Latest news with #HarryPotterandtheOrderofthePhoenix
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Corrie legend floors fans as they realise he starred in Harry Potter
Like many of the soap stars, Corrie's Tony Maudsley has been on our screens for decades, however his appearance in Harry Potter is what's leaving viewers shocked. Before he was digging graves in Weatherfield, Coronation Street star Tony Maudsley made a memorable appearance in the Harry Potter universe - as a half-giant. The actor debuted as George Shuttleworth in September 2020, arriving on the ITV soap as the offspring of the deceased undertaker Archie Shuttleworth (Roy Hudd). But long before he was burying Corrie legends, he had a buried cameo of his own in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - which was released 17 years ago today, July 12, 2007. In the wizarding world, Tony portrayed Grawp the gentle half-brother of beloved Hogwarts gamekeeper Hagrid, played by the late Robbie Coltrane. Grawp, who stood at around 16 feet tall in the books, was brought to life through a mix of CGI and motion capture, with Tony providing the on-set performance that helped animate the character. In the film, Grawp's kind-hearted nature played a pivotal role in the downfall of Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton), the cruel Ministry official who took over as Hogwarts Headmistress. After she threatened Harry with the Cruciatus Curse, Hermione lured her into the Forbidden Forest, where Grawp handed her over to an angry herd of centaurs. Dolores, held a deep-seated bias against "half-breeds" and seized control as Headmistress after displacing Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) She also put Hagrid on probation, prompting him to implore Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) to look after his little brother should anything happen to him. As Umbridge was about to resort to the Cruciatus curse on Harry, Hermione agreed to reveal Dumbledore's "secret weapon." Speaking about the role, Tony told Female First: 'I was weighed down with these huge monster feet that were so heavy, that I could never get into the canteen and back in time.' Tony's career also includes a fan-favourite stint in Benidorm as hairdresser Kenneth, making him a familiar face across British telly. And don't expect his Corrie character to disappear anytime soon either. He also appeared on The Big Soap Quiz Coronation Street v Emmerdale last year, Tony joked that he's got job security in the bag. When asked how George was getting on in Weatherfield, he said: 'Well, business is booming as always in Weatherfield. The best thing about playing George is, they can't kill me off because there's no one to bury me! So yeah, I'm staying put, me!' On the quiz show, other Corrie stars Channique Sterling-Brown and Jack P Shepherd appeared, with Stephen Mulhern hosting the battle of the soaps. From magical forests to funeral homes, Tony Maudsley's career has been anything but ordinary, and that's exactly why fans love him.
New York Post
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Harry Potter' stars sign open letter supporting trans rights despite J.K. Rowling's ‘anti-woke' stance
Several 'Harry Potter' actors have signed an open letter pledging to stand in 'solidarity' with the transgender community – even despite author J.K. Rowling's outspoken and 'anti-woke' stance against those individuals. The pledge, which has been signed by Eddie Redmayne, Paapa Essiedu and Katie Leung, comes after the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom ruled earlier this month that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' refer strictly to a biological woman and biological sex, per the Times of London. Redmayne, 43, starred in the 'Harry Potter' spin-off prequel franchise 'Fantastic Beasts,' while Essiedu, 34, is set to portray Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming 'Harry Potter' series. Leung, 37, played Cho Chang in the original 'Harry Potter' films. 8 Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.' AP 8 Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming 'Harry Potter' series. Max Cisotti/'We the undersigned film and television professionals stand in solidarity with the trans, non-binary and intersex communities who have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on April 16,' the open letter read. 'We believe the ruling undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people living in the UK,' it continued. 'Film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education, and we believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds. 'This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history,' Redmayne, Essiedu, Leung and the more than 2,000 other signatories added. 8 J.K. Rowling celebrated the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom's ruling against trans rights earlier this month. Shutterstock 8 Katie Leung as Cho Chang in 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.' Murray Close Other British actors who signed the open letter expressing support for the 'trans, non-binary and intersex communities' after the Supreme Court's surprising ruling include 'The Last of Us' star Bella Ramsey, 'The Brutalist' actor Joe Alwyn and 'Bridgerton' star Nicola Coughlan. Charlotte Ritchie, who appeared as a student in 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,' and Daisy Haggard, who voiced the Ministry of Magic elevator, also added their names to the pledge. The letter comes after Rowling, a longtime and outspoken critic of transgender rights, celebrated the Supreme Court's ruling on social media. 