Latest news with #MichaelGambon
Scottish Sun
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Harry Potter bosses launch search for men with certain feature to play wizards in big-money TV spin off series
The series already has an all-star line-up STAR POWER Harry Potter bosses launch search for men with certain feature to play wizards in big-money TV spin off series Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MEN with huge beards are getting a magical chance to star in the new Harry Potter TV series. The creators of the spin-off shows are seeking blokes with facial hair that stretches 'up to or beyond their waist', with the lucky few expected to play wizards. 2 Casting directors for the new Harry Potter series are looking for men with huge beards to play wizards Credit: Alamy They promise anyone fitting the bill will enjoy 'good rates of pay' in return for being in the series, which starts filming this summer in London. A TV insider said: 'The Harry Potter TV show is literally the most sought-after project for actors, so this is an incredible opportunity. 'All the potential stars have to do is look like the members of ZZ Top, but there actually aren't that many people around who fit the bill. 'That's why the producers have now taken to advertising for applicants to come forward.' The series, which will be made at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, near Watford, already boasts stars in its line-up. John Lithgow will replace the late Michael Gambon as Professor Dumbledore, Janet McTeer is Professor McGonagall and Paapa Essiedu is Snape. A new Harry has not yet been found, but a staggering 32,000 youngsters have auditioned for the role — meaning casting chiefs have to view between 500 and 1,000 audition tapes a day. That does not include other main child roles Ron and Hermione. The show will be made by US telly giant HBO and is expected to release in 2026, but it is not certain which UK network will air it. 2 The HBO series is expected to air in 2026 Harry Potter star Rupert Grint pictured with adorable newborn baby after secretly becoming dad for a second time Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Express Tribune
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Hogwarts reimagined: HBO locks magical faculty lineup
HBO has officially unveiled the first wave of casting for its upcoming Harry Potter TV series, reported Variety, and the lineup is nothing short of magical. Set to premiere in 2026 on HBO Max, the series promises a faithful adaptation of JK Rowling's beloved books, bringing new depth and detail to the magical saga. Leading the new cast is the legendary John Lithgow, who steps into the robes of Albus Dumbledore. Best known for his commanding performances in The Crown and Dexter, Lithgow brings a wealth of gravitas and heart to the role, calling it a defining moment for the "last chapter" of his storied career. "It was a huge decision because it involves the next several years of my life," mused Lithgow in conversation with the publication. "And I'm not young. I mean, this is the last big role I'll probably play." The actor also spoke fondly of the late Michael Gambon, who portrayed Dumbledore in the last six films, saying, "I never met him, but I always kind of idolised him. And Michael Gambon and I happened to have the same birthday, so I thought that was a kind of wizard-like touch." Joining him is Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall. With critically acclaimed roles in Ozark and Jessica Jones, McTeer's sharp presence and emotional range make her a perfect fit for the strict-yet-loving Transfiguration professor. Taking on the brooding, morally complex Severus Snape is Paapa Essiedu, whose Emmy-nominated work in I May Destroy You revealed his capacity for emotional nuance and layered performances. His casting has sparked conversation among fans, many curiousand eagerto see this new take on one of the series' most complicated characters. For the role of Rubeus Hagrid, HBO taps the beloved Nick Frost, a fan favourite from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. Frost's signature comedic warmth promises a cosy, affable version of the half-giant groundskeeper we know and love. Stepping into darker territory is stage actor Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, the timid Defence Against the Dark Arts professor whose nervous exterior hides a dangerous secret. Thallon, known for his work in London's West End, brings a theatrical edge to a role that balances awkwardness with menace. Rounding out the Hogwarts staff is British comedy veteran Paul Whitehouse, who's been cast as Argus Filch, the ever-grumbling caretaker. With his impeccable timing and deadpan delivery, Whitehouse is set to infuse Filch with both bite and unexpected humour. Awaiting golden trio While the faculty is coming together, the casting for the iconic trioHarry, Ron, and Hermioneis still underway. An open casting call attracted over 30,000 submissions, with the production team seeking fresh faces to embody these beloved characters. The series is helmed by showrunner and writer Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession and His Dark Materials. Director Mark Mylod, also from Succession, will direct multiple episodes, ensuring a cinematic quality to the storytelling . Filming is set to begin this summer in Hertfordshire, UK, with the production aiming to delve deeper into the source material, exploring aspects of the wizarding world previously untouched by the films. At a press conference held in November last year, HBO chief Casey Bloys stated that Rowling was "very, very involved" in choosing both the writer and director for the series, and confirmed that her controversial views on transgender issues did not influence their choice to collaborate with her. HBO's adaptation aims to retell the Harry Potter story over multiple seasons, dedicating each to a single book. This approach allows for a more in-depth exploration of the narrative, characters, and magical lore, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a renewed journey through Hogwarts and beyond. As the castle doors prepare to open once more, audiences worldwide eagerly await the magic that HBO's reimagined Harry Potter series promises to deliver.
