Latest news with #HarryPotterandtheSorcerer'sStone
Euronews
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
HBO unveils newcomers as leads for Harry Potter TV series
HBO has revealed the three new young actors who will play the much coveted lead roles in the new Harry Potter television series, one of the most eagerly anticipated for years. After a long, extraordinary worldwide search for British children aged between 9 and 11, Dominic McLaughlin has been cast as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton will be Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout is Ron Weasley. The trio are at the very start of their careers with only Stanton registering a significant acting credit having played the lead in 'Matilda: The Musical' on London's West End. In a statement by Warner Bros Discovery, showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner and director executive producer Mark Mylod said: "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.' The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter books by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. Each season is expected to adapt a single book from one of the world's most popular and valuable franchises starting with "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". The show 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. The curatorial vision for the 61st Venice Biennale, 'In Minor Keys', was revealed in Venice today in an emotional presentation at the Sala delle Colonne of Ca' Giustinian, the Biennale's historic headquarters. Originally set for announcement later this year, the theme was unveiled ahead of schedule following the sad and unexpected death of the exhibition's curator, Koyo Kouoh, on 10 May. A leading figure in promoting Pan-Africanism throughout the art world, Kouoh had served as executive director and chief curator at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town, South Africa since 2019. She earned global acclaim for curating the 2022 exhibition When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting, a monumental historical show inspired by Ava DuVernay's Netflix miniseries When They See Us, and became the first African woman invited to lead the Venice Art Biennale in December 2024. With the support of Kouoh's family, La Biennale di Venezia confirmed it will proceed with the 2026 exhibition exactly as she conceived it, in what will now be a posthumous tribute to her life's work. As they noted, the edition will explore the spaces in which minor keys operate, to conceive "an exhibition that invites listening to the persistent signals of earth and life, connecting to soul frequencies. If in music, the minor keys are often associated with strangeness, melancholy, and sorrow, here their joy, solace, hope, and transcendence manifest as well." Scheduled to run from 9 May to 22 November 2026, 'In Minor Keys' will take place across the Giardini, the Arsenale, and various venues throughout Venice. The full list of participating artists, the exhibition's visual identity, and national pavilions will be officially announced at a press conference on 25 February 2026.
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
HBO casts Harry, Hermione and Ron for 'Harry Potter' TV show
There's a new golden trio headed to Hogwarts. On Tuesday, HBO announced that it has found three newcomers in the roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in its upcoming 'Harry Potter' TV series. Dominic McLaughlin will star as Harry, while Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will play Hermione and Ron. The upcoming HBO show is described as a faithful adaptation of the books by author J.K. Rowling, who serves as an executive producer on the series. Multiple seasons of the show are planned, with each one bringing the Harry Potter characters on new adventures. It will stream exclusively on HBO Max. Francesca Gardiner serves as the showrunner and executive producer on the series, while Mark Mylod will direct several episodes and also executive produce. They both say they're delighted to have found the young actors to play Harry, Hermione and Ron. '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," they said in a statement. "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.' The three beloved characters of the book series were previously portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Radcliffe, Watson and Grint starred in all eight films from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in 2001 to "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" in 2011. It was previously announced that John Lithgow will play Dumbledore, while Janet McTeer will portray Minerva McGonagall and Paapa Essiedu will portray Severus Snape.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan reunite in first glimpse of 'Thursday Murder Club' Movie, release date announced
Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan lead the all-star adaptation of Richard Osman 's 'The Thursday Murder Club ', with first-look images showing the pair alongside Celia Imrie, Sir Ben Kingsley, Naomi Ackie, and Henry Lloyd-Hughes. The movie, which is directed by Chris Columbus , will be released on August 28, bringing to life the story of four retired-amateur detectives. The movie is about Elizabeth (Mirren), Ron (Brosnan), Ibrahim (Kingsley), and Joyce (Imrie), a set of wickedly smart seniors who solve cold cases for sport-until they become embroiled in an ongoing investigation by a real murder. Mirren described getting back together with Brosnan and the cast, saying in People: "There was a sense of, 'Gosh, guys, isn't this amazing? Here we all are again.". How wonderful it is.' It was a perfectly good feeling to have for the piece too, the way these characters are brought together in all their quirks. Mirren had always dreamed of playing Elizabeth, confessing: "I sort of went, 'Oh, if they ever make a movie of it, I'd love to play that role.' And I very, very rarely feel that, but I have to confess, I did feel that this time." Brosnan takes on the part of Ron, an ex-union boss with a taste for trouble, with Kingsley and Imrie completing the foursome as a reflective psychiatrist and kind-hearted nurse, respectively. The movie is the second collaboration between Mirren and Brosnan, who also share the screen together in Paramount+'s Mobland with Tom Hardy. Their on-screen rapport, developed over productions, is apparent in the retirees' banter and friendship. Supporting actors Ackie and Lloyd-Hughes bring depth to the offbeat, suspenseful plot, but their characters are kept under wraps. Director Chris Columbus, whose credits include 'Home Alone' and 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,' balances comedy and suspense, as witnessed in first-look photos of the retirees halfway through their investigation. Mirren's Elizabeth commands presence, and Brosnan's Ron oozes roguish charm, capturing the novel's mix of wit and suspense. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Osman's book fans can look forward to a true-to-form adaptation, with the retirees' quick wit and friendship at the forefront. The Aug. 28 release puts the film on the map as a highlight of the summer season, with suspense and heart combined. As Mirren explained, the project's collaborative nature reflects the characters' journey: outsiders finding purpose-and fun-in their golden years.
See - Sada Elbalad
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Everything We Know So Far about HBO's "Harry Potter" Series
Yara Sameh Thirteen years after 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' was released in theaters and brought an end to Harry's journey on the big screen, the Harry Potter universe is gearing up for a return in the form of episodic television. Led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod of 'Succession,' HBO's take on the beloved book-turned-movie-franchise aims to bring the magical world back to life as Harry Potter discovers he's a wizard and leaves his muggle family behind to attend Hogwarts, a school of magic. Along the way, he befriends Ron and Hermione and becomes a significant part of a plot against Lord Voldemort, or as most call him, He Who Must Not Be Named. The show comes nearly 30 years after J.K. Rowling published 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,' which was adapted into a film directed by Chris Columbus in 2001. In total, the original 'Harry Potter' film series has grossed $7.7 billion at the worldwide box office. Who has been cast in the show? HBO has confirmed that John Lithgow ('Conclave,' 'The Crown'), Janet McTeer ('Tumbleweeds,' 'The White Queen'), Paapa Essiedu ('I May Destroy You,' 'Gangs of London') and Nick Frost ('Shaun of the Dead,' 'Hot Fuzz') will be in the series. Lithgow is playing Albus Dumbledore, McTeer is playing Minerva McGonagall, Essiedu is playing Severus Snape, and Frost is playing Rubeus Hagrid. Additionally, Luke Thallon (Tom Stoppard's 'Leopoldstadt,' Rupert Goold's 'Patriots') will play the recurring role of Quirinus Quirrell, while Paul Whitehouse ('The Fast Show,' 'Harry & Paul') will play Argus Filch. Lithgow previously joined Variety for an episode of 'Know Their Lines,' where he discussed how his big question for the team behind the show was: 'What is new about this?' 'I don't know the Harry Potter canon by heart as 98% of the world's population seems to,' Lithgow said. 'It was a huge decision because it involves the next several years of my life. And I'm not young. I mean, this is the last big role I'll probably play.' He went on to explain his connection to the late Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in the final six movies. 