8 Actress Bella Ramsey also signed the open letter. WireImage 8 Joe Alwyn was one of the more than 2,000 actors to sign the open letter on Wednesday. Getty Images 'Think I might be having a cigar later,' Rowling, 59, wrote on X after the ruling was officially handed down on April 16. 'It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard by the Supreme Court and, in winning, they've protected the rights of women and girls across the UK,' she added in another tweet. 'I'm so proud to know you.' The controversial 'Harry Potter' author returned to X later that day to share a picture of herself having a drink and smoking a cigar. 8 J.K. Rowling celebrated on X after the Supreme Court's controversial ruling. jk_rowling/X 'I love it when a plan comes together,' she tweeted, adding hashtags for the Supreme Court and Women's Rights. Actor John Lithgow, who is set to star as Albus Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming 'Harry Potter' series, has also been dragged into the controversy surrounding Rowling's 'anti-woke' stance against the trans community. In an interview with the Times of London published on Sunday, Lithgow addressed the major backlash he has already received for joining HBO's 'Harry Potter' series amid its original creator's divisive rhetoric. 8 J.K. Rowling and Eddie Redmayne in 2016. Dave Allocca/Starpix 'I thought, 'Why is this a factor at all?' I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it,' the 'Conclave' actor said. 'I suppose at a certain point I'll meet her, and I'm curious to talk to her.' Before Redmayne, Essiedu and Leung signed the open letter, 'Harry Potter' stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson spoke out to publicly disagree with Rowling in 2020. 'Transgender women are women,' Radcliffe, 35, said in a statement at the time. 'Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are,' Watson, 35, later added.
New York Post
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
John Lithgow responds to J.K. Rowling backlash after joining ‘Harry Potter' series: ‘Why is this a factor?'
John Lithgow isn't being intimidated by 'Harry Potter' fans. The actor, 79, did an interview with The Times of London published Sunday where he addressed the backlash he's gotten for joining HBO's 'Harry Potter' TV series because of J.K. Rowling's anti-trans controversies. Lithgow said he 'absolutely' didn't expect to get so much hate from the author's many critics. 10 John Lithgow at The Olivier Awards 2025 in London. WireImage 10 J.K. Rowling at the 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' premiere in London in March 2022. FilmMagic 'Of course, it was a big decision because it's probably the last major role I'll play,' Lithgow said. 'It's an eight-year commitment so I was just thinking about mortality and that this is a very good winding-down role.' 10 Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.' Courtesy of Warner Bros. Enterta The 'Conclave' star revealed that before he signed onto the 'Harry Potter' show to play Professor Albus Dumbledore, 'a very good friend who is the mother of a trans child' sent him an open letter titled 'An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away from Harry Potter.' 'That was the canary in the coalmine,' Lithgow said. 10 John Lithgow attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Getty Images He added: 'I thought, 'Why is this a factor at all?' I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it. I suppose at a certain point I'll meet her, and I'm curious to talk to her.' When asked if the backlash has made him reconsider joining the cast, Lithgow replied, 'Oh, heavens no.' 10 J.K. Rowling accepts an award onstage during the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Hosts 2019 Ripple Of Hope Gala. Getty Images for for Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Rowling's controversial comments about the transgender community have been met with backlash over the last few years. 'Harry Potter' movie stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson even spoke out to publicly disagree with her back in 2020. Despite her views, Rowling is one of the executive producers of HBO's television adaptation of her famous book series. HBO CEO Casey Bloys confirmed in November that Rowling has 'been fairly involved' in the making of the show, which is expected to debut on Max in 2026. 10 Rupert Grint, J.K. Rowling, Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson at the 'Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone' premiere in 2001. Getty Images 10 Daniel Radcliffe, J.K. Rowling, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint at the 'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2' premiere in London in 2011. Getty Images 'She was very involved in the process of selecting the writer and the director,' Bloys told reporters at a press event. 'I imagine she'll have opinions on casting. It hasn't affected the casting or hiring of writers or production staff or anything, so we haven't felt any impact from that.' 10 J.K. Rowling signs 'Harry Potter' books in 1999. Getty Images Lithgow confirmed his casting in the 'Harry Potter' series in February. 'It came as a total surprise to me,' he told Screen Rant. 'I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid.' 10 John Lithgow at The Olivier Awards 2025. Max Cisotti/10 Michael Gambon as Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.' Murray Close 'I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to 'Harry Potter,'' continued Lithgow. 'That's why it's been such a hard decision. I'll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I've said yes.' Joining Lithgow in the show are Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Professor Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. The actors playing Harry, Ron and Hermione have yet to be announced.