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
OWN A PIECE OF MAGIC: RARE HARRY POTTER MEMORABILIA UP FOR AUCTION
Fans of the Wizarding World will have the rare opportunity to bid on some of the most beloved artifacts from the Harry Potter film series. LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2025 / / -- Propstore's highly anticipated Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, set to take place from March 26-28, 2025, in Los Angeles, will feature over 1,350 rare and screen-used props, costumes, and collectibles from some of cinema's most iconic franchises, with an estimated total value of $8 million. Among the extraordinary offerings, fans of the Wizarding World will have the rare opportunity to bid on some of the most beloved artifacts from the Harry Potter film series. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: - Fans of the beloved Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), will be able to get their hands on his Light-Up Elder Wand, from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) estimated between $35,000 and $70,000, as well as Dumbledore's hero robe from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), estimated at $30,000 to $60,000. - Fans of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) can bid on the Wax-Sealed Hero Hogwarts Acceptance Letter received by Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), with a pre-sale estimate of $10,000 to $20,000. This iconic letter is certainly one of the most recognizable artifacts from the franchise. - In addition to these major lots, the auction features an array of other magical items, including a Whomping Willow Maquette with Flying Weasley Car Miniatures from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) (est. $3,000 - $6,000) and a Mandrake from the same film (est. $5,000 - $10,000). - For collectors loyal to their Hogwarts house, the auction will also feature Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw scarves from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) that are also up for grabs, each with a pre-sale estimate of $1,200 to $2,400. The three-day Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction will begin at 10:30 AM PDT / 5:30 PM GMT each day, with in-person bidding available at The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Global online, absentee and telephone bids will be accepted throughout the event. Top Harry Potter lots to be sold at the Propstore auction (with estimated sale prices) include: • HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE (2005) / HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1 (2010) Albus Dumbledore's (Michael Gambon) Light-Up Elder Wand est. $35,000 - $70,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (2009) Dumbledore's (Michael Gambon) Hero Robe est. $30,000 - $60,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (2001) Wax-Sealed Hero Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) Hogwarts Acceptance Letter est. $10,000 - $20,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002) Mandrake est. $5,000 - $10,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002) Whomping Willow Maquette with Pair of Flying Weasley Car Maquettes est. $3,000 - $6,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (2001) / HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002) Hufflepuff Scarf est. $1,200 - $2,400 • HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (2009) Production-Made Dancing Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Tree Toy est. $1,500 - $3,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (2001) / HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002) Ravenclaw Scarf est. $1,200 - $2,400 • HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN (2004) Remus Lupin (David Thewlis) Werewolf Transformation Maquette est. $1,500 - $3,000 • HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE (2001) / HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (2002) Slytherin Scarf est. $1,200 - $2,400 # # # For further information, catalog images and expert interviews please contact: Beth Willetts at [email protected] Images are available in the following link: Credit: Propstore Notes to Editors: About Propstore In 1998, Propstore founder Stephen Lane's love for movies led him to hunt for the same props and costumes used to create his favorite films. He found that he could provide collectors with access to their most coveted pieces and establish archival standards for this new, pop-culture hybrid of fine art and memorabilia collecting - prop art. Since 2014, Propstore has regularly hosted live auctions featuring some of the world's greatest Entertainment Memorabilia treasures. Propstore specializes in film and television props and costumes, production materials, and artwork, as well as music memorabilia, posters, and collectible toys. Propstore also holds regular online auctions in association with many of the industry's major production materials and has over 5,000 items available for sale via Buy Now on Social Media: Facebook: @PropStore Twitter: @propstore_com Instagram/ Threads: prop_store YouTube: thepropstore TikTok: @.propstore Bethany Willetts Propstore +1 310-395-5050 X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer:
