife-beater' during his marriage to Amber Heard, allegations he denied. After losing the libel case, Warner Bros. requested Depp's resignation from the franchise. Depp complied and stated, 'I wish to let you know that Warner Bros. has asked me to resign from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts.' I have respected and agreed to that request'. However, Johnny Depp's recent comments to The Telegraph were more defiant. When asked about the recasting, he responded bluntly, 'F**** you. There's far too many of me to kill. Johnny Depp said, 'If you think you can hurt me more than I've already been hurt, you're gravely mistaken.' His words reveal the deep frustration he feels about how they handled the situation. Johnny Depp first appeared as Grindelwald at the end of 2016's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them , with Colin Farrell playing the character's disguised form. He reprised the role in 2018's Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald . After his departure, Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen took over the role for the 2022 film Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore . This film became the final movie in the planned series. Warner Bros. has 'parked' the Fantastic Beasts franchise since the release of the third film, with no new movies announced or in active development. Johnny Depp's story is a reminder of how public controversies can impact international film careers and franchises. His candid remarks highlight the pressures actors face behind the scenes, beyond their on-screen performances. Johnny Depp's experience also raises questions about the intersection of personal life and professional opportunities in the global entertainment industry. This was as a significant chapter in Depp's career, reflecting both the challenges and the enduring spirit of one of Hollywood's most iconic actors. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


India Today
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Johnny Depp breaks silence on being fired from Fantastic Beasts
Actor Johnny Depp opened up about his exit from the 'Fantastic Beasts' film series, reflecting on the circumstances surrounding his departure. Originally cast as Gellert Grindelwald, Depp's tenure in the 'Harry Potter' spin-off ended in November 2020 when Warner Bros requested his resignation amid ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny following the Amber Heard case. This decision paved the way for actor Mads Mikkelsen to assume the a recent interview with The Telegraph, Depp discussed his feelings about the sudden end to his role. "Listen, they've said all kinds of things out there in the world about me, and it doesn't bother me. I'm not running for office," he remarked. Depp elaborated on the moment he was asked to resign, stating, "It literally stopped in a millisecond, like, while I was doing the movie. They said we'd like you to resign. But what was really in my head was they wanted me to retire."The request came just days after he lost a libel case in the UK against The Sun newspaper, which had referred to him as a 'wife beater' in relation to abuse allegations made by Amber Heard. The judge ruled that the publication's claims were 'substantially true.' Although Depp continued to deny all allegations, the fallout was swift: he was removed from the franchise after reportedly filming only one scene. Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen was later brought in to replace involvement in the series began with the 2016 film 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,' where he was revealed as Grindelwald in a surprising twist. He reprised his role in the 2018 sequel 'The Crimes of Grindelwald' and was initially set to return for 'The Secrets of Dumbledore.' Despite the upheaval, Depp's response to the resignation request was defiant. "F*** you. There's far too many of me to kill. If you think you can hurt me more than I've already been hurt you're gravely mistaken," he Depp's departure, Warner Bros opted to reboot the franchise for the small screen, with plans to adapt JK Rowling's 'Harry Potter' books for HBO. This strategic shift comes after 'The Secrets of Dumbledore' received largely negative reviews and underperformed at the box office.'The Fantastic Beasts' trilogy, which includes Depp's previous performances, remains available on streaming platforms..- EndsMust Watch


Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Harry Potter film ranked as worst but fans definitely don't agree
The Harry Potter movies have finally been ranked from best to worst Rotten Tomatoes has compiled a ranking of the entire Harry Potter film series, including the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs. While the top spot may come as no surprise, the lowest-ranked film has left some fans perplexed, with one commenting: "The rating of this absolutely confounds me." The final instalment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, emerged as the highest-rated with a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. On the other hand, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald fared poorly, securing only 36% in review scores. Despite its star-studded cast, including Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Zoë Kravitz, Ezra Miller, Alison Sudol, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Callum Turner, Claudia Kim, William Nadylam, and Kevin Guthrie, the David Yates-directed film was met with lukewarm reception from critics. Penned by JK Rowling, the sequel to the 2016 film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them failed to captivate critics, with one reviewer stating: "The Crimes of Grindelwald's lack of awareness goes much deeper than a mere miscasting." A particularly scathing review went as far as to compare the experience to "About as exciting as a trip to Hogwarts's most neglected lavatory." Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, released in 2018, marks the second instalment in the Fantastic Beasts series and tenth overall in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, reports the Mirror US. Set in 1927, the film charts the journey of Albus Dumbledore and Newt Scamander as they devise a plan to defeat Gellert Grindelwald, the formidable dark wizard who poses a significant threat in this universe. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tensions and unexpected challenges, depicting a wizarding world more fractured than it has ever been. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald managed to rake in roughly $654.9 million globally at the box office, against its estimated $200 million production cost, earning it the distinction of being the least successful Harry Potter film financially – a record it maintained until the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore in 2022. The film earned two BAFTA nominations for Best Production Design and Best Special Visual Effects. Its sequel, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, hit cinemas in April 2022. Penned by JK Rowling, the screenplay of the film was released as a book titled Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay, following the precedent set by its predecessor, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Audiences were more lenient than critics in their assessment of The Crimes of Grindelwald, with one fan commenting: "This is probably my favorite of the fantastic beast movies. "I love the in depth characteristics and that you see what's going on in the characters heads for each decision that they make. As well this movie was made to be for the older fans that younger fans could still enjoy." One viewer raved about the film with enthusiasm: "The rating of this absolutely confounds me lol this movie is so good! ! Of the 3 this is probably my favorite. "The story is lovely, acting is great, special effects, all of it. I particularly loved how they tied multiple characters and storylines to the Harry Potter series. "Overall it's just really pretty and exciting so I have no idea where all the negativity is coming from." A particular fan disclosed their unique standpoint: "Unpopular opinion but I think this movie was the best of the series to date. "It had tons of magic, intensity and most importantly a great story." Someone else recommended ignoring any harsh criticism: "Beautifully shot, wonderfully written, and some fantastic performances. "Forget the negative reviews, this is worth watching." Full list of all the Harry Potter movies ranked from best to worst: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) The Harry Potter catalogue is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.