CNN
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Epic Universe: Inside Universal's new theme park in central Florida
As if the words from 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' have jumped off the page into reality, fluorescent green fog shrouds people walking through a wizarding world Floo Network transit tunnel, to be greeted on the other side by an atrium with soaring ceilings depicting moving storm clouds. It might be the first time Muggles (non-wizards) have been inside the Ministry of Magic. That is just one jaw-dropping moment for guests to experience when Universal Orlando Resort officially opens its third and newest theme park, Epic Universe, on May 22. It is the first major theme park to open in central Florida in 26 years. At 750 acres, including both guest areas and backstage space for employees, it is believed to be the largest theme park in the world and estimated to have cost up to $7.7 billion to build, according to Dennis Speigel, owner and founder of consulting firm International Theme Park Services. Universal hasn't commented on the park's cost. 'I've seen them all,' Speigel said of theme parks around the world. And Epic Universe, he said, is 'too damn good.' That first impression has everything to do with Universal's use of the most advanced technology available coupled with intentional design to build a sense that the visitor is truly in a fantastical space with no glimpse of the outside world. At a media preview ahead of the public opening, CNN saw each of the park's 'worlds' and the experiences in them, including technology never seen in a theme park before. Let's take you through each section. It all begins with walking through Chronos, a portal that takes guests into the main hub of Epic Universe: Celestial Park. Here, guests will find Stardust Racers, a dual-track roller coaster, as well as Constellation Carousel, beautifully lit with animals that spin in different directions. There are shops, restaurants and bars nearby. But that's just the beginning. From this hub, guests can choose to enter four other portals, each leading them to a different world. 'It's as if all of the worlds of Epic Universe are closed off from the rest of the park,' said Alicia Stella, owner of Orlando ParkStop. Stella, who has been tracking the development of the park since its inception, said 'when you enter those portals … you are no longer in a theme park. You are in the Isle of Burke, from 'How to Train Your Dragon.' You are in the video games of Nintendo. You are in the Wizarding World, and you are in the world of Universal monsters, at Dark Universe.' When guests are inside one of these spaces, the only thing visible beyond its walls and sets is perhaps the top of Helios, a glittering new hotel located in the center of the park. Through one portal, in the world called Dark Universe, Universal brings to life its signature monsters including Dracula, the Wolf Man and the Invisible Man. The anchor attraction in this world — and one of the best in the park — is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, utilizing some of the most advanced, life-like robotic technology ever created. Prev Next But it's through another portal, to Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, that the resort has introduced its most ambitious ride to date. Universal Orlando Resort already has two themed Harry Potter areas in its existing parks, but the third installment within Epic Universe brings people into the 1920s Paris of the 'Fantastic Beasts' offshoot story, full of street atmosphere, shops and restaurants. Guests will then be expected to time travel to experience the impressive ride, Harry Potter: Battle at the Ministry, going via metro tunnel from 1920s Paris into 1990s London, after the original Harry Potter series has concluded. Staff at the awe-inspiring Ministry of Magic are preparing for Dolores Umbridge's trial, and guests will ride an omnidirectional elevator, chasing her through the building. Epic Universe's third portal transports guests to the first-ever theme park land devoted to the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise. Guests have told CNN that they have seen tests of large, extremely life-like dragons flying through the sky via drone, although those were not on display during media previews. Guests will find roller coasters and a kid-friendly boat ride in the midst of an elaborate Isle of Berk, where dragons breathe fire and ice. A technically impressive show inside a theater features Toothless, the lovable dragon from the series, who flies above the audience, landing on stage. Super Nintendo World, which currently exists in Universal's Japan and Hollywood park locations, now comes to Epic Universe through a fourth portal with a beloved Mine-Cart Madness ride themed to Donkey Kong, in addition to the go-kart racing ride, Bowser's Challenge. Guests can wear special 'Power-Up' bands on their wrists to play games and win points, running around a life-sized video game while Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach mill about. Universal officials told CNN the company invented new technology and secured patents for Epic Universe experiences, including special animating effects, ride design and robotics. The results are most obvious on two rides guests are most likely to be talking about after their visit: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. The Harry Potter ride feels like an experience combining elements of Universal's existing Spiderman ride and Disney's Rise of the Resistance. It features trackless ride systems, augmented reality, and high-resolution projections combined in new ways. For all the children who waited at midnight for the release of a new Harry Potter book a generation ago, 'this is our new midnight release,' said Ryan Clavin, host of DIS Unlimited: Universal Show on YouTube. Like many theme parks, Universal employs dynamic pricing for tickets, which varies depending on the season and how busy the parks are anticipated to be. Single-day tickets for Epic Universe recently became available, starting from $139 for adults and $134 for children ages 3-9, plus tax. Those prices currently apply to some weekdays in September, with the most expensive single-day tickets priced at $199 and $194 for children, plus tax, during the late December holiday season. Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the most visited theme park in the world, also has a ceiling of $199 during the same time frame. Multi-day ticket packages are also available, which allow guests to visit Epic Universe on one of those days. Per-day pricing on multi-day tickets is lower than single-day tickets. Universal's 'Express Pass,' which allows guests to enter attractions through a faster line, can vary by date. These passes often cost more than the park ticket itself. For example, buying an Express Pass for the busy July 4 holiday at Epic Universe will cost $250 for a single day, a cost in addition to the ticket price. Stella said she believes these prices are in line with existing parks. 'I think it's priced appropriately. Actually, a lot of us who are big fans of the theme park industry are surprised at some of the price points being as low as they are, because I feel like there was an opportunity to charge whatever they wanted for opening,' Stella said. She added that Universal's brand-new hotels near Epic Universe are also priced more affordably than she expected. With so much buzz around Universal's new park, industry experts are watching for Disney's response. 'Disney and Universal are in the greatest boxing match they've ever been in at this point in time, and it's a slug fest,' Speigel said. 'I believe that within 12 to 16 months, Disney will announce its fifth gate theme park, because it's necessary.' Disney, still the dominant leader in the theme park industry, currently has four theme parks on its Walt Disney World property in central Florida, the last of which opened in 1998. For the moment, the company has announced a slew of new themed lands and attractions within existing parks, but no new theme park. 'Is [Epic Universe] going to put Disney out of business? Absolutely not. Is it going to put a chink in their armor? Yes, it will,' Speigel said. Universal's momentum has ramped up ever since it opened the first area themed to the Harry Potter franchise in 2010 at its second Orlando theme park, Islands of Adventure. Speigel said Universal Orlando Resort saw a 36% increase in attendance in the year that followed, the biggest one-year increase he has ever seen in any park attendance in history. In Disney's 2024 fourth quarter earnings call, Hugh Johnston, chief financial officer of the Walt Disney Company, highlighted positive early bookings for this summer and said, 'The history of other non-Disney parks opening in Florida has been positive for Disney bookings.' While that may be so, Stella believes the typical family vacation where most of the time is spent at Disney World, with a small portion of the week at Universal, may shift in balance. 'I could definitely see it being, 'Well, we need two or three days at Universal, so we'll only do two or three days at Disney,'' Stella said. 'If they're coming to Orlando anyway, or if they're coming to Epic Universe on purpose, will they decrease their stay elsewhere, like Disney? Will they skip Sea World altogether?' Speigel said, 'Everybody subscribes to a rising tide floats all boats, but it does eat up some of the market too.' He added that he expects 2025 to be a year of heavy discounting by all parks, not just to compete with Epic Universe, but to anticipate a worsening economy. Even with the stock market roller coasters and Goldman Sachs predicting that recession odds are rising, Speigel predicts at least 6 million guests will visit Epic Universe within its first year. Clavin said what he saw on the Harry Potter ride is indicative of the spectacle Universal has created in the entire park: 'This is sort of a very good example of why we love theme parks … Where else can you literally step into a movie like this?'
