Latest news with #IMayDestroyYou
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
British legend new frontrunner to play Voldemort after Harry Potter cast updates
A new name has leapt to the front of the race to predict who will play Voldemort in the Harry Potter adaptation for TV. After HBO this week anointed three young actors as Harry, Hermione and Ron for a new generation, speculation has ramped up for who will play the trio's arch nemesis. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout have been cast in the lead roles to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, after over 30,000 young hopefuls threw their name into the sorting hat at the casting director's office. The production had already shared a swathe of casting announcements, with John Lithgow set to play headmaster Albus Dumbledore, I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu taking on Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Hagrid. The Potterheads are now waiting for the rest of the cast to be announced, with our new Voldemort still missing from the roster. The leading contender for the spot is said to be British actor Tom Hiddleston. No stranger to playing a baddie, Hiddleston is probably best known as Marvel's impish Loki. The 44-year-old is currently leading early predictions, according to Online Betting Guide, who have put him at 1/1 odds. He's followed by Peaky Blinders Cillian Murphy at 6/4, who previously had something of an edge after the original Voldemort actor Ralph Fiennes gave Murphy his blessing. Fiennes was asked to address weeks of speculation Murphy would take over the role during an interview on Watch What Happens Live. Who do you think would be the best Voldemort? He said: 'Cillian is a fantastic actor. That's a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.' Following Hiddleston and Murphy in the bookies' reckoning is another Marvel star, with Paul Bettany at 3/1. Then in fourth is yet another Marvel alum – maybe willingness to be in one franchise means you're more likely to do it again – with Benedict Cumberbatch at 6/1. This comes after HBO finally shed light on how much the TV adaptation of JK Rowling's smash books is going to cost, after astronomical figures had been bandied about. Senior TV Reporter Rebecca Cook shares her take… Tom Hiddleston's tenure as Loki in the Marvel franchise is riddled (get it) with moments proving he has a strong Voldemort performance in him. Think back to when he went full panto villain at Comic-Con in 2013, emerging from the dark with the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. He's certainly capable of playing a charismatic villain – but there's the risk his charm may soften Voldemort's edges. After all, who didn't end up secretly loving Loki, even before we were meant to? We want someone who's truly terrifying to play Voldemort. Hairs upright on the back of your neck type of thing. Perhaps an actor like Idris Elba would be a better fit, admittedly not currently in the conversation, but with a commanding presence and The Wire's Stringer Bell as proof he knows how to play a complicated villain. The budget reported so far would make the HBO show the most expensive ever to be made, trouncing Prime Video's $465 million (£399 million) price tag for Rings of Power. More Trending The Express reported each episode would cost £75 million to make, boosting the UK economy by billions. However, a source close to the production has now confirmed to Metro that the reported figure is inaccurate. Instead, the production costs will be on a par with Game of Thrones' budget. The eighth season of the show was its most expensive, costing roughly $15 million (almost £12 million at the time) per episode. View More » The Harry Potter TV show will stream exclusively on Max in 2026. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Harry Potter fans annoyed about casting detail no one's got right in 25 years MORE: Here's why fans think Arabella Stanton as new Hermione is 'perfect casting' MORE: The new Harry Potter child stars have confirmed my worst fears
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
HBO shoots down claims Harry Potter TV show will be 'most expensive ever made'
The highly anticipated TV adaptation of the Harry Potter series has been reported to be a record-breaker before it even hits screens. HBO will adapt each of JK Rowling's wizarding tomes into a season of television, as part of a ten-year plan to bring a new generation of viewers to the long-untouched Hogwarts IP. The budget reported so far would make the HBO show the most expensive ever to be made, trouncing Prime Video's $465 million (£399 million) price tag for Rings of Power. The Express reported each episode would cost £75 million to make, boosting the UK economy by billions. However, a source close to the production has now confirmed to Metro that the reported figure is inaccurate. Instead, the production costs will be on a par with Game of Thrones' budget. The eighth season of the show was its most expensive, costing roughly $15 million (almost £12 million at the time) per episode. Yet the wizarding adaptation is set to be a high numbers affair regardless, with 30,000 young hopefuls having thrown their name into the sorting hat at the casting