'I was a huge admirer of Michael Gambon. I never met him, but I always kind of idolized him. And Michael Gambon and I happened to have the same birthday, so I thought that was a kind of wizard-like touch,' Lithgow said. How will the show differ from the movies? Each of the seven books will make up an entire season. Gardiner and Myold have talked about seeing the show as a chance to expand on the books and movies without undoing their legacy. For example, they talked about their desire not to 'mess with' the Great Hall look. They are hoping to 'really dig into the character arcs' and explore the various characters in Hogwarts that didn't get as much screen time before, including staff and workers. Will J.K. Rowling be a part of the show? In recent years, one of the most controversial elements of the Harry Potter world has been J.K. Rowling's vocal comments online against transgender and non-binary people. Nevertheless, Rowling will serve as an executive producer on the show. At a press conference on Nov. 12, HBO chief Casey Bloys mentioned that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process of selecting the writer and the director,' with her anti-trans comments not affecting their decision to work with her. Rowling has continued to make her beliefs known. After John Oliver spoke out earlier this month about the right wing's 'obsession' with banning transgender athletes, Rowling said on X: 'Taking fashionable anti-women's rights positions was the cost of doing business. But it's time to read the fucking room.' Do we know who is playing Harry, Ron and Hermione yet? Not yet! It has been reported that around 32,000 kids auditioned in Ireland and the U.K. for the lead roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. As of December 5, Gardiner and Mylod were reviewing audition tapes. When will the show be filmed and released? The show is set to start filming in the summer of 2025 in Leavesden, where the movies were also filmed. HBO's 'Harry Potter' series is set to debut on Max in 2026. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Arts & Culture Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
New York Times
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Simon Fisher-Becker, Actor in ‘Harry Potter' and ‘Doctor Who,' Dies at 63
Simon Fisher-Becker, a British character actor best known for his small but memorable roles in the 'Harry Potter' and the 'Doctor Who' franchises, died on Sunday. He was 63. His death was announced on social media by his husband, Anthony Dugdale. No cause was given. Mr. Fisher-Becker was a versatile character actor whose career spanned film, theater and television, with a particular focus on comedy and drama. In the 2001 film 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,' Mr. Fisher-Becker played the Fat Friar, the cheerful, resident ghost of the Hufflepuff House who welcomed students to Hogwarts. But it was the part of Dorium Maldovar, the large blue-skinned alien in the beloved BBC science-fiction show 'Doctor Who,' that transformed his career, Mr. Fisher-Becker said in interviews. 'I was a jobbing actor for many years, but Maldovar changed everything,' Mr. Fisher-Becker told The Lancashire Telegraph in 2014. 'People were suddenly asking about my availability instead of me asking them about auditions.' Simon Fisher-Becker was born on Nov. 25, 1961, in London, and grew up in the area. He was interested in music as a child but discovered acting after being cast as Mr. Bumble in his school's production of 'Oliver Twist,' he has said in interviews. 'I found I enjoyed the process,'' he said, 'and that some things were quite natural for me to do.' But Mr. Fisher-Becker didn't seriously consider acting professionally until years later, after he was laid off from a government job and decided to take a drama course. He worked as a theater manager and a human resources manager while pursuing acting, he said in a 2023 interview. In March 2009, Mr. Fisher-Becker was attacked at a gas station, which sidelined him from his work in musical stage comedy but freed him up to audition that December for Dorium Maldovar in BBC's 'Doctor Who,' he said in an interview with The Lancashire Telegraph. He grew up watching 'Doctor Who,' which began airing on the BBC in 1963, with his family. 'I never ever imagined that one day I'd be in 'Doctor Who,'' he told The Telegraph. Initially, Mr. Fisher-Becker was cast to appear only in one scene in an episode. But Dorium Maldovar was an immediate fan favorite, and he returned to appear in two more episodes. Mr. Fisher-Becker appeared in dozens of television shows and films throughout his career, mostly in small roles. His credits also include 'Afterlife,' a British supernatural drama; 'Getting On,' a British comedy based on a geriatric ward in a government hospital; 'Puppy Love,' a British comedy about dog training; and in the ensemble of the 2012 'Les Misérables' film for the number 'Master of the House.' A list of survivors was not immediately available. Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of acting and landing roles, Mr. Fisher-Beck said in an interview: 'You are always an audition away from something changing your life.'