director's office, each vying to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. HBO has now confirmed Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout have been cast as Harry, Hermione and Ron in their first screen acting roles. The production had already shared a swathe of casting announcements, with John Lithgow set to play headmaster Albus Dumbledore, I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu taking on Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Hagrid. The benefit to the UK from the next decade of Potterdom is said to be 'probably incalculable', according to Tom Harrington, an analyst at Enders Analysis. He told The Times: 'It's not just the box office, the merchandise, the tourists or the tours arising from the books, but the resurgence of big UK film and TV production that came in the wake of the Potter films.' Pictures have already emerged of the £1billion 'mini city' being built for the adaptation at the Warner Bros studio complex in Leavesden. The vast studio extension reportedly includes a (real) school for its young actors, who will continue their education as they juggle shooting responsibilities with their studies. More Trending Francesca Gardiner, who's worked on Killing Eve and His Dark Materials, will serve as showrunner after winning out a hugely competitive process, which required writing a pilot script and being interviewed by Rowling for the sign-off. She'll be joined by directing wizard Mark Mylod, the talent behind Succession and the pivotal attack on Jackson in the second season of The Last of Us. The first season is set to begin filming this summer and will arrive on screens in 2026. View More » The Harry Potter TV show will stream exclusively on Max in 2026. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Where have you seen the new Harry Potter cast trio before? MORE: The new Harry Potter child stars have confirmed my worst fears MORE: Pillion review – I experienced one of the filthiest films I've ever seen at Cannes
The South African
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
HBO's Harry Potter TV series cast revealed
HBO has just announced the fresh faces who will bring the beloved characters of Harry Potter , Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley to life. They will play the roles in the highly anticipated TV reboot. The new series promises to be a faithful and spellbinding adaptation of J.K. Rowling's iconic books, delving deep into each magical tale. After an extensive search, HBO has cast three exciting newcomers to take on the legendary roles. Dominic McLaughlin will step into Harry Potter's shoes, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, according to BBC. These young actors will carry the legacy once held by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in the original film series. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner shared the exciting Harry Potter news. 'The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold. We cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.' Executive producer Mark Mylod added, 'It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there. We thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned.' HBO has also revealed a stellar supporting cast, which includes John Lithgow. Lithgow, who is known for his Emmy and Tony-winning roles, will play the wise and witty Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Janet McTeer, a two-time Oscar nominee, will take on the role of the formidable Professor McGonagall. Fans will be thrilled to see Paapa Essiedu, star of I May Destroy You , as the complex Potions Master Severus Snape. Nick Frost, beloved for his comedic roles in Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, will bring warmth and humour as the gentle giant, Hagrid. The Harry Potter cast also includes Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as the grumpy caretaker Argus Filch. The series aims to capture the magic and wonder that made the books a global phenomenon. It will premiere on HBO Max, with production set to begin this summer. While the number of seasons remains a mystery, the show promises to deliver a rich and immersive experience for fans old and new. 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.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
J.K. Rowling Says ‘I Wouldn't' Fire Paapa Essiedu From HBO's ‘Harry Potter' for Supporting Trans Rights: ‘I Don't Have the Power' and ‘Wouldn't Exercise It If I Did'
J.K. Rowling said in a new post on X that she does not have the power to fire Paapa Essiedu from HBO's 'Harry Potter' television series, nor would she exercise such power if she had it. 'I May Destroy You' Emmy nominee Essiedu is set to play Severus Snape on the show. The actor recently signed an open letter condemning the U.K. Supreme Court for ruling that transgender women are not legally considered women and transgender men are not legally considered men. 'I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn't exercise it if I did,' Rowling wrote on X while sharing an article about Essiedu. 'I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.' More from Variety 'Harry Potter' Series Is 'Not Secretly Being Infused' With J.K. Rowling's Anti-Trans Beliefs, Says HBO Boss: 'If You Want to Debate Her, You Can Go on Twitter' John Lithgow Says He 'Absolutely' Didn't Expect Any J.K. Rowling Backlash After Joining HBO's 'Harry Potter' Series: 'Why Is This a Factor?' David Tennant Wishes J.K. Rowling 'No Ill Will,' But Hope She Will 'Get Out of People's Way' In the Transgender Community: 'Let People Be' Rowling has courted controversy since 2020 for regularly sharing beliefs on social media that many believe are transphobic. The author also uses platforms like X to regularly troll her critics and take aim at public figures (such as slamming John Oliver's comments on trans athletes). Both HBO and the new 'Harry Potter' cast have received backlash for getting into business with Rowling due to her anti-trans posts. HBO confirmed last month the first round of cast members for the new 'Harry Potter' series, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. When news broke that Essiedu signed an open letter in support of the trans community, many 'Harry Potter' fans wondered how Rowling might react. The letter was signed by other high-profile actors such as 'Bridgerton' star Nicola Coughlan, 'The Last of Us' actor Bella Ramsey and more. '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 17,' the letter read. 'The Supreme Court's ruling that, under the Equality Act, 'woman' is defined by biological sex, states that 'the concept of sex is binary, a person is either a woman or a man'. We believe the ruling undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people living in the UK.' '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,' the letter continued. 'This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history.' At a press event last year, Bloys told reporters that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process' of selecting showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod to lead the charge on the 'Harry Potter' TV series. He added that Rowling's anti-trans statements 'haven't affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff' for the show. A spokesperson for the network added in a statement to Variety at the time that Rowling's 'contribution' to the larger Warner Bros. Discovery company 'has been invaluable.' Speaking on 'The Town' podcast earlier this month, Bloys stressed to 'Harry Potter' fans that the network's upcoming series will not be 'infused' with Rowling's controversial views on the transgender community. 'The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years,' Bloys said. 'We already have a show on HBO from her called 'C.B. Strike' that we do with the BBC. It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them. 'Harry Potter' is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.' The 'Harry Potter' series is expected to go into production later this year for a premiere sometime in 2026. Best of Variety Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Mint
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Harry Potter reboot TV series: HBO announces newest Hogwarts trio Harry, Ron, and Hermione
HBO has officially announced the three young actors who will play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley in its new television series based on the beloved books by JK Rowling. Let's meet our newest magical trio - Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout. Dominic McLaughlin will take on the iconic role of Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton has been cast as the clever and brave Hermione Granger. Rounding out the golden trio is Alastair Stout, who will play Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal best friend. The announcement was made on HBO's official Instagram handle with the caption, 'Dear Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, and Mr. Weasley: We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please welcome Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley to the HBO Original Series Harry Potter.' The casting comes after a massive open call launched last autumn, where over 30,000 hopefuls auditioned for a chance to step into the magical world of Hogwarts. The final choices were made after months of careful consideration and screen tests. Filming for the HBO Original Series is set to begin this summer. The show is planned as a faithful adaptation of the books, with each season covering one novel in the series. Long before the trio was announced, there were a series of other castings that had fans talking about the show. Actor Paapa Essiedu, of 'I May Destroy You', 'Gangs of London' fame, will be stepping into the role of Severus Snape. Janet McTeer, best known for 'Tumbleweeds' and 'The White Queen', would be Minerva McGonagall in the series. On the other hand, Nick Frost, previously in 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz', will essay the role of Rubeus Hagrid. Last but not the least, John Lithgow, most recently seen in 'Conclave' will take on the role of the wise Professor Albus Dumbledore. Fans around the world have been eagerly waiting to see who would take on the beloved roles. While the new cast have big shoes to fill, there's growing excitement about seeing a fresh take on the wizarding world with a new generation of stars. The magic is about to begin—again.
